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Baby names

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

Original poster

Caroline or Matilda

30 replies

TubsAtJoyland · 31/12/2023 12:22

Mathilde?
Middle name with be Catherine or Elizabeth.

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SirSamVimesCityWatch · 02/01/2024 09:51

Also yes, loads of Matildas about. I know four! I don't think there is another name that I know as many individuals with, now that I come to think of it. And none of them use anything other than Matilda, so it's "big Matilda" (the oldest), "little Matilda", "so-and-so's Matilda" etc.

SirSamVimesCityWatch · 02/01/2024 09:48

Caroline Elizabeth is stunning - elegant and beautiful.

Nicknames usually take care of themselves so I wouldn't worry about that.

OctaviaRedQueen · 02/01/2024 09:46

Also, there are many nicknames for Matilda so even if there were 4 in the class, one could be Mattie, one Tilly, one Tilda and one Matilda. Hey, you could even have a Maud!!

OctaviaRedQueen · 02/01/2024 09:43

Caroline is dated to me.

I’d pick Matilda.

Pemba · 02/01/2024 04:17

Caroline sounds lovely and fresh now. There are too many Matildas around.

OwlWeiwei · 01/01/2024 18:19

Mathilda Catherine is lovely.

Not keen on Caroline.

TheNonsensePotter · 01/01/2024 18:18

I love the name Caroline, it's beautiful.

WonderingWanda · 01/01/2024 18:10

It must he my age, Caroline was quite a common name when I was growing up in the 80's and 90's and it just makes me think of that Shaggy song 'Oh Carolina' from the 90's, not particularly elegant in my opinion. Bit like Louise and Sarah.

PersephonePomegranate23 · 01/01/2024 18:07

Caroline Elizabeth - nn Carrie, Callie or Caro.

KirstenBlest · 01/01/2024 18:07

@CynthiaKnicksOn , Carrie or Caro usually. I do know a Carol(ine) and a Caz. The most famous Cazzy is the Countess of Derby

Caroline could be Cally or Carly

Tilda makes me think of rice

WashItTomorrow · 01/01/2024 18:05

Mathilde or Matilda? You’ve written it differently.
But I really like Caroline better.

CynthiaKnicksOn · 01/01/2024 18:02

I've known many Carolines over the years and never once known a Caz or for Caroline to br shortened to Carol Confused

I'd guess Carrie or possibly Carro.

Anyway, that aside, I really like both names. Matilda was on my list for dc1, but dh vetoed! I also loved Tabitha for her. I do not like Tilly at all as a shortening though. I do like Tilda.

I think on balance I'd pick Caroline

lightelmqueen · 01/01/2024 17:55

When I was naming my girls I thought 'would I like to be called that?' so following that logic I'd go for Caroline as I would definitely like to be a Caroline with it shortened to Caro. Although from my own experience I know shortening of names evolve naturally, both my middle and youngest child have a shortening that their older sibling used for them and it's just suck.

Caroline Elizabeth is lovely.

catsanddogsandrabbits · 01/01/2024 17:43

Caroline Elizabeth. Caro for short.

LilyLemonade · 01/01/2024 17:39

Caroline but both are nice.

Itsbeginningtolookalotlike · 01/01/2024 17:37

I love Caroline, nn Caro

43ontherocksporfavor · 01/01/2024 17:36

Neither. Both too hard sounding.

Mintygoodness · 01/01/2024 17:35

Caroline is lovely and a classic name hardly used in the current generation being born. You can also use Catherine as her middle name, why not? There is no "can't" about it! Call her CeeCee as a nickname!

oldnorsesaga · 01/01/2024 17:31

I prefer Matilda.
To me Caroline is name for adult woman, I think of 30 year old Nicole Kidman looking boss lady... but I still don't like the sound.

theduchessofspork · 31/12/2023 13:18

Caroline Elizabeth

Caroline is very elegant and underused, and Callie is a nice nn

Too many Matildas

HuntingoftheSnark · 31/12/2023 13:16

I like them both, but in the event that they are shortened, prefer Tilly to Carrie (even though not inevitable).

Onelife2024 · 31/12/2023 13:14

I love Caroline, nn Callie or Carrie

BoleynMemories13 · 31/12/2023 13:06

Personally I find Caroline so dated. It's quite pretty as a full name but she'll inevitably become Carol or Caz which are so dull.

I have a soft spot for Matilda as the Roald Dahl book is a favourite of mine. Matilda Elizabeth would get my vote.

Sunriseandcoffee · 31/12/2023 13:00

I like Caroline Elizabeth. All beautiful choices though.

HoppingPavlova · 31/12/2023 12:30

Another for Matilda Catherine.

I secretly hope one of my kids calls their child Matilda🤫. I did have it on my list but DH veto’d it. Obviously I’ll never express this to my kids.