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Baby names

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

Original poster

Imogen or Octavia

80 replies

2und3r2 · 09/07/2018 20:13

36 weeks now and still completely torn over our 2 girls names so would love some feedbackto help us decide.

For a long time we’ve been set on Imogen but recently my husband’s become increasingly keen on the name Octavia - which he’s always liked but thinks especially fitting for an August baby. I like it too but worried it sounds a bit pretentious - what do others think? Only concern with Imogen is has it become too popular? Any thoughts much appreciated plus opinions on which of the 2 you prefer? Thanks x

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17caterpillars1mouse · 12/07/2018 17:26

I really like Octavia it's a lovely sophisticated name. I've only ever met one (3 year old) but remember having a pot too named Octavia as a child and always thought what a beautiful name it is

MariaMadita · 11/07/2018 11:17

Imogen.

StrawberryCat · 11/07/2018 10:59

Imogen. It's lovely! Octavia seems a rather 'heavy' name to be saddled with in my opinion. It's a bit overly grand and fussy. Imagine a poor spotty teenage girl introducing herself to people at a sports club as Octavia!

alwaysmuddy · 10/07/2018 19:41

Love Octavia!
At the risk of outing myself entirely my name is Imogen and Octavia was on our list for dd2. Dd1 is Ottilie and I didn't want the same initial so we went for Theodora.
Aug 2018 calls out for Octavia!
x

Glumglowworm · 10/07/2018 19:20

I really don’t like Octavia but I love Imogen

I like Immy or Imo as nicknames

Labradoodliedoodoo · 10/07/2018 18:49

Love Octavia rather

Labradoodliedoodoo · 10/07/2018 18:49

Liverpool be Octavia

daisypond · 10/07/2018 18:48

I find Imogen a bit drippy, and I can't get over the fact that the name is supposed to have come about because of a spelling mistake/printer's error, even if it has been an accepted name for ages. I know loads in their early 20s/late teens, so it seems a bit dated to me, not in an awful way, just a bit behind the curve.

sayhellotothelittlefella · 10/07/2018 16:38

@HumphreyCobblers - My DH said not until we had eight. - I do, it’s one of her names Grin

FartnissEverbeans · 10/07/2018 16:22

Octavia is a model of car.

No shit, it's also a girls' name.

Imogen is a lovely name but I find it a bit boring now as I've taught loads of them. Octavia is awesome.

buckleten · 10/07/2018 16:13

Love Octavia! Almost worth having another dd so I can use the name!

liisha · 10/07/2018 15:33

Octavia sounds like an exotic dancer whereas Imogen is lovely (in my humble opinion).

thatmustbenigelwiththebrie · 10/07/2018 15:28

I am sorry but I hate Octavia.

sundowners · 10/07/2018 15:13

Don't like either much but dislike Imogen strongly so would be Octavia.

DeckSofa · 10/07/2018 12:40

Octavia is great. Imogen is a bit tired now.

starkid · 10/07/2018 12:22

I like both of them! If I was brave I'd go for Octavia as it's gorgeous.
However might as well just keep them both on the table until she is born :)

TatianaLarina · 10/07/2018 11:24

Imogen by miles. Octavia is awful, it’s my mum‘s favourite name.

Ionlylookatthepictures · 10/07/2018 11:03

I don’t like either tbh. Imogen sounds like a type of headache and Octavia is ugly and pretentious. If I had to choose one it would be Imogen.

BellBookandCandle · 10/07/2018 11:00

@2und3r2 - it seemed like a coincidence!

I have an Imogen, there are a couple of others a similar age to her (16) and thee seem to be quite a few younger ones around us.

I'm not as keen on Octavia, (I prefer Ophelia or Ottilie) but you don't hear it as often as Imogen. Have you considered Ianthe or Iolanthe as alternatives?

My Imogen hates Imo as a shortening and would wither a person at 100 paces if they called her Mog! why would you take a lovely name and use such clunky shortenings?

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 10/07/2018 08:48

Imogen.

Lotsofdigestives · 09/07/2018 22:59

Octavia. Why not.

AdaColeman · 09/07/2018 22:57

Imogen, nn Mimi.

Taffeta · 09/07/2018 22:55

I know a few Imogens

Variously known as Immy, Ims and Mog Grin

bridgetreilly · 09/07/2018 22:39

Imogen. It's really not that popular, but it's super pretty and no one will assume she has seven siblings or was born on 8th August or whatever.

Taffeta · 09/07/2018 22:34

1.8.18 birthday even better! Grin