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Baby names

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

Original poster

Bess?

53 replies

Roomeithaview · 09/05/2022 07:11

Would like to know what associations you have with the name Bess. What comes to mind when you hear it? (Prob Elizabeth on bc.)

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RuthW · 09/05/2022 12:20

Lovely as long as Elizabeth on bc.

SallyWD · 09/05/2022 11:57

I like it. I dont have any associations with it at all. It sounds old fashioned, which in my opinion is a good thing!

FayCarew · 09/05/2022 11:52

I like it but not keen on Bessie

Twizbe · 09/05/2022 11:39

Roomeithaview · 09/05/2022 08:52

Thanks for these thoughts! I’m a bit worried it’s too ‘cute’ but Elizabeth 1st is a good strong ref…

I wouldn't say it was cute. That's one of the real strong points of Elizabeth as a name. It can really grow with people.

I'm one and was always Lizzie as a child, now I'm Liz or Elizabeth.

Chaoslatte · 09/05/2022 11:23

I think of Aunt Bessie! That doesn’t put me off though, I think it’s a sweet nickname - as long as it is only a nickname and not the given name.

brokengoalposts · 09/05/2022 11:14

MintyGreenDream · 09/05/2022 10:53

Prefer Tess

I definitely don't, lol

brokengoalposts · 09/05/2022 11:14

My mum calls her cars Bess, lol

I really like it.

MintyGreenDream · 09/05/2022 10:53

Prefer Tess

snowgal · 09/05/2022 10:42

A sheepdog. That said, I think it's a wonderful, strong name that would suit all stages of age. Love it!

Classica · 09/05/2022 10:39

Yes, Queen Bess and Bess of Hardwick

And some 18th century non-human Besses such as Dick Turpin's horse, Black Bess, and the musket called the Brown Bess.

ColdApril · 09/05/2022 10:15

Good Queen Bess for me too.

But think it's a cute name.

UsernameIsHarderThanBabyName · 09/05/2022 10:00

Lovely name

Grumpyrainbow · 09/05/2022 09:45

It's lovely!

AngelicaElizaAndPeggy · 09/05/2022 09:44

I know a Bess, she's a lovely little girl.

I also get the Bess of Hardwick reference - that's who I think of first when I hear the name!

PaddleBoardingMomma · 09/05/2022 09:41

Beautiful little girl called Bess in my daughters ballet class with long flowing blonde hair and always so polite and happy, I really think the name suits her.

Frazzled2207 · 09/05/2022 09:39

I love it

elfran · 09/05/2022 09:38

I think of Bess of Hardwick but that's pretty niche 😂

I like it! I slightly prefer the other nn for Elizabeth that are gaining popularity as given names, like Betty, but it's cute and not that far from Tess, which I've long loved. So I actually think it works well on an adult as well.

SummaLuvin · 09/05/2022 09:18

I wouldn't call Bess "cute" but it does seem gentle. I like it, it's an old world name but not in a bad way.

Given you would use Elizabeth on BC if she does fine it too cute she can choose another diminutive or use her name in full - just make sure you are happy with all the likely other options: Beth, Liz, Lizzy, Lissy, Eliza, Elle.....

Original poster
Roomeithaview · 09/05/2022 08:52

Thanks for these thoughts! I’m a bit worried it’s too ‘cute’ but Elizabeth 1st is a good strong ref…

OP posts:
Twizbe · 09/05/2022 07:38

Good Queen Bess as in Elizabeth 1st! Not a bad person to be named after.

Elizabeth is a great name and you don't hear many shorten it to Bess now a days.

interferringma · 09/05/2022 07:35

I like it. It's nickname for Elizabeth. But thousands call their sons Jack, which is in fact a diminutive for John!

Wouldyabeguilty · 09/05/2022 07:33

Very Cathrine Cookson.

Bumbers · 09/05/2022 07:32

Cow

ButterRose · 09/05/2022 07:31

Milking cow not saying that to be mean Bess was the name of one of the dairy cows in the herd when my mum was growing up nn Old Bessie

AuntieStella · 09/05/2022 07:29

I like it - splendid Elizabethan name