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Baby names

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

Original poster

We love Eleanor… BUT….

103 replies

LilyTuesday · 10/06/2023 23:25

…. My mum HATES it. Which makes it lose its shine a bit.

If we love Eleanor, what names of a similar fashion would you suggest?

No middle name, 2 syllable surname beginning with S.

Thank you!

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KnottyKnitting · 11/06/2023 08:47

If you love the name then stick with it- she is your child not your Mother's! ( Great choice by the way- I have an Eleanor!) to those who say it's an old lady name- my DD is 26! So not old

Tare · 11/06/2023 08:46

I have an Eleanor. When she was born my MIL absolutely threw her toys out of the pram over the name. I still don't know (or care) why. Over time she has warmed to the name. Also we genuinely care not one jot what she thinks and made that clear at the time. I wouldn't even entertain the idea of another name if you and your DH both love it. No-one should have that power over you 💕

This thread is bringing back memories/rage for me!!

UsethisUsername · 11/06/2023 08:46

Based on your Mum’s suggested names (Giovanna, Temperance and Clementine!!!) her taste sounds fucking terrible so I’d take her objection as reassurance that you have chosen well.

Eleanor is a great name. Eleanor of Aquitaine was badass.

arlequin · 11/06/2023 08:42

Ridiculous of your mum, it's a perfectly normal and nice name! Go for it definitely. She'll get used to it.

SallyWD · 11/06/2023 08:40

It's your choice. My MIL hated the name we have our son. She couldn't even say it for weeks but she came round and now doesn't think anything of it.
Similar names: Elena, Helena

Eomt · 11/06/2023 08:39

I love the name Eleanor and wanted to choose it for my daughter. However, husband hated it so we now have an Eloise!
Your mother is a cheeky mare and should keep her thoughts to herself.

CurtainsForBea · 11/06/2023 08:37

Oh- and ignore your mum. God.

(If she is into names like Temperance suggest 'Deliverance'. Great character in a book called Deliverance Dane, but not a name to be inflicted on a child)

CurtainsForBea · 11/06/2023 08:34

I love Eleanor.

Helena?

Elowyn?

Probabbly already suggested but i was rushing to write as both those were on my list if we had girls.

SerenityNowInsanityLater · 11/06/2023 08:33

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Thecatisboss · 11/06/2023 08:24

Eleanor is a beautiful classic name (also a fan of Eleanor of Aquitaine!)

Choose the name you and your husband love your Mum has had her turn naming children.

PossiblyNotOne · 11/06/2023 08:19

To be fair your husband has a point. You’re giving your mum too much power!

You’re a grown up, stop letting her make your decisions. It must drive your DH barmy, for good reason.

minmooch · 11/06/2023 07:33

You need to make a stand here. What you are experiencing is called FOG - Fear, Obligation and Guilt.

You fear your Mum's opinion.

You feel obliged to take her every opinion into consideration.
You feel guilty/she makes you feel guilty when you don't.

Once you see this it's easier to take a stand.

You don't owe your Mum anything. She had her own children, now this is your time.

She has the cheek to say that Eleanor reminds her of the school bully - she sounds like a bully herself. Don't let yourself be her victim.

Listen to your DH and let him have your back. It must drive him mad to see how you let her treat you.

Please use the name that you and DH love.

Spidey66 · 11/06/2023 07:08

Ps I like it because its classy, elegant, sounds good for both a baby and an old person, and is classless ie I can imagine both a barista and a barrister with the name. I also love the range off nicknames for it. I'd go for it. Its your baby's name, not your mum's.

LadyWithLapdog · 11/06/2023 07:05

Eliana is similar and a nice name.

Spidey66 · 11/06/2023 07:04

Well Eleanor is one of my favourite ever girls names. I don't have kids but if I did I'd be hard pushed between Eleanor and Rhiannon for a girl, and my mum would have ro live with it.

LimeCheesecake · 11/06/2023 06:58

OP - do you think there really was a school bully called Eleanor, someone who bullied your mum (who clearly bullies you), to the extent the name makes her think of this girl, or do you think it could be an excuse to get you to change to a name she likes?

go with Eleanor.

MrsJellybee · 11/06/2023 06:52

As Eleanor is my daughter's name, I'm going to suggest your Mum is wrong.

It's also the top 'girl' name for getting into Oxbridge. 😉

CrazyArmadilloLady · 11/06/2023 05:07

When you decide on the next name, DO NOT TELL HER.

Or, if you can’t possibly say no to her (which is really weird), then make up a name.

Dorrmouse · 11/06/2023 05:06

Do you always let your mam make your decisions for you? Those other names she's suggested sound like something out of a dodgy religious sect or a really bad historical novel or two...!!

ELLAMAR00 · 11/06/2023 05:01

I like the name my name is Ella I think Eleanor is lovely, Nell,Nella,Ellen or Ellie my favourite is Nellie or Eleni which may be greek.

TheMurderousGoose · 11/06/2023 04:33

With all due respect, tell your mum to get fucked.

Honestly, OP, now is the time to cut the apron strings.

Grow up.

Itsanotherhreatday · 11/06/2023 04:29

Stop telling her things - you are inviting criticism knowing what’s she’s like!
My mother hates DDs name no skin off my nose!

DidyouNO · 11/06/2023 02:35

Your mums had her turn at naming babies. It's your turn now.

Ladyofthelake53 · 11/06/2023 00:24

I get called Elle for short but most people call me Eleanor

ponderingsoul · 11/06/2023 00:24

Your mum sounds horrid. And can you imagine if it was a MIL behaving like this - it’s up to you and your husband, not your mum.