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Baby names

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

Original poster

Thoughts on girls name Alba

87 replies

Englishmummy · 10/11/2024 19:33

Me and my DH both love the name Alba, we like the link to the Spanish and a Italian meaning ‘Dawn’ and it’s also growing a lot in popularity in France (DH is French I’m English and we live in England currently). My concern is the Scottish connotations with the world meaning Scotland in Gaelic. Would people find this weird?

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shoopshoopdedoo · 10/11/2024 22:00

I’m not keen. Many people don’t pronounce their “T’s” where I’m from, so it sounds indistinguishable from Albert. That would put me off. I like Alma though.

StillAtTheRestaurant · 10/11/2024 21:53

It's the name of a political party. It'd be like calling your kid Tory.

DramaAlpaca · 10/11/2024 21:51

I strongly dislike this name. I find it very clunky sounding.

headstone · 10/11/2024 21:49

I prefer Alma

anonny55 · 10/11/2024 21:43

Love it! It's in my baby name list but we're having a boy so couldn't use!!

lalafox · 10/11/2024 21:19

Love it but I'm Spanish and live in Spain. Beautiful name

littlestrawberryhat · 10/11/2024 21:16

lovely- if you like it go for it!!

AuntieKraker · 10/11/2024 20:50

I know two Spanish Albas and one Scottish Alba. Perfectly fine as a name.

Aroastdinnerisnotahumanright · 10/11/2024 20:50

It sounds weird with a French accent, a name that works in both languages is best imo.

PrincessHoneysuckle · 10/11/2024 20:49

Charlotte Crosby

AtomHeartMotherOfGod · 10/11/2024 20:49

I know two Spanish Albas; both lovely, and therefore a great name 😉

Weird @anon2022anon - literally wrote my post and then scrolled to see what else had been said 😂

gerispringer · 10/11/2024 20:48

I know an Alba ( Scottish) and an Alda ( Italian) like both names.

AgathaMystery · 10/11/2024 20:46

I’m only typing this because you directly asked.

DH also liked this name when DC was born. I am a midwife. Lochia Alba is a type of vaginal discharge - the last dregs of postpartum blood loss in fact. It was a firm no from me.

I know someone who named their DC Malina. I urge everyone to google any name they are considering and add ‘medical meaning’ after the name. Please.

MattSmithsBowTie · 10/11/2024 20:45

Alba = Cheap CD players, you may as well call her Elizabeth Duke.

Bestofdays · 10/11/2024 20:45

My main association with it is the Alba party and Scottish independence. Too political for me!

SquawkerTexasRanger · 10/11/2024 20:44

I really like it. Also, if you have any Irish heritage there is Ailbhe (Alva)

flopsy34 · 10/11/2024 20:43

It's definitely becoming more popular. I know of two. I don't like it personally, it's quite dull and not a pretty name. It's on the same level as Alexa and Alexis for me.

ProvincialLady24 · 10/11/2024 20:41

Makes me think of egg whites

Figgygal · 10/11/2024 20:41

I love it as a Scot living in England my husband said it just reminded him of the crap Japanese hifi brand.
I think Alex Salmonds Alba party finished the name off for me.

MeltdownTears · 10/11/2024 20:40

I know an Alba but her parents cannot pronounce it correctly. I think it’s the dullest of names.

Notmanyleftnow · 10/11/2024 20:38

I would think Scotland.

TheCryingTheBitchAndTheFloordrobe · 10/11/2024 20:37

It's ok but I'd assume a Scottish connection.

I prefer Alma

ThatsNotMyTeen · 10/11/2024 20:37

I’m Scottish so I just think of the Alba Party and their deadbeat politicians.

Chairmanmeoow · 10/11/2024 20:36

I know a couple of little Albas, they are both kids of Scottish parents living in England. The parents wanted something Scottish but that wouldn't be mangled by English accents/pronunciation. That would be my first thought regarding origin of the name if I met a baby Alba.

MillyMichaelson · 10/11/2024 20:22

It's a lovely name, why would a connection to Scotland be an issue?

I'm Scottish and I know two - one Spanish, one Scottish.