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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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WavingCatsandDogs · 16/12/2023 15:32

Ruby Rosalind rolls off the tongue beautifully!

Then if she needs a stage name she's got one ready made.

strawberry2017 · 16/12/2023 15:32

Holly is lovely and ages well.
Ruby not so much.

mathanxiety · 16/12/2023 15:30

I think Holly is a name that is always there - it's not just associated with a particular decade. I think Ruby is much more likely to date.

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 16/12/2023 15:30

Holly

mathanxiety · 16/12/2023 15:27

I love Holly.

Holly Grace would be very sweet.

Suggestions:
Holly Gabrielle
Holly Simone
Holly Estelle
Holly Eloise
Holly Elizabeth
Holly Eleanore
Holly Isobel
Holly Francesca
Holly Victoria
Holly Miranda

HardcoreLadyType · 16/12/2023 15:15

My 24 yo daughter had a few friends called Ruby, but it never became hugely popular like some other names, like Olivia or Ella did at around the same time.

Its pretty, and I like it.

Of your second name choices, I like Rosalind. Grace and Joy are both “filler” names as second names (but both very pretty as first names).

Watchthedoormat · 16/12/2023 15:11

Holly Joy

QuackyDuckMcDucky · 16/12/2023 15:11

Holly as Ruby is so popular.

Anything but Rose/Grace/May as a middle name. Every girl has those as a middle name and it’s been done to death.

FloofCloud · 16/12/2023 15:08

Definitely Holly it's very usual, but pretty too. Every other child and dog is called Ruby these days

TomatoSandwiches · 16/12/2023 15:07

Out of Holly and Ruby I prefer Holly, Holly Grace but overall I would choose Rosalind.

Rosalind Joy
Rosalind Grace