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Baby names

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

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Original poster

Ophelia or Cordelia?

35 replies

misshazel · 03/10/2022 21:09

Which do you prefer and why?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Cheeselog · 06/10/2022 09:53

@Lilacsunflowers Lack of history in use as given names. Hayden and Hunter are surnames and Harry is a nickname for Henry.

Lilacsunflowers · 06/10/2022 09:49

I fail to understand why children would think Cordelia is a posh name whereas Amelia and Olivia aren't.

Because English society has strange ideas about 'posh' names.

Why are Hugo, Horatio and Hubert considered posh whereas Hayden, Harry and Hunter aren't.

I find it strange too

generalh · 06/10/2022 06:48

Cornelia... shorten to Connie if preferred.

EdgeOfACoin · 06/10/2022 06:43

Cordelia, Ophelia and Olivia are all four-syllable names ending in '-ia'.

As is Amelia, which is one of the most popular girls' names in the country.

I fail to understand why children would think Cordelia is a posh name whereas Amelia and Olivia aren't.

MrsSamR · 05/10/2022 20:57

I prefer Ophelia and picked it for my daughter - our second daughter will be Perdita so that's another one to throw into the mix. I actually love Cordelia too but we thought Ophelia and Cordelia was a bit matchy matchy!

DeeDeeDaisy · 04/10/2022 22:46

Both make me think of Shakespeare. Prefer Cordelia though

Cheeselog · 04/10/2022 00:36

Cordelia - Ophelia obviously sad connotations whereas Cordelia is the good daughter of King Lear and also the name Anne of Green Gables always fantasised about, so much more positive. You could shorten it to Corey, Delia or Lia.

UpToMyElbowsInDiapers · 04/10/2022 00:32

Pattygonia · 03/10/2022 21:32

I prefer the name cordelia but can't get past the Shakespeare tragic heroine connotation for both. Ophelia particularly is very much a passive victim whereas at least Cordelia is more assertive

If I wanted a Shakespeare name I'd go for Portia, Rosalind, Beatrice or Miranda

Absolutely what I was thinking! Beatrice all the way.

brookln · 04/10/2022 00:31

backacge · 03/10/2022 21:23

Ophelia. Cordelia just makes me think of cordial for some reason.

Same

ChildrenOfTheQuorn · 04/10/2022 00:28

DinosaurPyjamas · 03/10/2022 22:21

Cordelia, because:

Buffy
nn Cordy
Ophelia is overdone and clichéd

As above 👆

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 04/10/2022 00:09

Cordelia. I like The Happiest Millionaire film, which has a Cordelia in it. I know the Shakespeare connection, but it isn't the only thing I think of.

For Ophelia I can only think of the play and the painting, and the painting always makes me feel sad!

jackstini · 03/10/2022 23:20

Ophelia - poss nn Ophie or Phel

Cordelia makes me think cordial, as in formal

Lilacsunflowers · 03/10/2022 23:06

It means you will sound like a prat if all other children in the class are called Jack and Olivia

I bet Olivia will be jealous of Cordelia and Ophelia as their names are much more beautiful and memorable!

Sound like a 'prat' because they've got a great name ? Where are you living?

Mossstitch · 03/10/2022 23:05

Cordelia, I considered it many years ago when pregnant....... But all boys😍 would have used cordie as nickname tho not Delia.

DysonSpheres · 03/10/2022 22:33

Cordelia. Can be shortened to cordelie, or delia. Ophelia always ends up as fifi or phelie.

Cordelia is more unusual and intriguing imo.

Luredbyapomegranate · 03/10/2022 22:30

Janedoe82 · 03/10/2022 22:03

Lilacsunflowers It means you will sound like a prat if all other children in the class are called Jack and Olivia 🙈

@Janedoe82

The OP won’t. The world is full of kids called Aurora, Aurelia, Isabella, Sophia.. there’s no difference. Ophelia seems increasingly popular anyway.

Luredbyapomegranate · 03/10/2022 22:26

Cordelia. She is a sparky character.

Ophelia is a bit tragic

DinosaurPyjamas · 03/10/2022 22:21

Cordelia, because:

Buffy
nn Cordy
Ophelia is overdone and clichéd

Joonio · 03/10/2022 22:15

Just no.

Janedoe82 · 03/10/2022 22:03

Lilacsunflowers It means you will sound like a prat if all other children in the class are called Jack and Olivia 🙈

Lilacsunflowers · 03/10/2022 21:41

Both Cordelia and Ophelia are beautiful names!

PhotoDad · 03/10/2022 21:41

Do you see yourself more as Polonius or Lear?

Lilacsunflowers · 03/10/2022 21:41

unless you are actually posh they will sound pretentious

What on earth does that mean?

UrsulaPandress · 03/10/2022 21:39

Cordelia. I have one.

nocoolnamesleft · 03/10/2022 21:39

I prefer Cordelia as it's a much more positive role model.

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