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Baby names

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

Original poster

The meaning.

15 replies

Peyia · 17/12/2015 18:55

How many of you consider the meaning when selecting names?

This is very important to me and my OH. We named our daughter Eva after falling in love with the name after watching Wallie. We then learnt it meant life in Hebrew and we loved it, it was the only girls name we had.

So now I'm up duff again and we have selected a boys name. It will be Harry (Henry on BC) as tribute to important family members.

For the girl we like Zoe, it also means life in Greek. Having experienced sibling rivalry and think it's nice to choose a name with the same meaning. We do really like Zoe!

What are your thoughts? Also whilst you're at it do you prefer Zoe or Cerys? Cerys means love and I'm welsh so like that too but OH not sure. He says she'll just get called Kerry. Oops tangent!

So thoughts on the meaning? Should it be a deciding factor?

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StDogolphin · 17/12/2015 19:05

Yes, I liked the meanings of the names we chose and it played a part. I also have similar meanings, both names mean warrior in different languages.

Canyouforgiveher · 17/12/2015 19:10

I considered the meaning for all 3 names and wouldn't have used a name with a meaning that was unpleasant. I'm always surprised when people don't think about it or don't know the meaning of names.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 17/12/2015 19:15

This makes me cross. Claudia is the prettiest name....then someone - on MN - suggests the meaning....lame.....total bollocks.

The original 'meaning' is rubbish, in this day and age.

MN is crap at this. Someone always pops up with the negative 'meaning'.

Who cares! (If you do, you shouldn't)

MrsLeighHalfpenny · 17/12/2015 19:23

Names' meanings were very important to us too. One DD's name means "loved by God", and the other means "my father's delight".

Original poster
Peyia · 17/12/2015 19:24

Stdog I like that your two have the same meaning. I think it's sweet and when the ask we can tell them something cheesy!

Forgiveher sort of agree about not knowing the meaning but that's because I love history and names usually have history (except my OH's, his has no meaning - just name, full stop)

Thickandthin I'm always the glass is half full kind so if someone ridiculed me for being 'lame' I would just laugh it off and say yes but I'm a lame emperor! Now off with your head!! Wink

OP posts:
mrsnec · 17/12/2015 19:25

It is very important for me but it's causing a lot of friction between dh and I this time because my criteria is so strict.

My rules are not biblical, Greek origin but used all over the continent and for dd I wanted something botanical too and possibly retro! I managed that.

For boys I am put off names I love because of their origin and meaning. Samuel and Theodore for example. Another one that fits most of my criteria means worker of the land which I'm not keen on either.

I do have boys names in mind. One of which means protector or vigilant watchmen which I quite like the idea of.

All of my family think I'm mad though and overthinkinking way to much but my own first name and middle name have terrible meanings!

I am aware I may have to compromise though and did last time on dd's middle name.

AbbyCadabby · 20/12/2015 03:27

Ooh, MrsLeigh, I reckon I know what one of your DD's names is (see my username!).

OP, I do like a good meaning, and ruled names out if they didn't have a good one. I have two children and their names do both have the same kind of meaning. I like that.

MrsLeighHalfpenny · 20/12/2015 09:12

Hi Abby!

CastaDiva · 20/12/2015 09:21

I admit to inwardly raising an eyebrow at at names which prescribe a certain appearance being given to a child who was never likely to match the name. If you and your partner are black-haired and olive-skinned, your son is unlikely to be a fair-skinned blonde, so calling him Fionn is a bit odd.

AbbyCadabby · 20/12/2015 21:57

Hi, MrsL.

Mothersruin75 · 20/12/2015 22:21

We have a Zoe and a Mia - the meanings of the names were important to us. They were ivf so 'life' and 'much longed for child' were very apt. Plus we loved (and still love) the names.

BeautifulLiar · 21/12/2015 07:52

Yes I've considered the meaning. Also I'm pregnant with my fourth now and I've just realised all our DC's names have roots in literature :) I quite like that!

mrsschu · 21/12/2015 10:24

The meanings of names aren't important to me. It's unlikely your child will meet someone who thinks "X... That means 'bright'" or whatever. But if it's important to you that's fine of course. Much prefer Zoe to Cerys (and love Eva btw).

tuilamum · 21/12/2015 12:20

Meanings are pretty important to me, even if no one else notices its just a little private thing
I love Zoe and I don't think anyone else will think it odd or even give it any thought, it'll just be something you and your DP (and possibly your DDs) will know and appreciate

Lancelottie · 21/12/2015 12:24

I know someone with a Jonathan, Theodore and Matthew. I doubt it's a coincidence that they basically mean the same thing.

I like overthinking things this way!

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