Have been told these names are 'downmarket'. Your help please.

Why is common a horrible word? I think people just mean that it is common as in widely used.

(because I too hate the labelling of names as in chav or posh etc).

I would consider those names popular rather than common, common is a horrible word.
They are very popular here in Ireland, but, they are nice names.

Ella also short for:

Gabriella
Annabella
Arielle
Isabella or Isabel

@ clary

Those names are all very common as in overused imo. Anything we have/hear/eat too much of, we tire of imo. They also no longer serve their purpose as a name (to identify) properly and need to be supplemented by an initial or surname.

But no, I don't think they are 'downmarket', but I don't know what makes a name chavvy.

I have taught all these names ( and indias and Tamaras whoever said that) at vair posh schools around the country I think they are classless names.

I don't particularly love them, but they are nice enough and present in all walks of like IMO.

Interesting! My mum was born in 1930 btw, so she needed to meet yr mum gaunyersel!

Its both. My mum (born 1929) is Ella, but its short for Isabella.... and she was named after her grandmother who was called the same.

I agree with those who say Ella is a name in its own right.

I have never heard of it being short for anything. My mum is Ella and she never liked it as a child as she never knew another! Lots about now, tho of course they are mostly aged about 10!

All the names you mention OP are popular and most classes will have one or two of them, aged up to about 13-14 IME. Not reasons not to use them tho.

I was thinking the same thing, Fleecy I am a 30-something Isobel - a name very popular with babies and toddlers right now - and it doesn't feel weird in the slightest!

Of course, it is weird imagining yourself with another name, but that's it.

And actually, Elinor/Eleanor is a classic example of one of the loads of names that doesn't really date. You'd never really be absolutely sure of the age of an Elinor. :)

I think down market is a bit harsh but I've never been keen on cutesy names because I think they sound a bit odd on grown ups. They fail my "Can I imagine this person in a suit?" test.

I'm sure when all the Millies and Albies of the current generation are running City banks I'll eat my words :)

I am a 30-something Ellie - and I don't find it at all ridiculous qumquat

But I am really Elinor so have the choice of both. Don't think Elinor is common in any sense of the word but might be biased!

Ignore others and choose your favourite, popular or not.

^"I think all generations avoid names though Sodoff."*

Yes, exactly, and these are the names the next generation will avoid. We tend to avoid names like Susan and Sarah and Joanne and Claire, because everyone else our age has them. They sound dated to us. Not bad; just dated.

Because there are loads of Millies and Ellies and Mollys around now - these are the names this generation will avoid, because they will sound dated to them through sheer over-use and popularity.

It's not a bad thing. Every generation has its popular names which fade from favour when people move onto something new. It's hard to imagine these names sounding dated now but this generation will be no more immune to the curse of dating than previous ones. Anything that is popular becomes associated with an era and inevitably dates, whether it's names, clothes, hairstyles, home decor, music, electronic design, etc, etc, etc...

Oh, and as I've said on previous threads, there are loads of names which won't sound dated if you avoid all the popular, faddy, top 100 names. Loads.

Amelia will certainly date. It's fashionable at the moment but its popularity goes in cycles.

i think if you dont want a name that will date you either go for something classic like, amelia, charlotte,eleanor, etc or go for something totally unique. i would put an example but then it wouldnt be unique. (plus i cant think of one!)

as others have said they can be shortened if you want, and are therefore flexible.

but my advice is really to pick a name you like, stop telling people and eveyone can s*d off!

They're all lovely. They are popular because people like them. Choose a name you like

I love Mary. Not at all popular, but beautiful, due a revival I think.

Nell's lovely too.

The ones you've suggested yourself, Op, are very popular round here, but not downmarket no. Cassie - haven't heard any of these either, but I'm not overfond.

common as in overused, yes, all of them, including the longer versions of the original list that have been suggested. not necessarily common as in downmarket.

I think I'd go for Eleanor nn Ellie, Gabriella nn Ella, or what about Matilda nn Tilly, gives her more options when she's older.

No - it's not true that all names date. There are hundreds of names that do not date, simply because they have never been especially fashionable.

I don't think they're downmarket. I think you should use a name you love and n worry about what anyone else thinks - that's why we don't tell people our choices beforehand - too many people wanting to Give their opinion when it hasn't been asked for.

All names date, and popular ones more so than others. This isn't a reason not to use a name, I'm called a classic 70s name and I'd feel ridiculous if I were a 30something called Ellie, but in 20 years time it will be a typical 30something name.
I teach secondary and every other (white) child is called Ellie, but I haven't come across the others. This could be that they're a bit newer and will appear in the next couple of years, or perhaps that Ellie is the most 'downmarket' as the others sound too posh for my students. Not that I would let this influence you. Choose a name you love. I was one of 5 girls with my name in my Yr at school and I still loved (and love) my name.

I love Ella.

I like Mariella with the nn Ella.

Your name chooses are lovely and definitely not downmarket i would also say they are popular rather than common, which is a good thing, mean your daughters name will be liked by many.

My daughters name is Millie so that is my favourite from your list, we live in north west london i have yet to meet another one.

These cutesy names have become VERY trendy over the past few years, for both girls (Milly, Tilly, Evie, Poppy, Molly, Lily etc) and boys (Alfie, Charlie, Archie, Albie etc) that many people are getting a little tired of hearing them thb. They may not be 'downmarket' but they are certainly very common and will inevitably date more than less fashionable names.

So, no they are not 'awful' but I can understand why some people wouldn't consider them for their children, especially considering how many lovely names are out there (have a look outside the top 100 names!).