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Baby names

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

Original poster

The name Ebony?

108 replies

happylittlesoul · 01/01/2023 22:41

Hi!

My baby girl is just over 2 weeks old with a full head of jet black hair. Her father is Jamaican so it’s likely she’ll inherit his curls, like her older sisters.

We haven’t been able to agree on a name yet, but we both like Ebony.

It’s not too unusual, but sort of unique, and sounds both soft and strong at the same time.

I’d like your opinions on the name please, do you like it? Have you met many?

Thank you in advance x

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Newnamenewname109870 · 02/01/2023 15:37

Mybonnielad · 02/01/2023 13:39

Agree with this. The name indicates black or mixed race and may be a disadvantage to her.

Show quote history

This makes no sense as there are lots of names that are seen as ‘black names’ or ‘foreign names’ or ‘posh names’. Whatever! The point is that lots of applications are done blind to stop this.

ThatshallotBaby · 02/01/2023 15:30

I think it’s a lovely name. The Ebony I know has white blond hair. It suits her.
Congratulations @happylittlesoul

SommerTen · 02/01/2023 15:10

My cousin has a ginger haired little girl called Ebony... he just liked the name.
It is a very pretty name.

Inclusivechurch · 02/01/2023 15:07

I absolutely love the name it’s so pretty, but would work best on girls with darker features/hair ie it wouldn’t suit my ginger haired blue eyed DD!

Echobelly · 02/01/2023 15:05

I like Ebony, I knew a very talented girl called that at secondary school.

Els1e · 02/01/2023 15:03

I like it and probably just me, but I prefer Esme. Congrats on your new baby.

TokenGinger · 02/01/2023 14:49

I had the same warnings of names when choosing a Yoruba name for my son, about what discrimination he might face in the future because of it. There was no way I wasn't using a name linked to his heritage because he might end up interviewing for a bigot in the future. Be proud of her heritage (which it sounds like you are), and bugger anybody who does want to discriminate against her because of her heritage. They'll do it regardless of her name if the person is that way inclined.

I think Ebony is beautiful.

vintagemom · 02/01/2023 14:41

I think it’s so beautiful

DemBonesDemBones · 02/01/2023 14:39

I think it's a lovely name.

dogmum93 · 02/01/2023 14:37

inquisitorgeneral · 02/01/2023 10:47

"Ebony" is a term used in pornography to fetishise black women. I don't know how prevalent it is, but it's worth being aware of, especially as your child begins using the internet and might Google her name.

This! This is all I can think of when I hear the name Ebony. It's unfortunate, because it is a lovely name; but I think the association is so strong it would be enough to put me off using it.

Wibbly1008 · 02/01/2023 14:21

I love it! Truly it’s beautiful

Original poster
happylittlesoul · 02/01/2023 14:20

I appreciate this but surely if the employer/person hiring is bigoted or racist then giving her a different name wouldn’t help. She is mixed race so she would still be discriminated against even at the interview stage.

It’s really unfortunate and saddening to think there are still people who will judge someone based on their ethnicity but I do hope a lot more progress is made by the time she’s an adult.

OP posts:
Verite1 · 02/01/2023 13:52

I think it’s a lovely name

jjeoreo · 02/01/2023 13:43

I love the name. It's very, very pretty. I agree it has powerful 70s vibes, in the best possible way.

Mybonnielad · 02/01/2023 13:39

HundredMilesAnHour · 01/01/2023 23:18

I think it's a strong name but I would be concerned that because it (historically at least) has been a name associated with women of colour, there's a risk she could be discriminated against in future when applying for jobs etc. Awful to even think that way I know but...

Agree with this. The name indicates black or mixed race and may be a disadvantage to her.

Purplecatshopaholic · 02/01/2023 13:38

Beautiful name

phlaps · 02/01/2023 13:36

We know an Ebony.

One of the kindest, strongest and most beautiful souls you could ever hope to meet and is an incredible friend, sibling and more recently, mother.

It's a lovely name, with a touch of the warrior.

WholeHog · 02/01/2023 12:38

I think it's beautiful. Strong, classy, and feminine.

FT123456 · 02/01/2023 12:32

I like it, it's different but no to out there

defi · 02/01/2023 12:28

It's lovely but my first thought is it's a porn category.

pocketvenuss · 02/01/2023 12:28

What about Raven?

pocketvenuss · 02/01/2023 12:26

eatdrinkandbemerry · 02/01/2023 07:30

I know an Ebony who's very pale skinned with very blonde hair so I wouldn't automatically think mixed race like some posters I'd think "beautiful name that's universally used ".

That's a weird choice for a very pale child. It's like calling a child born in September 'April'.

pocketvenuss · 02/01/2023 12:24

MeJane · 01/01/2023 23:16

I know. There are white people in Jamaica. Confused And on every Caribbean island. Like all countries. My dh's four grandparents were

  1. Scottish
  2. Portuguese
  3. African
  4. Chinese

a full head of jet black hair. Her father is Jamaican so it’s likely she’ll inherit his curls
Pretty much infers he is black or at least part black.

nellyelloe · 02/01/2023 12:24

Gorgeous name.
My niece is called Ebony - she's white and very blonde, but it still suits her!

pocketvenuss · 02/01/2023 12:22

MeJane · 01/01/2023 23:08

Is she black or mixed race? If not then no, it's not a name I would choose.

Tell us you didn't read the OP without telling us you didn't read the OP