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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Baby names

Down to two first names for our DD: Athena or Callisto?

41 replies

sanserif · 30/09/2011 10:18

We've finally narrowed down first name choices to Athena and Callisto. We wanted an Ancient Greek name (DH is 1/2 Greek) and these are it. Mild concern is that Callisto is a bit too boyish sounding because of the end -o (though it is the name of a nymph, so definitely female). Not British and not likely to be here very long term, so not fussed about the Athena poster shop link. Would be interested in what sort of person comes to mind when you hear these names. Also, have you met an Athena? And please NO OTHER NAME SUGGESTIONS!! It was hard whittling it down and now I just want to eliminate, not add. Registry Office appointment in a week.

OP posts:

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GwendolineMaryLacey · 30/09/2011 10:22

Athena by a mile. I can't get my head round Callisto for a girl, you're right, it sounds masculine. Also sounds like an ice lolly... Athena is lovely.

JumpJockey · 30/09/2011 10:26

Athena - we have Athene as DD2's 2nd middle name (because she already has two names that end in an 'uh' sound). Goddess of wisdom and all :)

bibbitybobbityhat · 30/09/2011 10:28

Athena is absolutely lovely.

dreamingbohemian · 30/09/2011 10:30

Would you consider Callista? I knew a girl with this name and think it's lovely -- Callisto does sound masculine. Although I like Callie as a nickname too.

DrinkYourWeakLemonDrinkNow · 30/09/2011 10:34

Like them both. I don't think Callisto sounds boyish at all; in fact quite the opposite, it sounds v feminine to me. I do know of an Athena, but only one.

Out of the two I slightly prefer Callisto, but only because I've never heard it used. They are beautiful names

pilates · 30/09/2011 10:35

Def Athena

BeerTricksPotter · 30/09/2011 10:39

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ThePopsicleKat · 30/09/2011 10:44

They are both lovely, but prefer Athena. I never met one personally but would definitely consider it for a future DD of my own.

GwendolineMaryLacey · 30/09/2011 10:44

I don't think we're going to help much :o

SheCutOffTheirTails · 30/09/2011 10:45

Callisto, although I really like them both :)

happyinherts · 30/09/2011 10:47

Athena.

Callista sounds better than Callisto I think, but I'd still prefer Athena

sanserif · 30/09/2011 10:49

For some reason I just really don't like Callista. Don't know why, maybe b/c it just makes me think of Calista Flockhart.

OP posts:

Hullygully · 30/09/2011 10:50

I like em both

DrunkenDaisy · 30/09/2011 10:50

My niece is Athena. We have greek parents in the mix too. My DD is Atalanta.

Like Callista also.

Ephiny · 30/09/2011 10:51

I like both, though agree Callisto might sound a bit masculine to English-speakers at least.

Personally I think I prefer Athena, thinking about it. Never met one, but to me it sounds feminine but strong (which is what I like in a girl's name!).

Callisto might lend itself better to nicknames though.

TheBolter · 30/09/2011 10:56

Athena, although reminds me of that tacky poster shop that was so popular in the 80s. Prefer Athene by miles.

Callisto - personally I wouldn't, and it does sound like Calippo.

PootlePosyPerkin · 30/09/2011 10:58

Lovely names OP . I think I'd probably go for Athena personally but Callisto is great too. Not very helpful I know .

dreamingbohemian · 30/09/2011 11:00

ach, forgot about Calista Flockhart! yes I can see your hesitation

Athena is pretty too!

CJCregg · 30/09/2011 11:06

I know an Athena and she is fabulous . Stunning, original, funny, warm. Difficult to shorten, though - we call her 'Ath' which isn't great

Both lovely names, though.

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 30/09/2011 11:08

Callisto (means beautiful), nymphe of artemis (the moon)

is better than
Athena, goddess of war, amongst others...

If you mind about the meanings.

But then Callisto was transform into a bear and send to the stars

Def. go for Callisto not Calista

TeddyBare · 30/09/2011 11:21

Callisto is beautiful.
Athena makes me think of that horse called Athena which got mentioned quite a lot around the Beijing Olympics.

Ondine · 30/09/2011 11:22

I like Athena, love Calista and think Callisto sounds like a boys name.

As far as what type of person comes to mind:

Athena - serious, bookish type, strong and independent.
Calista - pretty and ethereal.
Callisto - A boy comes to mind or if a girl a tom boy.

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greenzebra · 30/09/2011 11:27

I love both names and I would put Callisto on the list for my next DD. I love it and prefer it to Callista. I dont think it sounds male at all.

startail · 30/09/2011 11:39

Knowing an Italian Matao, Callisto sounds masculine.
Athena is lovely, but would it be very common if you went back to Greece?

Meteorite · 30/09/2011 11:45

Athena is very pretty. Must admit I thought Callisto would be a boys' name before I read the thread.

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