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Baby names

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

Original poster

Florence, Maude, Mabel or Iris?

60 replies

emmyloo2 · 27/02/2013 07:31

Ok, I have been back and forth on names for girls. This is my latest list. Not endorsed by DH although he has agreed that Florence and Mabel can be on the list. DS is George so I want it to have the same old-fashioned feel as George.

I know old-fashioned, granny names are not to everyone's taste but it is definitely my taste, so I would be grateful for your views on the names above. None are popular where I live. Maude and Mabel would raise eyebrows I suspect but this doesn't bother me in the slightest. Surname starts with "S" and so I think Iris might be tricky and Florence may also not flow as well. If I had my way, I would go with Maude but DH is currently saying no to this one although I am working on him.

Thanks!

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kaumana · 02/03/2013 20:36

Iris would be my choice from your list, but having grown up with "an old lady name" I would think twice before choosing one. I can't count the times I've heard "ooh you don't look like a ......"

jollygoose · 02/03/2013 20:27

really like mabel or florence, not maud it sounds so hard

SurreyWithAFringeOnTop · 02/03/2013 20:19

I have an S surname, and had DS been a DD, I would have used Iris. Don't let that put you off - it is a gorgeous name.

Maude is lovely. Mabel is ok, Florence very overused IMO.

How about Martha? Also gorgeous.

PixelAteMyFace · 02/03/2013 14:28

Yes, more like that.

I`m not keen on Depeche as a first name though Grin

WormCanner · 01/03/2013 22:35

Pixel What, like Depeche Maude?

CheeseStrawWars · 01/03/2013 20:36

Maude is too close to maudlin for my tastes.

PixelAteMyFace · 01/03/2013 20:35

Another vote here for Clara and Flora.

Sorry, but I think Mabel is dire.

Maude is pretty if you are going to pronounce it the French way.

MumOfTheMoos · 01/03/2013 20:28

I think Iris is a lovely name!

Pleasenomorepeppa · 01/03/2013 20:08

I have a Florence & a Martha. Florence was nearly a Queenie & Martha was nearly Enid. DH said no to both!

UnrequitedSkink · 01/03/2013 20:07

I love Iris and DS2 would have been one, but for the 'S' surname thing. Maude is lovely too, had you considered Flora rather than Florence? It sounds so nice when you say it.

Also love Elsie.

FriggFRIGGisPoorlySick · 01/03/2013 20:04

Maude
Mable
Iris

In order of preference from your list Grin

And....

Alma
Bonnie
Beatrice
Margo
Nancy
Elsie
Sylvie
Ottilie
Ottoline
Coralie
Sadie
Myrtle
Clara
Clementine

Lavinia
Phyllis
Beulah
Emmeline
Vita
Betsy
Nell
Eliza
Etta
Odette
Sukie
Tabitha
Agatha
Norah
Doris
Esther
Audrey
Enid
Agnes
Mildred
Thora
Elsa/Elsie

From my own ridiculously long list...

titan · 01/03/2013 19:11

All nice. Maude probably my favourite followed by Mabel. I know several babies called Florence - it seems to be getting quite popular.

telsa · 01/03/2013 19:07

No Iris won't go with an s surname,, but Nancy and Ivy are also grand.

forgetmenots · 01/03/2013 18:37

Love Joan too, really chic

Blowninonabreeze · 01/03/2013 18:02

What about Nora or Nell (Eleanor)

Blowninonabreeze · 01/03/2013 18:01

I love your names.....
Am currently pg with dd3 who will be either Dorothy (Dot/Dotty) or Harriet (hettie/hattie) depending upon who convinces the other first between DH and I.

We both love Florence but can't have it due to our surname. I adore Maude but DH has vetoed it..... Might add Mabel into th mix and gauge reactions.....

VodkaJelly · 01/03/2013 17:55

My gran is called Maude, she was pushing me to call DD Maude - was never going to happen! Just reminds me of pensioners, same with Mabel.

Etta is nice

meggy22 · 01/03/2013 11:36

Love florence or mabel, violet is also a favorite of mine

Original poster
emmyloo2 · 01/03/2013 05:26

Sleepywombat - Ivy was another I considered. I like this a lot. And Nancy is fantastic! I might add that to the lost.

Janet might be a little retro for me....

OP posts:
sleepywombat · 01/03/2013 04:49

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Wishfulmakeupping · 01/03/2013 04:21

Like Mabel best from list- also like Clara as suggested unthread

Original poster
emmyloo2 · 01/03/2013 03:15

Dewdrop - I love Iris as well, but our surname starts with an "S". It's a bit like Saneson. So Iris Saneson. Merges a bit I fear.....

OP posts:
DewDr0p · 28/02/2013 22:48

I ADORE the name Iris. Please use that one (I have 3 boys so couldn't really get away with it!!)

I do also love Florence but the Cameron/machine thing is a slight downside. I don't know any Iris's but people seem fairly conservative in name choices where I live.

tootsietoo · 28/02/2013 22:43

Ah, I have a 6 year old Florence. And then that Cameron man decided to give his baby the name, and Florence turned up with her Machine and they seem to be everywhere.

I loved Ottolie too.

How about being a generation ahead of the curve and going for Janet, Barbara or Beryl?

I like all your names.

Baffledandbewildered · 28/02/2013 22:30

My mother and grandmother are Florence maud !!!! Not one of each first and middle names

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