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Baby names

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

What words would make lovely sounding baby names if they didn’t mean what they do?

212 replies

OliveLeader · 01/01/2025 17:08

In light of the rise of pretty-sounding nouns which work beautifully as names (Wren, Aurora, River etc), what are some words that you think would make beautiful sounding names if the words didn’t have the meaning they do?

For instance, I have a soft spot for Farfalle. Elegant and feminine, but slightly chic! Paella would also very much work in this vibe.

Or for a boy, isn’t Faucet quite noble and yet sensitive?

I can picture an absolutely adorable little Miasma and her brother Artery - don’t they just sound nice?

OP posts:
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TomatoSandwiches · 01/01/2025 18:09

Viscera
Bias
Lametta
Oyster
Remnant
Turpentine
Kite
Harpy
Edit
Chamber
Arson
Serviette

JiminaSlump · 01/01/2025 18:06

I've always thought that Avarice would be a super girls' name.

BloodyHellBob · 01/01/2025 18:00

Toilette is a beautiful little girl...😁

butterfly0404 · 01/01/2025 17:59

My friend called her daughter Isis, and had to change it by deed poll when she eventually realised

mathanxiety · 01/01/2025 17:58

Elbow
Malaria
Bikini
Camisole
Algebra
Trig
Marzipan
Vanilla
Ditalini
Celery
Calorie
Brioche
Veranda
Candle
Mascara
Balayage
Fade
Chablis
Grigio
Merlot
Cocaine
Taffeta
Chiffon
Crimplene
Gingham
Ribbon
Peplum
Vendetta
Malice

unmemorableusername · 01/01/2025 17:58

Melena
Clitoris
Candida
Dolores/Lolita
Dolly/Candy/Barbie
Dickie
Willie
Charlie
Isis
Payne
Mercedes
Crystal
Chardonnay
Chanel
Karen
Lilith
Myra
Fanny
Pussy
Donald
Claudia
Nero
Caligula
Caesar
Chastity
Valentine

TheLittleOldWomanWhoShrinks · 01/01/2025 17:57

Music is a rich source. Loving Arpeggio upthread. For boys, Lento, Forte, Chorus and Marcato. For girls. Hemiola, Fermata and, for the very daring, Acciaccatura (Acca or Tura for short). Breve is unisex, I think.

Frangywangywoowah · 01/01/2025 17:51

A parent called their child Cyanide. The Local Authority went to court and Judge ordered name to be changed.

ErrolTheDragon · 01/01/2025 17:51

Then there's place names which do and don't work as names - and those which do get used but strongly suggest the parents have never been.

ILoveAnnaQuay · 01/01/2025 17:50

What a great thread!

I think Semen would make a great boys name. Like Stephen but with a stronger vibe.

Justcallmebebes · 01/01/2025 17:47

Turmeric, Cinnamon, Celery, Pepper etc

ErrolTheDragon · 01/01/2025 17:46

Andoutcomethewolves · 01/01/2025 17:37

Just completely out of interest what are your views on Crystal

She's extremely orderly.

Toddlerteaplease · 01/01/2025 17:45

Sasperilla. (Aurora is a horrible name though.)

SoNiceToComeHomeTo · 01/01/2025 17:45

Cellar-Door

MistyF · 01/01/2025 17:44

Whar · 01/01/2025 17:32

There's an Amethyst at my work...

I know it's considered 'normal name' by some, but some people think badly of certain gemstone name, so I would never use it.

DorianMeile · 01/01/2025 17:42

AwakeNotThruChoice · 01/01/2025 17:32

I’ve got a Ruby and we do sometimes call her Rubella.

Melanoma sounds lovely for a girl
or how about Fantasia

I know a Fantasia, she's awesome and never questioned her name! Always thought it was quite cool. Nicknames Tay and Fants

Sunnyflow · 01/01/2025 17:42

Mandarine, Clementine, Mirabelle

Happyinarcon · 01/01/2025 17:40

Kandahar

NoraLuka · 01/01/2025 17:40

Lots of herbs and spices would make nice names: Tarragon, Cinnamon, Turmeric, Anise.

CatsBeCrazy · 01/01/2025 17:39

I used to love the name Tangerine as a kid 🤣 I thought it sounded so cool and edgy (thanks Garbage Pail Kids lol)

Emelene · 01/01/2025 17:38

Rosacea and Eczema!

Andoutcomethewolves · 01/01/2025 17:37

Just completely out of interest what are your views on Crystal

MooseAndSquirrelLoveFlannel · 01/01/2025 17:36

Penne
Rhubarb
Quincy

WellsAndThistles · 01/01/2025 17:35

Candida
Fanny (can't see that come back)
Fairy
Cartel
Loony
Rubella
Every
Aviary

CordeliaNaismithVorkosigan · 01/01/2025 17:35

A friend’s girlfriend is actually called Velocity!