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Original poster

Pollyanna or Polly middle name Anna?

44 replies

Poycastle · 09/06/2014 15:57

I LOVE this name for my daughter (am 27 weeks pregnant). I loved the book as a child, it still means a lot to me and I think it sounds feminine and pretty.

However, I'm a bit worried about some negative comments I've had about it sounding "prissy".

So I was considering giving her the Anna part as a middle name as well as the other middle name I have chosen for her (Maria - this is a definite).

Or does breaking it in two sound silly?

She is a much wanted baby so I want to get it completely right.

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PunkAssMoFo · 10/06/2014 17:10

Anna Maria is lovely.

I can't like Polly in any guise. Sorry, but I do find it prissy.

looki · 10/06/2014 16:51

It's dire, absolutely no no no.......it's a doll's name!

I worked with a woman first who called every woman she met Pollyanna because she couldn't be bothered remembering their actual name. People didn't know which was worse!

LeftyLoony · 10/06/2014 10:39

Imagine an adult woman with the name.
Nooooooooooooooooo.

Pebbles0934 · 10/06/2014 10:38

I think Polly is really nice on its own.
I don't really like it with Anna or Maria. Sorry!

Does Anna-Maria sounds like a boat name to me? Am I losing it?

Elsiequadrille · 09/06/2014 23:05

Agree that 'pollyanna' tends to be used in a negative way. Pollyanna is the same to optimism as Elsie Dinsmore (remember those books? slightly earlier period) was to obedience.

Use it in its entirety, but as a middle, or second middle, name, as a nod to the book.

I like Anna Maria. But without the hyphen.

StampyIsMyBoyfriend · 09/06/2014 22:34

Christ on a bike.... neither, none. Don't do it.

Viatrix · 09/06/2014 22:30

*those rather than that, sorry!

Viatrix · 09/06/2014 22:29

Calling someone "a Pollyanna" is negative - means they are blindly optimistic to the point of foolishness.

So for that reasons, I wouldn't personally use it!

Artandco · 09/06/2014 20:54

Polly Maria Anne

poocatcherchampion · 09/06/2014 20:45
Grin
poshfrock · 09/06/2014 18:59

Polly = Mary
Maria = Mary

Both names mean the same. I wouldn't if I were you.
But then I wouldn't go with Pollyanna either.

Anna-Maria or Anne-Marie both nice.

Sorry not to be more helpful.

NB- we have a Polly in the family and we don't see eye to eye which probably colours my thinking a little.

PinkHamster · 09/06/2014 18:59

Anna Maria is nice Smile

BikeRunSki · 09/06/2014 18:49

If you are naming her after the literary character, then you need to spell it the same, otherwise it's not the same name.

Having said that, I prefer Polly Anna.

Original poster
Poycastle · 09/06/2014 18:45

I thought about Anna-Maria as well. Does this sound OK to other posters?

OP posts:
PinkHamster · 09/06/2014 18:29

If you have to use this name I would make Anna a middle name. Pollyanna just looks a bit twee.

UnrelatedToElephants · 09/06/2014 18:13

What about Polly Ana-maria

Kundry · 09/06/2014 18:10

I suspect there are more book haters than lovers - I have heard Pollyanna-ish as an insult in real life and possibly used it myself Blush

Polly Maria however is lovely.

Fideliney · 09/06/2014 18:06

True. I suppose it is a bit like naming someone 'Sunny' or Joy.

Original poster
Poycastle · 09/06/2014 17:56

I've never heard anyone called "Pollyanna-ish" in real life. But I guess it depends on one's perception of the book.

I guess with all names they don't always fit the personality (mine included) - but how can you tell in advance :)

OP posts:
Fideliney · 09/06/2014 17:45

Calling someone 'Pollyanna-ish' is a criticism surely? Hmm

squoosh · 09/06/2014 17:44

Nothing wrong with being a bit deadpan with a dry sense of humour. She can be those things and a good person too....................better that than harassing local invalids to play the Glad Game!

Original poster
Poycastle · 09/06/2014 17:40

OK, no to the hyphen.
squoosh, I find it hard to imagine my sweet little baby fitting that description, I rather hope she would be sweet and kind!

OP posts:
squoosh · 09/06/2014 17:38

I think everyone would expect a Pollyanna to be sweet and kind. What if she turns out to be a deadpan, dry witted type instead?

chickydoo · 09/06/2014 17:36

I have an adult friend called Pollyanna. She is lovely, sweet, kind funny and clever. As well as being single minded & adventurous.
I think it is is a fantastic name!

BiscuitCrumb · 09/06/2014 17:35

Don't hyphenate. Pollyanna is a name in itself and she'll get bloody annoyed if people assume it's Pollyanna... Instead of Polly-anna because you gave her a silly hyphen.

I quite like it. But if I'm honest, I think I prefer Polly on its own.