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Baby names

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

Original poster

Beth

39 replies

DIACT · 13/05/2023 08:39

I love the name Beth, but my husband's closest friend's daughter is called Beth, short for Bethany. We can't decide whether or not this matters (It doesn't bother his friend, we've asked) or not, given that we hardly see her anyway. What do others think?

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SurpriseSparDay · 13/05/2023 13:14

Ha, @DIACT! I love Jo / Josephine precisely because of the two fictional worlds I mentioned!

wonkylegs · 13/05/2023 12:56

We liked Beth for a girl but always err towards the 'full name' for birth certificates to give a choice later in life.
We decided against Elizabeth due to DHs ex's so went for Bethany with Catherine as a middle name, our alternative was Annabelle (Anna) Catherine
.... we ended up with boys each time so they never got used

Friarclose · 13/05/2023 12:52

Biased because my dog is called Bethany and we call her Beth. I think it's a pretty name

Pearfacebananapoop · 13/05/2023 12:52

I really like it.

Original poster
DIACT · 13/05/2023 12:48

I like Elizabeth but hate Liz and Lizzie which are its most common nicknames. I have thought of registering her as Elizabeth, but informing everyone from the outset that she is to be known as Beth. As for its connotations with Beth in Little Women, I am a huge fan of this novel and that is exactly why I want the name!

OP posts:
yellowmeerkat · 13/05/2023 12:39

If you love it and have got the all clear from your husband’s friend I would definitely go for it! You might regret it otherwise

LubaLuca · 13/05/2023 12:28

I like it too. It's unfussy and has never been an 'of the time' name.

chattanoogachoochoochoo · 13/05/2023 12:26

I like it Smile

FayCarew · 13/05/2023 11:17

It's ok but seems a bit 1970s. I don't like Bethany or Bethan, but Elizabeth is lovely

theTractorFactor · 13/05/2023 09:31

We watch Two Doors Down and often signal for a cup of tea in this house by shouting, '....Beth?'

Why not call her Elizabeth, and leave options open for Eliza, Lizzie, Libby, Betty, etc?

Plump82 · 13/05/2023 09:07

I love the name Beth. I think it's so pretty and it's top of my list of girls names. I don't think it'll matter if it doesn't bother your friends pal

Luredbyapomegranate · 13/05/2023 09:05

It’s fine but I would call her Elizabeth

Beth as a full name sounds like you ran out of ink

SurpriseSparDay · 13/05/2023 08:50

Hmm me, not be …

SurpriseSparDay · 13/05/2023 08:49

To me it’s a bit … nothing.

Beth is always the quiet, invisible character - Little Women; the entire Chalet School oeuvre; can’t think of any others offhand but it gives that impression!

(Bethany definitely has unpleasant connotations to be.)

If you’re determined - Elizabeth would be excellent. You might call her Beth/Bethy at home; elsewhere she might be Eliza - which is splendid!