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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

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heeeeresjonnyjonjon · 25/05/2022 20:53

Damn. That's tough. If you were famous you could totally go for a flowery gardeny first and middle name Blossom Oak Gardiner or something but your average kid may be teased for it.

Eloise
Eliza
Felicity
Iris
Ottillie
Ophelia
Penelope
Violet

I think the ones in bold best go with the surname. I don't usually think of violent when I hear or read Violet but I said Violet Gardiner outloud and it does sound like it could be violent Gardener.

Hazel?
Polly
Enid
Lara

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 25/05/2022 20:51

I see Violet as A flower rather than a colour. Its a lovely name but I wouldn't put it with Gardiner.
Out of your your list. I think
Penelope and Felicity work the best. {Felicity and Tabitha sounds Fab as a sibset. (Both have a magical feel)
I love Iris but its too botanical next to Gardiner.
Eliza is also gorgeous but in my head it sounds like Here lies a Gardiner.

Other suggestions.
Alexis Gardiner.
Alice Gardiner
Natalie Gardiner
Rachel Gardiner
Victoria Gardiner
Arielle Gardiner
Lucille Gardiner
Catrice Gardiner
Isabelle Gardiner
Annabelle Gardiner
Vivienne Gardiner

TropicalPotatoes · 25/05/2022 20:51

I love Violet

H1Drangea · 25/05/2022 20:50

Delphine or Daphne as suggestions
I do like Eloise and Eliza though
Marguerite or Melanie ( I know it’s a bit dated , but goes nicely with the surname )

BusySittingDown · 25/05/2022 20:47

Oh yes, Viola is nice and doesn't have that "Violent" sound.

I really like Violet but it does give me the voice of Hyacinth Bucket in my head saying, "it's my sister Violet. The one with a swimming pool and room for a pony..."

ThatPosterIsSoRight · 25/05/2022 20:45

I have to admit I’d think ‘violent gardener’. Flower names are fine with the surname, although I’d avoid the obvious ones such as Rose.

All of the rest of your list are beautiful names.

SunshinePie · 25/05/2022 20:45

Eek, I would avoid the flower names. Violet Gardiner sounds like Violent Gardener. I think you’re setting her up for a lot of jokes, teasing and she will get so fed up of the jests 🤷‍♀️

BusySittingDown · 25/05/2022 20:45

What about Jasmine? It's a flower but doesn't sound too flowery (well, not to me anyway!)

I really like your taste in names.

RuthW · 25/05/2022 20:45

I would avoid flower names with your surname

HannahDefoesTrenchcoat · 25/05/2022 20:44

Viola might work if you like Violet and Eliza?

Original poster
Ginfilledcats · 25/05/2022 20:41

*name not babe haha

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Original poster
Ginfilledcats · 25/05/2022 20:41

Lovely babe @maddy68 but dangerously close to my favourite tipple, fairly sure friends and family would think I named her after Gin haha

OP posts:
maddy68 · 25/05/2022 20:34

Gineste. It's a Spanish flower