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Baby names

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

Original poster

Kolbe

33 replies

eleanorsmellstrop · 23/09/2022 19:09

Have you ever heard of this name being used for a boy?

My friend says it's well-known as a name because of the saint, but I wonder if this is only in Catholic communities? (She's from the USA so also wondering if it might just be known in America).

Pronounced similarly to Colby, although slightly different.

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Dreamingcats · 26/09/2022 07:52

Never heard of it. I'd have assumed it was a younique spelling of Colby.

ElizabethBest · 26/09/2022 07:02

Caleb is much, much nicer.

Ilovelurchers · 26/09/2022 06:48

ShowOfHands · 23/09/2022 19:15

No but I think IKEA use it as the name for a bijou storage system in pastel tones.

I love you.

lljkk · 26/09/2022 06:44

hmmm

Kolbe
Original poster
eleanorsmellstrop · 26/09/2022 06:28

ChagSameachDoreen · 25/09/2022 20:00

It reminds me of the word for dog in some Semitic languages.

I don't mind, as I also love the name Caleb!

OP posts:
ChagSameachDoreen · 25/09/2022 20:00

It reminds me of the word for dog in some Semitic languages.

Original poster
eleanorsmellstrop · 25/09/2022 07:18

I'm really happy to see some positive comments about the name! Thank you!

OP posts:
CambsAlways · 24/09/2022 20:20

Nice name

mathanxiety · 24/09/2022 19:48

Lovely choices.

Original poster
eleanorsmellstrop · 24/09/2022 19:19

mathanxiety · 24/09/2022 17:23

It's not at all 'out there' in RC culture, particularly if there's a Polish link, or indeed in circles where the Holocaust is well known. That means the intersection of Polish and Jewish communities, but lots of other RC culture in general.

Same goes for Edith (Stein).

Edith is on my list for a girl after Edith Stein 😊

OP posts:
mathanxiety · 24/09/2022 17:23

It's not at all 'out there' in RC culture, particularly if there's a Polish link, or indeed in circles where the Holocaust is well known. That means the intersection of Polish and Jewish communities, but lots of other RC culture in general.

Same goes for Edith (Stein).

mathanxiety · 24/09/2022 17:19

Yes, I've heard it, in the US.

There were two boys in the local high school during the time my DCs were going through, named Kolbe. I live in a metropolitan area with a huge Polish community going back at least 150 years, with lots of recent immigrants.

It's been chosen as a Confirmation name too, by one boy in my DCs' (RC) Conformation group. Also a girl who chose Cabrini...
I've heard it used as a middle name as well.

Luredbyapomegranate · 24/09/2022 16:36

I have never heard of it (and have lived in US for long periods).

As a middle name it’s fine, but not as a first name - it sounds like it falls into the Kai and Kayden type names and that is Not Helpful in life

Original poster
eleanorsmellstrop · 24/09/2022 15:48

alotoftutus · 23/09/2022 20:25

I know of two, one is my 19 year old cousin the other a friends son. Both are from the Caribbean so perhaps it's more well known there.

Oh wow! Thank you! Yes maybe it is just only popular in certain areas. Do you like it?

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Original poster
eleanorsmellstrop · 24/09/2022 15:37

Greencrocs · 24/09/2022 15:32

I went to school with a Kolbe in the UK about 20 years ago. He was American though. I think it’s a nice name

Interesting! So there are indeed other American Kolbes out there. Thank you for this!

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Original poster
eleanorsmellstrop · 24/09/2022 15:36

Cindie943811A · 24/09/2022 15:02

Reading the Wikipedia entry it appears there was controversy about the Saint’s anti- Semitism and I’d avoid the name on that basis.
Just go for the cheese version of Colby

d

I wouldn't use Colby as I specifically am interested in the name because of Maximilian Kolbe. I would only use Kolbe. Otherwise the name loses its meaning and I'd probably go for something else.

Either way will use Kolbe (either as first or middle). I THINK I prefer it (and have always imagined it) as a middle name for a boy. But it's the only boy's name DH loves as a first name option and I do love the saint so I'd definitely use it. Just not sure if it's too 'out there' in that i'd hate for people to think I just made up a name!

OP posts:
Greencrocs · 24/09/2022 15:32

I went to school with a Kolbe in the UK about 20 years ago. He was American though. I think it’s a nice name

Yesthatismychildsigh · 24/09/2022 15:09

Went to Catholic schools. Never heard of it, on googling it’s the surname. It’s ugly. Don’t saddle someone else with that.

Cindie943811A · 24/09/2022 15:02

Reading the Wikipedia entry it appears there was controversy about the Saint’s anti- Semitism and I’d avoid the name on that basis.
Just go for the cheese version of Colby

d

kuvira · 24/09/2022 14:46

How is it pronounced? Kol-bee or Kol-buh? I've never encountered it among Irish Catholics.
My partner knew a Colby in the States, if it's the same pronunciation.

Original poster
eleanorsmellstrop · 24/09/2022 13:54

Can't use Maximilian because already have one in close family. DH loves Kolbe (and the saint is really important to our family for various reasons). But I'm worried the name is too 'out there' compared to our other children's name which are more familiar biblical names. Do you like it or think it works in the UK?

OP posts:
Smallonesaremorejuicy · 24/09/2022 01:05

Love Maximillion .

MrsTerryPratchett · 24/09/2022 01:01

The Catholic Church venerates him as the patron saint of amateur radio operators, drug addicts, political prisoners, families, journalists, and prisoners.

That's quite the list.

France98 · 24/09/2022 00:59

I know a few Colbys, but no Kolbe

alotoftutus · 23/09/2022 20:25

I know of two, one is my 19 year old cousin the other a friends son. Both are from the Caribbean so perhaps it's more well known there.

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