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Baby names

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

Original poster

Clemency

68 replies

Flutterflybutterby · 25/01/2022 13:03

Thought on Clemency?

I posted asking about Joy and Mercy and this was suggested. (I am making a new thread because usually when I decide to ask about a new name mid-thread my comment is missed and posters only comment on the name in the OP, and I'm suddenly obsessed with hearing people's opinions about Clemency, as I feel sure I either adore it or despise it but I can't work out which Grin).

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refreshingseahorse · 25/01/2022 17:41

Prudence is nice

Soyabean · 25/01/2022 17:39

Yes it was the combination, but I think she talked about having a ‘ posh’ first name too?
As a word it’s pretty sounding I think, but actually too connected with the death penalty for me. I think I don’t like those moral names. Except Hope, which is straightforward and positive sounding.

NellWilson · 25/01/2022 17:38

I think you have to be very careful with virtue names. I worked with a Joy who was one of the most miserable people I have ever met. Similarly, if I had been called Grace it would have been a big misnomer. Walks Like A Carthorse would have been more appropriate.

HacerSonarSusPasos · 25/01/2022 17:35

How about Temperance?

PrimroseBed · 25/01/2022 17:34

Didn’t she talk about the problem of having a name (first name and double barrelled surname) that sounded posh when she isn’t? She didn’t say it was a bad name as I recall (it’s a few weeks since I listened).

Soyabean · 25/01/2022 17:15

Listen to Clemency Burton Hill talking about how much she struggles with her name on Elizabeth Day How to Fail podcast

trunktoes · 25/01/2022 17:01

I also thought death row. And rightly or wrongly clem makes me think of a fanny

SeanChailleach · 25/01/2022 16:47

Makes me think of Clemency Burton-Hill and her exquisite voice on Radio 3. I miss her programme.

Omicrone · 25/01/2022 16:24

Death row.

No.

Not a fan of Clementine either, it just makes me think of posh InstaMums!

I quite like Mercy as name, but again, I feel like the connotations are a bit strange so wouldn't choose it.

I like Bethany and Constance (Connie).

MintyGreenDream · 25/01/2022 16:19

I really like Serenity Blush

Twizbe · 25/01/2022 16:14

@JustSmallFry

Why not Bethany then? Sounds similar and is also biblical.
Funny you say that, the clemency I know has a sister Bethany
NoddingTulip · 25/01/2022 16:05

Really dislike Clemency, it sticks in my throat also dislike the shortening of Clemmie, as I just think flemmy or clammy.

Much prefer Joy. Faith is lovely too, not too keen on Hope or Mercy.
How about Verity?

titchy · 25/01/2022 15:44

I know, it's gorgeous isn't it! I'm just worried it's a bit popular, and she might be one of 5 "If-Christ-hadn't-died-for-thee-thou-would-be-damned"s in her class.

GrinGrinGrin

JustSmallFry · 25/01/2022 15:41

Why not Bethany then? Sounds similar and is also biblical.

blyn72 · 25/01/2022 15:40

Dreadful. Clemence is better, pronounced in a French way. I had a good friend and neighbour called Clement who was known as 'Clem' but he is long since deceased and was a lot older anyway.

If you like that sort of name, why not Constance or Felicity? They are charming and classic, can be shortened in a nice way. Grace is good too.

Ikeabag · 25/01/2022 15:39

I remembered! It means stone. As in the unit of measurement. Usually used when talking about something hefty, never heard of a delicate light item being described as "barely a clem".

Ikeabag · 25/01/2022 15:37

Clem locally to me is slang for... something. Can't recall what. Urban dictionary says testicles but I thought it was something else, not necessarily a body part, but it's a long time since I heard it used. Anyway, it's a no from me.

sailorJo · 25/01/2022 15:02

Joy is a beautiful name.

Classica · 25/01/2022 14:26

I think if you're a religious it works. It is a nice sound, but I'd be more of a
Vengeance than a Clemency.

Leslienope · 25/01/2022 14:20

I rather like it actually. Also love Joy, such a beautiful name with such a beautiful meaning. Think it's perfect.

itsgettingweird · 25/01/2022 13:45

I immediately thought it reminded me of something about death.

The second poster saying about it being related death row clearly shows I'm not the only one - and puts me off further.

I love the name Joy. Also Mercy is ok.

You could even use both.

Mercy Joy or Joy Mercy.

Spilltheteaplease · 25/01/2022 13:25

Clemency is awful and I immediately thought of death row but I absolutely love Clementine.

IDontLikeMondays88 · 25/01/2022 13:24

I do think Mercy sounds nice - just not so sure about the meaning. But the way it sounds to the ear is lovely.

I do think Faith (and Grace for that matter) pretty popular but I tend to think Hope more unusual.

Oh, also I loved Blythe when pregnant. When I posted about it on mumsnet a lot of people hated it though! They associated it with the town called Blyth but the town is not somewhere I know.

PattyPan · 25/01/2022 13:23

Forbearance might be a more commonly used U.K. law alternative 🤣

PartyOnKale · 25/01/2022 13:20

It's current in US law.In the UK people are pardoned very occasionally. Mostly you just get let out of prison here!