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Baby names

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

Original poster

Baby arrived early - quickly need to choose between these names

112 replies

FriedaTheBreeder · 25/01/2019 05:09

This was our shortlist that we were going to spend the next few weeks whittling down. Now we need to to it in a rush. Thoughts please. We want a strong name that’s unusual without being weird.

Eliza
Nina
Ariana
Tessa
Frieda
Alma
Theodora
Isadora

OP posts:
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AndItStillSaidFourOfTwo · 25/01/2019 08:58

Nina, Frieda, Isadora or Theodora (Theo for short as a pp said - has a precedent in Ballet Shoes!) would be my choice. If pushed to choose among those, probably Isadora.

I note lots of people are saying Eliza - it's having a popular moment (is zeitgeisty - fits a bit into the current Elsie/Evelyn mould - hence lots of people liking it here). Not the way to go if you want unusual.

TempsPerdu · 25/01/2019 08:47

My pick would be Tessa - lovely name, nice sound and familiar but not too popular. Second would be Nina. Also have a soft spot for Frieda, but lots of people still see it as clunky and irredeemably ‘old lady.’ Used to love Eliza but it’s quite popular at the moment and I’d worry it would date badly.

Maybe whittle it down to your top three and try each of them out over a couple of days? DD was nameless for the first ten days and I’m so glad we didn’t rush into a decision - we’re delighted with the name we (eventually!) chose.

Dinosaursdontgrowontrees · 25/01/2019 08:00

Don’t panic you’ve got lots of time!
I vote Theodora or isadora with nickname Dora!
Congratulations!

TillyTheTiger · 25/01/2019 07:56

I like Tessa best from your list. Don't feel pressured into a rushed decision though, DH and I rushed into naming our son straight after the birth (having argued for 9 months about it) and I hadn't slept for four days and was practically delirious so there was a slight miscommunication about what his actual name was, and DH is still a bit upset about it over 2.5y later. If you're in the UK you have 6 weeks to decide, take your time. Congratulations!

GivemeGivenchy · 25/01/2019 07:48

Nina!! It is lovely x

Marcipex · 25/01/2019 07:47

Eliza, Frieda and Tessa are all lovely.
I like Nina but wouldn't describe it as a strong name.

Ariana, Aria etc wouldn't be unusual around here, it's the 'in' name.

Original poster
FriedaTheBreeder · 25/01/2019 07:46

Thanks all. I think she looks like a Nina or a Theodora. DH likes Eliza or Frieda. The nurses think she is an Isadora.

OP posts:
Plumpieinthesun · 25/01/2019 07:41

Eliza is so lovely. Also love Frieda or Freya. Had a Nina at primary school who got teased a bit because of the ambulance sound (Nee-na, nee-na...).

Normandy144 · 25/01/2019 07:36

I like Eliza or Ariana best.

snowone · 25/01/2019 07:34

Theodora - Thea.

Although I am biased as we have one!! Grin

C0untDucku1a · 25/01/2019 07:30

I know quite a few nina’s now so would go with tessa

Congrats

Nnnnnineteen · 25/01/2019 07:30

Congratulations!
I like Tess and Thea- not quite what you asked...

RedDwarves · 25/01/2019 07:29

Nina. Smile

Congrats!

MrsElijahMikaelson1 · 25/01/2019 07:28

Eliza or Tess (not a fan of Tessa)

strawberrypenguin · 25/01/2019 07:28

Congratulations! Eliza would be my choice.

Emelene · 25/01/2019 07:28

Eliza or Nina for me too!

babycakes1010 · 25/01/2019 07:26

Theodora

whatswithtodaytoday · 25/01/2019 07:26

I like Eliza and Theodora best. Congratulations!

Astronica · 25/01/2019 07:23

Congratulations! My favourite is Eliza but if being unusual is important to you it would be too popular. Theodora is strong and a great name, but increasing in popularity and Thea is everywhere - so hardly unusual. How about Dorothea for a much less used option, but still strong and gorgeous?

I love Tessa and great nn Tess, for a strong but less used option. I also think Alma would work, but I'm not as keen on it. A classic name like Bridget (which means strong) is hardly used these days but gorgeous I think, for another option.

MamaDane · 25/01/2019 07:21

Love Alma

Danglingmod · 25/01/2019 07:19

Nina, Tessa or Eliza.

I love Isadora but there are about a gazillion Izzies around.

anatol · 25/01/2019 07:15

definitely Nina.

ReaganSomerset · 25/01/2019 06:17

Try using each for a day or so and see what fits. There's no rush really, you've got 40 days IIRC. Took us a week to name DD after she was born.

OrdinaryGirl · 25/01/2019 06:17

Congratulations, OP. 💐
I vote Theodora. Theo for short. Strong, unusual, badass! (Also there are a billion Theas right now)

Yakadee · 25/01/2019 06:16

Congratulations. I like Nina too x