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Baby names

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

Original poster

Theophilus

60 replies

Lorraineee · 13/11/2020 16:34

Hello, I was hoping I could get some feedback on this name. I like the name Theo but I'm not a fan of Theodore and my son is due in a week. I'm completely stuck on names but a friend mentioned the name Theophilus to me and said I could use Theo as a nickname. What do you think of the name Theophilus?

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DrDetriment · 13/11/2020 23:34

Why does it need to go with your other children's names? Do they all stand in a line all their lives for a group introduction? You are naming a person not a collective.

vintageyoda · 13/11/2020 22:11

Instantly reminds me of Theophilus P Wilderbeast

Fleetwoodmacs · 13/11/2020 21:46

No, I really don't like it I'm sorry. Theo on its own is fine.

QueenOfPain · 13/11/2020 21:43

Sounds like a fungus.

Also too similar to the drug Theophylline.

RoysFrankenstein · 13/11/2020 21:39

@Lorraineee

I like the name Theo but I just don't think that Theo on it's own works with my other children's names.
Why does it need to 'work' with your other children's names? You're naming a human, a boy, a man. Who will go off and live a life with his name. Other than you signing cards from the family or telling people your kids' names does the names of his siblings make the slightest difference?
NameChange84 · 13/11/2020 21:16

Theobald is a name (like Archibald)
So is Theodoric.

Original poster
Lorraineee · 13/11/2020 21:13

I like the name Theo but I just don't think that Theo on it's own works with my other children's names.

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Original poster
Lorraineee · 13/11/2020 21:13

Oh I've done it

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Original poster
Lorraineee · 13/11/2020 21:12

How does this work

OP posts:
DepuisToujours · 13/11/2020 20:45

As pps have said, could you not just use Theo? I'm sure I've heard of people doing that. Don't think anyone would bat an eyelid.

Personally I love Theodore, but don't like Theophilus.

gigi556 · 13/11/2020 20:44

Theophilis is AWFUL. I've never heard it but agree -it's got to be either STD or probiotic 😆

VenusClapTrap · 13/11/2020 20:41

P Wildebeest. No no no.

Theo is fine as a stand alone name - it isn’t cutesy or nicknamey.

Kanaloa · 13/11/2020 20:41

Agree with pps that Theo alone is absolutely fine. If Theo is the name you like would you ever even call him Theophilus anyway?

KindKylie · 13/11/2020 20:39

Theo is a lovely name on its own!

Theophilus reminds me of the medication theophylline which is used in severe respiratory disease and can cause horrible side effects through theophylline toxicity. So it's a no from me.

Changethetoner · 13/11/2020 20:37

I know one, but he's known as Theo. (an adult man).

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 13/11/2020 20:34

"It Sounds like a disease.".
This.

Why not just use Theo.
What's this mumsnet obsession with having a " proper " name on the BC

thebuntingcat · 13/11/2020 20:21

It sounds like something you might find in yogurt.

cushioncovers · 13/11/2020 20:17

Good grief no. It's an awful name.

Hkyvvse · 13/11/2020 20:17

No next instalment of bad dinosaur in jurassic park

thelake · 13/11/2020 20:15

Theophallus
No.

Unfairtomiddling · 13/11/2020 20:14

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DrDetriment · 13/11/2020 20:09

Hideous. I think Lenny Henry. Just use Theo. Or if you are desperate to be all 'alternative' maybe something like Theron?

ZombieAttack · 13/11/2020 20:04

Just call him Theo.

TidyDancer · 13/11/2020 19:10

Theo is lovely. Theophilus sounds like an STI. Sorry but it's not nice!

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 13/11/2020 18:54

Sounds like a bacteria, in fact thermophiles are a class of bacteria. Best not eh.

Theo is a nice name though!