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Baby names

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

Original poster

Matilda, Amelie, Freya, Arabel

65 replies

tdam · 01/05/2019 06:42

Hi all,

I'm due in just over two months and am endlessly debating between these names. To be entirely honest, Arabel isn't likely an option as my partner doesn't love it but I've included it out of curiosity (and I'm hoping it grows on him).

Which is your favourite and why? Do you know anyone/many people with these names? Feel free to rank them as well.

Some others I love but that have been vetoed by my partner are Olive, Iris, Margot/Margaux, Violet and Juno. I'm desperately hoping he comes around to some/one of these as I feel, particularly with Olive and maybe Margot too, that I'd happily use them tomorrow if I gave birth.

Thanks so much for any help/opinions!

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Allthecolours · 01/05/2019 16:16

They are all fairly common. I can't say I love any of them but I quite like Matilda.

Jaz32 · 01/05/2019 16:08

I prefer Arabella to Arabel. But if the oh wont agree then Freya out of the other choices!

Shadow1234 · 01/05/2019 15:30

Arabel makes me think of arable (as in arable land), just not a nice sound. If you want the 'bell' sound, you really need to spell it as Arabelle. (imo)

Anyway, love Freya, Matilda and Amelie.

MMama18 · 01/05/2019 08:32

I have a Matilda (nn. Tilly) so that gets my vote!

There are tonnes of Amelia’s and Freya’s where we live, so I personally wouldn’t go for either.

Arabella is beautiful, was on my list but DH vetoed it.

barberstreisand · 01/05/2019 08:24

Freya is what this DC will be called if this ones a girl, but we aren’t worried about popularity, if you are it might be best not to go with this as there’s a lot of little Freya’s about.

I’m not keen on Arabel, but I do like Arabella, if that’s a possibility?.

I’m not a fan of Amelie, but that’s just my preference. There’s nothing wrong with that name at all.

Matilda is lovely, and I like Tilly as a nickname

LIVIA999 · 01/05/2019 07:16

Love them all. Arabel reminds me of arable farming. Arabella is lovely though.

abcriskringle · 01/05/2019 07:09

I know tons of little girls called Amelie and Freya - very, very popular in my area. Not sure about Arabel - I prefer Arabella. Matilda is probably the best imo. Olive and Margot are fab - hope your partner changes his mind about these!

Peachbubble · 01/05/2019 07:05

I prefer Matilda

MustardYellowJumper · 01/05/2019 06:58

Matilda, Amelie and Freya are all lovely.

Do you like nicknames or full names? Matty/Tilly, Milly - can't think of a nickname for Freya!

MajesticWhine · 01/05/2019 06:53

I love Matilda and Amelie. Freya is ok. Arabel is not a name I have ever heard - and I am not keen on it.

BelulahBlanca · 01/05/2019 06:53

Arabel is awful. I also strongly dislike Arabella. It’s a faux cutesy name. I’ve had two friends call girls Freya this year, and I really like it. It’s earthy and pretty.

MaryMashedThem · 01/05/2019 06:48

I think those are all beautiful names, but that spelling of Arabel reminds me of mini Babybels! I'd spell it Arabelle so it looks more like a human name rather than a brand name. Margot is my favourite from the list.

Original poster
tdam · 01/05/2019 06:47

@Settlersofcatan That's interesting you say that as I generally hate made up names! It's just a form of Arabella, I suppose like Isabel and Isabella. But it's interesting to hear that perspective as I certainly wouldn't use it if it's a widespread one!

OP posts:
MyDcAreMarvel · 01/05/2019 06:47

Not Freya it’s dire, sounds like cheese.

Settlersofcatan · 01/05/2019 06:44

I like Freya best of these. Arabel sounds made up to me, I'm sorry but I really wouldn't use it.