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Baby names

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

Original poster

"a Rose by any other name..." does the meaning matter?

31 replies

Bakingtins · 31/10/2013 08:05

How much does the meaning of a name matter to you? Would you avoid a name you liked the sound of because of it's meaning? Conversely, would you select a name short list purely based on the meaning?

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GrandstandingBlueTit · 31/10/2013 08:20

No, it doesn't matter, unless you're very, very, irrationally 'woo', in which case the meaning of your offspring's name is the least of your worries.

DS goes to Kindy with a Cassandra. The last time I looked, she wasn't a prophetess of doom.

Sorry, I feel like I'm taking the piss massively. Grin I'm not, honestly. But, well, really...! Wink

Seriously - the meaning of a name has zero bearing on your child. And if the name you're considering is Claudia, then definitely don't let the meaning put you off. It's a gorgeous name. Nobody thinks Claudia Schiffer is lame, right? Nor the screeds of other women in Germany with the name.

notanyanymore · 31/10/2013 08:14

It depends on the 'meaning', for example 'Lucifer' - NO! But less obvious ones wouldn't bother me.

JumpingJackSprat · 31/10/2013 08:12

I wouldn't be put off. My favorite girls name is Claudia which is a gorgeous name with a crap meaning. This will only matter when she is 12 and looking up the meanings of names with her friends. A moments possible disappointment and then she will get on with her life. Though to hear some people on mumsnet is the worst possible thing to give your child a name that doesn't mean sweetness and light.

Hassled · 31/10/2013 08:11

Very few people know the meanings of names and I think frequently the meanings have just been made up somewhere along the line. So no, I don't think meanings matter.

I think there is some value in thinking about the "original" of a name, though. I liked the name Cassandra, for example, but abandoned it when I realised the original was a prophetess of doom.

Original poster
Bakingtins · 31/10/2013 08:10

I'm going to have to google those now Antoinette! And is she good at athletics?

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AntoinetteCosway · 31/10/2013 08:07

I wouldn't want a name that meant 'evil' or 'psychopath' or anything similar but I don't mind particularly otherwise. Our daughter's full name means champion javelin thrower. Oh yes Grin