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Baby names

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

Original poster

Penelope or Martha?

37 replies

Poster1343 · 26/01/2025 23:07

Thoughts on the name Penelope or Martha? Also, any suggestions on middle names for both?

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Firsttimebabymummy · 27/01/2025 07:47

Really like Penelope and not keen on Martha.

I only know one Penelope and she goes by her full name too.

I'd probably go for a one syllable middle name, such as Anne. Unless surname is 1 syllable.

sel2223 · 27/01/2025 00:36

Much prefer Penelope of the two - the only one I know is 11 and goes only by her full name, never shortened to Penny.

As it's 4 syllables, I'd go for a short one syllable middle name:

Penelope Jade
Penelope Wren
Penelope Hope
Penelope Faye
Penelope Beth
Penelope Skye
Penelope Joy
Penelope Jean
Penelope Grace

Seacatt · 27/01/2025 00:15

I like Penelope.

username462025 · 27/01/2025 00:03

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

mathanxiety · 26/01/2025 23:37

Penelope.
Martha always makes me think of clucking hens, feathers, and farmyards.

Penelope Sofia
Penelope Estelle
Penelope Christabel
Penelope Leonora
Penelope Katherine
Penelope Alexandra
Penelope Emmeline
Penelope Araminta
Penelope Juliet
Penelope Isabella
Penelope Willow
Penelope Violet
Penelope Iris
Penelope Dove
Penelope Primrose

GloriousBlue · 26/01/2025 23:26

Penelope.
More versatile and feels fresher to me

Purplecatshopaholic · 26/01/2025 23:20

Different vibes but both lovely names.

SkaneTos · 26/01/2025 23:17

They are both lovely names!

Middle names could be

Penelope Grace
Penelope June
Penelope Joy

Martha Joanna
Martha Theodora
Martha Lindsay

practicepracticepractice · 26/01/2025 23:16

Penelope

Moreteaandchocolate · 26/01/2025 23:13

I really like both. Penelope is a bit frilly for my usual taste but I love the nn’s Penny / Nell (or even Poppy / Polly).

Martha is simple, pretty and nice for all ages.

alexdgr8 · 26/01/2025 23:11

Penelope.
Martha is a scullery maid.

SlaveToAGoldenRetriever · 26/01/2025 23:10

Really love Penelope, dislike the Penny nickname that so often goes with it though! Martha is a bit twee/housewife. DD knows a 20yo Martha and it just doesn’t fit a young girl