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Baby names

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

Original poster

Lyra

37 replies

SpicyTomatos · 11/11/2019 13:56

Is the name likely to become more popular as a result of the BBC's production of His Dark Materials?

I don't mind the association with the book, but I would prefer that everyone doesn't think she is simply named after a TV character.

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BonBon411 · 11/11/2019 17:58

It’s pretty.

diddlediddle · 11/11/2019 17:28

I really like it but it is already climbing quickly in popularity and will definitely get an extra boost from the tv series.

MikeUniformMike · 11/11/2019 15:45

Not keen, sorry.
There are so many names that look or sound similar.
Lila, Lily, etc
Lara is much prettier.

Winterdaysarehere · 11/11/2019 15:13

Too much like Myra and Lycra for my liking!!

BertrandRussell · 11/11/2019 15:04

Well- there were no Lyras born in 1996, the year before the first book came out, and it’s been gaining in popularity since then. Still not very many- 362 in 2018. But it’s on an upward trajectory- and I can’t see that changing any time soon. And it’s obviously entirely Pullman related!

kjhkj · 11/11/2019 15:04

I think people would already think it was due to His Dark Materials. The books are very very well known.

Sandsnake · 11/11/2019 15:01

I love Lyra. But we’ve not included it on the shortlist for our upcoming DD, mostly because we’re concerned it’s going to be associated with the TV series. I like Arya too, but think that’s got at least ten years before it loses it’s GoT association!

thisnamechanger · 11/11/2019 14:49

I think Michael Sheen called his baby Lyra, he narrated the audio-book of La Belle Sauvage and BOD - it's a lovely name!

seven201 · 11/11/2019 14:45

I teach a secondary aged Lyra. I asked her if her parents liked the his dark materials books. She had no clue what I was on about until I mentioned the golden compass as she'd seen the film.

I do think it will get a lot more popular but you need to decide if that bothers you or not. I think the books are very well known, so I don't think you need worry much about people thinking you did it because of the tv.

I wanted to call dd Lyra but dh wasn't keen as she thought she was an annoying character in the film.

Ginandgingers92 · 11/11/2019 14:40

I had this discussion with husband yesterday. It's a beautiful name but yes, I can foresee it getting really popular because of the series (which I'm loving, just to chuck in there) and in a few years there'll be a nursery full of them!

BertrandRussell · 11/11/2019 14:39

Sorry- they will!
I would choose something else.

MrsNoMopp · 11/11/2019 14:38

In a year or two, I doubt anyone will think of it. For now, while it's on TV, you might get a few people asking if that's why you chose the name, but you can just say no, you already liked it Smile

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