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Baby names

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

Original poster

Not sure I can use my No1 girl's name but not sure I have one I love as much...

30 replies

Heatethelastrolo · 12/10/2014 11:51

I am expecting a baby girl in December. From when I was little the girls name I always imagined I would use is Madeline. It is my Mum's name and to this day I think it is a beautiful name...classic, classy, timeless, not outstandingly popular at the moment. However as is always the case when it comes to actually giving a child a name for life, I have started to weigh up the pros and cons in my head and I have cold feet.

Part of me feels it would be nice to give my baby her own unique name. It feels a bit unoriginal seeings we have one already in our family and I worry people will think it's odd. My Mum is an amazing person and as well as loving the name I think she would be delighted so that isn't a problem, but at the moment it is very much her name so I worry about my baby having something to live up to.

However my dilemma is, I compare every other name I think of to this name and can't find one I love as much. Other names which come close for me (but are completely different I know!!) Are:

Saffron (Saffy) - this comes very close but bit worried it's not classic or timeless?
Orla/Orlaith - very pretty but not 100%
April - think am more likely to use as a middle name for sentimental reasons but do think its very pretty

Names I like but don't quite hit the mark are:

Ariana
Arabella
Anna
Farrah

All completely different I know, sorry. Thoughts or ideas appreciated!!

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moxon · 12/10/2014 13:08

Around my friends and family group it is not uncommon for first names to be passed on in one line, skipping a generation. There really is never any confusion. It's a nice tribute, and invariably the new DC put their own stamp on it and carry the name in their own right.

Original poster
Heatethelastrolo · 12/10/2014 12:33

Thanks for the opinions so far! noble I thought I might get the ab fab thing with Saffy but that doesnt worry me too much. chipping the Madeleine McCann thing doesn't worry me because Madeline is my Mum's name long before and also in my mind Madeleine McCann was an innocent child so it's not like the name has been tarnished. Also when I say unique, I mean unique to my family...it doesn't really bother me how popular the name is to people I don't know. My DS has a top 25 name.

Thanks chipping thats good to know...I would also use the nickname Maddie sometimes if it came about, which my DM doesn't get at all

OP posts:
ChippingInLatteLover · 12/10/2014 12:06

Three generations of our family have the same male name, no confusion over who is who. Context solves most of it Dad/Uncle/'our' x etc sorts the left over bits out :)

ChippingInLatteLover · 12/10/2014 12:04

I wouldn't use Madeline because of the McCanns, that will forever be the association for me. If that doesn't bother you then use it. You are overthinking the 'living up to it' thing, really you are.

Also, unless you pick something utterly random, it's not going to be 'her own unique name'.

noblegiraffe · 12/10/2014 12:01

Two of my family members have the same name and it's a bit confusing at times to have to clarify which one is meant. I'd give your mum's name as a middle name instead.

I'd avoid Saffy as that reminds me of Ab Fab! Orla is nice.