Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Flower name with our surname

63 replies

Ginfilledcats · 25/05/2022 20:33

Our surname is Gardiner, we really like the name Violet or Iris, but are these too obviously flowers and sound daft with our surname?
my husband had no idea either were flowers and was surprised when I pointed it out. He thinks most people will associate Violet with the colour rather than a flower and not notice the connection.
also slightly concerned Violet is too close to violent but I admit that might be me just being daft!

if both are a no with our surname, any suggestions on names we might like? DD1 is Tabitha Jean. On our list are:
Eloise
Eliza
Felicity
Iris
Ottillie
Ophelia
Penelope
Violet

many thanks xxxx

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
Umpalumpa2 · 31/05/2022 06:32

Aster Gardiner?

TranquilAirOfMorning · 30/05/2022 14:16

Camille?

dollface22 · 27/05/2022 22:55

Jasmine is a beautiful flower 🌸 name x

BonjourCrisette · 27/05/2022 22:55

Oops. Ottilie!

BonjourCrisette · 27/05/2022 22:54

I have a Tabitha and Eliza was also high up my list. Also love Sylvia, Ottilile and Felicity.

Susannah was on my list (means lily). I feel like that might work.

SmiledWtherisingsun · 27/05/2022 22:30

Sylvie is also lovely.

Sylvie Ophelia Gardiner

SmiledWtherisingsun · 27/05/2022 22:29

Love Ophelia & Eloise.
I wouldn't go flowery.

Ophelia Eloise Gardiner

catsonahottinroof · 27/05/2022 21:02

I like Iris and the other alternative flower names that have been suggested:
eg
Viola
Jasmine
Not keen on any of the others, if stuck go for short names eg Ruth, June, Judy, Doris etc.

Original poster
Ginfilledcats · 27/05/2022 20:48

Haha so Ophelia is out too.

ah I’m really struggling!!!

OP posts:
BusySittingDown · 27/05/2022 19:20

I've just come back to this thread...
Not Ophelia! It sounds like "a feel o' ya gardener."

brookln · 27/05/2022 13:42

Katy perry named her child Daisy. Dad is Orlando bloom. Smile

emmathedilemma · 27/05/2022 11:34

i find Tabitha and Ophelia quite a mouthful to say out loud!

2bazookas · 27/05/2022 10:32

I like Violet and Iris and think either of them pair particularly well with your surname because of the gentle subtext link. Feminine but dignified; nobody will ever mispronounce it or ask how to spell it.

It's dateless and ageless and classless; the kind of name that sits well for a baby, toddler, teenager, and an adult in the workplace. I wish more parents would give a thought to what's "cute" "on trend" or "unique" on a baby being just cringe-embarrassing when little Leaf grows up into a police officer or plumber.

KimWexlersPonyTail · 27/05/2022 10:20

Jonquille, its a colour of daffadil I think.

latetothefisting · 27/05/2022 10:16

Johnnysgirl · 25/05/2022 20:53

I wouldn't have a flower name with Gardiner.
It'll sound like she's in charge of a specific part of a National Trust park.

This made me laugh but yes I agree. Just sounds very twee and like a character in a victorian children's book.

All your other names are lovely, and viola gardiner sounds great if that's an option?

CurryandSnuggle · 27/05/2022 09:56

What about Willow Gardiner? Less obviously “garden” related to other children than e.g Rose, Daisy, Poppy etc

mathanxiety · 26/05/2022 19:26

Oh-feel-ya Gardiner isn't great imo.

SpaceJamtart · 26/05/2022 18:10

Its a shame because violet is a lovely name but yeah 'flower' gardiner is a really silly name

Eloise and Eliza are beautiful and go with you surnae and other girls name

HannahDefoesTrenchcoat · 26/05/2022 12:56

I like Penelope, Felicity and Verity

also Allegra, Marianne, Meredith

Grimthimble · 26/05/2022 11:31

Love Eloise and Sylvie Gardiner

RightOnTheEdge · 26/05/2022 09:45

Violet definitely sounded like Violent Gardiner in my head.
I don't think Margot Gardiner flows very well.

Eloise Gardiner sounds lovely and is my favourite on your list.

LadyEloise1 · 26/05/2022 09:44

Eloise
But I would say that, wouldn't I. Smile

Sodthatforagameofsoldiers · 26/05/2022 09:37

Eloise Gardiner is a beautiful name! Wish it was mine.

Personally I think 3 or 4 syllables is better with Gardiner. I don't think Margot Gardiner works as well as some of the others. Felicity or Penelope Gardiner are both lovely but do sound like someone in their 60s presenting Radio 4. That's not a criticism 😀

Johnnysgirl · 26/05/2022 09:30

erikbloodaxe · 26/05/2022 09:23

Felicity is lovely.

Yes, and it flows really well.

erikbloodaxe · 26/05/2022 09:23

Felicity is lovely.