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Baby names

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

Original poster

Olive...opinions please

104 replies

Gdacsmum · 14/05/2018 09:34

Hubby and I really like Olive for a girl (Olive Joan Nora) but I am worried as it’s a bit unusual and I would hate if she was teased/didn’t like her name. Do you know any olives, how was the name received, any thoughts? Thanks

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Original poster
Gdacsmum · 14/05/2018 16:05

Thanks for all your comments, deffo seems to be a marmite kinda name although more likes than dislikes in the responses so far. I’m aware of the “on the buses” and Popeye link but as someone in my early 30s these references are before my time and hence would likely not be relevant for someone’s born in 2018. When I think of Olive I think of the lovely little girl in “little miss sunshine” who was a cool, confident and unique little lady who was proud to be different and follow her dream. Such a cute little indie film 🎥

OP posts:
TroubledLichen · 14/05/2018 14:49

I think it’s adorable

chrismartinsfuturewife · 14/05/2018 14:49

Beautiful name x

FizzyGreenWater · 14/05/2018 14:48

Sorry, I don't like it either, but know I'm in the minority on this one! it's definitely becoming more popular OP so you should have no fear in going for it!

Why don't I like it - well, it just sounds quite dull and boring, it's not a particularly attractive word to say, reminds me of Olive Oyl but more reminds me just of... an olive.

It just doesn't grab me at all and as a name I bunch it in with other names that to me are vaguely drab and depressing for no clear reason I can put my finger on. Other ones are: Heather and Hazel... hmm, maybe it's names that are also things that I'm not keen on! All of these names to me seem heavy, dull, a bit heavy going.

SheGotBetteDavisEyes · 14/05/2018 13:39

I know two little Olives under 6. It's not overused and a sweet name.

sonnyboo · 14/05/2018 13:34

I'm surprised not more of you think of an actual olive!

Singlenotsingle · 14/05/2018 13:33

On the Buses? You might not remember it but anyone older will immediately think of a large lady in a shapeless coat and glasses. Google it?

Thecaravan · 14/05/2018 13:33

I have a friend in her 30s called Olive. Love the name! Never gets shortened, she's just Olive. Go for it!

chocatoo · 14/05/2018 13:29

Sorry, it reminds me of Oliiiiive! from 'on the buses' - a 1970s 'sitcom' - I'm afraid Olive was not particularly attractive so I would avoid.

Stringofpearls · 14/05/2018 13:29

Olive is a lovely name, it reminds me of the little girl in Little Miss Sunshine Smile

Pemba · 14/05/2018 13:24

Yes I do realise they grow on trees thanks Hmm

Cosmoa · 14/05/2018 13:22

Sounds really old fashioned, and only makes me think of Olive Oyl (sp?) from Popeye, plus the things in jars of course.

Haha I think you mean Olives that grow on trees 😂 they don't just come in jars lol...

Joinourclub · 14/05/2018 13:22

I like it. I much prefer it to Olivia.

Cosmoa · 14/05/2018 13:21

It's a common nick name for Olivia (as there as so many of them) and I love it! I know quite a few people who go by the name Olive Smile

FairyFantastic · 14/05/2018 13:14

love it

londonfeather · 14/05/2018 13:14

Love Olive, first heard it as a name in the film Little Miss Sunshine

NordicNobody · 14/05/2018 13:11

I really love it but dp has vetoed due to the Popeyes connection. I'd go for it though, it's very pretty.

Pemba · 14/05/2018 13:07

Nora would be nicer, or even Joan (although Jane or Joanna is nicer than that).

Pemba · 14/05/2018 13:06

I'm sorry but I hate it. Sounds really old fashioned, and only makes me think of Olive Oyl (sp?) from Popeye, plus the things in jars of course.

It's funny because I find Olivia beautiful, although I know it's been really popular.

CheeseTheDay · 14/05/2018 12:55

I really don't think the Nora Joan/Norah Jones thing is an issue, because in reality, how often are middle names said out loud?

user1499786242 · 14/05/2018 12:49

I LOVE the name
I wanted to use it but my partner hates it :(

It is increasing in popularity, a lot of new baby olives around
But i don't think it will ever overtake some of the other popular names
So shouldn't be loads in nursery/schools etc

Such a lush name!!!

Original poster
Gdacsmum · 14/05/2018 12:47

I do probably prefer middle names switched but then it sounds like the female singer Norah Jones 😖

OP posts:
Elmo303 · 14/05/2018 12:45

Lovely strong name, makes me think of a confident, happy little girl who knows her own mind! Liv is a really nice nickname too

TheLastNigel · 14/05/2018 12:35

My friend just called her new baby Olive. I absolutely love it.

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