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Original poster

Can I get away with this?

43 replies

DarcyParty · 26/07/2020 20:07

DD1 has a normal first name, X Gardiner. I'm 12 weeks pregnant and if it's a girl, we like Holly....but then it would be Holly Gardiner :S

Will anyone notice? It was an unintentional joke, but we like the name now! I wouldn't want her to get bullied at school or anything, what do you think? And any middle name suggestions? Thanks :)

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northernbelle84 · 26/07/2020 20:54

I'm in the north east too and I know three Sebastians under six! And an awful lot of Erics and Alfies, if you're thinking of names to avoid.

Holly Gardiner is lovely.

HoneyPea · 26/07/2020 20:52

I know a Hollie Gardner, never thought about it being strange Smile

OhTheRoses · 26/07/2020 20:51

I once dealt with a Rose Plant.
There was an Iona McIntosh at my school.

Whatsyourflava · 26/07/2020 20:50

Read all the posts now and still don't see a problem. Your surname isn't Garden and even if it wasn't there's far worse. A garden of holly is a nice image anyway so it's fine.
There's loads of nature/flower names these days. I don't think anyone will bat an eyelid at this. There's some very unusual names now. I really wouldn't worry

Whatsyourflava · 26/07/2020 20:47

Sorry I don't understand why someone would make fun of Holly Gardiner? Am I missing something?
Holly is a gorgeous name by the way. So beautiful - one of my favourites

AnnieMaul · 26/07/2020 20:44

Could you spell as "Hollie" rather than "Holly" so it doesn't quite have the same vibe?

Although I don't think it matters to be honest.

Original poster
DarcyParty · 26/07/2020 20:43

Thank you, I'm glad more people are saying it's ok, we really have stuck on it :)

Totally stuck for boys names though :(
We live in the north east if that makes any difference, not too many outlandish names around us, and no Sebastians etc

@SavoyCabbage that is brilliant 😂

OP posts:
SavoyCabbage · 26/07/2020 20:34

My dd has a friend called Holly Wood. I think it’s a brilliant name.

Sunshines123 · 26/07/2020 20:29

I wouldn’t make any connection at all I wouldn’t worry about it. Holly a lovely name x

TheVanguardSix · 26/07/2020 20:29

I really like it! And to be honest, I don't think I'd even notice (and I am a keen gardener who walks her dog daily in an area full of holly!).

I also like the suggestion of Hilda. But Holly Gardiner has a lovely ring to it.

Original poster
DarcyParty · 26/07/2020 20:27

Would a non garden-y middle name break it up a bit? I haven't seen any that would go

OP posts:
fiadhflower · 26/07/2020 20:25

I’d probably raise an eyebrow if I met a Holly Gardener (even if the surname was officially Gardiner!) Not as obvious as Rose Gardener, for example, but still wouldn’t put a plant/tree with your name

Canyousewcushions · 26/07/2020 20:21

I wouldn't, it's too much.

stickygotstuck · 26/07/2020 20:19

I actually think it goes very well with the surname, OP.

AntiHop · 26/07/2020 20:18

I wouldn't. Sounds a bit silly. How about Hilda?

Original poster
DarcyParty · 26/07/2020 20:17

@SeasonFinale yes just the Gardiner thing, that puts my mind at ease. I went to a school where they'd tease you for the slightest thing, but I guess it's tame by MN standards :)

OP posts:
Wheresthebiffer2 · 26/07/2020 20:17

It's fine.

SeasonFinale · 26/07/2020 20:15

Is that a famous person? Or do you mean because holly would be in a garden. If the latter it would never cross my mind.