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Original poster

Esmerelda,Sybilla or Sylvia?

32 replies

Puffykins · 20/04/2012 18:14

Sybilla is my favourite, Esmerelda DH's, Sylvia we both like though not as much as the others.

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BlueChampagne · 23/04/2012 15:43

I'd go for Sylvia, or Sylvie.

welovesausagedogs · 22/04/2012 16:16

I don't really like any of them, but esmerelda is the best of a bad bunch because at least it can be shortened to Esme is you daughter decides she wants a more modern name.

hubbahubster · 22/04/2012 16:03

I live in that part of the world so 'zoo' is the first thing that comes to mind with Drusilla. I'm really not a fan of popular names but not loving any of your other suggestions either, sorry. If you love gothic sounding names, how about Estella?

Springforward · 22/04/2012 15:09

Drusilla is a bit gothic, IMHO.

Jenski · 22/04/2012 14:29

I don't like Sybilla (not actually come across it before). I like Esme and I like Sylvie (not Sylvia). Drusilla makes me think of the zoo in East Sussex.

ArcticRoll · 22/04/2012 14:22

I love name Sylvia. Lots of Esmes around.

MagsAloof · 22/04/2012 14:15

Sylvia. Lovely classic name.

Not keen on Sybilla at all.

Esmerelda is clunky and just reminds me of 'the bells, the bells'

JuliaScurr · 22/04/2012 13:23

Sylvia

Heifer · 22/04/2012 13:20

Being really harsh here but sorry I just can't stop myself.

I think any of the 3 names would be perfectly fine if you were giving birth to a 50 yr old spinster...

I'm sorry for being so rude, but I have never felt so strongly before about names for other peoples children....

Stellan · 22/04/2012 12:22

First, congratulations!

Secondly, my thoughts: Sybilla and Sylvia are perfectly usable names although neither is to my taste, as I think neither is quite ready for a comeback. If you like them, they are sensible choices and will not open your daughter to ridicule.

Esmerelda/Esmeralda, on the other hand, is just an absurd choice thanks to The Hunchback of Notre Dame.

Drusilla might be ready for a comeback but I'm not convinced.

Sylvia, of your 4, would be my choice.

Graciescotland · 22/04/2012 12:08

Oops just realised you too are an Ealing studios fan :) It's a lovely name.

Graciescotland · 22/04/2012 12:06

I like Sybilla, it makes me think of an old black and white film, kind hearts and coronets.

Original poster
Puffykins · 22/04/2012 11:48

I thought it could be abbreviated to Drusie, maybe, which I thought was quite sweet?

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chocolatecoffinplease · 22/04/2012 10:19

Drusilla....hmmmm( thinks carefully) It could work, inspite of the Gothic horror feel. Would be called Dru or Cilla by friends... I think it would tend to be shortened as it doesn't flow as easily as other three syllable names.

Original poster
Puffykins · 21/04/2012 21:16

Thank you for all your responses - hmmm - I knew that our choices weren't necessarily popular favourites . . . .

Okay re Sybilla - I've always loved it because of Kind Hearts and Coronets - although it's spelt Sybilla, it can be pronounced Sybella, if anyone thinks that is prettier. (Sybil, which I love too, wouldn't work with our surname.)

Drusilla has just been added to our list incidentally, if anyone has an opinion on that . . . .

Thank you all again.

OP posts:
TidyDancer · 21/04/2012 19:49

Sybilla has never sounded like an actual name to me, which although it sounds nice, does put me off. The others are IMO awful, sorry.

ragged · 21/04/2012 19:28

Ineffective vampire, syphillus and... okay. I think you can pull off Sylvia. (Sorry)

AThingInYourLife · 21/04/2012 19:27

Esme is already very trendy, has been for a few years.

Springforward · 21/04/2012 19:23

Sybilla is a little too close to sibilant for me, tbh. I like Sylvia better than Esmerelda (the bells!).

MarySA · 21/04/2012 19:16

I like the name Sylvia very much. It is a pretty name and very timeless and classic in my opinion anyway. I think Esmerelda is pretty awful tbh. But it's always a matter of opinon. Not keen on Sybilla either.

glittershoes · 21/04/2012 15:03

I love Esmerelda. As you say, Esme is lovely but you could also call her Zelda, Essy, Mel etc.. lots of options.

I also like Sylvia but not loving Sybilla - it just doesn't sound right to my ears but that is just my opinion, if you love it then go for it!

RickGhastley · 21/04/2012 14:38

Oh I think Esme is lovely though

RickGhastley · 21/04/2012 14:38

Sylvia is the best of a bad bunch IMHO - sorry!

chocolatecoffinplease · 21/04/2012 14:36

I'd go with Sylvia myself. Esme is fine - wouldn't worry about the Twilight references. I can't help but think of a hunchback with Esmeralda - even though this wasn't actually her.... Sybilla isn't as nice as Sybil IMO because of the emphasis on BILL.

WithACherryOnTop · 21/04/2012 12:40

Sylvia.

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