Roberta

[chaya5738]

I had completely forgotten about this name and just remembered it now. What do you think? I feel like it is a classic, strong name and am surprised that I hadn't heard it making a comeback.

I am one of those crazy posters who hasn't yet conceived DC2 but am already compiling list of name.

[cloudydays]

Is DC1 a son or daughter? I think a second daughter named Roberta might someday wonder if you were hoping for a Robert...?

Maybe that's way off base but those traditional male names with an 'a' added to make them feminine always sound that way to me. I went to school with a girl named Johna. Her younger brother was named John.

It's different of course when the name is to honor someone specific.

In and of itself, aesthetically etc., I think Roberta sounds classic and strong like you say. It wouldn't be my favorite name, but neither is Robert.

[chaya5738]

Thanks cloudydays. I don't like Roberta for a boy but I am not a fan of soft girls names like Lily, Lulu etc and like names with stronger sounds.

I am not originally from the UK so interested what the feeling about the name is here. I haven't heard it much.

DC1 is a girl/daughter but we would be more than happy with another girl. I love having a daughter!

[RockinSockBunnies]

It makes me think immediately of the Railway Children. I don't know. It's not a name I particularly like, given, IMO, that it comes across quite forcefully, so that if your future DD turned out to be meek and mild, then perhaps the name wouldn't suit?

[SandStorm]

It'll be abbreviated to Bobbie which I personally love.

[cloudydays]

Me too - I have one dd and hoping to be pregnant again soonish. When I was pg with her I didn't mind at all which sex but used to think it would be hard not to hope the second time around for the opposite of the first, if that makes sense. But now that I have her I know that my next child (if I'm lucky enough to have one), like dd, will be wholly loved for who he or she is and if it's another girl I'll be thrilled to bits.

Never understood that until I had my own though, and I think most kids growing up wonder sometimes if the other is the favorite or if they were really what their parents wanted. Personally I'd steer clear of an overtly masculine-rooted name for a dd2 just for that reason.

I agree about strong female names, though - not a fan of frilly ones myself. I'll have a think and if I have any brainwaves I'll be back to you!

[5DollarShake]

I'm not usually a fan of feminised male names, but I do actually like Roberta - for the reasons you give. Inevitable nn is Bobbie, which I also like (funny that I do not like Bobby for a boy!).

[bamboostalks]

I think it is lovely, had forgotten about this name. Not too many around. I do think people may think it is a nod to a Robert though but that wouldn't bother me. Really different vibe to all the girly names abounding.

[Quackmonster]

It is very much derivative of Robert ,my sons name, who is known as Bobby, there are a few Bobbies (girls ) at school, aslong as school knows how to spell it, should be no probs. As long as she doesn't get |Bertha!!!

[Just13moreyearstogo]

Robbie is another common nickname for Roberta so as long as you like that it's OK.

[CharlieBoo]

Oh it's awful, far far to masculine for a girl. You say it's a strong female name, it's not, its just a boys name with an 'a' on the end.

[BelligerentGhoul]

Not at all fond, sorry.

[TessOfTheBurbs]

I'm not keen on the sound, the long "uuur" which is emphasised finishes off with the "uh" and the end. In fact, it's nothing but "uh" sounds the way I say it - the Rob isn't enunciated, it's more of a "rub" or "r'b". I can imagine it might sound nicer in another accent (mine is standard southern English). It's not what I'd call a "pretty" name iykwim.

Bobbie is very cute as a nickname though, and you certainly can't say Roberta won't age well.

[TessOfTheBurbs]

• finished off

[Greensleeves]

I know a female Bobby, spelt Bobby

she is in her 60s I think

I liked it before I met her

[mathanxiety]

I don't like it -- makes me think of some middle aged matron with a spare tyre or two. There are so many actual girls' names to choose from, why would you use a souped up boys' name?

[mathanxiety]

Antonia doesn't have the same masculinity to it, though, imo.

[SacharissaCripslock]

I love it, but I would as I have a Robert.

[5DollarShake]

Tess - I think the point for the OP is that she doesn't want a "pretty" name. :)

[cathn]

I love the name Roberta. Really wanted to put it on our 'shortlist' of girls names but my husband is not a fan so we're going for something else.

I like that some people may associate it with the Railway Children cos Roberta was a great character in that book IMO. Plus, Bobby/ie is a fab nn.

[comtessa]

Love it - strong female name with strong female role-model character (Railway Children - as already said). If you like it, go for it.

[chaya5738]

Thanks everyone :)

I like Antonia too - reminds me of that wonderful book by Willa Cather.

I need to heard someone say Roberta with a British accent. I am not from here originally so have no idea how it would sound!

Totally agree with you cloudydays - I always thought that if I had a daughter I would want a son for the second one and vice versa but actually I don't mind and would be thrilled with another girl.

[WetAugust]

Nice

[TessOfTheBurbs]

"Tess - I think the point for the OP is that she doesn't want a "pretty" name. "

Oh I do get that, sorry I wasn't clear. I was just generally discussing the name and agreeing with her assessment of it really. (Though I think it's possible for a name to be pretty and strong).

[NintyZelda]

I once knew a Roberta she was called Bertie for short and it did really suit her although she would also get Dirty Bertie!