Is Isadora pretentious?

[MockCroc]

Hi

My DH and I have been encountering difficulties agreeing on ANY names. Yesterday he came home and announced that he had a new name that he liked: Isadora. I have a clear recollection of us having a conversation about Isadora no more than 2 months ago (and it is on my shortlist as a result), but it would seem this has drifted out of his head.

Happily I like it and I particularly like Isadora Beatrice. She would be known as Dora for short, to avoid the multitude of "Izzy"s.

My only concern is whether Isadora is pretentious. I really like Theadora but have agreed to reject it for this reason. I also quite like Dorothea (anyone seeing a theme here???)!

Thoughts?

Thanks xx

[Rhubarbgarden]

It does sound a bit ponce-tastIc, yes. Would you feel daft shouting it in your local park? That's a good test.

[lisaro]

It is a bit, but have heard much worse. The main problem with it is 'Wizzadora" and make no bones about it, she WILL get called that.

[redrubyshoes]

Isadora is pretty but I don't like Dora. It is up there for me with Edna, Enid, Vera etc etc

[MockCroc]

Thanks. Can you fill me in on Wizadora? I have googled it - looks like it's after my time and this is DC1. Is it still on tv? Would this generation know about it?

What I am trying to get my head around is why Isadora seems more pretentious than the uber-popular Isabella and Olivia options. Is it just because it's unfamiliar?

Thanks!

[debka]

Isadora is beautiful imo. And I love Dora as a nn too.

[isadorable]

OK, I know my name gives me away... I have a nine-month old daughter called Isadora as it was the only name we agreed on! We live in France and she is half French. I was concerned it might be a bit pretentious but all the reactions we've had have been very positive. People really like it. As for Wizzadora, well noone's metioned it and her peers won't have heard of it.

[lisaro]

My nephew, 5 knows about Wizz(SP) so would assume people do. It only takes one child with an older or younger brother or sister to pick up on a name for it to take off, 'tis the law of the jungle (sometimes better known as the playground).

[AThingInYourLife]

I love the name Isadora, not Dora though.

[AitchTwoOhOneTwo]

of course it is, but it is also lovely and if you like it you should go for it.

[ReneeVivien]

Isadora is fine, but Dora is fantastic. I would have loved to have called my dd Dora.

[tiredteddy]

It reminds me of the famous and very influential contemporary dancer Isadora Duncan. A beautiful name. I think just less used than the Olivia's and Isobels in various forms. It is a great name and on my list for a daughter if I ever produce one!

[isadorable]

I got teased for my surname, which is not linked to anything on TV, at school. Kids will be kids on that score but I'd never heard of Wizzadora when we named her and it certainly doesnt change the fact that I love her name.

[AKissIsNotAContract]

I love Dorothea, that's on my list for future girls.

[Flimflammery]

I suggested Isadora for our DD but DH vetoed it. Shame because I like it. But I suppose it could sound a bit pretentious...

[Hulababy]

It's nice.

My 9y would have no idea what Wizzadora is/was. I doubt many younger children would. TBH it wouldn't have come into my head before seeing a post on here.

Younger children are more likely to have heard of Dora (the explorer) but can't see it being an issue regardless.

[Flimflammery]

But if you shorten to Dora you should be aware that all 3 year old girls are obsessed with Dora the Explorer, so you'll get that response a lot.

But at least Dora the Explorer is active and adventurous, unlike all those awful Disney princesses.

[Fo0ffyShmo0ffer]

I really like it and it's a refreshing change from Isabel that you hear so much.
If you worry too much about " oh the kids will associate it with this" or " the adults will associate it with that" you'll end up ruling most names out.
Go with what you like.

[isadorable]

I imagine my daughter will be the one to choose what it is shortened too... Oh and by the way I dont feel stupid shouting it. It is very popular and not considered pretentious in South American countries.

[Lucaslovesfelicity]

Beautiful I agree, that it is no different to names like Isabelle, Alexandra, Sophia etc It is just less popular. Dora is a cute nn too.

[MockCroc]

Thank you everyone. That's really helpful! It is good to be aware of the positives and negatives before inflicting it on the poor DC, but for the moment I think it will stay top of our list! xx

[startail]

I like it.
The obvious nn is Dora, but I guess she'd have the choice of all the Isabel ones too.
Izz, Issy etc assuming there weren't 5 Isabelles in her class already.

[Montsti]

I like Isadora, but detest Dora - terrible name IMO!

[puzzletree]

I'm not sure I'd use it myself but I remember reading about Bjork naming her daughter this because she Is Adora-ble. Which I thought was very sweet :)

[jandymaccomesback]

If you are worried that it is pretentious then it probably is. depends on your social circle. Wouldn't use it round here.

[phlossie]

I lOVE Isadora - it's on our shortlist, and I'd call her Dora too (funnily enough, Beatrice is my dd's name). My only reservation in Wizzadora.