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Baby names

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

Original poster

Roberta

34 replies

chaya5738 · 12/09/2010 13:07

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.

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Psammead · 17/09/2010 16:07

Not usually a fan of such masculine names, but I make an exception for this one - quite nice!

CDMforever · 16/09/2010 22:03

Absolutely love the name. Beautiful!

Rach109 · 16/09/2010 20:03

I don't usually like female forms of names but I do quite like Roberta ( and Brianna and Erica!)

but if I ever had a girl her middle name would be Roberta after my dad, and hubbys grandad

LittleCheesyPineappleOne · 16/09/2010 17:25

Gorgeous name; love it.

Original poster
chaya5738 · 16/09/2010 13:38

And Roberta Flack :)

OP posts:
girlafraid · 16/09/2010 13:31

I love this name - the incomparable Roberta Joan Anderson (aka Joni Mitchell) would be a great namesake

nowherewoman · 16/09/2010 12:50

Love it. Cool an not girlie at all. Good nicknames too.

Original poster
chaya5738 · 16/09/2010 12:48

Thanks everyone. The Roberta I knew was also called Bert. I really like it. My aunt is called Robyn but Roberta seems a bit more interesting.

OP posts:
florence2511 · 15/09/2010 21:24

I also know a Roberta whose name was shortened to Bertie - so cute.

NintyZelda · 14/09/2010 22:14

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

TessOfTheBurbs · 13/09/2010 16:19

"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).

WetAugust · 13/09/2010 16:07

Nice

Original poster
chaya5738 · 13/09/2010 13:17

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.

OP posts:
comtessa · 13/09/2010 10:35

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

cathn · 13/09/2010 10:32

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.

5DollarShake · 13/09/2010 07:40

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

SacharissaCripslock · 12/09/2010 23:24

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

mathanxiety · 12/09/2010 22:52

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

mathanxiety · 12/09/2010 22:51

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?

Greensleeves · 12/09/2010 20:08

I know a female Bobby, spelt Bobby

she is in her 60s I think

I liked it before I met her Grin

TessOfTheBurbs · 12/09/2010 20:07
  • finished off
TessOfTheBurbs · 12/09/2010 20:07

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.

RumourOfAHurricane · 12/09/2010 20:06

This reply has been deleted

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BelligerentGhoul · 12/09/2010 20:00

Not at all fond, sorry.

CharlieBoo · 12/09/2010 19:59

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.