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Baby names

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

Original poster

Baby name sula

57 replies

Sweetweemama · 29/05/2018 19:10

We are thinking of calling our number two girl Sula. It’s the name of a little Scottish Hebridean island and we love the Hebrides. And also means “peace little she bear” in Hebrew which I think is kind of cute too. Opinions please! Any downfalls I’ve not thought of?

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HairyToity · 16/02/2020 21:39

I know a Sula. Her birth certificate name is Ursula but she has always been called Sula.

FartnissEverbeans · 16/02/2020 18:18

Love it! For Scottish island names I also love Vaila and Shuna.

user1493494961 · 15/02/2020 15:07

I also think of sweaty upper lip, I expect that's regional but I think there are far nicer names to choose from.

FizzyGreenWater · 15/02/2020 13:16

Yes, really like it - although I'd almost certainly have Ursula on the bc with Sula as the nn, just because that's two fab names for the price of one!

Bezalelle · 15/02/2020 09:41

Sweaty Upper Lip Area.

Susweatsu · 15/02/2020 08:14

Hello, did you go with the name Sula,
I get the bing thing but for that yes you can blame me, I put it to the lady asking for name of characters of a children’s program. Iv grown up with the name Sula always getting good feedback about my name, how ever when I was at school there were the odd children that would call me Zula warrior, even now the in-laws can’t say it right lol

Taytotots · 30/05/2018 02:07

Sula bassana used to be the Latin name for gannet. Also old Norse for gannet. However I doubt many people will know that and anyway I like gannets. Lovely name.

villainousbroodmare · 30/05/2018 01:29

It means to wipe in Zulu and Xhosa.

CoolCarrie · 29/05/2018 23:43

I remember Miss Derwent came to our school to read and talk about her books, she was a character; lovely borders accent, long grey hair up in a bun and glasses, wearing a tartan cape, she wore it well. You should get some of her 📚, as she wrote quite a few about her childhood as well as the Sula trio.

CoolCarrie · 29/05/2018 23:35

Sula is a lovely name, go for it! There are three novels by Scottish writer Lavinia Derwent; Sula, Return to Sula and Song Of Sula which are excellent children’s books.

Spudlet · 29/05/2018 23:32

It's a pretty name, but unfortunately for me has been besmirched by its association with Irritating Rabbit (as he is known in this house) Sad

MrsCD67 · 29/05/2018 23:30

As a PP said
S.u.l.a= Sweaty upper lip alert

SequinsOnEverything · 29/05/2018 22:12

I really like it.
Doesn't make me think of Bing, although my dd doesn't watch it that often.

WaverleyOwl · 29/05/2018 22:05

Btw, know nothing about Bing characters as my youngest is 5 and we havent watched CBeebies in years. Forget that association as it won't last. A good name will!

WaverleyOwl · 29/05/2018 22:03

My first dog was called Sula, 30+ years ago, and I always loved the name. We named her after the boat that took visitors out to the Bass Rock from North Berwick. There's also the book, The Boy from Sula, by Lavinia Derwent (plus follow ups), about the remote Scottish Island.

If we'd had a girl, I think I would have pushed for Ursula, with Sula as a nickname. Go for it 😊

Babamoose · 29/05/2018 21:41

There is also a wine region in India that does 'Sula wines'.

The logo might be a sun with a moustache though..

PaulHollywoodsSexGut · 29/05/2018 21:34

I like it but will forever associate it with a small elephant wearing a yellow dress.

Bing has a lot to answer for 😁

Original poster
Sweetweemama · 29/05/2018 21:31

Good to know! Thanks

OP posts:
Moonkissedlegs · 29/05/2018 21:13

Another one here whose first thought was Bing.

It is a nice name though, and the annoying bunny connotations will wear off soon enough I think.

Original poster
Sweetweemama · 29/05/2018 21:11

Really helpful! Thanks Sula!

OP posts:
BeesAndMist · 29/05/2018 20:55

My best friend is a Sula. Her real name is Ursula but she’s gone by Sula ever since Little Mermaid was released (so a while!). I think it’s a fab name.

Babamoose · 29/05/2018 20:52

My name is Sula!

I'm quite attached to it, after 30yrs or so.

Positive:

  • I was here before the elephant on Bing, but found it oddly cool that my name became almost mainstream for a bit
  • It is memorable so has had its benefits in life
  • If anyone gets you anything personalised they have REALLY made the effort and not just found your name on a pen in an airport gift shop.

Negative:

  • I have many arguments with receptionists who believe my name is Sue and my surname is somewhat French: La(surname)
  • Sula is a Latin term that is linked to beautiful (?) seabirds such as the gannet, the blue-footed booby & the red-footed booby.
  • People immediately think of me being exotic and are often quite disappointed when the small Geordie lady turns up for a meeting...

Fun fact: I grew up hating my middle name Mary...

MrsEricBana · 29/05/2018 20:50

I know a teenage Sula. Beautiful name 😊

Theycouldhavechoseneve · 29/05/2018 20:45

On a Greek holiday once time, the ladies who cleaned our room everyday were called Sula and Tula. Their names and they made me smile.

Ohyesiam · 29/05/2018 20:43

Beautiful name with a musical sound.