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Baby names

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

Original poster

Mary

69 replies

Justchanged · 26/04/2017 19:19

Any thoughts on whether Mary is ready for a revival? It's a family name and the more I think about it the more cute it sounds for a little girl - feminine, pretty, classic and strong. Or am I getting carried away?

I also like Joan.

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PitilessYank · 27/04/2017 03:07

Mary is a great name.
Joan sounds dull to me.

NoncommittalToSparkleMotion · 27/04/2017 01:59

Love Mary, due a comeback.

Not a Joan fan.

TheDowagerCuntess · 27/04/2017 01:56

Everything is slang for female genitalia these days. I think Mary has way strong enough other connotations to ward off that connection.

Just like William (Willy) ably does.

Mary is a lovely name.

I went to high school with a beautiful brunette teenage (obviously) Mary, so my association is very positive.

It's MIL's name and DD's middle name.

Northgate · 27/04/2017 00:02

I did like Mary until I saw some people on a local FB mums group using "Mary" as slang for female genitalia. That's put me off it a bit.

PicklesandPi · 27/04/2017 00:00

Love Mary but couldn't use it as DSS is Joseph!

Sinkingfeeling · 26/04/2017 23:47

I love Mary - but not keen on Joan.

Floralnomad · 26/04/2017 23:43

Mary is very plain and a bit dull . Joan is just not very nice . Joni / Joanna would be much better .

SuperBeagle · 26/04/2017 23:37

I love Mary, but I'd never use it because it's so religious. I also like the name Faith, but wouldn't use it for the same reason.

I like Joan as a middle name, but think it's still too dated to use as a first name. Joni is cool and has a great namesake though.

MollyHuaCha · 26/04/2017 23:06

Mary was a name I really loved. But DH said no...

BarneyRumbleton · 26/04/2017 23:06

Both my grandmas were Joan and it's my mum's middle name. I've never considered it for a child now, but I think I can see it as cool. The parents would have to be a bit rock n roll to carry it off, I reckon.
The kind of name Kate Moss could have used.

forlornalien · 26/04/2017 23:04

I love the name Mary but Joan is my miserable cow of a MIL so I wouldn't use that in a month of Sundays.

SallyAlbrightsCollegeRoomate · 26/04/2017 23:03

It's a lovely classic name but it has very religious overtones, I guess it depends if that bothers you or not?

Mrsknackered · 26/04/2017 23:02

I really don't like Joan though.

EatSpamAmandaLamb · 26/04/2017 23:02

Love them both but prefer Joan, very chic.
I went to a school with a girl called Joan Joy Jones, she had this amazing sophisticated air about her even as a 7 year old.

Mrsknackered · 26/04/2017 23:02

I love it.
My mn and grandma's name (and she's the best person ever) I know a little Mary and I've always thought it was fab Smile

cauliflowercheese14 · 26/04/2017 23:00

I only know one young Mary and she's a delightful three year old. It's lovely.

BarneyRumbleton · 26/04/2017 22:53

I'm Catholic. I love the name Mary. I'd assume you were RC too.
I went to school with dozens of variations - Marie, Maria, Anne-Marie etc but only two
Marys.
Must be due a revival.

DramaAlpaca · 26/04/2017 22:48

Yes to Mary, no to Joan.

JimWithTwoNoses · 26/04/2017 21:53

I like it, classic and under used. I might presume you/your child is religious or catholic though. Also like Joan, no idea why it's not more popular, it's lovely. Think I'd go for Joan more than Mary but both are great names

Nancy91 · 26/04/2017 20:58

I think Mary is a beautiful name

frazzlebedazzle · 26/04/2017 20:53

Not a fan of Mary, sorry. Joanie and Jeanie are super cute!

Hopelessromantic1988 · 26/04/2017 20:22

That's my name and I'm only 27. I absolutely hate it.

It does have the advantage of making you appear sensible and from a middle class religious background though! 😀

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 26/04/2017 20:16

❤️ Mary.
Not keen on Joan.

McSleepy · 26/04/2017 20:15

I know a 2 year old Mary. It is a lovely name however all I can think of is Mary and Joseph. I think it works as a baby and older person name but can't imagine a teenager Mary...

FeedTheSharkAndItWIllBite · 26/04/2017 20:11

*personally