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Baby names

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

Original poster

Arcadia for a girl? Nn Cady

91 replies

Weefreetiffany · 20/02/2022 16:26

Honest opinions needed as I’m full of the preggo hormones and don’t know if it’s lovely and unusual or verging on the ridiculous!

OH says he will consider it— our surname is two syllables and quite common— We loved Aurelia previously but because of a certain partying politician it’s off the table.

Is it a step too far?

OP posts:
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StScholastica · 20/02/2022 22:42

I like the Welsh name, Cadi.

SarahJessicaPorker · 20/02/2022 22:35

Wrong thread, sorry! Have asked MN to delete

SarahJessicaPorker · 20/02/2022 22:34

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

HelloCrocus · 20/02/2022 22:33

I think of the beautiful mythological meaning before I think of Philip Green. And no kids born today will hear of Philip Green's empire - it's gone. Never heard of the cruise ship.

When I saw the title I thought Arcadia was a bit out-there, but it's grown on me and I think it would make excellent middle name material, if not a first name. There's a common Russian male name Arkady from the same source, so it's not that crazy really.

I'm not bothered about Cady, and don't like Aurelia at all to be honest - it feels a bit snooty and like "oh, really?". Though I seem to be in the minority there. Do you really want Cady as a middle name? I get that it had appeal as an easy nickname for Arcadia, but is it special to you in itself? Feels a bit random as a middle name to me.

AnnieSnap · 20/02/2022 22:25

No, no, it just brings to mind Philip Green’s Arcadia group 😔

GettingItOutThere · 20/02/2022 22:25

aurelia is beautiful

arcadia is a cruise ship!? no no no OP!

TottersBlankly · 20/02/2022 22:22

Were you genuinely not curious enough to google, Wulfenite?

Wulfenite · 20/02/2022 22:15

I love Arcadia and don't know who Philip Green is, but was sure most people on this board would hate it and I was right..Do you need a name beginning with A? Octavia has a similar rhythm to it.

Ohyesiam · 20/02/2022 22:11

@DameCelia

The name is lovely but I'm confused that you think you'll give a nickname as well? Is this a new thing? In my experience (old gimmer) nicknames evolve, the only possible influence you might have is insisting that a particular nickname can't be used, Fifi for Fiona being a cracking example!, But even then you might not get to dictate.
Totally this ^
A580Hojas · 20/02/2022 22:10

Surely Arcadia is entirely made up? Is it actually a name? Just makes me think of dismal seaside piers I'm afraid.

flamingo40 · 20/02/2022 22:00

@Weefreetiffany

Ok I think I will have to go to the “if I had the nerve my kid would be called” thread and offer it up because I’ve been thoroughly put off it for real life. Thanks to everyone who told it to me straight (and who liked the name too!)

And thanks for the other name suggestions, think we will go for Aurelia Cady, can’t wait to meet her!

There's nothing wrong with wanting an unusual name. It would seem quite a few people on here don't like Cady, which is my daughter's name but I'm not offended. It's my choice, just like it's theirs to call their child whatever they like too. Your newly chosen name with Cady as the middle is beautiful by the way I hope she brings you as much joy as my Cady has
StartupRepair · 20/02/2022 21:53

Be warned lots of people may mistake Cady for Katie.

AmbushedByCake1 · 20/02/2022 21:52

Arcadia! Makes me think of the play by Tom Stoppard. Maybe for a middle name?

sibbys · 20/02/2022 21:48

Please don't call your child Arcadia... Aurelia is so nice and reminds me of that sweet Portuguese girl from Love Actually.

If you like the latin Vibe these are also lovely:

  • Valeria (meaning: To be Strong)
  • Astria (star)
Original poster
Weefreetiffany · 20/02/2022 21:45

Ok I think I will have to go to the “if I had the nerve my kid would be called” thread and offer it up because I’ve been thoroughly put off it for real life. Thanks to everyone who told it to me straight (and who liked the name too!)

And thanks for the other name suggestions, think we will go for Aurelia Cady, can’t wait to meet her!

OP posts:
GucciBear · 20/02/2022 21:38

Cady??? Arcadia is a cruise liner.

flamingo40 · 20/02/2022 21:36

I have a Cady
She's late teens now.
We pronounce it cay--dee
We love it, it suits her. It means pure happiness.
She has had the usual confusion like Katie, Kayleigh etc but that comes with any unusual name. My sons is unusual too.

MaryStuart · 20/02/2022 21:31

Philip Green or Glastonbury.
Aurelia is better and an actual name.

Needcoffeecoffeecoffee · 20/02/2022 21:28

As a pp cady reminds me of mean girls. She spends some time stressing her name isnt Katy

JenniferWooley · 20/02/2022 21:26

I know an Arcadia she's 16 now & while it's just her name now her mother is still ridiculed for it & the other 4 daft names she's given her kids by family, friends & other parents behind her back.

Equalbutdifferent · 20/02/2022 21:26

Ariadne?

Cassiopeia?

Alena?

Alethea?

Callidora?

SpikeySmooth · 20/02/2022 21:21

Arcadia by Lana del Rey Lovely song.

I like Aurelia.

flippers145 · 20/02/2022 21:17

What about Acacia? (A-cay-sha) I think you could use Cady as a nickname for it

RubyRedRoses · 20/02/2022 21:15

Not a fan if either tbh, but with Aurelia you do avoid the Philip Green association which can only be a good thing! Also, Arcadia makes me think of arcades, like where people go to win pennies in the penny pusher, which isn't a particularly nice association for me either.

Aurelia is not to my taste, but it doesn't have any negative associations that I can think of off the top of my head

Hummingbirdcake · 20/02/2022 21:14

Another vote for Aurelia here.