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Baby names

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

Original poster

What do you do when you can't decide?

32 replies

mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 16:51

DH and I have fairly different views on names and are struggling to find one we both like, let alone one we both love!

So do we go for one we both think is 'ok' or pick one that one of us loves and the other dislikes?

There's no middle ground and we've exhausted all lists and books. Literally been through thousands and thousands of names.

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CocoLoco87 · 27/12/2018 22:16

Cali means most beautiful. Could be short for Caroline. Shea means majestic (pronounced shay)

Phebes · 27/12/2018 21:22

I would go for a name you can both live with, but don’t love (yet). It will probably grow on you once attached to your child. I wouldn’t choose a name one of you hates.

What about...

Philippa (Pippa)
Merryn
Honor
Sylvie
Susannah (Sukey)
Evelyn
Flora
Genevieve
Margot
Ines
Greta
Eleanor (Nell)
Ingrid
Camille

thinkingaboutthinking19 · 27/12/2018 20:59

Could you both make a list of the top day 10 names you each like and number then 1-10 favourite 1 least favourite 10 and do the same for each other's list (obviously not knowing what preferences you've each put) then when you add up the scores the name with the lowest total wins.
If nothing else it might narrow your choices down to three or so names that you both like.

DH and I had names sorted for a boy and couldn't agree on a girls name (didn't help that we were convinced that we were having a boy). When our daughter arrived we went through some of the names we had discussed for a girl but none of them seemed right then in my dazed state I looked down at our daughter and said what is now her name we both fell in love with it for her immediately - very much a name that's perfect for her but hadn't even occurred to either of us before that moment.

Zebrasinpyjamas · 27/12/2018 20:55

We were in a similar position. We each had a short list and the other parent had a veto over it. After dc arrived we looked at the remaining shortlist and luckily one seemed to jump out. What was a 'meh' name for me originally seemed right and has now really grown on me.

Original poster
mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 20:51

Lollyice we have a lovely family name, but the original wearer hated it and wouldn't want us to use it. It would also offend another family member.

We've been through all the names mentioned so far! I keep hoping something will inspire us.

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Lollyice · 27/12/2018 20:47

Wait until you see her. We named DD before she was born but when I looked at her I thought she looked like a Megan!
Also, I kind of regret not giving her a family name. If I ever had another daughter, I would give her my mum's name. Have you a family member you could name her after?

parrotonmyshoulder · 27/12/2018 20:47

Would he like the shortening ‘Caro’? My friend uses this and it’s more of an ‘Iris’ feel maybe?

My DD wanted to call baby brother ‘BumBum’...

TinselandToblerones · 27/12/2018 20:42

He's almost 3. He thinks baby should be called jamjam!

My son wanted his sister to be called Poo-teacher

Shadow1234 · 27/12/2018 20:42

Eden would be my favourite. Not keen on Caroline tbh.

(Just in case these werent on your list)
Elayna
Eleanor
Elsie
Romilly
Leah
Georgia
Carly
Marissa
Estelle
Connie
Jasmine
Rosa
Briony
Lydia
Freya
Saffron
Elise
Elouise
Meredith
Verity
Brooke
Kiera

Original poster
mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 20:09

He's almost 3. He thinks baby should be called jamjam!

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Ca55andraMortmain · 27/12/2018 20:02

We were in a similar position. We ruled out the names that the other one truly hated (Alba and Clara, if you're interested) and then told the rest of the names to dd1 - then aged 2.8 - and let her decide. That way neither of us felt like we were forcing 'our' name on the other and dd1 felt included and special. Is your ds old enough for you to do the same?

alessandrae83 · 27/12/2018 19:59

I thought the same as pp. What about Adeline? Or

Dahlia
Florence
Ivy
Holly
Jasmine
Violet
Lily
Lilian
Liliana
Viola
Primrose
Fern
Hazel
Lavender

SoyDora · 27/12/2018 19:51

I am 40 weeks pregnant with a boy (already have two girls whose names we agreed on easily), we have had one conversation about names and decided we’re never going to agree so there’s no point talking about it Grin. We literally have nothing, no long list or short list.
Will see what happens when he arrives!

ZebraKid71 · 27/12/2018 19:46

In my opinion, unfortunately you are going to have to settle for a name you both don't mind but don't love. I agree with you op, it is completely unfair to name a child something one of you hates.

MrsFoxPlus4 · 27/12/2018 19:22

Could any of the names work as a combo? Adeline? Ada & Caroline?

MrsFoxPlus4 · 27/12/2018 19:22

My favourite from your list would be Eden.

Original poster
mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 19:19

I couldn't call a child a name their father hated. It isn't fair on him. We are equal on this.

Baby isn't here yet.

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Original poster
mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 19:17

I just feel sad calling a kid a meh name, especially as we both love DSs name. I just wish we could find one we both love.

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DinoMamasaurus · 27/12/2018 19:16

Are you still pregnant or is baby here? It may be easier once baby arrives as you can try names out and see what they look like. Even then you have a good while to decide before registering.

Doubtless already discussed but I suggest

Alice
Harriet
Lydia

(I love Caroline by the way!)

TinselandToblerones · 27/12/2018 19:16

Well we had twins and named one each....

Your DH should totally let you choose though. Caroline is beautiful and classic, his names are very trendy at the moment and will probably date.

Crimbobimbo · 27/12/2018 19:15

Going to have to be a 'meh' one then. Or you just choose Poppy, and nevermind your friend.

Original poster
mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 19:13

Crimbobimbo yes.

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Crimbobimbo · 27/12/2018 19:12

Does he actually hate your names though?

Original poster
mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 19:12

Both dislike daisy there's also a million of them round here. And don't like Willow.

Honestly, no one will be able to come up with a name we haven't discussed!

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Original poster
mortifiedmama · 27/12/2018 19:10

Crimbobimbo thing is, if I got final say it'd be a name DH hated. I couldn't call a child a name one parent hated. So we are left with meh names.

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