Active discussions

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Clementine for our baby girl? Or is it just a fruit?

102 replies

ThatOwl · 26/01/2025 07:31

We both love the name Clementine but some people seem a bit perplexed when mentioned over the years that it's a name we think is lovely. "Like the fruit?"

Thoughts?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
TubeScreamer · 26/01/2025 08:17

I like it. I know two, both with one French parent, and they are always called Clem in practice.

Fatloss · 26/01/2025 08:16

It is a lovely name.
I find it a sad one due to associating with a song that @Squirrelsnut also referenced
includes the lyrics “ you are lost and gone forever oh my darling Clementine”

Moreteaandchocolate · 26/01/2025 08:15

This is one that’s grown on me - when I first heard it I thought of the fruit and disliked Clemmie / Clem. But now I actually quite like it - and Clemmie / Clem has grown on me as a nn too.

Januarybirthdaysarehardtomakefun · 26/01/2025 08:06

Very popular in France, I love it

MrsH26 · 26/01/2025 08:04

I love it.
My daughter has known 3 Clementine’s throughout school. All very lovely.

VotingForYourself · 26/01/2025 07:59

It's very twee

Openup · 26/01/2025 07:58

It's a lovely name, the one I know has nn Clem/Clemmie.
I think of it as Christmas name, so would probably us Clemency if not born in December.

Theextraordinaryisintheordinary · 26/01/2025 07:57

I always think, ask yourself if you’d be happy with that name for yourself. It helps to try it on.

I like the name.

ChicLilacSeal · 26/01/2025 07:57

I think Clementine is a beautiful name. I don't think of the fruit, I think of Winston Churchill's wife. But she'll probably spend her life as Clem or Clemmie, so it depends on how you feel about that.

Newhorse · 26/01/2025 07:56

The trouble is that she will almost certainly end up as ‘Clemmie’ which is a lot less attractive.

flatsevenup · 26/01/2025 07:55

I thought Clementine was the feminine version of the male name Clement, which means merciful / gentle and so Clementine in this context has nothing to do with fruit. I think it's a beautiful name and love the nn Clem.

TheaBrandt · 26/01/2025 07:55

The fruit was named after a monk who had the name. It’s an ancient name far pre dating the fruit. Also it’s a nice fruit.

Churchill’s wife was very well thought of and a strong woman we owe her a lot. She basically kept him functioning so he was able to do his job and we all know what he achieved!

Firsttimebabymummy · 26/01/2025 07:54

I like it but agree it's a marmite name.

ChessieFL · 26/01/2025 07:54

I like it.

Clemency is another option if you’re not sure about the fruit association.

LattewithAlmondCroissant · 26/01/2025 07:51

I've known a couple of adult Clementines over the years - I think it's a lovely name!

PivotPivotmakingmargaritas · 26/01/2025 07:47

I love the name and its nickname Clem, Clemmy I think it’s gorgeous

Original poster
ThatOwl · 26/01/2025 07:46

Which movie is that?

OP posts:
username462025 · 26/01/2025 07:46

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

TheDork · 26/01/2025 07:44

You, and she, may find yourselves forever having to correct people's pronunciation.

But I love it, very pretty name.

Lostsadandconfused · 26/01/2025 07:39

Love it, one of my favourite movie characters.

Notmydaughteryoubitch · 26/01/2025 07:37

I knew a Clementine and she was a lovely girl - so I have positive associations.

SchoolDilemma17 · 26/01/2025 07:36

I know one. Her nn is Clem. She wore the name well, was from a posh family.

Drdoing · 26/01/2025 07:36

At the end of the day it's a name isn't it. It's a known name so if you want to use then use it and people will get on with it. Most people will not question it. However I agree the nicknames are less nice than the word itself

Galliano · 26/01/2025 07:36

Like Winston Churchill’s wife Clementine Hozier.
It’s a fine name.

Squirrelsnut · 26/01/2025 07:35

Oh my darlin' ...

I know a few, all nn Clemmie. It's quite sweet (no pun intended!).