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Baby names

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

Original poster

Safflower name. Nn saffy?

67 replies

Chaiwala · 05/03/2020 14:44

Think this is such a cute botanical name as well as a spice.

I think saffron sounds more strong whilst safflower sounds so pretty.

Saffy? Flo? Potential nicknames?

Thoughts?

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KatherineJaneway · 05/03/2020 17:23

Sounds like someone saying "it's a flower" while drunk.

🤣🤣🤣

Willow2017 · 05/03/2020 17:19

The double f makes it sound like its neither one thing nor another. Its disjointed in some way like it should be two words.
I knew a Saffron NN Safi that is much nicer imho.

sockittome123 · 05/03/2020 17:11

I think it's the double-f that's making me recoil. And the fact that it does sound like a slurred version of "it's a flower", like a PP said. It also looks a bit like "saff lower" when you see it written down. I'm not a fan OP, sorry

DesLynamsMoustache · 05/03/2020 17:11

It also looks awkward as it's really 'Saf' and 'Flower'. It feels like there should be an extra F there (but triple F would be silly). So I keep reading it as Saff Lower Grin

JumpJockey · 05/03/2020 17:09

Unlike Lily and Saffron which are pretty plants, a safflower is spiky and thistly, not a great thing to be named after.

Hoohaahoo · 05/03/2020 17:07

I’m not keen, but if you like it then go for it. Just feels a bit of a mouthful, like two words shoved together.

If you like Saffy as a nn what about Safiyah?

BearimyJeremy · 05/03/2020 17:07

Safflower does sound like a made up name even if it is a real thing. Bit like a brand of margarine. Blush I'd definitely consider Saffron or Saphhire instead if you're set on that nickname.

JKScot4 · 05/03/2020 17:04

Sounds like a new Zoflora scent or a cooking oil

LizzieMacQueen · 05/03/2020 17:02

Is this Sequoia's sister?

Topseyt · 05/03/2020 16:57

Safflower is awful. Your child would have a lifetime of explaining that her name actually isn't Saffron.

Saffron or Sapphire are far better and you can still use the short names of Saffy or Sappho.

Spudlet · 05/03/2020 16:52

I’m pretty sure she’ll spend her life correcting people who mishear it as Sapphire... speaking as someone with an unusual surname, don’t do it. It’s a minor but avoidable PITA having to constantly spell out your name (phonetically in my case too) correct people.

Whywhywhynow · 05/03/2020 16:52

It’s pretty terrible.

whatareyoucooking · 05/03/2020 16:48

It's terrible. Please listen to the people on this thread. In real life people tend to be more polite... they'll still hate it but they will smile in your "ooooh that's.. an interesting name"

Soubriquet · 05/03/2020 16:45

I’m usually one for unusual names but this is a bit odd

Go for Saffron or Sapphire.

Or just call her Saffi

DesLynamsMoustache · 05/03/2020 16:43

Sorry, OP, it's hideous and just sounds weird to say.

midsomermurderess · 05/03/2020 16:42

If you;te so sure it's fine, go and name her that. What are you dong here fending off adverse reactions?

JKScot4 · 05/03/2020 16:29

Why do ppl pick a name then immediately give it a nickname? Just choose a name no need to shorten it.
Safflower is cute on a baby but not so much on a stroppy teen or adult.

Cookit · 05/03/2020 16:25

*What’s the difference in saying...

“Hi my names saffron” which is a real flower

“Hi my name is lily”

What’s wrong with safflower?*

Probably because it’s actually got flower in the name? Like saying “hi my name is Sunflower” - it’s weird.

I know a Saffy. I guess it’s short for Saffron. I think it’s a nice name and it suits her (quite arty etc). Safflower is a no from me though.

LeviJeans11 · 05/03/2020 15:43

I think this is a joke Grin

Bezalelle · 05/03/2020 15:42

Dire! Sounds like someone saying "it's a flower" while drunk.

BillysMyBunny · 05/03/2020 15:25

I don’t like it at all. Saffron or Sapphire are both nice alternatives.

The difference between using Lily, Saffron or other flower names such as Poppy, Daisy etc is that they’re established as given names. Safflower is not, in the same way that Rhododendron or Cowslip or Chrysanthemum are not typically used as given names.

Obviously you can all your baby what you want but if you choose an unusual name expect a divided reaction.

nosleepp · 05/03/2020 15:25

Sapphire sounds very similar, maybe go for that

WouldShouldCould · 05/03/2020 15:24

Under your argument, deadly nightshade, Barenwort and Horehound should be in the running of kids names, after all they are plants.

ChelseaCat · 05/03/2020 15:23

I’m sorry, I really don’t like it either. I think it’s the ‘flower’ part of the name that makes it sound odd - would be like calling someone sunflower.

Saffron is a much nicer choice and you can still use Saffy as a NN

YakkityYakYakYak · 05/03/2020 15:23

I don’t think it’s a very nice name sorry, just doesn’t really roll off the tongue.
Saffy is a lovely nickname though.
How about safiya instead, then you can still have saff or saffy as a nn

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