Is Maud too miserable?

[JessieEssex]

My DH loves it, and I'm drawn to it, but not sure if it's too 'down' as a name? I can't say it with a happy voice iyswim, but on the other hand I think it's different and classy. I have an Imogen already and think they go nicely together. Thoughts?

[peachypips]

Not sure...like you say it's not a happy sounding name, and also rhymes with 'bored'! How about Maeve?

[JessieEssex]

peachy I was thinking exactly the same about 'bored'. Maeve is lovely - it's going on the list!

Also on my girl list (boy names are for another day) -

Penelope (love this but DH not so keen)
Harriet
Meredith
Juliet
Frances / Francesca

Quite a short list at the mo!

[Bunders99]

I really like Maud. It's old fashioned but cool too. And there aren't that many around. Personally, don't think it sounds down, but maybe you're thinking that because it's like maudlin?

[WitchesTitWhistles]

Yes! It's surely short for ' Maudlin'. What about Madelaine? Or Pearl? Or Mabel, Edith or Margot?

[JessieEssex]

Haha! Welcome baby Maudlin. Hmmmm.
Mabel and Edith are nice, not sure what DH would say, he's not mad on 'old lady' names (apart from Maud!)
Also love Martha

[juneybean]

Aww I like Maud/e... Bring it back OP

[JennaLemon]

I think it's horrible, sorry!! and i like names from that era. I love Edith, Mabel, Margot,, Dulcie, Greta, Gretel, Meryl.... Maud is an unattractive sound. jmo obviously.

[JennaLemon]

Also Maggie

[JennaLemon]

Just seen the rest of your list. Juliet and Maeve are beautiful.

[SamSmalaidh]

I love Maude, nicer with an e on the end though I think.

[peachypips]

I like Meredith too... And Juliette...

[smother]

I absolutely love the name Maude! Somehow seems to be a name that you have to 'carry off' rather than being instantly appealing but I know a little girl who does it in style! I think it can be a nickname for Matilda but is a great standalone name in any case. Go for it, it'll make a refreshing change!

[JennaLemon]

inspired by downton of course, but what about Sybil!?

lovely. sadness will be forgotten!

[JessieEssex]

Thanks all. It does seem to split opinions - perhaps it would work better as a middle name? Penelope Maud anyone?!

[ruby22]

Maude is lovely and if I have another girl that will be her name.

[MolotovBomb]

Sorry, OP, I'm not keen at all on Maude. It is too sullen sounding, and does not go well with the fabulous, sophisticated and sparkly Imogen, IMHO.

How about Miriam for Imogen's sister?

[MolotovBomb]

Agree that Pearl or Penelope would go beautifully with Imogen. Let's see these particular names together:

Imogen and Maud/e
Imogen and Miriam
Imogen and Pearl
Imogen and Penelope

Ooooh, tough choice (aside from Maud/e, that is). Personally, I'd go for Pearl, but then again, Penelope does have a lovely sound to it ...

[MrsSchadenfreude]

Ugly and depressing, and down there with Enid and Ethel in foul old lady names that should never be revived. Does it trip happily off the tongue with a smile? No. It pulls your face down in a sort of grimace. Imogen is lovely - please find something equally nice and sparky for her sister!

[MrsSchadenfreude]

The other names on your list are all lovely - vastly better than Maud.

[outtolunchagain]

I love the name Maud ds3 who is 10 has a Maud in his class

[October1st]

I just cannot stand all these old woman names being bandied about.I know it is probably a generation thing but they are awful Maud fgs!

[Badgerina]

I think it's ok. She might grow up to be a Goth

[eBook]

I don't like Maud, but everything else on your shortlist is nice, particularly Frances and Juliet.

[ShowOfBloodyStumps]

Maud is a very special name where MN is concerned. It makes me smile. I also happen to like it separate to its memory iyswim.

Meredith is lovely, really like it.

Maud is short for Matilda btw.

[pinkandyellowbutterfly]

It is a little questionable, I have to say. Claudia? same sound, slightly more feminine.