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Original poster

Sybil - due a comeback?

39 replies

Thatsnotmypolarbear · 11/08/2021 07:17

What do people think of Sybil? I quite like it, but perhaps it's a bit too Fawlty Towers! I like Billie as a nn too.

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Gemma2019 · 18/08/2021 17:07

There was a film called Sybil when I was a child - Sybil had 16 different personalities due to an awful upbringing. Absolutely terrified me at the time. I found out when reading the book that Sybil in the film was named after the Sibyls women prophets in Greek mythology who used to speak in multiple voices. Anyway that film is what I think of when I hear the name and I'm not overkeen on it.

35andThriving · 18/08/2021 16:10

I didn't know it was linked to Isobel.

LitPearl · 16/08/2021 06:34

If its translated

LitPearl · 16/08/2021 06:34

I like it! Agree its a version of isobel as Sibeál is used for Isobel in Ireland.

Phoenixrising2020 · 15/08/2021 15:04

Was the name of one of my favourite people and if I had thought of the nickname Billy then DD would have been Sybil. Sibyl means a prophet or oracle, it was very fitting for the person who I knew.

Passthewinebottle · 15/08/2021 14:27

I know a 20 year old Sybil, love it!

35andThriving · 15/08/2021 14:21

I'm liking it more and more actually. Billie as a shortening is lovely too.

Enko · 15/08/2021 13:10

I hear Downton Abbey i like it

RuthW · 15/08/2021 10:30

It's lovely. Use it

SpeckledyHen · 15/08/2021 08:05

Sybil was the pet name of my dear mum’s stoma bag , so it’s a no from me!

Ginandplatonic · 15/08/2021 08:02

I’m very much the Fawlty Towers generation, but think more of the Downton character and Greek mythology. I love it, definitely due a comeback - you’d be ahead of the curve!

AmazinglyGraceless · 15/08/2021 07:57

I absolutely love Sybil, it was our choice for a girl in 2017 but had ds instead.

peaceinourtime · 15/08/2021 07:54

Go for it, it sounds great

sibbys · 14/08/2021 22:18

Go for it!

Nn Billie or Belle

35andThriving · 14/08/2021 21:33

I like it.

LizzieAnt · 13/08/2021 13:57

@Seanchailleach
Is it a form of Isobel? I am sure I have met an Irish woman called "Sibil". The s is pronounced like English sh.

The name Sibéal is used in Ireland, though it's rare - there's a young singer with this name, for example. It's pronounced Shib-ale with the fada and Shib-il without, and has indeed been used as an Irish form of Isobel (as a variant of Isibéal), but is also used to translate Sybil. Ceann Sibéal in Kerry translates as Sybil Head today, but the woman after whom it is named is called either Isabel Lynch or Sybil Lynch in local histories for example.

torchh · 13/08/2021 09:45

@ZednotZee

I'm too young for the FT reference and I'm well in to my thirties so I wouldn't let it bother you.

Its a lovely name, due a come back.

Even though I watched FT, (I'm 35), I know think of Downton Abbey
Seanchailleach · 13/08/2021 08:03

Is it a form of Isobel?
I am sure I have met an Irish woman called "Sibil". The s is pronounced like English sh.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 12/08/2021 18:08

I love Sybil - elegant with a great history. I think because it's never been really popular it doesn't feel as retro/vintage trendy as some other "old" choices. It makes me think of the Sibyls from Greek mythology and maybe the character from Downton Abbey, rather than Fawlty Towers personally. I like ancient Sibylla too and Billie and Sib are cute nn's.

Allthelights · 12/08/2021 13:11

No really bad.

elfran · 12/08/2021 13:10

I love Sybil - it was considered for my DD and is actually near the top of the list if we ever have another daughter.

AlexaIWillNeverSayDucking · 12/08/2021 12:19

It's entered the sphere of pet names - I know a cat and a Basset Hound called Sybil along with seeing it for chickens at two separate farms. There is a lot of overlap with pets and children now, so I wouldn't write it off yet, but I would bear it in mind. It isn't unlike Basil, which is also a sausage dog name and has FT references.

whatausername · 12/08/2021 02:02

It's hissy

Buttercup54321 · 12/08/2021 00:13

Terrible!!!!

Undersnatch · 11/08/2021 22:50

I love it, definitely cool.

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