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Baby names

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

Original poster

I say Bryony you think..

69 replies

onceuponavino · 19/04/2015 15:58

Hi all

I posted a few days ago about Alana/Lana which I still absolutely adore, but DH threw Bryony into the works a few days ago after reaching an article by Bryony Gordon. I had never even considered it before but I really like it. My friend thinks it just sounds like a female version of Brian though.

Growing up I always liked the name Briar Rose (as in sleeping beauty) but now think it's a little tacky so Bryony seems like a nice alternative. If not for first name perhaps middle? Alana Bryony, does that go?

Thanks in advance

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SeenSheen · 27/04/2015 22:18

Bryony reminds me of the Enid Blyton book of fairies which I loved as a child. I think Bryony was a fairy or possibly a pixie. Anyway lovely name.

balletnotlacrosse · 27/04/2015 21:30

To me it's either a sensible hockey playing girl, or an American child with siblings called Reilly and Fallon.

MehsMum · 27/04/2015 19:20

I think of a plant.
And then of a rather wet little girl.
It's not my favourite name...

Kitsmummy · 27/04/2015 19:00

Bryony makes me think graceful, elegant and pretty. Alana on the other hand....have you ever seen Here Comes Honey Boo Boo?!

CrispyFern · 27/04/2015 17:02

I think of someone I know called Bryony, she is great by the way.

CornChips · 27/04/2015 15:33

One of my favourite pony books growing up had a character called Bryony, who was tall, slender and beautiful. I think of that.

reuset · 27/04/2015 00:11

It reminds me of this snippet

Wreaths and ropes of Bryony...to the glory and the praise of the sweet September days.

I wouldn't think 'brian-y', but I know a Bryony so perhaps am used to it. I prefer it to Alana (you're going to have spell that one out, given all the variants).

Cherrybakewell33 · 26/04/2015 21:12

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

daughterofliz · 26/04/2015 12:36

I don't associate it with Brian at all, only with the plant (which is very pretty). I think the plant is spelt Briony, but I don't dislike the Bryony spelling and in fact I think it might be used more often for a name, so that might be the one to go for if you want people to get it right!

bouncingbelle · 25/04/2015 22:06

1980s/90s.

But then the more I say it in my head, the more I like it!

Effjay · 25/04/2015 22:03

Love it!

AlpacaMyBag · 25/04/2015 22:01

I tend to think it's very 1980s (sorry). But absolutely nothing like Brian.

Springtimemama · 25/04/2015 22:01

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Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Mummatron3000 · 25/04/2015 22:01

Reminds me of a posh yah who lived opposite me in halls at uni... V obnoxious, loud braying voice....
(Sorry!)

kate113855 · 25/04/2015 21:58

Bryony is my fav ever name. I love her character in Atonement but I know what you mean about it sounding like Brian :( it's spelled as Briony in the novel but I much prefer it with a y. I think it's cute for a middle name but I don't really like Alana.

Original poster
onceuponavino · 23/04/2015 18:05

thanks all still very torn :) Alana and Bryony are definitely our top 2 though!! Maybe I will wait until she is born and see what fits :)

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Whatisaweekend · 23/04/2015 18:04

Lovely name!

CruCru · 21/04/2015 19:16

A girl in my junior school. She had webbed toes which, at the time, made her amazing.

jeee · 21/04/2015 14:22

I tend to think of it as a male name - I read a book called Annabel and Bryony years ago. Bryony was a distinctly sexy fairy (as illustrated by Pauline Baynes, who also drew the pictures in the Chronicles of Narnia).

That aside, I like the name, and it doesn't make me think of Brian.

SylvaniansAtEase · 21/04/2015 14:18

I like it lots, but only the Briony spelling.

It seems a similar feel to Romilly for me, which I also like. That could shorten to Romy or Millie - maybe a contender?

Original poster
onceuponavino · 21/04/2015 13:21

a new concern of mine is that there is a potential for my family to move to the States in a year or so with DH job and I understand that Bryony is practically unheard of over there, do you think that would be too much of an issue? I know similar names like Brianna are more popular, DH even suggested Briony but pronounced bree-ony but I definitely prefer Bryony but am now thinking it may be difficult in the States!

OP posts:
Rivercam · 20/04/2015 22:49

Love it, and reminds me of someone I used to work with.

I didn't think of Brian at all.

Original poster
onceuponavino · 20/04/2015 22:46

Thank you so much everyone for all of your input. I'm happy to see that not too many think Brian! I never made that Briney connection before.. I see that but I think if pronounced properly it should be fine:)

We are still not sure which we prefer- it may come down to seeing her first and seeing what clicks :) thanks again x

OP posts:
ocelot41 · 20/04/2015 21:50

I think of a good friend - kind, resourceful and funny.

wildpoppy · 20/04/2015 21:48

Am surprised people here don't like it. I think lovely, and similar to Romilly. I vaguely know Bryony Gordon. She is v nice.