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Baby names

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Original poster

Can I use Ivy?

40 replies

Yesso · 13/09/2024 12:14

I really love Ivy but my name is Holly , is it THAT bad? Husband thinks I’m over thinking but I had already discounted any flower names for obvious reasons. I can’t use it can I?

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Snowdrops17 · 16/09/2024 15:54

I think it's lovely how sweet

Singleandproud · 16/09/2024 15:50

All of the women on my maternal side have flower names or middle names.

Holly
Ivy
Daisy
Rose
Olive

Holly and Ivy obviously go together but most people you meet once you have DC won't click you'll be "Ivy's mum" most of the time or Ms X at parents evening etc.

HarrietBond · 16/09/2024 15:49

Definitely use it! Your daughter will have no issues with it, either now or later in life. You'll probably be subject to a bit of teasing over it but I'm sure you can cope, and it'll be short-lived.

Bey · 16/09/2024 15:46

Ivy is a beautiful name and I think it's lovely that it links to your own, you will be Mummy to her anyway,
I think it would be different if it were two sisters as they'd obviously be referred to as Holly and Ivy but as Mum and daughter you'll be Ivys Mum

timoteigirl · 16/09/2024 14:27

Use it. You won't be Holly but known as Ivy's mum!

Sk1sk0 · 14/09/2024 19:25

I have an Ivy so may be biased but I think it’s a lovely name and would be a nice connection with yours.

Andoutcomethewolves · 14/09/2024 16:07

I think it's fine! It's a nice connection without being too matchy (I'd probably be less enthusiastic about, say, Holly and Molly/Polly/Dolly 😆 or if it were for twins for example).

Also I really love the name Ivy - it somehow manages to be really sweet and pretty for a child yet classy and beautiful for an adult 😊

Fraaahnces · 14/09/2024 15:51

I happen to love Ivy as a name. One of my favourite family members is called Ivy. This is her. (She looks like a lion but she’s afraid of everything. Especially dogs. And cats. And birds….)

Can I use Ivy?
BoleynMemories13 · 14/09/2024 11:44

Of course you 'could' use it. It just depends whether you'd want to, in the circumstances. I don't think I could do it, personally, as I feel it's a bit silly and couldn't be doing with all the inevitable comments, but we're all different. Ivy is lovely though.

There are lots of similar sounding names if any of them appeal? Iris, Isla, Evie, Ava etc.

FayCarew · 14/09/2024 10:19

RogueFemale · 14/09/2024 01:01

I would hate to be called Ivy, I think it's a very depressing girl name.

I don't like it either.

AderynBach · 14/09/2024 08:00

I thought of the song too but I don't think that's a bad thing. You'll have fun singing it to her at Christmas. Ivy is a lovely name.

Cecilly · 14/09/2024 07:58

I think it's sweet! I wouldn't have made the "holly and ivy" song connection. If you like the name then you should use it.

MerryMarys · 14/09/2024 07:46

*Sorry, I immediately started singing 'the holly and the ivy'

I couldn't use it*

Same thoughts here. I couldn't use both together!

Fraaahnces · 14/09/2024 04:03

Are you worried about the Christmas carol?

DramaAlpaca · 14/09/2024 03:10

Ooh, difficult one... I think I just couldn't on account of it being really twee. Some people might not mind that, but I think I would as I don't like anything obviously twee. But then, I really like Ivy... difficult decision for sure.

And I'm saying that despite DS's name being not too dissimilar to mine.

shoopshoopdedoo · 14/09/2024 01:07

I’m with your husband. I think it’s fine! If anything, it’s a nice association with a jolly festive somg, so don’t let that put you off if you like the name. Some people will notice but I don’t think you’ll care. I barely ever say my name and my daughter’s name together as in “we are Shoop and Doop”, so it might not stand out as much as you’d think.

salamithumbs · 14/09/2024 01:05

I think it's a lovely connection actually! Plus it reminds me of a book I had as a child called The Story of Holly and Ivy about a girl called Ivy who gets a doll called Holly for Christmas .. you could see if it's still in print 🌲

RogueFemale · 14/09/2024 01:01

I would hate to be called Ivy, I think it's a very depressing girl name.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 14/09/2024 00:58

While the carol instantly came to mind, I think in RL many people introduce their kids names first and then themselves (often only when prompted because once you are a parent, you become secondary and will just be “Ivy’s Mum” to many people 🤣). So “This is Ivy” said regularly, “Oh yeah, I’m Holly” - usually only when asked imo. So maybe not as obvious a connection to people when said the other way around?

Like pp, I also don’t see why flower names have to be off the table? (unless it’s just that you dislike them).

PuppiesLove · 13/09/2024 23:17

I think it's fine. The Christmas carol did come to mind, but it probably wouldn't have if I hadn't read your post first.

SkaneTos · 13/09/2024 23:16

"This is Holly and her daughter Ivy."
Sounds lovely!

Beautiful names.

DeCaray · 13/09/2024 16:49

I think it's lovely and the song connection is sweet.

muggart · 13/09/2024 15:39

I do think people will notice the connection but it's quite sweet really so I wouldn't let that hold you back.

Needanewname42 · 13/09/2024 15:27

I think any other flower name would be fine, but for those few years at baby groups it will be Holly & Ivy almost sounds like a pub.

Beyond that your names won't really be said together.

Enko · 13/09/2024 14:30

If it was for a sister I'd say no but mum and daughter imo is ok.

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