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Baby names

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

Original poster

Dorothy Iris?

33 replies

Sabato · 28/05/2019 07:17

Do these work together as a first and middle name?

We’re dead set on Dorothy as a first name and I like Iris because it’s pretty and has a strong family connection. But I don’t know if Iris works with it as a middle name. What do others think?

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Antonin · 30/05/2019 15:11

My quibble with Dorothy is the. Dot or Dotty . I would like to be called Dotty, even though I may be some days.
But your choice and thee two names do go well together

thehappyegg · 29/05/2019 16:30

I just can't imagine having a baby Dorothy. It's like having a baby Steve.

aibutohavethisusername · 28/05/2019 21:28

My Mum and my Nanna’s names ❤️

autumndreaming · 28/05/2019 20:03

Personally not keen on Dorothy. Although Dolly as a pp said is a nice nickname. As is Dotty/Dottie

Love Iris though!

DramaAlpaca · 28/05/2019 20:00

Yes, it's a lovely combination.

Sophronia · 28/05/2019 19:57

Lovely. Dorothy is great.

ThanksItHasPockets · 28/05/2019 18:30

LOVE it.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 28/05/2019 18:20

Gorgeous. I love Dorothy. Iris is very pretty, too. I dont think the Rs are too repetitive. Put the other way Iris Dorothy they would be, but. Dorothy Iris just rolls off the tongue.

Hobbesmanc · 28/05/2019 16:33

My mums mother and grandma were Dorothys. She was little Dorothy to the end of her days bless. I love the sound of it although I'm biased and would have chosen it for a daughter. I like to think she would be a Dolly. But I move all those country maid sounding names- Peggy and Maggie and Betty, Kitty and Sissy and Meg.

mydogisthebest · 28/05/2019 09:19

I really like it but be prepared she will be called Dot by just about everyone. My aunt is called Dorothy and she says she loves her name but absolutely hates being called Dot. She tells everyone but they still call her Dot. Only her husband calls her Dorothy

Reachbackforthechair · 28/05/2019 09:17

Absolutely adore Dorothy! Not too keen on Iris personally but it definitely goes nicely with Dorothy

thehappyegg · 28/05/2019 09:15

God not Dorothy. What a name!!!

Iris, however, is lovely. Not one I would choose, but lovely nonetheless.

Original poster
Sabato · 28/05/2019 09:13

The R is a bit repetitive but no one’s really going to regularly call her Dorothy Iris on a regular basis are they

This is what I was concerned about, but you’re right - she won’t get called by both together except very rarely.

Luckily surname doesn’t start with any of the awkward letters!

Lesson is just go for it if you like it and tell everyone afterwards!

This is wise advice! Haven’t shared with anyone in real life, so might just wait til it’s a done deal.

OP posts:
YouBumder · 28/05/2019 09:09

Both very old fashioned, I guess that’s what you’re going for though. They go together fine. The R is a bit repetitive but no one’s really going to regularly call her Dorothy Iris on a regular basis are they

Peachbubble · 28/05/2019 08:59

I like them both

Astronica · 28/05/2019 08:27

I think it's a lovely combination.

Footle · 28/05/2019 08:15

I would particularly avoid it if your surname begins with a Y.

TinselTimes · 28/05/2019 07:50

I find it a bit hard to say together - the ee sound followed straight by the eye sound. But you won’t often say them both together, so not sure that’s a big issue.
They’re both nice names, easy to spell etc.

Teddybearhunter · 28/05/2019 07:48

I love the name Dorothy
Dorothy Iris flows well but as long as your surname doesn’t begin with C / K / M / G / S / E / V

Nameusernameuser · 28/05/2019 07:42

I know a Dorothy who goes by Dolly. Dolly iris is lovely!

Blossom28 · 28/05/2019 07:41

She didn’t mean to be rude, and apologised afterwards but it just ruined it for us unfortunately. Lesson is just go for it if you like it and tell everyone afterwards!

ArgyMargy · 28/05/2019 07:37

@Blossom28 I suspect your mil laughed because for her/my generation, Dorothy and Iris would both be associated with someone very old.

Fozzleyplum · 28/05/2019 07:34

Love it, as long as the surname doesn't begin with M, K, N, S, V or X.

PotatoCity · 28/05/2019 07:34

It flows beautifully. Personally I prefer Iris to Dorothy but it is a lovely name, and Dotty is very sweet for whilst she’s young

Original poster
Sabato · 28/05/2019 07:32

Thanks so much everyone! I feel reassured Grin

Blossom28 that’s so awful Shock can’t believe she was so rude!

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