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Baby names

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

Original poster

Ruby or Holly

35 replies

JessieIsabelle · 16/12/2023 14:52

Leaning towards Holly, but would really like to hear what you think. Which one will age better?

Just some of our thoughts:

Holly - I feel like this is a bit 80s/90s/possibly early 2000s. I don't mind this at all, but sort of wondering if she will. Her friends' mums might be called Holly. On the other hand I just absolutely love it and I like the plant too. I always have it in my house, especially this time of year and I like the symbolism (healing, eternity) behind it.

Ruby - this feels a bit younger, so I doubt many of her friends' mums will be called this. Probably quite a few people about 15 years older than her, though. I love it, but not sure if I like it quite as much as Holly. I like the gemstone, but find the plant to be a nicer namesake.

I like Holly Joy, is it too much? Another option would be Holly Grace. I also like Ruby Rose, but heard that there's an actress named this, so it's off the list (I don't know her, but I don't want a strong association with one famous person).

Could you comment?

Holly Joy
Holly Grace

Ruby Grace
Ruby Rosalind

Are these good or would you pick something else?

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JamSandle · 18/12/2023 04:06

Ruby

Lizzieregina · 18/12/2023 03:43

I like them both a lot but might prefer Ruby.

Im in the US and I don’t think they’ve become extremely popular here. I only know 1 Holly (she’s Irish in her 20s) and one 4 year old Ruby.

LauderSyme · 18/12/2023 03:23

I like Holly more than Ruby. I prefer it spelled Hollie though.

Hollie Grace is nice. I think Hollie Rae and Hollie Raine work well too.

AutumnColours9 · 18/12/2023 02:37

Holly

Not keen on Joy in middle

How about Holly...

Jasmine
Georgina
Freya
Danielle
Charlotte
River
Nicole

shoopshoopdedoo · 17/12/2023 22:09

Ruby

Remaker · 17/12/2023 20:35

I live in Australia and there are girls called Ruby absolutely everywhere! The actress Ruby Rose is Australian.

There’s also a famous country song about a girl called Ruby so whenever I hear someone call out ‘Ruby’ in my head I’m singing ‘don’t take your love to town.’

I think Holly is a bit more timeless so I’d go with that.

pinkflamingo2 · 17/12/2023 20:22

Ruby Grace☺️

AmazingDayz · 17/12/2023 20:20

Ruby don't like holly

AcrobaticCardigan · 17/12/2023 20:19

Ruby Grace is absolutely lovely. Not keen on Holly at all, or Rosalind.

FayCarew · 17/12/2023 20:12

Ruby Rosalind is almost certainly going to result in a child who can't say her Rs.

Ellmau · 17/12/2023 19:58

Holly Joy is far too Christmassy.

Maybe a slightly longer middle name would work. Holly Alexandra? Holly Isabella? Or Holly Rosalind...

Not very keen on Ruby, but if you did pick it don't have two names with the first letter. It just sounds odd.

Jenda · 17/12/2023 19:14

I have a Ruby so obviously love it and we've only met 1 or 2 others in 6 years.

I think Holly is lovely! So go with that if you prefer it. I know 2 in their 30s but that wouldn't put me off. I think Holly Joy sounds a bit Christmassy

wetwiped · 17/12/2023 19:12

I really like Ruby. No keen on Holly.

GoodVibesHere · 17/12/2023 19:10

I love Holly, it's pretty and yet strong. Ruby is just a bit too 'cutsie' for me (plus there are so many of them).

BoleynMemories13 · 17/12/2023 19:06

I really like both but if you prefer Holly that's definitely the right choice for you. I wouldn't worry at all about the fact it was more popular in the 80s and 90s than it is now, it's still very usable. In fact I'm surprised it's not more popular, given the current trend for nature/plant names and y/ie names.

So what if she ends up with a friend who has a mum with that name? That could happen with any name and loads of 90s names are still popular now (Sophie, Charlotte, Emily etc).

Coffeeandcakemum · 17/12/2023 10:24

Love the name Ruby 😊

theduchessofspork · 17/12/2023 10:24

… but if you do use Holly, don’t use Grace or Joy, with the Christmas association and it being so close to Holy it is OTT. Holly Rosalind is fine.

theduchessofspork · 17/12/2023 10:22

I like Ruby much better because it has some spark - Holly is a bit wet.

Ruby Rosalind is great

Theoldwoman · 17/12/2023 10:10

Love Ruby, can’t stand Holly..

Ruby Grace

LittleBearPad · 17/12/2023 10:08

Holly’s nice but only if they aren’t born at Christmas.

mum1345 · 17/12/2023 10:07

Ruby!! ❤️

I don't know why but I find Holly a bit plain/borjng?!

pictoosh · 16/12/2023 19:38

Neither but only because they are so ubiquitous atm...both are nice names.
Grace is also everywhere.

SallyWD · 16/12/2023 19:28

I don't know anyone called Ruby but I know loads of Hollys (adult and children).
To me, Ruby is a nicer, more interesting name.

FayCarew · 16/12/2023 19:26

Holly
Middle name. Not Joy or Grace. Both make Holly look like Holy.

Holly Rosalind is better

AdaColeman · 16/12/2023 15:39

I absolutely love Ruby!