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Baby names

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

Original poster

Violet - wow what an unusual name

108 replies

Radicalfaces · 01/08/2022 04:06

I feel like I’m living in an alternate universe!!

We wanted a name for our DD that was a classic normal English name, easy to spell and pronounce. We went with Violet.

From the minute she arrived everyone from family, friends and the nurses/ midwives have been so surprised by our name choice and said how unusual it is, they’ve never heard of any Violet’s etc.

we are confused and feel like the reaction is akin to if we’d named her Larksong or something!

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YawnYawnYawn00 · 01/08/2022 09:53

I love the name Violet and considered that name for our DD.
I know of a violet as well. I don't think it's unusual. It's uncommon. But it's a really lovely name.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 01/08/2022 09:52

It is odd because Violet was uncommon for many decades but then about 8 years ago there was an outburst of little Violets (and Irises and Margots etc). It certainly is more common than Jane or Mary or Susan and names like that.

Enko · 01/08/2022 09:50

Should perhaps also be said I am in a secondary school 1 day a week

pimlicoanna · 01/08/2022 09:49

Where do you live? It's not unusual where I am. I know two and another in my family

julie123098 · 01/08/2022 09:47

Just here to say Violet is a beautiful name. Flowers

Enko · 01/08/2022 09:46

@Louise0701 I on the other hand know 19 Olivias age. 1 to 26. I know 3 Evies In Primary schools and 4 Avas Primary to secondary school ages.

I dont personally know any Violets however I know it to be a popular name. I do know a Lark (not Larksong Though)

Duttercup · 01/08/2022 09:45

Not unusual or uncommon, I know of at least 12 young violets in my DDs primary and preschools. Also have a niece called Violet.

Yeah but a name that's recently become popular (i.e. in the last 10 years) will still sound unusual to adults without primary/pre-school school kids who will mostly only know a handful of smaller children. Takes a while for them to get into general circulation.

sashh · 01/08/2022 09:44

Duttercup · 01/08/2022 04:29

Well, it is unusual in that it's not particularly common and whilst I've obviously heard the name Violet, I've never met one, don't know of any and can't think of any famous Violets.

Violette Szabo? OK so she had the French spelling.

OP It's a lovely name, overdue for a comeback.

Danoo · 01/08/2022 09:44

I think it could be more popular than Jane. Although I feel Jane is rising.

A lot of people don't know what names are popular. On the thread ''what is Nancy's sibling called?'' there was a woman who was astounded that somebody had called their child Nancy whereas I thought, what, that's kind of predictably trendy. David Cameron has one. I know of one. Ask a Creche worker if Nancy is an old lady name or a toddler name. Don't ask somebody who has no DC, no friends with young DC, ykwim

Chakraleaf · 01/08/2022 09:40

Louise0701 · 01/08/2022 09:16

@Enko I always find it funny when people say things on here about Evie/Ava & Olivia.

I know 1 Evie; she’s 16. I don’t know anyone called Ava. I know 2 Olivia’s.
I know 7 Violets, 2 Olives, 2 Primroses.

Between my daughters year 3/4 class and a reception class, there are 7 Avas amd 4 evies

GoT1904 · 01/08/2022 09:40

I love the name violet! Off the top of my head I know of 3 little girls with the name. I wouldn't have said it was unusual at all.

CharlieAndTooManyCharacters · 01/08/2022 09:23

It’s probably not what you want to hear, but it’s probably the go to platitude for people who feel they need to make some response to a name they don’t much care for.

They can’t say, ‘oh what a lovely name’ without feeling like they’re lying. So they go with ‘oh, that’s unusual’.

not that it matters. Not everyone will like every name out there.

MrsDrSpencerReid · 01/08/2022 09:22

It’s such a pretty name, I love it!

Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner’s youngest daughter is called Violet.

AliceMcK · 01/08/2022 09:21

Not unusual or uncommon, I know of at least 12 young violets in my DDs primary and preschools. Also have a niece called Violet.

Louise0701 · 01/08/2022 09:16

@Enko I always find it funny when people say things on here about Evie/Ava & Olivia.

I know 1 Evie; she’s 16. I don’t know anyone called Ava. I know 2 Olivia’s.
I know 7 Violets, 2 Olives, 2 Primroses.

CharlieAndTooManyCharacters · 01/08/2022 09:12

People say that about just about anything. I’ve heard it in response to Amelia, which is anything but unusual now.

They’re just trying to say something in response to the name.

Enko · 01/08/2022 09:11

Assuming op is in the UK. Violet has been in the top 50 for at least 5 years now. So hardly unusual. I just think they mean it's not Olivia or Evie.

Pretty name. But for me I think I prefer larksong 😃

Louise0701 · 01/08/2022 09:09

@hummerbird Olive is another popular choice round here.

IStandWithMaya · 01/08/2022 09:06

Lots of young Violets round here. It's a pretty name.

Whattodonowadays · 01/08/2022 09:04

Violet was on my list as well, I went with hazel in the end. I think a lot more people are bringing the old names back now instead of using the same names that have been popular for the last few years.

Just10moreminutesplease · 01/08/2022 08:57

there are a few little violets in the baby groups near me. It’s a beautiful name Smile

hummerbird · 01/08/2022 08:55

One or two middle class authors from 100 years ago I think.
My DH met an Olive last month. Only one since an Aunt (born in 1920).

AppleBottomRats · 01/08/2022 08:54

I think Violet is relatively unusual. I’ve heard of it obviously but I’ve never met one.

Stripedbag101 · 01/08/2022 08:51

i love the name - unfortunately the bully in my school was called violet! It really didn’t suit her😂.

Violent Violet.

Louise0701 · 01/08/2022 08:48

Really? I know 7 Violets under age 10. It’s so popular round here.

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