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Baby names

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

Original poster

Magnolia?

32 replies

Justcallmebob · 08/03/2016 16:51

I came across this as a name the other day and it's growing on me! The thing that would put me off is the association with paint. What do you think? I think pregnancy hormones might be clouding my judgement...

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MitzyLeFrouf · 09/03/2016 11:57

I like plant and flower names but I do think this one is too reminiscent of that blander than bland paint shade.

Aster, Zinnia, Laurel, Sorrel, Juniper, Cicely, Saffron are all nice botanical names.

lunar1 · 09/03/2016 11:51

Marigold- gloves!

strawberrychewits · 09/03/2016 11:43

How about Marigold instead?

Original poster
Justcallmebob · 09/03/2016 11:39

Hmm, ok, so most people do just think paint! Shame, because the flowers are so beautiful and its a pretty name. But I like the suggestions of Dahlia and Camellia, thank you. I'd love to have the guts to just go for something and not worry what anyone else thinks - but I don't think I could!

OP posts:
MagicalHamSandwich · 09/03/2016 06:49

Bland wall paint? No thanks! Also: Steel Magnolias - the film!

Please say these are your pregnancy hormones talking, OP!

KoalaDownUnder · 09/03/2016 06:37

I love it. I think it's beautiful, as is Camellia.

Have no mental connection with paint, but am not in UK.

Mclaren37 · 09/03/2016 03:19

Oh wow I hadn't even thought of the paint connection. Obviously everyone else did though so maybe it's not a good idea?! My immediate response was that I love it! I half considered it for our DD as there was a huge Magnolia tree in bloom in our garden during my pregnancy - so beautiful. I love Maggie too.
How about Clementine or Camellia?

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 08/03/2016 20:33

A no from me. I just think of 'Mr Magnolia has only one boot'.

DiscordiaVanDiemen · 08/03/2016 20:22

By coincidence I was just talking to someone about Magnolia: Magnolia Hawks in Showboat.
That would always be my first association when hearing it as a first name. Otherwise I'd think of the tree and gorgeous magnolia blossom.

ILiveForNachos · 08/03/2016 20:08

Wowsers. I always forget how brutal the MNs can be about names! Magnolia is a beautiful flower and beautiful word. Yes there is a paint colour called it but your child will make whatever name you give them their own. I don't think anyone is going to think you've named them after a paint! Once people meet her she will be who they associate Magnolia with, not paint. If you love it, go for it and let people think whatever they want to think :)

gunting · 08/03/2016 18:43

Why not just call your baby muesli ? Why give a child a name which is a synonym for boring?

Allalonenow · 08/03/2016 18:34

Vanilla could be the following child in the sibling set! Grin

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 08/03/2016 18:27

I think of the musical Show Boat first - she gets called Nolie too, which is quite nice.

I do think of the paint colour as well though, sorry...

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 08/03/2016 18:20

Me personally. I don't like the sound of the name, but if you like it go for it. After all there are plenty of Daisies, Roses, Poppies, ect walking around. All flower names.

Sophronia · 08/03/2016 17:22

How about Magali / Magalie instead?

WutheringFrights · 08/03/2016 17:21

I thought tree rather than paint and I quite like it...but it appears I am in the minority!

CheeseAndOnionWalkers · 08/03/2016 17:21

Definitely paint in my mind (although some paint/colour names are pretty- Olive, Primrose, Dawn, Willow..)

wombthereitis · 08/03/2016 17:17

I would tend to agree with it possibly being the pregnancy hormones taking over. And yes, I'd think of the paint too. How about Primrose, Violet or Dahlia is you fancy an unusual flower name?

Mouthfulofquiz · 08/03/2016 17:12

Beautiful plant that would be lovely to be named after.. But the paint has unfortunately ruined that for you. How about Camellia?
Grows in the same soil, blooms at the same time, is equally beautiful.

BettyBi0 · 08/03/2016 17:06

Hahaha nooooo! Are you serious?

Mind you NN Magie is pretty cute.

BYOSnowman · 08/03/2016 17:05

It also makes me think of the film. Tom cruise plays a motivational speaker whose catchphrase is 'respect the cock'

Not a thought I would like popping into other people's heads when they meet my baby!!

ShutUpSirius · 08/03/2016 17:03

A rubber stamp company for me.

SoupDragon · 08/03/2016 17:01

Bland paint I'm afraid.

VocationalGoat · 08/03/2016 17:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

BYOSnowman · 08/03/2016 16:57

Magnolia is the bland paint colour that people use to sell/rent a property

I ouldnt want my child thought of as bland