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Baby names

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

Original poster

Ava - Too Popular?

83 replies

ForumUsername · 29/01/2018 16:05

Our little girl is nearly 10 days old and we haven't picked a name

We like Ava but it's very popular and that's putting us off
Is it silly to not go with it because it's popular?

Has anyone any other suggestions?
We want something classic but not overly used....

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kaytee87 · 31/01/2018 20:11

I like Eve which is similar. Not so keen on Ava, different people will pronounce it differently

Rihanna89 · 31/01/2018 17:24

I know loads of babies called Ava, how about Ayda?

RavenWings · 31/01/2018 17:24

I don't think that happens anymore. There is such a huge variety of names these days, compared to when we were called either Claire, Sarah, Karen or Tracey.

Honestly, no there really isn't. Eva/Ella/Ava/Sophie etc are all very current and will date. Not a bad thing in and of itself really, but this notion that some names aren't everywhere just isn't accurate ime.

TheDowagerCuntess · 31/01/2018 17:22

I don't think that happens anymore. There is such a huge variety of names these days, compared to when we were called either Claire, Sarah, Karen or Tracey.

It still happens. The wide variety of names doesn't stop the fact that there are still a strong cohort of popular, 'top 10' names that will date to the era they were prevalent in.

In any case, I'm from the era of Claire, Karen, Joanne, etc. and there was a pretty wide variety of names then too (and I don't have one of those names). They're still the names we all associate with that era.

glitterbiscuits · 31/01/2018 12:14

It’s very plain. A bit dull.

Macandpeas · 31/01/2018 12:02

The popularity wouldn't bother me, both my dc have top 10 names but are the only ones in their classes with those names.

Ava is pretty but I do think it'll date, a bit like Chloe, Ellie and Kimberley etc.

PeonyTruffle · 31/01/2018 10:03

My DS aged 3 has a best friend called Ava. She’s the only I’ve come across Smile

JumpingFrogs · 31/01/2018 09:59

It's true that in German Eva is pronounced "Ava". I think the spelling was started by Eva Gardner . My son is 18. We called him Joseph which was one of the very very popular names when he was born. We have known a couple of others in school over the years but never in his class. So it's really not a problem. All names will date and no one can really predict how a name will age. I had elderly female relatives with names like Lily, Molly and Daisy...which I considered really frumpy and old fashioned when I was growing up! If you like it, go for it!

MikeUniformMike · 31/01/2018 09:57

I don't 'get' Ava either or Eva. I think Eve and Evie are pretty but wouldn't want to be called either of them.
Ava was nice for Ava Gardner. The one I don't get at all is Darcey/Darcy although Dame Bussell is lovely.
These little girls have a lot to live up to.

Annabelle4 · 31/01/2018 09:48

'Ava will be the Claire of our young kids generation. It's everywhere. It's lovely, but it's everywhere'

I don't think that happens anymore. There is such a huge variety of names these days, compared to when we were called either Claire, Sarah, Karen or Tracey.

Thehairthebod · 31/01/2018 09:30

My DH can't understand the rise in Ava, as he says he immediately thinks of Hitler'wife Eva (apparently pronounced Ava) Braun. Its not a connection I make though.

Thehairthebod · 31/01/2018 09:28

Ava will be the Claire of our young kids generation. It's everywhere. It's lovely, but it's everywhere.

Changednamejustincase · 31/01/2018 09:26

I have never met an Ava or heard of anybody I know having an Ava.

Annabelle4 · 31/01/2018 09:17

Eva Longoria is definitely 'Ee-va'

PandaCat · 31/01/2018 08:47

It is a very popular name but if you like it you shouldn't let that put you off!

HuskyMcClusky · 31/01/2018 03:06

I like it spelt Eva ( like Eva longoria and Eva Green)

Are these both pronounced AY-va?? I had no idea.

TheDowagerCuntess · 31/01/2018 03:00

Honor?

Has a similar, elegant feel, but way less common.

1haudyerwheesht · 30/01/2018 22:11

Scotland is over run with Eva and Ava's. I don't think I would do it.

LuckyAmy1986 · 30/01/2018 17:35

Alara?

JacintaJones · 29/01/2018 23:28

How about Hera?

Sounds similar but not nearly so popular. I like its Mythological origin and its anything but common.

pimlicolife · 29/01/2018 22:51

Go for it!

My daughter's Ava. She's six months old and I haven't met another one anywhere yet. (we're in London).

My name was also a very popular one (top 10) when I was born and I haven't met another person with my name in about 20 years. Smile

Heloise111 · 29/01/2018 21:44

I think its a lovely name - but please make the prononciation AY-VA.
I have various Evas, Avas, Eves on the register - on first glance you think you are saying it right but then are informed no...
I have an Ava in one class. Its pronounced EE VA acc to her. Its a bit confusing for teachers.
Not that teacher confusion should be your sole reason!

Buxbaum · 29/01/2018 21:35

It’s lovely but it is SO popular, especially when combined with all f the variations on Eva. In DD’s y1 class there’s an Ava, two Evas (eeva and evva) and an Aoife. It’s only a class of 25!

Mayhemmumma · 29/01/2018 21:28

Don't spell Ava as Eva OP that will be a nightmare to correct people... not that they'd be wrong anyway....

routineplease · 29/01/2018 20:18

My DD1 is Ava and I haven't come across many others.
I love it and as PP's have said its popular for a reason; it's a classy name that will suit both baby and woman.

Go for it - she will be your beautiful Ava.