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Baby names

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

Original poster

Mallow

160 replies

SweetBabeofMine · 03/10/2020 22:30

Due a baby girl in November and this name keeps on popping up but I'm worried it will be a little too out there? It's a lovely flower and it seems to fit well with the middle name Kimberly. Plus it's the only name I love, the others I have shortlisted I just like.

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TwigTheWonderKid · 04/10/2020 19:28

Also interested to know if anyone who is disparaging this name would do the same if someone suggested using the flower Lily as a name? After all, it does ryhme with willy, you know...

octoberfarm · 04/10/2020 19:25

My brain also went straight to marshmallow, sorry. Would Manou or Manon be options?

Mumsnut · 04/10/2020 19:17

Aloe?

Same sound, it’s a plant

AyDeeAitchDee · 04/10/2020 18:56

Marshmallow.

Mallow id say is cute for a pet.

JoanApple · 04/10/2020 17:59

Marshmallow.
Mellow.
Marrow.
Doesn't sound right I'm afraid.

florascotia2 · 04/10/2020 17:57

The botanical name for mallow (the plant) is Malva. That's quite pretty. The original meaning of the word is not known, but for many hundreds of years, it's also meant 'mauve' (the colour).

SpeedofaSloth · 04/10/2020 17:41

Marshmallow, Squishmallow.

Lozz22 · 04/10/2020 17:40

Pity it isn't twins you could've named the other one Marsh.

TwigTheWonderKid · 04/10/2020 17:19

Really interested to know what those who consider Mallow "not a fit name for a human" think about Rose, Iris or Olive, for example?

calimommy · 04/10/2020 16:58

Purely because you have asked, Mallow is not a good name for a human. If you hadn't asked I would keep my opinions to myself!
I appreciate why you like it though. But I think others have suggested some lovely alternatives which might give you a similar sound.

Does the middle name have to be Kimberly? My last name is Kimball which is similar.

Mallory Kimball?

daisypond · 04/10/2020 16:49

I think Mallow is OK. It’s a flower.
But I do think if marshmallow the sweet too.

Bipbopbee · 04/10/2020 16:39

How about Marlowe?

caringcarer · 04/10/2020 16:03

Is Mallow really a name? Kid will be known as marshmallows.

Mangofandangoo · 04/10/2020 15:57

I'm sorry but I think you're asking for trouble when she gets to secondary school. I'm all for different/unique names but this one I think is just unfair

mammmamia · 04/10/2020 15:51

Ok I quite like Mallow but agree it is not workable for a name.
I was coming on to say Meadow as well which I LOVE.
Also like Mallory but I don’t like the meaning.

MadameBlobby · 04/10/2020 13:29

I have also never heard of Marsh-mello why would it be pronounced that way?

MadameBlobby · 04/10/2020 13:26

@SweetBabeofMine

I suppose that's a definite no then! Smile Although I really like Mallory! Never thought of that as an alternative, but would it work with mn Kimberly? Mallory Kimberly is a mouthful and can't change the middle name as it's an honour name.

As for the pronunciation of marshmallow, I suppose it's all down to regional accents? I've only ever had those once or twice (as a child) so I've not said the word often. Thank you for the corrections, though!

It would work fine with the middle name. How often do people get called by their first and middle names anyway?
MadameBlobby · 04/10/2020 13:25

Oh Jesus Mallow is awful. That’s not a name.

Pyewhacket · 04/10/2020 12:41

Will forever be called Marsh.

TerribleCustomerCervix · 04/10/2020 12:39

Mallow, Co Cork.

Just no.

Horehound · 04/10/2020 12:36

Iris

Horehound · 04/10/2020 12:35

@ImaSababa

Not a fan.

How about Meadow?

That's not any better!
Horehound · 04/10/2020 12:35

@PersephonePromotesEquanimity

Goodness me ... Is it a reflection of our separation from the natural world, that a simple flower name attracts so much opprobrium based on sheer unfamiliarity? I would never associate the name Mallow with the confectionary marshmallow. I just see the plant!

And I still think it's a pretty name.

But the majority of people won't. They will think of a marshmallow 🤦🤷
ImaSababa · 04/10/2020 12:23

Not a fan.

How about Meadow?

PersephonePromotesEquanimity · 04/10/2020 11:58

Goodness me ... Is it a reflection of our separation from the natural world, that a simple flower name attracts so much opprobrium based on sheer unfamiliarity? I would never associate the name Mallow with the confectionary marshmallow. I just see the plant!

And I still think it's a pretty name.