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Baby names

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Original poster

Shakespearean name - Desdemona?

89 replies

TitusAndromedon234 · 19/07/2018 14:29

We already have a 3 year old Hermione, and are expecting baby number 2, which we've just found out is another girl.

We'd like to use a Shakespearean name for dc2. I love Desdemona, and think the nn Desi is very cute.
However, we're not sure if it's a bit out there - Hermione is now also associated with Harry Potter, which normalises it a bit, but Desdemona doesn't really have any other connotations than the Shakespeare one.

Also on our shortlist are Isabella (but think it's a little too popular), Rosalind and Viola.

I like Imogen and Emilia, but don't think I can use either, as dd1's nickname is Mimi, so Imi/Millie would be too similar.

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StrawberryCat · 20/07/2018 07:36

I really dislike it, sorry. It makes me think of the word 'disdain'. And the short forms are pretty grim - Des, Dezzy, mona. And she's bound to get that from her friends.
Imagine calling Desdemona across the park!

Rosalind is lovely!
Viola is nice too, although like a pp i think of the instrument.
Cressida is very pretty.
Imogen is lovely but more common (in case that bothers you).
Miranda is nice.
Helena is gorgeous!

All are much much nicer than Desdemona!! 🙊

Other ideas (but not sure if they're Shakespearean): Rosamund, Cassandra.

RedDwarves · 20/07/2018 00:49

It's a strong no from me.

Isabella is much, much nicer.

MrsReader · 20/07/2018 00:21

I like Perdita too

MrStarkIDontFeelSoGood · 19/07/2018 22:59

Desdemona means misery

I have a Shakespeare name

I won't say which Grin

Clawdy · 19/07/2018 22:55

Hmm, Titania could be a rather embarrassing name.....

pallisers · 19/07/2018 22:55

I love Miranda, Juliet or Portia.

Clawdy · 19/07/2018 22:54

Too many unpleasant associations with Desdemona. And Desi reminds me of Desi Arnaz, the husband in the Lucille Ball show all those years ago!

AndNoneForGretchenWieners · 19/07/2018 22:54

What about Titania or Regan? I like Cordelia or Portia, I also like Hermia and Hero but too close to Hermione.

Goneril = Gonorrhea.

NC4Now · 19/07/2018 22:48

I like it, but I also associate it with the Jeff Noon books.

I love Rosalind and Helena is quite pretty.

SpaghettiDinner · 19/07/2018 22:47

I like Helena. And Ophielia.

haribosmarties · 19/07/2018 22:44

Viola is lovely!
I dont like Desdemona personally as it makes me think of a middle aged man named Desmond!

Cordelia is lovely as is Rosalind.
Agree that Isabella is very very popular and so would not personally use.

crumpet · 19/07/2018 22:44

Hero is very pretty

MinaPaws · 19/07/2018 22:43

Forgot Viola. She's good too.

MinaPaws · 19/07/2018 22:42

The best Shakespearean heroines are Portia, Beatrice, Rosalind, Emilia. Miranda probably turns out fine too.

I wouldn't call a child after a character famous for being murdered by her violent, jealous husband. The name has no other connotations. too depressing.

Milfromhades · 19/07/2018 22:39

I prefer Rosalind, also Rosalind and Viola go together nicely if you wanted to use both.

LockedOutOfMN · 19/07/2018 22:36

I haven't read the full thread, but if no one has said it already, Desdemona means "ill fated", (and - SPOILER - she meets a nasty end in the play). So I wouldn't name my daughter that as that's the only link I can make to the name Desdemona.

Desirée, on the other hand, is a similar sounding name that I adore, probably because I know a lady named that and she is the kindest, sweetest, funnniest, warmest, most beautiful and stylish, intelligent person.

OlennasWimple · 19/07/2018 22:34

Beatrice, Cordelia or Rosalind are all lovely names and not too obvious "we are naming our DDs after Shakespeare heroines" IYSWIM

PersisFord · 19/07/2018 22:34

Hero (although a little drippy but it’s a superb name) or Miranda. I had a friend called Miranda at university and we used to call her Rwanda, which is an awesome nick name too!

twattymctwatterson · 19/07/2018 22:31

Put out the light, then put out the light... far too depressing for me op.

tigercub50 · 19/07/2018 22:29

I like Helena & Rosalind

chickydoo · 19/07/2018 22:25

Cordelia from me.
However if you have a third daughter you are in deep trouble

DurtySarf · 19/07/2018 22:24

How about Regan? Or Gertrude?

Petalflowers · 19/07/2018 22:19

I remember her (from studying Otherllo at A-level)is that she was a strong character. She just cam e to an unfortunate end.

Petalflowers · 19/07/2018 22:18

If you like it, use it. It’s unusual, but would go with your other daughter. Desi is a great nn.

raisedbyguineapigs · 19/07/2018 22:14

I like Ophelia but she drowned herself. I'd say she was more drippy than Desdemona who married a moor against the wishes of her father but yes she was a murder victim. I like Viola (although I don't know the character) or Rosalind