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Baby names

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

Original poster

Esther or Harriet?

64 replies

TessOfTheFurbyvilles · 21/08/2014 12:15

Baby girl due in the next three weeks. Down to Esther and Harriet for final two names.

Siblings will be Jack, Alexander, Sarah and Mary.

So the question is simply...

Esther or Harriet?

NB: Middle names will be Maude Frances, both family names. I'm not really struck on Maude, but it was the name of DH's grandmother, who passed away very recently, so I can't really say no. (Frances Maude actually sounds better, but even though we're now living in the US, I won't use it that way because of the Tory MP, Francis Maude)!

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Sophronia · 21/08/2014 16:09

Your other kids' names are great! I like both Esther and Harriet but I think I slightly prefer Esther.

SueBridehead · 21/08/2014 13:54

We must have similar taste, I LOVE Esther and Harriet and Matilda! I probably slightly prefer Harriet but love the nn Tess for Esther.

Wenchelda · 21/08/2014 13:44

I love Esther. It was on our short list for dd and very nearly chosen as her name but she just didn't look like an Esther when she was born (still sometimes wish we'd used it though, instead of the name we chose!)

Original poster
TessOfTheFurbyvilles · 21/08/2014 13:31

Thanks for the comments.

Sootgremlin - I like the idea of Matilda instead of Maude, I might suggest it to DH, but he'll get final say.

Nickname wise, we wouldn't like Harry, but then Harry wouldn't work here in the US as they pronounce it a bit like Hairy. They actually pronounce Harriet a bit like Herriot, as a result, which isn't so bad. I love Hatty/Hattie and Hetty/Hettie as nns for Harriet.

Esther would be Hetty/Hettie, but I don't mind Essie or Este, and nor does DH. The only nn for Esther that wouldn't work is Tess, as that's my real name!

Lots of food for thought so far.

OP posts:
SomeSunnySunday · 21/08/2014 12:57

I couldn't choose between these, I love them both. Maybe think about shortenings - are there any that you love, or hate? Would it be a disaster if she became Hattie or Harry (I like both of these personally, but just thought I'd mention it in case you don't!).

Legionofboom · 21/08/2014 12:52

Harriet definitely. Esther sounds a bit lispy to me.

Harriet Maude Frances is a name to be proud of.

rattyboombatty · 21/08/2014 12:45

Esther all the way, just sounds more special

eddiesgl1 · 21/08/2014 12:41

I have a Harriet Darcy, I love it, though am now pregnant with my second daughter and wish I hadn`t used Darcy already!

Sootgremlin · 21/08/2014 12:32

I really like Esther, had it short listed for my dd. Harriet is nice, quite pretty, but Esther seems to stand out more for me.

Agree it has to be Maude Frances and not Francis Maude!

I think Esther Maude Frances sounds fine. Although Maud is apparently a contraction of Matilda with the same meaning if you fancied that instead. Understand you might want to use the true name if it's honouring someone, but you would still have the link.

NewEraNewMindset · 21/08/2014 12:22

If I ever get pregnant again and if I have a daughter our chosen name is Harriet, Harry for short. So I think you know what my favourite name out of the two would be Wink

ButterflyOfFreedom · 21/08/2014 12:22

Esther by a country mile.

MrsMarigold · 21/08/2014 12:20

Harriet by a country mile.

ACheesePuff · 21/08/2014 12:20

Esther is gorgeous. Not a fan of Harriet, it's too horsey for me.

Estther Frances Maude would sound nicer than Esther Maude Frances.

TheScottishPlay · 21/08/2014 12:20

Esther is better with Maude Frances and is a lovely name.
Harriet is a super name too though.

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