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Baby names

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

Original poster

Polly or Pauline?

80 replies

MommaAddie · 25/12/2024 21:21

Really struggling because meaning is important to me and Pauline means humble whereas Polly traditionally is a nickname for Mary which means bitter. I will call her Polly anyway but I love both so much can't decide.

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caramelcappucino · 26/12/2024 02:43

Polly! What a lovely name, congratulations on your pregnancy 💐

theduchessofspork · 26/12/2024 02:40

Polly

Pauline (unless you’re French) conjures up a downtrodden 60s housewife. Paula is as bad, Paulina a bit better.

If you think Polly is too cutesy for a full name, which I do a bit, maybe pick a version of Mary you like eg Marianne and use Polly as a nn

Zippidydoodah · 26/12/2024 02:33

Polina- I think it’s Polish, if that matters- is nicer than Paula and Pauline.

I actually love Pollyanna if you’re brave enough!

Solaire18381 · 26/12/2024 02:28

Pauline I think of two women I know in their mid-70's plus.

PiggieWig · 26/12/2024 02:15

Is there a family reason for Pauline? It’s not a name I’d expect to hear on a baby. Maybe as a middle name if it honours someone?

Polly is a nicer name, but I’m wondering why humble holds such meaning to you.

UpSkilling · 26/12/2024 02:08

Pauline and Paula are bloody awful. Polly is much nicer.

QueSyrahSyrah · 26/12/2024 00:35

CalliopePlantain · 25/12/2024 21:54

Paula? Sounds like a mix between the two

I know a Paula who goes by Polly.

user1492757084 · 26/12/2024 00:27

Neither.
Polly is a fair nick name.
Pauline does have a good meaning.
Pauline Ducruet is pretty.
Ideas ..

Pauline Olivia - Polly

Moreteaandchocolate · 25/12/2024 22:55

Polly definitely! If you want a longer name then Penelope nn Polly is lovely too.

mathanxiety · 25/12/2024 22:50

I much prefer Pauline.

Polly is fine as a nickname but Pauline is a much more substantial name.

daisydaisyrose · 25/12/2024 22:39

My mother is a Pauline and she is the worst human being known to man. So on that basis, call her Polly! I considered Polly for dd but was also the name of a much loved pet, so was out of the question, sadly!

HausofHolbein · 25/12/2024 22:32

Neither. You can do so much better.

Pipsquiggle · 25/12/2024 22:27

My DC's name means 'solemn' or something a bit dull.

I really don't care. I love the name. They are exact the opposite of the 'meaning'. Literally no one cares..

IMO both Polly and Pauline are both awful, dated names. Polly is slightly less awful than Pauline

oakleaffy · 25/12/2024 22:18

Pauline is so utterly dreary.
Like a worn out woman .

Polly is a parrot 🦜 Can you not choose a better , fresher name?

MrsMoastyToasty · 25/12/2024 22:18

How about Paulina ?

MaggieBsBoat · 25/12/2024 22:17

Pauline is like a Sharon or Tracey. Don’t do it!
Polly is very pretty.

allmylifelong · 25/12/2024 22:15

Polly. The name Mary has lots of possible meanings, I don’t think it’s an issue!.

FloofPaws · 25/12/2024 22:14

Polly for sure, Pauline isn't going to make a come back - Pollyanna maybe if you want something longer?

MissScarletInTheBallroom · 25/12/2024 22:08

How about Paola? (Rhymes with Fowler rather than Lawler.) Has the same meaning as Pauline but sounds prettier.

Sproutssprouts · 25/12/2024 22:07

You will be well ahead of the trend curve with Pauline ( there’s always some brave people who go for what they like rather than societal fashions!) Paulina isn’t that uncommon in my area (due to eu immigration) and Polly is around too as a name so perhaps a variation of Pauline might go down better?

Floralnomad · 25/12/2024 21:56

Neither , there are gazillions of lovely names and these are both awful .

WalterdelaMare · 25/12/2024 21:55

You can’t name a baby Pauline. That’s horrendous. Polly also dreadful, but not as bad.

PauliesWalnuts · 25/12/2024 21:55

Oh this makes me sad in a way as my lovely late mum was a Pauline, and she was wonderful, but she really hated her name! Maybe Paulette?

CalliopePlantain · 25/12/2024 21:54

Paula? Sounds like a mix between the two

Mum2jenny · 25/12/2024 21:53

I prefer Pauline, Polly is a name for a parrot. Pauline is a proper name for a child, Polly is a nickname.

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