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Baby names

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

Original poster

What do you think of Joanna?

32 replies

minieggfan · 22/02/2011 23:03

What do you think of Joanna as a girl's name? It's listed on Mumsnet's Baby Name Finder.

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tigerdriverII · 25/02/2011 22:33

My name. I don't use it at all now, I didn't like it as a kid but was v popular (1960s baby) so lots of 'em in my class at school (confusing). I really hated being called Jo. Noone would shorten it to Joan, it's JoWanna or Jo or people calling you JoAnne when that isn't your name.

LetThereBeRock · 25/02/2011 22:30

It's quite nice,though I've now got that song from Sweeney Todd stuck in my head.

gleechie · 25/02/2011 22:29

my lovely 16 yr old sil is a Joanna or Joey/Josie by friends and family

birdofthenorth · 25/02/2011 22:06

Not keen, but I love Joni

moondog · 24/02/2011 23:00

One of the best songs ever written.

MrsWembley · 24/02/2011 22:52

My DD's name and it's fab! As I tell people, porn star or prime minister. I'm looking for a boy's name to match now.

said · 24/02/2011 16:40

"I always picture a Jo as a woman who gets things bloody well done on time with no messing about!" You see, that image would put me off the name completely. Sounds like a Pat.

ceebie · 24/02/2011 16:34

I love the name Joanna. Very girly and bubbly. It's my sister's name. Don't like Johanna though (sorry), it just makes me want to pronounce the 'H' and I know a Johanna and that's what some friends used to do!

MaryMungo · 24/02/2011 11:30

I have a Johanna. She's on the youngish side, and usually ends up being called Jojie, which really fits her. My only regret is I can never use the name Josephine now.

angelpantser · 24/02/2011 00:11

I love it! It's my DD's (16) name and she is the only Joanna at her school. She does get called Jo by most of her friends but she suits it. It has a lovely meaning too (Gift from God)- that was relevant to us after years and years of TTC.

muminthemiddle · 24/02/2011 00:07

I like it.

Underachieving · 24/02/2011 00:05

I really don't like it. I hope the revival never comes. Sorry, but you did ask.

Pancakeflipper · 23/02/2011 22:59

I like it - deserves a revival.

A1980 · 23/02/2011 22:56

I don't like it, sorry. Dull and old sounding.

Plus she'll just get Jo.

Summerbird73 · 23/02/2011 21:34

i ADORE Joanna, my best friend at school was Joanna (we were born 1972 and 73 so yes it is 80s)

we cant have it tho as DH's step mum is a Jo! So please will you have it for me?

Rhubarbgarden · 23/02/2011 21:30

Lumley. Lovely.

Flower38 · 23/02/2011 20:40

I don't Like sorry

ellangirl · 23/02/2011 20:38

I like Joana too, I have a portuguese friend with this spelling... She is usually called Jojo as a NN...

Original poster
minieggfan · 23/02/2011 19:54

Well seems the general opinion is favourable. Thanks ladies. x

OP posts:
Raahh · 23/02/2011 19:50

I'm a Joanne (born 1971) and HATE it.
I hated Joanna more growing up though, as there was a Scott Walker song of the same name (iirc), and a creepy friend of my mum's used to sing it to me, to wind me up. It workedGrin

Joanna has grown on me over years, I still dislike Joanne. Josephine is better (ALWAYS wanted be called that- my Grandpa used to call it me sometimes)Smile

I like being a Jo, though. But you would be amazed how often people spell it JoE(!)

(I am most definitely female!Grin)
must know some stupid people

ragged · 23/02/2011 18:38

Terrific :).

josette · 23/02/2011 18:35

Joanna is very nice, much nicer than Joanne (which is my name) but i love that it can be shortened to Jo which reminds me of Little Women and you can use it in scrabble as it it old Scots for sweetheart.

KittyBigglesworth · 23/02/2011 18:00

I like Joanna, it gives her the option of using Joan, Anna or just Jo, if she wants to. There are times when having a name that can alternate between being feminine or more tomboyish must be an advantage. I always picture a Jo as a woman who gets things bloody well done on time with no messing about!

clarkland · 23/02/2011 17:51

I'm Joanne and I like it!

fluffygal · 23/02/2011 17:47

My name is Joanna. She will be called Jo by everyone. I hate it, such an average name and not very feminine.

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