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Baby names

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

Original poster

Flora

38 replies

FloraNamechange · 09/08/2020 09:46

Namechanged for this as it’s obviously a bit outing.

My DH and I both really like the name Flora - but my name is Florence. Do you think this matters? Would it seem a bit conceited/weird, or would you not think twice about it?

I have never gone by Flo or Flora (always Florence), and a Flora would always be called by her full name too. Our first daughter also has a name that doesn’t have any shortenings, pretty but strong and not a frilly/girly/“ie”name. I think Flora has really similar vibes.

The other names we are considering are Margot or Theodora (nn Thea) but I can’t help thinking they are too posh sounding!

Any other suggestions of strong but pretty girls names also welcome.

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WhereTheCrawdadsSing · 12/08/2020 09:59

I mean...I don't mean that every woman who was ever named Flora was some wilting, delicate thing. But it's one letter off Floral, which is decidedly flowery, if you prefer that to 'girly'. It's a nice name though and I especially love it in a Scottish accent.

cecinestpasunepipe · 11/08/2020 18:55

www.britannica.com/biography/Flora-Macdonald

WhereTheCrawdadsSing · 11/08/2020 18:32

I think it's fine, but I also think of it as on the girly side. Margot fits your description of what you like better imo and is an absolutely lovely name. One of my absolute favourites.

FizzyGreenWater · 11/08/2020 18:29

It is a bit close I think. Honestly? I like Flora loads but I'd go for Margot from your names.

Or how about Greta, Anna?

Elouera · 11/08/2020 17:15

I too was going to ask if you like Fleur? Its less similar to Florence, and has no margarine connections!

TheRosariojewels · 11/08/2020 17:10

I think Flora is too close to Florence. I also think of Flora as a really girly name. What about Fern?

DramaAlpaca · 09/08/2020 23:36

I think Flora is gorgeous and fine with your name, OP.

I have a similar sounding name to one of my children, if anyone has ever noticed they've never commented on it.

Lavenderblues · 09/08/2020 22:57

I like Flora.

But Florence and Flora is too similar imo

Merename · 09/08/2020 22:42

I love Flora, but couldn’t use it as it makes me think of margarine. And with your name would be a bit odd possibly.

stellarfox · 09/08/2020 22:36

It’s not too common now but not unheard of for a son to take his fathers name so this is similar in a way to that. I think Flora is lovely!

Skyliner001 · 09/08/2020 18:40

Marg.

QuintusEstInHorto · 09/08/2020 18:34

Love Flora and don't think it's a problem with your name. Do you like Tess?

Oneandabean · 09/08/2020 18:24

I had flora on my list until DP mentioned margarine. Also the vaginal flora thing put me off.

AntiHop · 09/08/2020 13:33

Too similar.

Amber0685 · 09/08/2020 13:22

My mil is a Flora, more common in Italy. Lovely name.

Tavannach · 09/08/2020 13:16

Flora = margarine to me. I discounted it for DD for that reason. I like Margot and Thea.

MikeUniformMike · 09/08/2020 13:04

I'm not keen on Margot. The t seems pointless.

MikeUniformMike · 09/08/2020 13:00

Flora is lovely.
I don't like Thea at all.
Florence and Flora don't sound that alike.

VinylDetective · 09/08/2020 12:52

Flora is a beautiful name. It’s timeless and will be appropriate at every stage of her life.

Buzz22 · 09/08/2020 12:45

I dont think if margarine. But totally put off previously beautiful name flora by doctor talking about vaginal flora. Also gut flora on yoghurt adverts.

Whatsyourflava · 09/08/2020 12:39

Flora is lovely and works fine with your name

jessstan2 · 09/08/2020 12:11

Quite honestly I doubt anyone would think of the margarine. Flora is a lovely name.

newmum332 · 09/08/2020 12:06

I really don’t think they’re too similar at all!
Both nice names Smile

MissHoney85 · 09/08/2020 11:40

I don't know why it's seen as so unusual for a daughter to have the same (or similar) name as her mother but quite acceptable for a son to have the same (or similar) name as his father. I say got for it!

Crimblecrumble1990 · 09/08/2020 11:07

I love Flora and don't think it would be odd with your name.

Would like to use it if I had a little girl but would be slightly worried about the margarine digs as demonstrated above.

But I really do think that names just become names to children if you see what I mean, unless it's something that could sound rude/funny to kids e.g. Regina might be an obvious one to change to vagina etc.

I doubt many children born in 2020 onwards give two hoots about some brand of butter their parents might have bought.

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