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Baby names

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

Original poster

Caledonia?

57 replies

Milkchocolatealmonds · 09/06/2021 22:01

What are your thoughts on Caledonia?

I'm Scottish but living overseas. My preference for names is slipping into the territory of names that would have felt too much in Scotland...Hamish, Angus etc. Am probably homesick!

Caledonia I'm liking a lot but is it a bit much?

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lakesummer · 10/06/2021 00:09

Living overseas can be hard at times!

Serpenta · 10/06/2021 00:04

Homesickness can cause a glitch in the good sense and good taste matrix.

ineedanewnameplease · 09/06/2021 23:57

Reminds me of a North Sea ferry. Sorry.

Original poster
Milkchocolatealmonds · 09/06/2021 23:47

Well it's looking like a pretty strong 'no' for Caledonia! Thanks all. Always good to have a virtual slap on Mumsnet!

OP posts:
RaspberryCoulis · 09/06/2021 23:37

On the same page as @VeryHungryCaterpillarYum. Grin

RaspberryCoulis · 09/06/2021 23:36

You've been listening to that song, haven't you? I get the homesickness, remember that ad in the 90s with a guy on the tube?

Please don't. There are so many great Scottish girls names around that you don't have to name her Caledonia.

Synchrony · 09/06/2021 23:32

I'm English and don't think it's any different than any other place names. I wouldn't be surprised to meet a Caledonia. Shortened to Callie it's cute. I also know a girl called Donia.

I think it's much better than Alba. I can't get over the electronics brand and political party.

PurePeppermint · 09/06/2021 23:32

If you live in Australia, you're also likely to get a lot of people saying "like New Caledonia?"

VeryHungryCaterpillarYum · 09/06/2021 23:23

My first thoughts are, “I don’t know if you can see the changes that have come over me…”

Gingernaut · 09/06/2021 23:21

That's like calling the kid 'Scotland'. Don't do it.

lakesummer · 09/06/2021 23:20

Are you looking for a girl name, boy name or both OP?

Blowingagale · 09/06/2021 23:13

I’m English and don’t think of it as a name for a person. Transport and Thistle spring to mind (second from football results).

lottiegarbanzo · 09/06/2021 23:12

I too came on to say MacBrayne.

Is there a Scottish equivalent of Erin? What would that be? Alban?

How about Calluna, for something unusual, pertinent to Scotland and that shortens to Callie?

babbi · 09/06/2021 23:12

I second previous poster’s suggestion of Alba … I do like Caledonia but it is probably a bit much !

Horehound · 09/06/2021 23:08

Morven

Horehound · 09/06/2021 23:08

Nooooo

Frazzled2207 · 09/06/2021 23:07

I thought of the airline! But yeah transport

lakesummer · 09/06/2021 23:05

There are lots of lovely Scot's names.

This isn't one of them and I agree it does remind me of Cal Mac.

AlexanderArnold · 09/06/2021 23:04

Vaila
Harris
Aidan
Iona

partyatthepalace · 09/06/2021 22:59

It’s a lot much.

Try Catriona. Hamish also lovely. There are many many lovely Scottish names.

DotDotDotDotDot · 09/06/2021 22:56

Caledonian Rd “cally” is a not so scenic part of North London, so seems a strange idea as a first name to me. You may get away with it overseas though. I like Fraser, Lachlan and Cameron, they might be a bit popular for you though.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 09/06/2021 22:23

It's probably fine if you stay living overseas, but I suspect it might be seen as a bit comical in Scotland (at least as a first name). It does have a lovely sound though, I can see why you are tempted!

Original poster
Milkchocolatealmonds · 09/06/2021 22:22

Trains and ferries! Oh my goodness...hilarious.

Is this why there are so many Hamishs etc in Australia? All us expats going a bit full on with the heritage names maybe :)

I do love Isla. But I find the current popularity of Scottish names a bit frustrating so don't want to go with something that has been highly appropriated.

OP posts:
DPotter · 09/06/2021 22:11

Caledonian MacBrayne instantly springs to mind

There are lots of wonderful scottish names, for both male and female , please don't be guilty of trying too hard

TheLovleyChebbyMcGee · 09/06/2021 22:08

I love it!