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Baby names

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

Original poster

I'm NOT naming her after my sister!

232 replies

Sprinklesandsprinkles · 11/11/2024 12:46

I'm wanting to get opinions on this name vs my DSs please.

We are having a baby girl and both really like the name Pippin. We'd mostly call her Pip, and have the options of Pippy or Pips. I like a name with lots of variation options that we like.

The thing making me unsure is I have a sister called Philippa and I know that a lot of people called Pip have it shortened from Philippa. I don't want people to always be asking Pip- is she Philippa named after your DS?

However DS has always been Phil and NEVER Pip so I can't decide if that makes it a non issue?

Side note- can Pippin be taken seriously on job applications etc?

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GreenTeaLikesMe · 18/11/2024 02:48

Please, not Pippin. It's a (silly) boy's name. From LOTR.

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 15/11/2024 09:54

Ultimately if you really want to avoid any suggestion you are naming your dd after your sister, you need to find a name with no “Pip” in it, no “P” names at all.

FancyBiscuitsLevel · 15/11/2024 09:52

OP- have you completely discounted the Piper suggestion? It’s a name in its own right, compared to Pippin that most will assume is a nickname and her full name is Philippa.

TheRealBoswell · 15/11/2024 07:42

Overthebow · 11/11/2024 12:50

I agree with this, Pippa for full name. Pippin won’t be taken seriously, no, but it’s fine for a nickname

Show quote history

It’s worth noting that Pippa is a well-known nickname for Philippa, so it’s natural that people might assume Pip, Pippa, or even Pippin are tributes to your sister. And honestly, if they did think that, what’s the harm? It’s a lovely connection to have, whether intentional or not. If you love the name Pippin, go for it! It’s unique and sweet, and any association with your sister would likely be seen as a positive thing.

That said, I’d personally lean towards Pippa, as Pippin always reminds me of the famous dog from Come Outside. However, I highly doubt Gen Z or Gen Alpha would even know about that show, so it’s probably not something to worry about Brew

Pippin can definitely feel adventurous and whimsical, especially with the Lord of the Rings connection through Peregrin Took. But keep in mind, your child might not necessarily feel that way about the name as they grow up. Pippa, on the other hand, feels more versatile and gives them more options to suit their personality. It’s something worth considering Easter Smile!

user1492757084 · 13/11/2024 02:13

Pippin, while sweet, is for a male.

Why not call her Philippa - Pip
Yes, after her Aunt Phil. No confusion and your sister will be chuffed.

Other alternitives:
Pomeline
Philomena
Poppy
Polly
Phoebe Ida Pomeline - PIp

reelcat · 12/11/2024 19:52

I really like Pippin! What I would do is go what you love and don't let a bunch of strangers put you off. Years ago my daughter's name was slated on mumsnet but now is always in the 'most loved' and 'names you wish you had used' threads and my daughter loves it

MarketValveForks · 12/11/2024 16:01

Pippin is a hobbit in Lord of the Rings, nickname for full name Peregrine.

I would give her full name Penelope and call her Pippin as her family nickname.

drspouse · 12/11/2024 15:49

Runningupthecurtains · 11/11/2024 21:22

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cox%27sOrangePippin

Cooking apples rather than eating apples but yes they can be found in shops.

Edited
Show quote history

Sorry but they are eating apples! Usually just named "Cox's".

JimNast · 12/11/2024 10:39

Bzgh23 · 11/11/2024 23:11

I quite like Pippin in theory but it is too cutesy for a full name IMO.

Apologies if it’s been suggested (haven’t RTfullFT) but how about Elowen as a kind of halfway house between Pippin and Emily?

You might also like Merryn, Erin, Eden, Mabli, Sylvie, Delphi, Piper, Cleo, Romy/Romilly.

Hmm
lochmaree · 12/11/2024 09:52

TruthAndTrust · 12/11/2024 09:13

Is that actually true? What age are they

Show quote history

Yes it's true. 🙈 The mum is mid 30's the child is 2. The mums sister / child's auntie is a bit younger but mid 30's too.

TruthAndTrust · 12/11/2024 09:13

lochmaree · 11/11/2024 19:17

Someone I know called her (male) child Pippin and her sister is called Phillipa / Pippa.

Is that actually true? What age are they

skinnyoptionsonly · 12/11/2024 08:47

You will never shake the connection with your sisters name. everyone will either assume and say it. or just assume.

I'd steer clear of anything pip related for this reason. It's odd you are considering it.

As for Pippin. It's ok for a 0-3 year old. After that, she needs a robust name that's not connected to her aunt!

Bzgh23 · 11/11/2024 23:11

I quite like Pippin in theory but it is too cutesy for a full name IMO.

Apologies if it’s been suggested (haven’t RTfullFT) but how about Elowen as a kind of halfway house between Pippin and Emily?

You might also like Merryn, Erin, Eden, Mabli, Sylvie, Delphi, Piper, Cleo, Romy/Romilly.

JimNast · 11/11/2024 22:31

I wonder if there's a sibset called Isla, Apple Blossom and Snow...

RobertaSaunter · 11/11/2024 22:15

I'd assume that you'd named her after your sister and chosen a different nickname to avoid confusion at family occasions.

What about Poppy, and calling her Pip? Or some sort of fruity name (preferably fruits with pips in)? Cherry? Olive? Clementine?

Prunella?!

WiseOldPusscat · 11/11/2024 22:14

JimNast · 11/11/2024 22:07

Dobbin or Bobbin has a similar feel to Pippin.

Dobbin and Bobbin would be such good names for a pair of donkeys 😆

JimNast · 11/11/2024 22:07

Dobbin or Bobbin has a similar feel to Pippin.

Inertia · 11/11/2024 21:54

If you want a similar name without the connection to your sister, perhaps you could consider Shep?

JimNast · 11/11/2024 21:39

@Sprinklesandsprinkles , planet Earth. Pippin would be a cute name for a rabbit or a puppy, but it's just a bit too 'out there' for a girl.

Original poster
Sprinklesandsprinkles · 11/11/2024 21:33

GreyhoundGal1 · 11/11/2024 21:25

It's because DS is usually a shortening for "dear son" in name forum so I think that's where the confusion comes from. Unfortunately I would assume a pip was actually called Philippa, and if I knew your sister would think it was a tribute to her. Emily is a lovely name and would much prefer that if it was my name.

Ah of course it is 🙈 I have been on here for ages how did I mix that up, thanks for pointing it out 🤣 DSis from now on.

@JimNast I just don't understand in what world Penelope is a nicer name than Pippin, a fair few others have suggested it too! It's definitely not the name for me!

OP posts:
redalex261 · 11/11/2024 21:32

Pippin is a pet's name - sorry. Pippa is ok.

JimNast · 11/11/2024 21:25

Penelope would shorten to Pip

GreyhoundGal1 · 11/11/2024 21:25

It's because DS is usually a shortening for "dear son" in name forum so I think that's where the confusion comes from. Unfortunately I would assume a pip was actually called Philippa, and if I knew your sister would think it was a tribute to her. Emily is a lovely name and would much prefer that if it was my name.

Runningupthecurtains · 11/11/2024 21:22

Sprinklesandsprinkles · 11/11/2024 21:17

Can you go to a supermarket and buy a Pippin apple?! I've honestly never heard of it!

Show quote history

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cox%27sOrangePippin

Cooking apples rather than eating apples but yes they can be found in shops.

Original poster
Sprinklesandsprinkles · 11/11/2024 21:17

drspouse · 11/11/2024 21:09

I interview a lot of young people and I get a fair few whose name is a shortening (with no long version - Ellie, Katie, Beth) but nobody named after an apple.
I imagine she'd spend her whole life saying "no, my parents weren't hippies, no, we didn't live in a commune".

Can you go to a supermarket and buy a Pippin apple?! I've honestly never heard of it!

OP posts: