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Baby names

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

Original poster

Theola?

35 replies

MrsSneezy · 27/03/2013 10:48

Our baby girl is due in 6 weeks and we've been stuck for names for ages. We came across Theola in our baby name book and both like it. Shortenings are Thea and Lola. I think it's unusual and pretty without being too 'out there', but would love opinions from others.

Our baby book says it's Greek and means gift from god. We have no Greek connection but if we stuck to English names that would be very limiting.

What do you think? Is it too out there? Does it sound made up even though it's not?

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KittenOfDoom · 28/03/2013 10:33

I'm afraid it makes me think of tombola.

Teapig · 28/03/2013 08:11

Thanks for all the comments it's really good to get feedback before we go public with our name choice.

Our short list is actually
Theola
Ottilie
Fionnuala
Safia - it's Arabic and means pure though we have pretty much discounted this as it's likely to be mistaken for Sofia a lot

As you can tell we like unusual names. I think that despite the comments Theola is still top which I reassures me that I do really like the name even if people think we mashed together Theo and Lola or really wanted a Theo when actually it's just an old fashioned under used name that we really like.

MidnightMasquerader · 28/03/2013 00:37

I don't think it looks that nice when written done, nor the sound of it. It looks like you were set on the name Theo, and then had a girl...

When there are so, so many lovely names out there to choose from, this seems like an odd one to make the short-list, let alone be the pick.

As for people thinking it's made up - most people won't actually tell you they think this; they'll just think it, so you'll rarely get the opportunity to put people right. Wink

OkayHazel · 28/03/2013 00:29

It sounds like Thea and Lola have been mushed together. I'd pick one of these too. Or, go fot Thea Lola Surname or similar.

Teapig · 27/03/2013 13:54

Ooh just to say that the above post was from me, MrsSneezy/Teapig. I name changed for my local threads and forgot to change back earlier.

Teapig · 27/03/2013 13:49

Thanks, it's great to have all these opinions.

kitten, some websites I found said it means 'gift from god' and others say the meaning is 'divine', they must be rough translations from the original Greek.

I guess my main worry is that it's so unusual people might think we made it up but then I suppose we can set them straight.

I like that it's an unusual name that also gives us more usual nn options.

lockets · 27/03/2013 13:07

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ladymia · 27/03/2013 12:58

I do not like the sound of it. It either sounds made up or it sounds like you just like the boy's name Theo and decided to added -la to make it a girl name. Or worse, you put two names together to make one.

I really don't like it.

KittenOfDoom · 27/03/2013 10:56

I think it does sound made up. Where is the 'gift' element? Theodora means 'gift from God', as does Dorothea. 'Theola' doesn't seem authentic like either of those.

Kt8791 · 27/03/2013 10:54

I like it! But then I like unusual names for girls. Also like the nn's.