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Baby names

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

Original poster

Deborah

63 replies

Vintagejazz · 27/05/2014 16:20

Someone I know is thinking of calling her baby this but is wondering if people will think it's dated. While I think Debbie is very dated and '70s I was kind of struck by how classy and dignified Deborah sounds. I really like it, but said I'd 'ask around' for opinions on it for her.

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Catflap1 · 27/05/2014 19:12

My big sister is a Deborah she's 42, they were a few in her year at school other than that only other one I know is a irish girl called Debra who is my age 34

lottiegarbanzo · 27/05/2014 18:06

The epitome of 60s/70s along with Jackie, Melanie and Michelle. As such desperately unfashionable now, probably back in in 20 years or so.

In itself a good name though I think. I think of it going with Esther as a biblical name and of Deborah Kerr.

florascotia · 27/05/2014 17:53

As Nadia says, Deborah is in the Bible, and Biblical Deborah was pretty impressive: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deborah

Deborah can be really dignified. Do not like Debbie, however. But I've never been called by a short version of my name, so that's not inevitable. If your friend (and the little girl) insist on the full name, others will follow.

NadiaWadia · 27/05/2014 17:46

It's not in fashion now - it was most fashionable for baby girls in the 60s. Your friend will get a lot of negative opinions - most people have little imagination and will just think of all the now middle-aged women they know called Debbie/Deborah. But it is a nice name with a lovely soft sound. It's in the Bible too I think, so not a 20th century invention like maybe Sharon. But if your friend wants it she will just have to be strong minded about it. At least her DD will probably be the only one in the class!

MrsBungle · 27/05/2014 17:16

I don't think it's horrible but surely everyone would end up shortening it to Debbie once at school anyway.

Misspilly88 · 27/05/2014 17:14

I think it's horrible. But it's her child so up to her I suppose!

JazzAnnNonMouse · 27/05/2014 16:49

IMO it's dated.

I think of 'everyone loves Raymond'

mum2jakie · 27/05/2014 16:40

Well, I would associate Deborah with the 70s tbh

Original poster
Vintagejazz · 27/05/2014 16:37

She's actually trying to avoid a 70s vibe. Which is why she'd opt for Deborah and not Debbie.

OP posts:
mum2jakie · 27/05/2014 16:34

Hmm. Sorry, no. It's not so much that the name is dated - very 1970s which can be quite nice in a retro way- more that it's just not a very nice name. It doesn't strike me as being classy or dignified.

What about Joanna or Louise if she wants the 70s vibe?

Daisymasie · 27/05/2014 16:33

I don't like the name Debbie as it is very 60s - 70s and on a par with Tracey, Lynn, Jackie, Michelle etc.

Deborah, however, is much more classical - Deborah Kerr and Deborah Mitford spring to mind.

DitzyDonkey · 27/05/2014 16:30

Awful name

omri · 27/05/2014 16:25

Beautiful name - but Debbie sounds a bit naff.although a girl I went to school with was always known as Deborah and never Debbie-so it is possible. She was very elegant. I really like itSmile

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