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Baby names

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Original poster

Cleo v. Beatrix

48 replies

nanasui · 11/12/2023 23:21

Which would you pick if you had to choose one of these?

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DramaAlpaca · 16/12/2023 00:40

Cleo, I love it.

Beatrix is OK, but would end up with the diminutive Trixie which is way too Yorkshire terrier. Beatrice is beautiful though.

shoopshoopdedoo · 16/12/2023 00:36

Beatrix

ginteio · 14/12/2023 06:48

I would pick Beatrix because of a personal preference. It is an elegant yet spunky name and has a very beautiful meaning. It travels well, too.

hobbledyhoy · 13/12/2023 13:54

Beatrix - beautiful name and I always think of Beatrix Potter. It's on my list too

SkaneTos · 13/12/2023 13:49

Beatrix is a beautiful name!
Makes me think of princess Beatrix of the Netherlands, mother of king Willem-Alexander.

SquigglePigs · 13/12/2023 13:45

I love Beatrix (and definitely prefer it to Beatrice). Bea is a cute nickname for a little one too.

Cleo is ok, but I don't like it anywhere near as much.

alrighthen · 13/12/2023 13:12

Lifeinlists · 13/12/2023 09:22

Cleo Laine isn't late though she is 96 now.

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That's good news! I did wonder if I should do a fact check when I wrote that - oops and apologies to the wonderful Cleo Laine if she frequents the baby name board on Mumsnet.

Cleo is on our baby name shortlist too and Felix for a boy (we're not finding out the sex) I think we must like cat names.

housemaus · 13/12/2023 12:55

Cleo :) I know a Cleo and always thought it was a nice name.

HandyLittleGadget · 13/12/2023 12:20

I used to have a cat called Cleo.

purpledahlias · 13/12/2023 12:20

Is Cleo short for Cleopatra?

CoalCraft · 13/12/2023 11:49

Definitely Beatrix - surprised at PP's comments about it as to me it is a timeless classic. Cleo is okay but not nearly as nice imo.

I don't personally like Beatrice as to me it sounds like Beatrix, but missing something.

Newsenmum · 13/12/2023 11:43

Gruelle · 11/12/2023 23:32

Cleo is a cat’s name.

Beatrix is surely the cosplay version of a proper name - as suggested above.

Have you never heard of Beatrix Potter? It’s the old English form of Beatrice. I love it.

ZinniaB · 13/12/2023 09:33

Beatrix - I love it, spunkier than Beatrice but still classic, traditional, timeless - a great balance. People are familiar with the spelling and she can be Bea or Trixy.

Cleo is nice enough too so I don’t think you can go wrong.

Edit to say - I love that there was a Queen called Beatrix (I think Netherlands!)

Lifeinlists · 13/12/2023 09:24

Should have added that Cleo Laine's actual name is Clementine. I can see how that became Cleo

Lifeinlists · 13/12/2023 09:22

alrighthen · 12/12/2023 15:35

Interesting to hear of all the negative Cleo connotations. Cleo for me is a talented musician - Cleo Sol or the late Cleo Laine.

And of course an Egyptian Queen.

Cleo Laine isn't late though she is 96 now.

loopsaloo · 13/12/2023 07:26

I have a Cleo, she's nearly 16. Loves her name

Gruelle · 12/12/2023 22:32

… Not forgotten, @Snugglemonkey!

Doesn’t change the fact that to me the name seems artificial right now.

Snugglemonkey · 12/12/2023 22:19

Gruelle · 11/12/2023 23:32

Cleo is a cat’s name.

Beatrix is surely the cosplay version of a proper name - as suggested above.

Beatrix Potter?

theduchessofspork · 12/12/2023 21:21

Love Cleo, or even better Clio

I like Beatrice (more than Beatrix) but it’s been overdone

ArsenicInTheAppleTart · 12/12/2023 20:27

I love Cleo

Not keen on Beatrix or Beatrice. Find them a bit frumpy.

ICantGetNoSheep · 12/12/2023 20:25

I love both, but lean slightly towards Beatrix.

Ternbeach · 12/12/2023 20:24

I love both these names, but would pick Beatrix as I love the nickname Bea.

BANANABANANABANANABANANA · 12/12/2023 20:22

Beatrix!

alrighthen · 12/12/2023 15:35

Interesting to hear of all the negative Cleo connotations. Cleo for me is a talented musician - Cleo Sol or the late Cleo Laine.

And of course an Egyptian Queen.

peaceinourtime · 12/12/2023 14:23

Of the two Beatrix 100 percent, I don’t understand the appeal and attraction of the name Cleo. Cleo’s a car isn’t it?