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Baby names

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

Original poster

Laura or Lorna?

63 replies

Abbyleemiller · 31/07/2018 13:53

We've narrowed it down to these two names, and are now completely stuck as to which to go with.

On the one hand, I think the spelling of Laura looks prettier, but Lorna is a bit less 'girly' and more unusual/interesting.

Does anyone have any strong opinions either way?

Middle name will be Katherine after a family member

Surname is 1 syllable, starts with S.

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Sugarpiehoneyeye · 01/08/2018 13:24

Definitely Laura, such a lovely name.
Dislike Lorna, sorry.

foxtiger · 01/08/2018 13:00

I like Laura much better. It's gentle and traditional, but still a very pretty name. I can't think of Lorna without thinking of the origin of the name (invented by a novelist, possibly to conjure up images of lost/forlorn) and therefore I can't help thinking of it as a somehow sad/whiny sounding name.

Kokeshi123 · 01/08/2018 06:53

Both are nice (and not overused at the moment), but Laura is my favorite.

moredoll · 01/08/2018 05:26

Lorna, or as pp suggested, Lauren.

ColinsVeryJolly · 31/07/2018 23:56

I agree with pp, Laura is a classic, timeless name. Lorna is harsh and a bit 70’s.

Plus I knew a horrible Lorna at school.

Joeybee · 31/07/2018 23:50

This makes me giggle. My brothers first partner is Lorna, and then they split up and he's now with a Laura!

Personally Lorna to me is dated, plain, boring and a little harsh sounding. Whereas Laura is a more timeless, gentle name, but not too cutesy.

AfterSchoolWorry · 31/07/2018 23:19

Laura definitely.

For me Lorna is in the same family as Brenda, Lorraine, Tracy, Anita and Shelley. Very seventies and dull.

absoluteclassic · 31/07/2018 23:08

Laura. I only know one and she is a beautiful person all round.
Or how about Lauren?

Heatherbell1978 · 31/07/2018 23:03

So I'm one of these names..the harsher one! I've never really liked my name tbh as it does sound quite harsh but then I'm in Scotland so it's said in a hard accent. I don't come across many of me even though I'm in my 40s so if you're looking for an unusual name it's a good choice!

TooExtraImmatureCheddar · 31/07/2018 23:02

Yup, RD Blackmore invented Lorna.

I know heaps of Lornas - v popular in Scotland amongst women in their 50s! I know some Lauras but it seems less dated to me, somehow. Vote Laura!

SoftSheen · 31/07/2018 22:58

Laura!

buttercup54321 · 31/07/2018 22:54

Laura
Lorraine?

CruCru · 31/07/2018 22:50

Laura.

I understand (may be wrong) that Lorna was invented by the author of Lorna Doone.

DaniCam89 · 31/07/2018 22:22

I prefer Laura x

Quangot · 31/07/2018 21:26

To me, Laura is a dull and tired-sounding name. Lorna is much nicer but unfortunately the meaning "forlorn" would put me off.

LivingtheLifeofBoris · 31/07/2018 21:24

Lorna just makes me think of lorne sausage and, as such, doesn't appeal at all.

Perhaps this isn't a concern for others?!

MrsMarigold · 31/07/2018 21:19

I prefer Laura,

mumonhols · 31/07/2018 21:12

How about Lara?

Claricestarling1 · 31/07/2018 21:05

Laura 😊 Lorna sounds clunky and harsh to me plus I knew a very mean one!!

Isawthelight · 31/07/2018 20:42

Laura

Threeandabit · 31/07/2018 20:23

Laura is my preference. I once knew siblings called Laura and Ashley Smile
I would never do that. If you already have an Ashley, use Lorna!! Smile

Fifthtimelucky · 31/07/2018 20:15

I like them both but have a definite soft spot for Lorna because of Lorna Doone, which used to be one of my favourite books.

haribosmarties · 31/07/2018 19:52

Laura. Its underused at the mo

raeray · 31/07/2018 19:47

Definitely Laura for me - it's so pretty I think it should have a revival!

MrsReader · 31/07/2018 19:25

I knew a girl called Lorna who was always getting called Laura by people.. I like both names but Lorna is more unusual