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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Iris about to get really popular?

41 replies

divingoffthebalcony · 29/11/2014 17:35

I'm expecting #2 and love Iris for a girl. But I keep seeing it pop up on the Baby Names board so I'm worried it will explode into the top 20 or even the top 10 within the next few years (like Ruby or Ava).

I feel very torn between choosing a name I love, versus a name I think is "safe" in terms of not getting super popular. I know some posters here are mystified by the notion of avoiding popular names, but I am one of those people who would be upset by it, ok? Grin

So, name geeks, what's the consensus?

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FeelingIrie · 29/11/2014 19:04

Hi OP,

I have a 6 month old Iris, I too hope it doesn't get too popular. But I have to say, I do think it's a bit marmite. I get some really positive reactions but also some polite, restrained reactions which I know means that person is wondering, what was she thinking calling her that!?

I'm fine with that, as firstly I bloody LOVE the name and that's all that counts, but also because I think it will stop it getting too crazily popular. Agree with the eyeballs comment, some people have made it to me! Also some people just aren't too keen on any of the granny chic kinda names.

Iris is lovely with Ada. I also like Edith, Etta, Bessie/Bess, Winnie, Vivienne, Effie, Lillian, Eleanor/Nell, Rose and May.

Good luck!

Original poster
divingoffthebalcony · 29/11/2014 19:01

That is true back. And I've clicked on two baby names threads today, completely at random, to find Iris featuring prominently. This is why I'm anticipating a big increase in popularity over the next few years. Really think I'm going to have to scour the official spreadsheets (which, handily, I have saved going back to about 2009!) for some alternatives.

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Back2Two · 29/11/2014 18:55

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Original poster
divingoffthebalcony · 29/11/2014 18:51

Elspeth is also too Scottish for us - neither of us have a drop of Celtic blood in our bodies!

OP posts:
squoosh · 29/11/2014 18:46

Elspeth is a bit lispy.

bitofanoddone · 29/11/2014 18:41

Elspeth is in a similar vein?

speedbird17 · 29/11/2014 18:39

DD1 has the same name as your DD1, I am currently pg and Iris is in our top three if we have another DD (it's my favourite!) I say go for it as I am in the same camp as you with popular names!

Ihateparties · 29/11/2014 18:34

Yep Smile other way round though, iris first.

Original poster
divingoffthebalcony · 29/11/2014 18:33

No way, parties!

OP posts:
Ihateparties · 29/11/2014 18:24

I don't think it will go top 20 either, bit too niche I reckon. The names do go beautifully together imo am biased because they are dd1 and dd2's names Grin

squoosh · 29/11/2014 18:11

It's getting more popular

2011 - 147th place
2012 - 122nd place
2013 - 106th place

I don't know if it's the kind of name that will reach Top 20 type popularity though as people seem to favour girls names that end in an ee or a sound. But that could all change I suppose.

ClariceBeanthatsme · 29/11/2014 18:03

Those girls names go beautifully together. Imo I don't think it will get really popular it's as they say "old lady chic" type of name which isn't to everyone's taste. I love it along with edith and ivy.

EdithMasseysEgg · 29/11/2014 17:58

I am waiting on the arrival of DD2 and was going to name her Iris... However I have recently met a few and it does seem to be gaining in popularity (not an issue if you love the name) so I was put off. If you look on darkgreener.com it's leapt from nearly 2000th place to 104th.

Original poster
divingoffthebalcony · 29/11/2014 17:54

for every person who thinks of goddess or flower, there is another who thinks eyeballs.

Very good point! I had similar worries about Felix for a boy, because it has been inching up the charts these last few years (think it's just inside the top 100 now?) but have consoled myself with the fact that for every person who likes it, there's another who thinks of cat food.

OP posts:
EdithWeston · 29/11/2014 17:40

There are quite a few girls called Iris the same age as DS2 (teen) but it never took off then, because for every person who thinks of goddess or flower, there is another who thinks eyeballs. I don't think it'll take off now for the same reason.

Original poster
divingoffthebalcony · 29/11/2014 17:37

Should probably point out that my first child's name is A.d.a, which is why I would be looking for an equally uncommon name with a slight air of old lady about it.

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