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Baby names

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

Original poster

Barnaby or Theodore

44 replies

TrulyMadlyBaby · 27/11/2018 19:41

We love both of these names because they are old fashioned and slightly unusual. I’d love to know your opinions or alternatives?

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IHeartMarmiteToast · 12/12/2018 22:34

Dislike both but find Barnaby particularly wet

Beamur · 12/12/2018 21:58

DD would have been Barnaby if she'd been a DS.
Both lovely names, I don't know any children irl with these names.

CruCru · 12/12/2018 21:54

The problem with Barnaby is that I don't know any adults called it. I knew loads of toddlers called Barnaby growing up so I think of it as a name for someone who still tries to draw on the walls.

However, I think this is probably my own issue.

Both names are nice.

Clinsell · 10/12/2018 21:23

I have a ten year old Barnaby and Theodore was on our long list. He gets called Barns which he doesn't like, he prefers Barnaby or Barney. His little brother is jealous of his great name! We have not met many boys sharing his name, but lots and lots of Labradors, which we rather enjoy :)

lebkuchenlover · 05/12/2018 23:09

But the op wouldn't be naming her ds 'after' any of those! I think Barnaby is a great name!

Theodore is overused and will soon sound dated.

Sashkin · 05/12/2018 19:50

You cannot namecyour child after Barney the dinosaur, Barney Rubble, Barney Bear or any of the other Barneys.

Theo Theo Theo. It is popular because it is nice.

jmgX · 05/12/2018 19:47

loveeeee barnaby!

pilates · 05/12/2018 19:02

Barnaby, can’t stand Theodore

Stargazer124 · 03/12/2018 15:39

Theodore is so overused it has become quite dull imo. I'd choose Barnaby from the two.

RuthW · 03/12/2018 15:29

Theo and Theodore are very very popular now. I like Barnaby but can't get the song out of my head.

17caterpillars1mouse · 03/12/2018 13:43

Love Barnaby

Theodore isn't unusual at all. I used to like it bit find it s bit bland now as there are so many about plus all the Teddy's and Theo's

MeganJ93 · 02/12/2018 15:19

Theodore is one of my favourite names. I love it.

Barnaby is cute too.

pipilangstrumpf · 01/12/2018 11:03

Theodore is way too popular imo. Barnaby is better.

TigerQuoll · 01/12/2018 10:37

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Redskyandrainbows67 · 01/12/2018 07:17

I love Theodore but literally every ‘ french family living in England/half French half English family’ have named their child this. I normally say don’t worry about popularness but this is SO popular I wouldn’t.
I’m not keen on Barnaby though sorry - sounds like a teddy bears name

LegoPiecesEverywhere · 01/12/2018 07:13

Theodore

Beeziekn33ze · 28/11/2018 01:11

Barnaby - I know a lovely teenage one.
I know so many lovely Theos of all ages up to 20! Like the name but so popular!

pixieloux · 28/11/2018 00:25

Theodore but I’m bias as it’s DS’s name. I know one Theo - zero other Theodores but he does go by Theo the majority of the time.

Nothing wrong with Barnaby, just never been my cup of tea.

Sophronia · 28/11/2018 00:06

Definitely Barnaby (although I prefer Barnabas!)

Theo/Theodore is very popular where I live.

Winterwonderland12 · 27/11/2018 22:28

Theodore is very popular.

Barnaby is more interesting and less common

OneTwistedAngel · 27/11/2018 22:00

Aw I love both! I agree that Barnaby is probably more uncommon though

ForAMinuteThere · 27/11/2018 21:44

Love both. Theo very popular where I am but I don't know if they are Theodores or not. Teddy is extremely popular now though and getting more so.

How about Edward and nn Ned?

bookishtartlet · 27/11/2018 21:21

People say Theodore is popular, but there are none in my local area or nursery other than my son, who is 3. We call him Teddy, or Ted as do the nursery etc. He knows his name is Theodore and we asked him what he wanted to be called at nursery and will do the same when he starts primary. I adore the name, always have.

hamzilla · 27/11/2018 21:13

Theodore is lovely.
I just can't imagine that a teenager would forgive you for naming him Barnaby.

Catsandbootsandbootsandcats · 27/11/2018 21:09

I prefer Barnaby, but I'm biased as I have one (known as Barney)

Theodore is lovely too, and would have been on my list had my ex not had trouble saying the th sound!