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Baby names

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

Original poster

Shall I be brave?

28 replies

bankerbabe · 12/07/2011 21:41

Hi, I really really love the name Phineas but everyone I mention it to dislikes it. I love the nickname Phin (or may go for the spelling Finn to make his life easier).

Is it usable?

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Bandwithering · 14/07/2011 15:48

I like it but I don't think it's brave. It's the fairly predictable follow on from Findlay/Finley/Finlay/Finn/Fionn names (which I also like) but they are fairly popular now. And however Phinneas is spelt, the first syllable of the name is a popular one 'fin'.

So go for it, if your only concern is that it's too brave, it's not 'brave' imo.

otchayaniye · 14/07/2011 14:11

I quite like it actually. But I'm not really fond of Finn as it's too modish and popular for my tastes.

lalabaloo · 13/07/2011 20:06

It makes me think of Phineas Gage, sorry :( I do think it is a nice name though, but I would always think of that x

thisisyesterday · 13/07/2011 15:42

um that's Phileas Fogg

MugglesandLuna · 13/07/2011 14:44

If you dont mind it being linked with either Fogg or Ferb then use it I say!

HereLiesDobbyAFreeElf · 13/07/2011 14:21

Grin eandemum.

I like it, sounds like a cool name. Phineas and Ferb (sp) is a kids tv show, and my DC love it.

everlong · 13/07/2011 14:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

GingaNinja · 13/07/2011 09:13

Nice name I think. BUT if shortened to Fin/Finn/Phin - your offspring's surname has nothing to do with fish does it? My SIL really liked the name Finn (we're in Ireland) but last name Gill meant that my nephew would have had a name from 2 parts of a fish! God alone knows what the nicknames would have been.

Definitely have a 'normal/boring' middle name he can switch to if he wants.

bigbluebump · 13/07/2011 08:53

Phineas is lovely.

BUT, I wouldn NOT shorten to Finn for 2 reasons: Firstly, Finn is mega popular and already used by thousands of little boys (and will date imo), Secondly, it is easier to have the same initial for nickname and proper name (for labelling clothes, things etc).

qwerty123 · 12/07/2011 23:46

Phineas James is a winner. Go for it!

Sam100 · 12/07/2011 23:33

As Spottyock says phineas is a very cool kid on tv here. So most kids of a certain age (my lot aged 5 to 9) would think it a super cool name!

MelinaM · 12/07/2011 23:32

Love Phineas / Phinneaus! Go on, go for itSmile

Both lovely mn's, but James wins by a smidge for meSmile

Original poster
bankerbabe · 12/07/2011 23:20

And do you prefer James or John as a middle name?

OP posts:
mamalovebird · 12/07/2011 22:49

It's lovely, there'll always be people who won't like it. If you like it, go for it.
I chose a 'boring' name for my DS but I don't care, I like it and it suits him.
You'll know it's right when you see him.

Fatimalovesbread · 12/07/2011 22:46

I love Finn and reading this I think i'd even consider Phineas.

I do like different names, but then again i'm still TTC so who knows how i'll think when i'm finally picking a name.

Have you any other favourites?

kalo12 · 12/07/2011 22:33

bankerbabe - your thread is entitled - shall i be brave? So I wanted to let you know that it wouldn't seem odd.

Hmm
Original poster
bankerbabe · 12/07/2011 22:28

I didn't say that was an issue for us did I kalo12 Hmm

OP posts:
kalo12 · 12/07/2011 22:19

Finn and all variations is very popular round here

eandemum · 12/07/2011 22:13

"Muuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuum bankerbabe is thinking of using Phineaus"
Grin

OriginalPoster · 12/07/2011 22:09

Little boys might turn it into 'penis' if they were sounding it out with phonics, you know how they can be at a certain age Sad

diggingintheribs · 12/07/2011 22:05

Isn't it the name of one of Julia Roberts twins?

Not that that should put you off!!

I like Finn but I think Phineas is a bit try hard. But if you love it go for it. Everyone hates DDs name but I love it!

Give him a standard middle name then he can always swap to that of he hates it. I wouldn't cal him Finn short for Phineas - seems a bit odd. He can always change to Fin in later life!

posey · 12/07/2011 21:59

I really like it, but have to agree re the Finn/Phin spelling. Nice name, not weird, just less popular than some.

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 12/07/2011 21:55

Not fond, sorry - Phineas Nigellus is the not terribly nice Slytherin ex head of Hogwarts, if that matters to you!

Original poster
bankerbabe · 12/07/2011 21:53

Wow some positive feedback.. at last some people would good taste ;)

mo3d, I may spell it Finn just in case he hates his name when he's older - Phin is difficult to disguise whereas he could be Finn without any questions. Not 100% on that detail yet.

OP posts:
thisisyesterday · 12/07/2011 21:52

oh i came on expecting it to be something really bizarre! Phineas is lovely