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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is my girls name choice really as bad as people are making out!?

156 replies

NameChanged15729 · 19/08/2021 20:19

I’m starting to get paranoid. Me and dh are due a baby girl early next year and have decided on the name Theodora. It’s a name we both love and feel suits our family.
We like that it’s the name of a character in The Haunting of Hill House. We also have a Lydia after the character in beetlejuice Grin.

However when I’ve been asked about names all but two people have pulled faces and one family member said it was a ridiculous name.
I don’t really understand what’s ridiculous about it so thought I’d ask here. Is it really that bad?

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annacondom · 19/08/2021 22:26

Lovely name. I was expecting something weird. Don't ask friends/family's opinion - just tell them.

user1471604848 · 19/08/2021 22:22

Gorgeous name.

SteppinOutwithMyBaby · 19/08/2021 22:19

I love the name. Additionally, the Empress Theodora was an intriguing person.

I also love the stunning mosaics of her in Ravenna: www.google.com/search?q=mosaic+of+empress+theodora&rlz=1C5CHFA_enAU958AU959&sxsrf=ALeKk01t6vvcZXLrqIEGJQ1EZ-SNstDccw:1629407348443&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=IUbJLHJceDvjDM%252CuDUX2aDQ1gPYPM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-kQHxXukP993qK1PzWHSbNx3IKyuPQ&sa=X&sqi=2&ved=2ahUKEwiqu8qx_73yAhX2Q_EDHchHDlUQ9QF6BAgLEAE#imgrc=IUbJLHJceDvjDM

I love the name for its own sake, the way it sounds, and its meaning - God's gift, but I would use the name for no other reason than the mosaics.

lyntheyresexpeople · 19/08/2021 22:13

I absolutely love it

upaladderagain · 19/08/2021 22:11

I'd choose it, and I have immaculate taste.

FartnissEverbeans · 19/08/2021 22:07

I love it and I love the nickname Teddy. Theo is also quite a cool nickname for a girl imo

JoborPlay · 19/08/2021 22:06

It's lovely. I know several, though almost all (4) go by Thea day to day.

If DS had been a girl, he'd have been Theadora. By the time I had DC2, I had 2 close friends who has Theadora's so couldn't use it.

GreyGoose1980 · 19/08/2021 22:06

I’ll not keen on it. I like the name Thea and really like the name Lydia though.

Synchrony · 19/08/2021 22:03

Isn't my taste, but I don't like Theodore either and that's really popular, so I don't see anything wrong with Theodora.

SuzyDaarling · 19/08/2021 22:00

I love it

mathanxiety · 19/08/2021 21:59

LOL

Your relative clearly doesn't get out much.

Katjolo · 19/08/2021 21:59

Lovely name. Dora for short.

deste · 19/08/2021 21:56

I like the name but if you are calling her Thea as a nickname, would it be an option to spell it The-a- dora, without the hyphens obviously.

Nancydrawn · 19/08/2021 21:53

Fantastic name. Teddy, Edie, Thea, Theo, Dora are all great; Dodo can be pulled off by the right person.

Long historical tradition; actual name.

Great choice.

myheartskippedabeat · 19/08/2021 21:53

My son has a friend called Theodora it really suits her

Summertime21 · 19/08/2021 21:45

I don't like it but there is nothing wrong with it. I would shorten to Thea for every day use

Yourstupidityexhaustsme · 19/08/2021 21:39

Love it! First heard it on the haunting of hill house.

You could always go with Thea if you want a less out there option but I think it’s beautiful.

Ninkanink · 19/08/2021 21:39

It’s a good name.

snowone · 19/08/2021 21:38

It's lovely. Although I have a Thea so I'm slightly biased! 😊

WiggIyWoo · 19/08/2021 21:38

Not for me, but my own child's name is one you either love or hate so... The only thing I'd say though is I know a lot of little boys called Theo under the age of 1 so just be aware that the male version is becoming v popular.

DSGBT · 19/08/2021 21:34

No, not ridiculous! It’s unusual but it’s nice. I know a Theodora, Dora for short. I think the parent did that reaction at first but now it’s just her name and is totally normal!

bobby81 · 19/08/2021 21:34

I love it x

Mummytea24 · 19/08/2021 21:34

It's lovely, one of the nicest names I've seen mentioned on here for a while.

Winenota · 19/08/2021 21:33

When we chose dds name people were appalled. Mil made a right fuss. 16 years on its dead trendy! Ha!

whatthejiggeries · 19/08/2021 21:29

I don't like it at all - was suprised that Robbie Williams names his daughter that but each to their own