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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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Just13moreyearstogo · 12/09/2010 19:26

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

Quackmonster · 12/09/2010 19:20

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!!!

bamboostalks · 12/09/2010 19:06

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.

5DollarShake · 12/09/2010 19:03

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!).

cloudydays · 12/09/2010 13:39

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!

SandStorm · 12/09/2010 13:37

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

RockinSockBunnies · 12/09/2010 13:34

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?

Original poster
chaya5738 · 12/09/2010 13:19

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!

OP posts:
cloudydays · 12/09/2010 13:14

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.