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Baby names

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

Original poster

Rare baby names?

67 replies

BloodyFireworks · 04/11/2024 18:11

We’re looking for baby names that are rare but not trendy. We like Mabli and Frances for a girl and Ivo and Cyrus for a boy but we don’t love any of them. We’d like names that are a bit out there, but not modern.
Any ideas?.

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Doveyouknow · 13/11/2024 08:25

BloodyFireworks · 07/11/2024 12:24

Exactly! I have such a common name (first, middle and surname) and it upset me so much when I was younger. I want to name my child something that not everyone has.

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See I had an unusual name (though not made up / wacky) and was desperate for an common name. I always felt jealous of the people in my class who shared a name and were able to buy novelty items with their name on easily. I suspect what that tells me is you can't really win!

StamppotAndGravy · 13/11/2024 07:12

SirSidneyRuffDiamond · 12/11/2024 13:10

Boys names:
Cyprian
Lysander
Hereward
Bertram
Montague
St John
Beauregard
Tristram

I used to be a reader for a publisher specialising in Regency romances. All of the above made and appearance

I went to a posh university and shared dorms with half of them! I was the bursary kid drinking cheap plonk though, so not much crossing of paths for romance

CruCru · 13/11/2024 07:11

Honestly, they may not be to your taste but rare boys’ names are:

John
Michael
Peter
Andrew
Philip
Bartholomew
Simon

Of these I have only met one Peter aged under 15. They are not fashionable but they are recognisable names and everyone will know how to spell them.

user1492757084 · 13/11/2024 03:45

Phryne
Aster
Gretal
Fotini
Fern
Stephanie
Edwina
Shelley

Basil
Roland
Alaric
Boaz
Ross
Merrick
Lloyd
Darvall

MummytoE · 12/11/2024 20:20

lucya66 · 12/11/2024 19:48

And you called your kid “E”. Not exactly a common name! 😜

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Wait till you hear about my other 25 kids ....

StamppotAndGravy · 12/11/2024 20:07

Lydian, Laurine and Guy, Pascal

intrepidgiraffe · 12/11/2024 20:04

Alwyn for a boy 😍

lucya66 · 12/11/2024 19:48

MummytoE · 12/11/2024 12:22

I would resent my parents so much if they gave me most of the above mentioned names

And you called your kid “E”. Not exactly a common name! 😜

MoreHairyThanScary · 12/11/2024 19:43

Amos for a boy ( was my GF name) not heard of another one in year lovely nn with Moss.

mitogoshigg · 12/11/2024 19:10

Not vesper - all I think of is a scooter.

Interestingly many on these lists are actually far more common in some circles already. Perhaps I just know people who like unusual names

CruCru · 12/11/2024 19:03

I would avoid Alba because she would be asked if her parents are committed to an independent Scotland (which is fine - but it was the first thing that came to mind).

SirSidneyRuffDiamond · 12/11/2024 13:10

Boys names:
Cyprian
Lysander
Hereward
Bertram
Montague
St John
Beauregard
Tristram

I used to be a reader for a publisher specialising in Regency romances. All of the above made and appearance

Hatfullofwillow · 12/11/2024 12:58

Flip-flop, courgette, marzipan, & axolotl. Or any of the pokemon.

MummytoE · 12/11/2024 12:22

I would resent my parents so much if they gave me most of the above mentioned names

Calliopespa · 12/11/2024 07:32

Artemis or Hera

Calliopespa · 11/11/2024 21:22

Vulvara

Daisybuttercup12345 · 11/11/2024 21:15

Hmm. Please don't forget cute babies grow up. An adult has to live and work with their name.
Some of these suggestions are terrible!!!

DinnaeFashYerself · 11/11/2024 16:44

Eli
Silas
Malachy
ivo
evan
Robin

Manchesterbythesea · 08/11/2024 08:23

evtheria · 04/11/2024 18:17

Girls
Persephone
Constance
Josephine
Frances forgot you mentioned this!
Evelyn (of course, traditionally boys)
Penelope

Edited

Constance is beautiful, I’ve always loved that name.

Calliopespa · 08/11/2024 08:20

Norma, Norton, Aldous, Algernon

RobertaFirmino · 07/11/2024 22:39

Losartan, Cerazette, Haldol, Kloppo, Aglet or Gibbonwick.

Original poster
BloodyFireworks · 07/11/2024 12:24

MerryMarys · 06/11/2024 15:23

Names are meant to identify us. Names that are less overused are generally more memorable and fulfill their purpose of identification.

I know ow sooo many adult Steves or young Harrys that it's impossible to identify them without their surname (although I actually know 2 Steve Smiths Shock!)

Exactly! I have such a common name (first, middle and surname) and it upset me so much when I was younger. I want to name my child something that not everyone has.

OP posts:
MerryMarys · 06/11/2024 15:23

Names are meant to identify us. Names that are less overused are generally more memorable and fulfill their purpose of identification.

I know ow sooo many adult Steves or young Harrys that it's impossible to identify them without their surname (although I actually know 2 Steve Smiths Shock!)

MummytoE · 06/11/2024 15:14

Why's everyone obsessed with being different. Some of these names are child abuse

RogueFemale · 06/11/2024 12:56

Venetia or Sibylla for a girl.

Bacchus for a boy.

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