Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Ethel

87 replies

Moonbea · 30/04/2019 18:43

What do you think of the name Ethel?

Is it too old fashioned?

What middle name would go with it?

Opinions and ideas please.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
EdithWeston · 01/05/2019 07:24

It's just as frumpy as Edith was not so long ago.

I really don't think it's any harsher-sounding than any other girls name that contains a 'th' or endin 'el'

margaritasbythesea · 01/05/2019 07:16

My Grandmother was called Ethel and hated it.

MondeoFan · 01/05/2019 07:12

I love old fashioned names I have 2 DDs myself with old ladies names but I'm just not sure about this one.
I think it's the sound F-all
I think there are better names out there

Happyandglorious · 01/05/2019 06:53

Ethel to me is the ultimate old biddy name. But like pp said def a marmite name. Personally, I can't hear it without thinking of Ethel from Eastenders.

flumpybear · 01/05/2019 06:28

It's a marmite name, my grandmothers name too - and honestly I think it's awful. Don't forget st school she'll be called Effel by those who pronounce th as an f

Durgasarrow · 01/05/2019 05:00

Are you kidding? This would not even be a good name for a dog.

Singlenotsingle · 01/05/2019 04:40

Ethel? Horrible!

HeronLanyon · 01/05/2019 04:24

I like it but wouldn’t want to be called it.
What about Esther ? Similar vibe but a little less of a challenge?

Alicewond · 01/05/2019 04:09

If you want to have a 80 year old baby sure :)

llangennith · 01/05/2019 04:07

Ethel and Gladys are old names that should never be revived.

RosieMapleLeaf · 01/05/2019 04:04

No. That was my Granny's name and she hated it with a passion. Always asked to be called Mrs rather than her first name, even by her friends.

floraloctopus · 01/05/2019 03:12

Meet Ethel....not the sharpest knive in the drawer!

Ethel
MercyBodle · 01/05/2019 03:09

A vintage name that's not ready for a return, I think. I don't find it attractive at all. It was one of the most popular names in its time though, so may come back at some time.

FurrySlipperBoots · 01/05/2019 02:28

Horrendous. If you must go 'Old lady', Edie is preferable.

raeray · 01/05/2019 02:21

Ethel Isabella
Ethel Caroline
Ethel Alexandra

I think once little Ethel was here people would fall in love with the name because it's hers.

I think a longer traditional but slightly more popular middle name goes well with it

EdtheBear · 01/05/2019 01:29

Does she come with a pug?

Sorry Op has to be nicer names out there.

Tavannach · 01/05/2019 01:17

Ghastly.

Aquamarine1029 · 01/05/2019 01:12

Christ on a bike, no. It's old fashioned in the worst way possible. It's just ugly.

BelulahBlanca · 01/05/2019 01:05

It’s horrible

JenniferJareau · 01/05/2019 01:00

It's awful, it really is. Dreary, frumpy & unusable IMO.

Agree

Willow2017 · 01/05/2019 00:58

Awful.
Sounds awful when spoken, just sounds 'ugly' sorry op.

I remember 'The Streak' too, great song, loved the 'voices'.😁

SemperIdem · 01/05/2019 00:46

It is hands down the ugliest name in existence. It sounds like a noise someone makes whilst very out of breath after running.

Sophronia · 30/04/2019 23:17

I wonder why other names from that era are making a comeback, but Ethel is so unpopular.

Ethel Charlotte
Ethel Florence
Ethel Joy
Ethel Hannah
Ethel Rebecca
Ethel Susannah

villainousbroodmare · 30/04/2019 22:44

Nope. Eithne (ETH-na) is a nice Irish name which has a similar but imo much lighter tone.

MrsBungle · 30/04/2019 22:42

So dowdy!