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Baby names

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

Original poster

Antonia, Selina or Charlotte

36 replies

Mamakins2021 · 10/08/2023 11:40

Hi! Looking for some help deciding between these three names for our baby girl. We prefer classical, traditional, sophisticated names but also want a name which is not too common. All help much appreciated!

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Hazelnut9 · 10/08/2023 21:47

I like Selina

moonshinepoursthroughmywindow · 10/08/2023 21:43

Love Charlotte, like Antonia and don't really like Selina, but it's not awful, just not quite my style.

Radiatorvalves · 10/08/2023 21:12

Slightly outing but I’ve been around a half a century or so and no one has shortened my name to Toni. Occasionally people have asked and I tell them that it’s the full version. Go for it!

isitaline97 · 10/08/2023 21:07

I really like Selina, although I think I prefer the spelling Selena. Beautiful name either way 😊

continentallentil · 10/08/2023 20:55

Oona
Esther
Honor..

continentallentil · 10/08/2023 20:54

Selina - I know one known as Lenny to her mates

Although I actually prefer Serena, Saskia and Sabrina TBH.

I like Antonia but I don’t like Toni or Tonya, and there are way too many Annie’s, so I just wouldn’t - you can’t control what happens at school

I would strike Charlotte because it has been so overdone

Maybe others -

Francesca
Allegra
Adela
Lydia
Carina
Cassia
Caroline (Callie)
Carys
Marianne
Diana
Frances
Catriona
Susannah
Marguerite
Philippa
Estella
Stella
Lois
Miranda
Marina
Celia
Cecile
Helena
Ines
Iona
Vivienne
Meredith
Genevieve

lap90 · 10/08/2023 19:06

Charlotte. Classic.

rockpoolingtogether · 10/08/2023 19:06

Or what about Celeste?

rockpoolingtogether · 10/08/2023 19:05

Celina is prettt

NotSoBigCrocodile · 10/08/2023 15:12

Mamakins2021 · 10/08/2023 15:05

Thanks all! Antonia is my favourite too, though DH reluctant due to the nickname Toni. Don't think it is inevitable though- could insist on being called Antonia or pre-empt it by choosing a different nickname eg Annie, Nia, Toto etc

My name is slightly longer than Antonia, and it’s never been shortened. I’ve never had a nickname. Always known by my full name.

BobbidyBibbidyBob · 10/08/2023 15:11

I like Antonia, however the only one i know goes by "Toe".. just in case you hadn't thought of it!

KirstenBlest · 10/08/2023 15:08

I think that Cecilia/Cecelia is one of those names that gets mentioned a lot on here but isn't much used IRL. Claudia is another one, and Juliet.

lavagal · 10/08/2023 15:05

Interestingly my DD friend is always Antonia it's never shortened

Original poster
Mamakins2021 · 10/08/2023 15:05

Thanks all! Antonia is my favourite too, though DH reluctant due to the nickname Toni. Don't think it is inevitable though- could insist on being called Antonia or pre-empt it by choosing a different nickname eg Annie, Nia, Toto etc

OP posts:
IdaGlossop · 10/08/2023 14:55

Mother of an Antonia here. Two decades on, I still love this name and people often comment on what a lovely name it is ❤ It's elegant and melodic. It's unusual and distinctive (I know personally only one other, not in the UK, and 60+). It travels well across Europe. It works for all ages. It's not faddy. Only people of my daughter's own age shorten it to Toni, and she's fine about it (and so am I). Second choice: Charlotte but it's quite common and likely to contine to be because of Princess Charlotte. Third choice Selina but I'm not sure it passes your classical test and it has a harsh sound I'm not keen on.

Twazique · 10/08/2023 14:35

I love Antonia, I would had Anna rather than Toni as a nick name.

Also like Cecelia and Alexandra.

Theoldwoman · 10/08/2023 14:33

Charlotte

Clettercletterthatsbetter · 10/08/2023 14:31

Antonia is lovely but I don’t like Toni as a nickname. I agree with the pp that Celine is much nicer than Selina.

Nubnut · 10/08/2023 13:33

I think Charlotte would be a burden if you live in the UK because of Princess Charlotte

Nubnut · 10/08/2023 13:32

I like Selina but I love Serena

TheYearOfSmallThings · 10/08/2023 13:31

You know I haven't ever met a little Antonia, and it's a lovely name - I would go for that, although the other names are also good.

Brexile · 10/08/2023 13:27

Antonia! There aren't enough Antonias, and it's lovely.

curaçao · 10/08/2023 13:25

Charlotte

LadyMonicaBaddingham · 10/08/2023 12:19

I prefer the spelling Selena, but I love the name regardless. Antonia will almost inevitably end up as Toni, which I don't like and Charlotte/Lottie has really grown in popularity in recent years.

KirstenBlest · 10/08/2023 12:11

Antonia is long and will be shortened. Prefer Serena or Sabina to Selina.
Charlotte is classic but popular.