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Original poster

Is Pollyanna a silly name?

36 replies

PuffyPigeon · 30/03/2014 22:25

I like Polly and Anna as names in their own right but I do prefer a longer name with a shortening which isn't really possible if either is used individually. Is Pollyanna silly though?

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nkf · 31/03/2014 21:12

I think it's very silly. Very silly indeed.

Minty82 · 31/03/2014 21:11

I don't think it's too silly - I know a 23 year old one. I loved the book as a child so quite like the associations, and it's very pretty.

Aventurine · 31/03/2014 20:50

Really like Marianna

bouquetofpencils · 31/03/2014 18:11

On my list of favourite names is Holly Anna. Which I know rhymes with
Pollyanna but doesn't put me off.
If Polly is first name and Anna is middle name, they aren't use together that often.

Emma028 · 31/03/2014 15:32

I know a Pollyanna and no one has ever made fun of her name! Although I wouldn't use it (not too keen on names starting with P for my girls -- no idea why!!), I think it's fabulous!

Descalzada · 31/03/2014 11:25

What about Penelope Anne? or Penelope Anna.
I think either of those could give you Pollyanna for a toddler, but you need to wind that in before she is an adult.

Emubaby · 31/03/2014 11:15

I know a Pollyanna. She is 2. She mostly just gets called Polly.

diplodocus · 30/03/2014 23:44

"Let's play the glad game!" Er, no, really.

ThatOtherTime · 30/03/2014 23:42

Marianna is a fab name. I really like it.

Lizzabadger · 30/03/2014 23:41

Yes

MotheringShites · 30/03/2014 23:40

I really like Pollyanna. I know one very lovely one (v.posh) and love the film.

Anjou · 30/03/2014 23:37

Anika could be shortened to Anna. How about Anya rather than Anna? Or Anais.

Descalzada · 30/03/2014 23:05

well, it's better than Cassandra imo which is used more often I'd say. I'd rather be a pollyanna than a Cassandra but ........... no, i'd never give either as a name.

ImperialBlether · 30/03/2014 23:04

Roseanne?
Rosanna?

MrsRuffdiamond · 30/03/2014 23:04

I don't think 'Pollyanna' is an insult or silly. I always thought it just denoted someone with an optimistic outlook? The more I think about the name, the more I like the sound of it!

(Would probably work best with a short surname).

rockybalboa · 30/03/2014 22:57

Yes. Very. Love each name separately though esp Polly.

milkysmum · 30/03/2014 22:55

yep it is!

chickydoo · 30/03/2014 22:50

I have a good friend called Pollyanna. Never shortened, just Pollyanna. She is fabulous & suits her name. She is over 40.
An amazing lady, a fantastic name!

Original poster
PuffyPigeon · 30/03/2014 22:49

Quite like Marianna

OP posts:
Middleagedmotheroftwo · 30/03/2014 22:45

I know a Lilyella. Polyanna is better, marginally.

Wenchelda · 30/03/2014 22:43

Thought of some more -

Arianna. Rosanna. Rihanna. Lilliana. Brianna. Marianna. Julianna.

Wenchelda · 30/03/2014 22:40

Anna-Maria / Anna-Marie could be shortened to Anna.

Original poster
PuffyPigeon · 30/03/2014 22:40

Anastasia makes me think ugly sister. Annaleise might get shortened to Lisa which I don't like

OP posts:
Sharaluck · 30/03/2014 22:38

Annaleise (not sure of the spelling)
Anastasia

AlarmOnSnooze · 30/03/2014 22:36

I know one and it does make me Hmm every so often. she goes by a shortening usually, and it did take me by surprise when I realised her full name.

I wouldn't use it, just not a name worth considering, imo.