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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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Original poster
happylittlesoul · 02/01/2023 12:20

Emmamoo89 · 02/01/2023 12:10

Lovely name. Got a cat called ebony

Haha, great choice! I had a cat called Dexter and one of my best friends named their son Dexter too :D

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Original poster
happylittlesoul · 02/01/2023 12:19

NearlyMidnight · 02/01/2023 01:18

I like it - especially with dark hair - Snow white had "hair as black as ebony". It's also a wood - so fits the current trend for nature names.

Yes to this! Definitely a good fit for nature names. & that line from Snow White is actually where we got the inspiration from :)

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Original poster
happylittlesoul · 02/01/2023 12:16

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 ".

The quote from Snow White “hair as black as ebony” definitely was an inspiration for us, but I totally agree with you :)

OP posts:
Emmamoo89 · 02/01/2023 12:10

Lovely name. Got a cat called ebony

Original poster
happylittlesoul · 02/01/2023 12:10

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.

I had no idea about this! So many names seem to have links to prn/ sex workers these days in some way.

The same thing came up when I mentioned using my grandma’s name (Delphine) as a middle name.

Thank you for bringing it to my attention! It’s definitely something to consider when she’s older.

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Original poster
happylittlesoul · 02/01/2023 12:01

ofwarren · 02/01/2023 01:06

I like the sound of it, but when I read it, I just see the word 'bony'.

This made me chuckle :D random but true haha

OP posts:
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.

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 ".

Maireas · 02/01/2023 07:24

Yes, @happylittlesoul , I would say that Esme is more common than Ebony.
Both lovely names.

NearlyMidnight · 02/01/2023 01:18

I like it - especially with dark hair - Snow white had "hair as black as ebony". It's also a wood - so fits the current trend for nature names.

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 02/01/2023 01:11

Gorgeous name!

JamSandle · 02/01/2023 01:06

I love it.

ofwarren · 02/01/2023 01:06

I like the sound of it, but when I read it, I just see the word 'bony'.

Whatifthegrassisblue · 02/01/2023 01:04

I knew an Ebony with white blonde curls, it was a lovely name

xprincessxjanetx · 02/01/2023 01:01

I think it sounds lovely

purpleme12 · 01/01/2023 23:44

I really love Ebony.
It would be one of my names I'd choose for my child

Original poster
happylittlesoul · 01/01/2023 23:41

groovergirl · 01/01/2023 23:00

Ebony is elegant, with a dash of '70s disco queen. A lovely name for your dark-haired little one.

Thank you! I love this interpretation :)

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Original poster
happylittlesoul · 01/01/2023 23:39

Maireas · 01/01/2023 23:14

I've come across a few as a teacher, so it's not rare, but not common either. I think it's a beautiful name.

Another name I liked for her was Esme, but DH is not so keen.

Would you say, as a teacher, that Esme is a lot more common?

Thank you :)

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Original poster
happylittlesoul · 01/01/2023 23:38

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...

Oh I didn’t think of that!

I hope that by the time she is old enough to be working, we as a society have made a lot more progress in terms of equality in the workplace.

Thank you for your consideration x

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Original poster
happylittlesoul · 01/01/2023 23:32

MeJane · 01/01/2023 23:08

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

She looks as though she will have a darker skin tone, like her dad. But she’s very little still so difficult to say for sure.

Her sisters also look like miniature versions of him whereas my son is fair - like me.

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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...

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
NestingSparrow · 01/01/2023 23:15

Love it.

NeedToKnow101 · 01/01/2023 23:15

I love it.

Maireas · 01/01/2023 23:14

I've come across a few as a teacher, so it's not rare, but not common either. I think it's a beautiful name.