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Baby names

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Original poster

Down to two first names for our DD: Athena or Callisto?

41 replies

sanserif · 30/09/2011 10:18

We've finally narrowed down first name choices to Athena and Callisto. We wanted an Ancient Greek name (DH is 1/2 Greek) and these are it. Mild concern is that Callisto is a bit too boyish sounding because of the end -o (though it is the name of a nymph, so definitely female). Not British and not likely to be here very long term, so not fussed about the Athena poster shop link. Would be interested in what sort of person comes to mind when you hear these names. Also, have you met an Athena? And please NO OTHER NAME SUGGESTIONS!! It was hard whittling it down and now I just want to eliminate, not add. Registry Office appointment in a week.

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likelucklove · 02/10/2011 21:30

I love Callisto, have wanted this name for my baby since I was little when I found out the story behind the goddess. It's beautiful and so unusual.

Athena is also nice but would always choose Callisto.

Damn DP won't let me have it :(

jkklpu · 01/10/2011 22:40

Definitely prefer Athena, though how about Artemis?

mythical · 30/09/2011 21:10

I like Callisto - can be shortened to Cali, i'm not british and i find it very easy to pronounce

Meteorite · 30/09/2011 14:58

Not to be seen as "trying too hard" is part of English reserve and the idea that it's not done to be too showy or different.

I think it's different if you're using the name because of your non-English roots though :)

MamaLazarou · 30/09/2011 14:23

Who cares if people think you're 'trying too hard'? Let them.

They are both lovely names. I agree that Callisto sounds a bit boyish. How about Calliope?

SoylentClean · 30/09/2011 14:09

I think they are both lovely, prefer Athena though I think. More people will recognise it and know how to spell it, you'll get less Hmm faces!

One of my DDs has a non-english name because our roots aren't English and I have had a few 'trying too hard to come up with a you-neeque name' type comments. I've taken no notice and when I say, 'actually, the family is from xxx and that was MILs name' they shut up.

BlueChampagne · 30/09/2011 13:56

Like them both but prefer Athena.

DriverDan · 30/09/2011 12:36

I like Athena. My cat is called Callisto and people can't get their head round the name (Calypso? Callipo? 'What an unusual name' etc) That would be even more annoying if it was your child!

Laquitar · 30/09/2011 12:21

I'm not Greek either. (but i've done it Grin).

I've just remembered, dh's cousins and nieces are often been asked how many ships do they own (Athena Onasis), it doesn't bother them though.

Original poster
sanserif · 30/09/2011 12:16

I'm completely unconcerned about this whole not "trying too hard" thing that seems to be a big concern over here. Plus, why is it trying too hard to give your child a name connected to their roots?

Laquitar , well we're not THAT Greek (and I'm not Greek at all) so that isn't happening :) !

OP posts:
Laquitar · 30/09/2011 12:09

Op's dd has Greek roots though so it is not 'trying too hard' especially as they are planning to relocate.

Btw OP i'm impessed you are having a name dilema. Shouldn't you name her after your Mil ? [ grin] (or maybe i was a fool?)

Original poster
sanserif · 30/09/2011 12:07

I think it is quite popular in Greece, but we're unlikely to move there. More likely to live in the US where I think Athena is more popular than here but not very common by any means.

OP posts:
scaevola · 30/09/2011 12:05

Although Callisto was a nymph of Artemis, Callisto is also a Latin/Italian boy's name (from the male saints). So in many parts of Europe it would seem as if you had given a boy's name to your DD.

So I'd go for Athena (or perhaps Callista or Artemis).

BuntyPenfold · 30/09/2011 12:02

I like both names but prefer Athena. I met a beautiful Greek girl called this, on holiday, but don't know any in the UK.
There is a nice Athena in a teen classic, can't think what it is called now.

cumbria81 · 30/09/2011 12:00

I think they are both "trying too hard"

Laquitar · 30/09/2011 11:58

Yes, i know many Athena as my Dh is Greek too and the name is popular in his extended family.

Mind you most of them have shortened it to Nana (with emphasis on the last 'a') but i prefer the original name.

Meteorite · 30/09/2011 11:45

Athena is very pretty. Must admit I thought Callisto would be a boys' name before I read the thread.

startail · 30/09/2011 11:39

Knowing an Italian Matao, Callisto sounds masculine.
Athena is lovely, but would it be very common if you went back to Greece?

greenzebra · 30/09/2011 11:27

I love both names and I would put Callisto on the list for my next DD. I love it and prefer it to Callista. I dont think it sounds male at all.

Ondine · 30/09/2011 11:22

I like Athena, love Calista and think Callisto sounds like a boys name.

As far as what type of person comes to mind:

Athena - serious, bookish type, strong and independent.
Calista - pretty and ethereal.
Callisto - A boy comes to mind or if a girl a tom boy.

TeddyBare · 30/09/2011 11:21

Callisto is beautiful.
Athena makes me think of that horse called Athena which got mentioned quite a lot around the Beijing Olympics.

LeMousquetaireAnonyme · 30/09/2011 11:08

Callisto (means beautiful), nymphe of artemis (the moon)

is better than
Athena, goddess of war, amongst others...

If you mind about the meanings.

But then Callisto was transform into a bear and send to the stars

Def. go for Callisto not Calista

CJCregg · 30/09/2011 11:06

I know an Athena and she is fabulous Grin. Stunning, original, funny, warm. Difficult to shorten, though - we call her 'Ath' which isn't great Hmm

Both lovely names, though.

dreamingbohemian · 30/09/2011 11:00

ach, forgot about Calista Flockhart! yes I can see your hesitation Smile

Athena is pretty too!

PootlePosyPerkin · 30/09/2011 10:58

Lovely names OP Grin. I think I'd probably go for Athena personally but Callisto is great too. Not very helpful I know Grin.

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