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Baby names

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

Original poster

Hannah or Heather

79 replies

brightwave · 05/12/2021 19:24

Which one and why? I do like Heather, but I’m worried that it sounds too dated so Hannah is the safer option but it is quite a popular name

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whatsagoodusername · 06/12/2021 08:29

Just FYI, Heather is mispronounced by nearly everyone who doesn't speak English as a native language.

The H is difficult, the TH is impossible, the R rolls. It's 'Edderr, 'Evverr, 'Efferrr, etc. Then there's the English people who can't say TH, and it's Hevver or Heifer.

If mispronunciation bothers you, go for Hannah. I do like Heather, but it's a very difficult name for anyone who doesn't speak English natively!

OrangeAndYellowAndBlue · 06/12/2021 07:45

I was born in the 80s and I know far too many Hannah's my age. I know a toddler Hannah and it's very cute on her, but it's just a bland to me now (sadly, as it is nice).

I'm not sure on Heather - for H nature names, I love Holly and Hazel, but not so sure on Heather.

I'm no help, sorry!

PermanentLockdown · 06/12/2021 07:04

Hannah is cute. Its feminine but unfussy. I like the symmetry of it. Works for an old lady and a baby. For some weird reason I like Hannah but dislike Anna

Robinkitty · 06/12/2021 07:01

I love Hannah. I like Heather but it would be pronounced hever around here.

oviraptor21 · 06/12/2021 06:59

Hannah is arguably more old-fashioned/dating than Heather.
I like them both but would definitely choose Heather.

Enough4me · 06/12/2021 01:34

Hannah

Ceramide · 06/12/2021 01:21

Hannah

3girlsmama · 06/12/2021 01:03

Much prefer Heather. I've never liked Hannah. (OP, do you know the song Heather by Conan Gray?).

midsomermurderess · 06/12/2021 00:45

I think Hannah is classic and timeless. Heather not so much 1980s, more rather lumpen Scottish girls.

MiddleEasternMummy · 06/12/2021 00:05

Both amazing lovely names . Nice to see someone not wanting to lumber their child with an awful made up off spelt name .
My little sis called hannah and she's a beautiful person so I'd lean towards that one ... oh but heather got a lovely sound to it ... no help sorry 😂

NovemberNovemberDarkNights · 05/12/2021 23:59

Hannah.

I really don't like Heather - sorry.
But you know what, she'll make the name perfect!!

Yika · 05/12/2021 23:55

Both lovely names, can’t go wrong!

SantasGoodLittleGirl · 05/12/2021 23:45

Hannah. I narrowly escaped being named Heather, and I am so glad.

Fivebeanchilli · 05/12/2021 23:44

I don't see Hannah as dated because I know about 500 ranging in age from baby to 30. It's the most popular girls' name in our local secondary school (Anna is second). I find it unimaginative and overused.
Heather is much nicer in my opinion.

RuthW · 05/12/2021 22:02

Heather

Hannah is dated imo

Whitewolf2 · 05/12/2021 20:49

I’d say Hannah is more dated, as an 80s baby there were loads at my school so to me it feels old fashioned. I prefer Heather.

dotsandco · 05/12/2021 20:48

[quote LumosSolem]@dotsandco you've just reminded me of Heather in Eastenders, Shirley called her Hev' all the time 😁[/quote]

Haha 😂 I'd forgotten that! 'Hev' is awful isn't it?

Helpstopthepain · 05/12/2021 20:48

I’ve never met an unkind Hannah!
Heather is ok but a bit frumpy.

TuftyMarmoset · 05/12/2021 20:46

Definitely Hannah. Hannah is classic, Heather is incredibly dated. It’s like naming your baby Pamela - just no. But Hannah is up there with Elizabeth for me, lovely name.

Luredbyapomegranate · 05/12/2021 20:41

Hannah is great

Heather just sounds dusty to me

Sexnotgender · 05/12/2021 20:32

Hannah! I know a baby Hannah and it’s a lovely name.

Chrissmasjammies · 05/12/2021 20:31

What about Hazel?

LumosSolem · 05/12/2021 20:29

@dotsandco you've just reminded me of Heather in Eastenders, Shirley called her Hev' all the time 😁

Twizbe · 05/12/2021 20:26

When you're down to 2, wait until baby arrives to decide.

One might fit her more.

toolazytothinkofausername · 05/12/2021 20:25

@Lndnmummy

Hanna
Palindrome Hannah is better :D