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Baby names

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

Original poster

Lily or Olive

58 replies

TinyPuds · 21/07/2021 22:15

My fiancé and I have been going backwards and forwards with baby names the past few months for our little girl due in september.

Now I have a favourite name, and my fiancé has a favourite, and about 3 weeks ago we decided to use my fiancé’s favourite name, Lily.

Literally a couple of days later Prince Harry and Meghan announced the birth of Lilibet and now Lily is the number 1 most popular name in the UK 🙄

Neither of us want our baby to have a really popular name so we’ve decided to think about another name and Olive is our next in line.

I still think Lily is such a pretty name so I’m gutted it’s so popular now.

What do you think about Lily or Olive?x

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EmRata95 · 22/07/2021 08:28

Olive! My best friends daughter is Olive, gorgeous yet unique name

ofwarren · 22/07/2021 08:26

@olidora63

People mentioning tv program about buses and Olive from the cartoon…must be in their late 50s. I have never heard of these programs ….had to google,so I really think they are irrelevant for this generation! Olive is a fabulous name with a trendy vibe . Lily is nice but tired .
Late 50s? I'm 41 and that's the first thing I thought of too!

On the buses, Popeye and Katamala olives.
I really don't like the name.

SoapboxFox · 22/07/2021 08:18

Lily is much nicer. Olive is clunky.

olidora63 · 22/07/2021 08:14

People mentioning tv program about buses and Olive from the cartoon…must be in their late 50s. I have never heard of these programs ….had to google,so I really think they are irrelevant for this generation!
Olive is a fabulous name with a trendy vibe . Lily is nice but tired .

AnyaMoondial · 22/07/2021 05:31

I like both Lily and Olive. Can’t go wrong with either.

Lilian is a pretty alternative too.

PlainJane1000 · 22/07/2021 04:59

I know lots of Lily's aged between 8 and 13 when I think it was super popular, I don't think that people will immediately associate it with Harry and Meghan since it's a fairly common name, if they had chosen something quite, 'out there' and you used it then I could see the issue. Go with a name you both love for your child and don't worry about what people think.

Dasher789 · 22/07/2021 01:58

Olive

I would also say Olive is very different to Olivia. I don't know any Olivia's who are shortened to Olive.

Seesawmummadaw · 22/07/2021 01:25

Not keen on lily. It’s a bit meh.
Olive is gorgeous.

Nsky · 22/07/2021 01:23

Lydia is lovely, bit different

LimeRedBanana · 22/07/2021 01:09

Lily is nice, but completely yawnsome.

She will be Lily S (or whatever your surname begins with), and because it’s so popular, it will very much date to this era, and so sound dated to the next generation.

Olive is quite different from the very popular Olivia.

I’d go with Olive - if those are the only two choices.

Tavannach · 22/07/2021 00:39

Lily.

Newestname001 · 22/07/2021 00:35

Please not Olive. Instantly think of Olive Oyl or Olive from the TV Series "On the Buses"...

Lily, Linden or Olivia though 🌹

DramaAlpaca · 21/07/2021 23:56

I love both. Lily is sweet and feminine, Olive is strong and feisty. Doesn't help much, sorry!

Elspethelf · 21/07/2021 23:54

I think if you love Lily, go with Lily. One thing to consider is that Lily doesn't really shorten into a nickname but Olive might, Liv or Ollie maybe. Nicknames don't always happen with your permission so make sure you like the potential nicknames if you choose Olive :)

daisyjgrey · 21/07/2021 23:47

Olive!

SurferWoman · 21/07/2021 23:40

Lily

2LostSoulsSwimmingInAFishBowl · 21/07/2021 23:35

I like both. Prefer Lily. Don’t actually know that many despite living in various places throughout the UK since I had my children. Know more Olives than Lilys now that I think about it.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 21/07/2021 23:25

Btw If you want an uncommon "nature" name some of my favorites are Dahlia, Cassia, Jessamine, Bryony, Linnea and Gaia.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 21/07/2021 23:21

Lily would be my choice - it's fairly popular but it has a classic feel that means it is less likely to date than Olive imo (Lily has been popular for about 30 years now as well as in the older generations). It also has a much prettier sound than Olive to me.

Olive is quite retro/vintage, hipster trendy imo - most Olives are under 10 and the name is rapidly rising in popularity.

MrsBertBibby · 21/07/2021 23:19

Olive is good, or Lilith or Lilias.

DotDotDotDotDot · 21/07/2021 22:51

Of your two names I’d choose Olive, especially if popularity is a factor for you. I have to say I do prefer lot’s of other nature type names, like Iris, Violet, Hazel, Robin, Rose or Fern - just in case you wanted any other suggestions. Good luck choosing.

Marsbardelight · 21/07/2021 22:45

Olive 🥰

Shad0w · 21/07/2021 22:43

I know lots of young children called Lily. I like Olive. Considering Olivia for our DC if a girl and I've imagined this being shortened to Olive or Liv as she gets older

Zhampagne · 21/07/2021 22:37

@TipseyTorvey

I love Olive personally. Lily is incredibly popular these days. I like a name that isn't too kooky but stands out and is strong. Could you use Olivia if Olive seems too outre?
If OP wants to avoid popularity then it’s probably best to avoid the number one girls name in England and Wales…
SnakeyTakey · 21/07/2021 22:37

Lily has been uber-popular for yonks now so I doubt people will think you've been inspired by Harry and Meghan. It's just not unusual enough. But it's still a pretty name and the one I'd choose out of the two.

My personal opinion is that Olive is quite an ugly name.

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