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Baby names

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Original poster

Is this a terrible name?

141 replies

RedPandaFluff · 04/03/2023 17:26

DH and I have just had a huge (lighthearted!) barney about what to call DD, due in summer. I love the name Ophelia and I know she's a tragic Shakespearean character but still love it and would happily use it (although obviously we won't use it as we won't both be in agreement!)

DH is adamant that it's a terrible name and doesn't think that anyone else would feel like me (ie make the connection but still think it's a beautiful name).

Naturally, the only thing for it is to throw it open to mumsnetters Grin

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Doodaadoo · 04/03/2023 19:45

daisypond · 04/03/2023 19:17

It’s not good. The Shakespearean connotations are terrible. It’s not like she’s a noble and strong yet doomed character like Cordelia or Juliet. She’s just a bit - I hesitate to say - wet.

This. And, sorry op, but I always think people who use the name are a bit dumb coz they are using a clearly Shakespearean name, and yet they clearly haven’t actually read hamlet, otherwise they’d just… know.

MrsSamR · 04/03/2023 19:44

I have 2 girls called Ophelia and Perdita (bit of a Shakespeare buff!)

MrsSamR · 04/03/2023 19:42

This made me laugh: "or worse, Feely?" We actually call our daughter Feely Beely! And it's cute, she's not even 3. People call their children all kinds of things - as if this is the worse you could imagine. It never ceases to amaze me how judgemental people are on here. And you know it's from someone who has called their child the most unimaginative names imaginable.

xprincessxjanetx · 04/03/2023 19:40

I think it's nice

BevMarsh · 04/03/2023 19:31

I like it.
My favourite Shakespearean name is Perdita.

SunshineAndFizz · 04/03/2023 19:28

Meandfour · 04/03/2023 18:27

It’s awful. Prepare for “I’ll feel ya” when she’s a teen.

Yep.

YukoandHiro · 04/03/2023 19:27

Lovely name!

MrsSamR · 04/03/2023 19:25

I chose it for my first daughter, now nearly 3 so of course I love the name! Aware of the fate of the character in Hamlet but just loved the name and my husband and I agreed on it instantly and didn't ever consider another name. So as much as I love the name I couldn't recommend it for you if your husband isn't on board as you'd never hear the end of it!

lewiscapaldi · 04/03/2023 19:22

I think it's pretty

supersop60 · 04/03/2023 19:20

I know a couple of Ophelias. Good name. I'd steer clear of Titania or Desdemona, though.

daisypond · 04/03/2023 19:17

It’s not good. The Shakespearean connotations are terrible. It’s not like she’s a noble and strong yet doomed character like Cordelia or Juliet. She’s just a bit - I hesitate to say - wet.

FriedasCarLoad · 04/03/2023 19:17

It's fairly commonly used in aspirational circles now, so I don't think people of your generation or your child's generation would find it odd.

Personally, it's a name so resonant of tragedy that I wouldn't begin to consider it.

UnattendedPotato · 04/03/2023 19:13

Aurelia sounds similar and has a nice meaning?

Zuve · 04/03/2023 19:09

No sorry not keen. I know a girl called phoebe who is lovely and her friends call her pheebs.

Madamecastafiore · 04/03/2023 19:07

I know one called Philly. She's super sweet and mo one has ever been unkind about her name.

Jesko · 04/03/2023 19:01

It's very 'oh aren't we so very literary'.

I can't imagine a kid called Ophelia coming home from school with torn tights, hair all over the place, and half her lunch dropped down her jumper. It doesn't feel like a name you'd want the burden of carrying every day.

ItsCalledAConversation · 04/03/2023 19:00

Hard swerve. It’s too ostentatious, and what would be the nickname, Ophie? Or worse, Feely?

ortonym · 04/03/2023 18:58

A lot depends on your surname... you're not Mrs Ed Balls are you?
Or Mrs Hunt, Titcombe, or Fandango?

ProperVexed · 04/03/2023 18:56

Fabulous name!

cigarettesNalcohol · 04/03/2023 18:53

There are so many pretty girls' names out there. I'm personally not a fan but we're all different. Ultimately there's nothing wrong with it.

DemBonesDemBones · 04/03/2023 18:52

@Twazique you've basically just listed my favourite names Smile

SomersetONeil · 04/03/2023 18:51

ReadersD1gest · 04/03/2023 18:43

God, who'd want to go through life known as Fee or Fi (or Fo or Fum)?
You say it like it's a good thing @BreatheAndFocus 😂

Every Fiona I’ve ever known was known as Fi or Fee and appears to be relatively unharmed by the experience… 🤷🏻‍♀️

MajorCarolDanvers · 04/03/2023 18:51

It's too frilly for me

Twazique · 04/03/2023 18:50

How about Octavia instead?

Or Penelope or Antigone?

Vexxa · 04/03/2023 18:49

I know it's very popular on here but I personally dislike it because of the Shakespeare character. I also wouldn't use Juliet for the same reason - another name that is also popular on here!

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