Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Eleanor or Melanie?

32 replies

AlineB · 18/01/2017 20:21

Can't decide!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Joeybee · 22/01/2017 23:13

I prefer Melanie, but dislike the nn 'Mel', so for that reason I'd opt for Eleanor. Eleanor is nice as there are so many nn potentials from it, and it is a classic name.

Doglikeafox · 22/01/2017 13:09

I'm an Eleanor and really like that I have a classic, professional name but that friends can call me 'Elle', 'Ellie' etc.
I personally prefer the spelling, and pronounciation of 'Elenor' Grin

leedspirate · 22/01/2017 11:42

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Biscuitsneeded · 22/01/2017 11:35

Eleanor. By a country mile. Melanie is very 70s.

ABCFamily · 22/01/2017 05:23

I like Melanie, although not so keen on Mel. It's a very happy sounding name.

Eleni is a Greek name that you might like, as it's halfway between the two.

NavyandWhite · 21/01/2017 21:00

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 21/01/2017 13:42

Eleanor.

JournosAreLazy · 21/01/2017 08:49

Not Melanie! So by default, Eleanor.

DowhatIwanttodo · 21/01/2017 08:01

I don't like Melanie at all (know lots of middle aged Mels.)

For some reason I know lots of little Ellens and Eleanors too. Two of each in dd's class.

indigo13 · 21/01/2017 07:55

I agree mel is a bit of a nothing name and there are plenty of adult mels around. I like Eleanor with nn Nel

WanderingTrolley1 · 19/01/2017 05:52

Eleanor.

KoalaDownUnder · 19/01/2017 05:35

Eleanor. Although much prefer Elena.

Melanie is dated and Mel not great.

HandsFaceTeeth · 19/01/2017 00:52

Your baby could get called Melly, like Miss Melly in Gone With The Wind. That's nice

HandsFaceTeeth · 19/01/2017 00:51

Oh, Eleanor a pretty name, but ten a penny these days. Melanie not at al common these days. Sounds very different for a 2017 baby. Go for it.

Pluto30 · 19/01/2017 00:46

I prefer Melanie, but don't like Mel at all.

So, I suppose Eleanor by default, but I don't like it at all, honestly.

LaLaLouise · 18/01/2017 20:57

Eleanor definitely. Melanie sounds a bit dated to me and she will end up being called Mel which is a bit of a nothing name.

How about Elodie?

WickerLoveHearts · 18/01/2017 20:55

Eleanie? Like Ella-Knee
But I prefer Eleanor, I know someone who has a baby called Ellanah

rainbow99 · 18/01/2017 20:54

Definitely Eleanor. Or Elinor which you could shorten to Elin which is lovely too

CactusFred · 18/01/2017 20:47

Eleanor!

lilyborderterrier · 18/01/2017 20:45

I'm Melanie but only my Mum calls me it, I've been Mel for the last 30 odd years. I prefer it. It always gets shortened.
It's not a name that you here chosen for babies very often.

Go with your choice. Ignore the haters

EssentialHummus · 18/01/2017 20:33

Eleanor is far better imo

TheNaze73 · 18/01/2017 20:33

Eleanor is very popular but, is a nice name.

Don't like the name Mekanie however, every "Mel" I've met, have been lovely

alltouchedout · 18/01/2017 20:31

Eleanor is lovely.

insan1tyscartching · 18/01/2017 20:31

Dd's friend is Melanie,it's not a name I would choose because she gets called Mel or Melon. I like Eleanor though

Blacksox · 18/01/2017 20:31

Eleanor! Melanie is just awful (sorry)