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Baby names

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

Original poster

Dorothy or Dorothea for brother Theodore

38 replies

Babynonamee · 11/04/2018 09:08

We are having a hard time agreeing on a name.

Our son is called Theodore (NN Teddy)

We like the name Dorothy for a girl.

I didn't realise the two are actually derived from the same Greek name and both mean 'gift'. I just like the name Dorothy.

Do you prefer Dorothy or Dorothea? Dor-a-thee-a
Is Dorothea too similar to Theodore?
Is Dorothy too similar to Theodore?

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pipilangstrumpf · 12/04/2018 17:36

As long as they don't end up as Teddy and Dolly!

PaleBlue · 12/04/2018 17:00

I wouldn't think anything negative if I knew someone with a Theodore and a Dorothy. Theodore and Dorothy sound different to me. Both are lovely names. Theo and Dotty are good nicknames.

Emptynestermum · 12/04/2018 16:58

I don't think they are too similar ...Theodore and Dorothy. Both are lovely. I had an aunt called Theodora which is also lovely but that really would be too similar!

Am sure when they are a bit older they will become Theo and Dotty.

If you decide they are too similar Dorothy could always be a middle name ....Matilta Dorothy?

pipilangstrumpf · 12/04/2018 16:49

Dorotheodora Grin

SeekEveryEveryKnownHidingPlace · 12/04/2018 14:40

I wouldn't do Theodore and either of those names - they're all three nice names, but it's like your daughter would be an anagram of your son!

Tell your husband he's wrong Grin. People will refer to your kids collectively as Theodorothy!

LoveInTokyo · 12/04/2018 14:34

Dorothy if you must - Theodore and Dorothea just sounds a bit silly.

I like Florence the best out of your choices.

MrsHathaway · 12/04/2018 14:25

For me it's like having a Henry and a Harriet: I'm surprised anyone doesn't think they're the boy and girl versions of the same name.

And OF COURSE you think Dorothy/Dorothea a lovely name, because you thought it was a lovely name for DS Grin

Florence and Matilda are both lovely names too. I'm sure you'll come to a good agreement soon.

SpottyBrolly · 12/04/2018 14:16

Dorothy, shortened to Dolly.

Original poster
Babynonamee · 12/04/2018 06:07

The consensus seems to be that Dorothy is too similar to Theodore Sad

I've told DH we can't use it. He didn't realise either but he said it doesn't matter and makes him like it more. But I don't want people to think we are silly!

OP posts:
ElizabethG81 · 11/04/2018 22:15

They're both lovely but they're basically the same name.

OlennasWimple · 11/04/2018 22:12

Your alternative names are much better

chezmk1988 · 11/04/2018 22:11

Dorothy as dorothea is too similar.

Winterfield · 11/04/2018 16:35

Way too similar, sorry.

How about Seraphina?

pilates · 11/04/2018 16:33

Too similar

ShowOfHands · 11/04/2018 16:32

It's like having a Charles and a Charlotte or a Thomas and a Thomasina. Just too similar.

pipilangstrumpf · 11/04/2018 16:28

Way too similar! I'd choose a completely different name.

windchimesabotage · 11/04/2018 13:59

I think Dorothea is lovely!
My two will have names that are very similar to each other and are boy and girl. We didnt choose them like that on purpose but cant find any other name we love for our daughter so she is going to have the one which is very similar to her brothers.
We have Ambrose and Amber!

You could always use the nicknames Dotty and Theo
or Thea and Teddy?

PalePinkSwan · 11/04/2018 13:57

The connection is very well known though, tbh I’d guess most people will know they are essentially the same name and will think it’s very odd.

Just choose a different name!

HermioneGrace · 11/04/2018 13:55

Dorothea is a lovely name. But Theodore and Dorothea’s nickname may be very similar (Theo and Thea).

BubblesAndSquarks · 11/04/2018 13:47

Florence and Matilda are both lovely, if you're having trouble think of which nicknames you prefer.
Could end up as Flo, Florry, Tilda, Tilly.

BubblesAndSquarks · 11/04/2018 13:45

I think its too similar, sound wise they're basically just reversed
Dor - a - thee
Thee - a - dor

goldentriangle · 11/04/2018 13:40

Dorothy doesn't sound like Theodore to me at all. I think it's lovely, nick name dotty.

flatrabbit · 11/04/2018 13:17

Both far too similar, they're basically the same name!

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 11/04/2018 12:54

Love Matilda !

ReversingSnail · 11/04/2018 11:00

Florence is a lovely name and goes really well with Theodore.