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Baby names

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

Original poster

Tilly. Yah or nay?

58 replies

chocolatyweekendahead · 17/04/2025 12:43

My SIL suggested Tilly for my DD (due in June) but I'm not so keen. I think it's ok as a nickname for Matilda but as a stand alone name in it's own right I find it a bit wishy washy. Like not much ooomph to it! Doesn't sound like the sort of name that would suit a grown woman. More like a name for a pet or nn for a young baby. SIL doesn't see my point and keeps trying to push OH for Tilly. What do other think?

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EmpressaurusKitty · 22/04/2025 15:29

I used to know a couple of sisters called Maisie & Tillie & the names reminded me of a pair of kittens.

JuneySunshine · 22/04/2025 13:45

No, it's a nickname.

W0tnow · 18/04/2025 11:38

My advice is to tell absolutely no one what name you’ve decided on. Because they’ll all have an opinion, and it’s tiresome to have to justify your decision to everybody else.

doreeen · 18/04/2025 11:35

I’m a 90s child so it reminds me of Tots Tv! I think it’s a lovely name.

nyancatdays · 18/04/2025 00:25

I actually love Tilly, but it had a phase of sudden popularity in the 2000s and by the time I had DD there were just too many about. It’s pretty, simple and unfussy though, and I don’t agree that you couldn’t call a high court judge Tilly! (DH is a barrister and you should hear some of his colleagues’ names - anything goes these days 😆)

Rockmehardplace · 18/04/2025 00:19

Nay. Silly Tilly.

Fine as nickname for Matilda

Alltheprettyseahorses · 17/04/2025 22:06

Fwiw, I know of a Tilly and she's such a lovely girl so I'm very positive about the name but you don't want the name so it's a definite no.

softlyfallsthesnow · 17/04/2025 21:59

The only Tilly I knew was a Yorkshire Terrier. Maybe SiL needs a dog.

Matilda's a nice name. Tilly not so much.

HundredPercentUnsure · 17/04/2025 21:23

GoldenRosebee · 17/04/2025 12:57

I prefer Matilda, but I actually like Matilda. Why does she keep pushing?

Same.

sandpiperspring · 17/04/2025 21:22

I know a Tilly.

Never stopped to think whether Tilly's her full name or a NN.

Lovely name either way IMO.

AliBaliBee1234 · 17/04/2025 21:21

If you don't like it, what's it got to do with your SIL? Am I missing something

Pyjamatimenow · 17/04/2025 21:21

God know. Tilly is terrible. Very wet and silly sounding. Same sort of name as Molly

MeAndMyGhost · 17/04/2025 21:17

Awful. Sorry OP.

herigoagain · 17/04/2025 21:16

Love it 🥰 can work for adults too

TheeNotoriousPIG · 17/04/2025 21:14

I've always liked Matilda, and prefer 'Tilda' as a nickname if one is required. I associated Tilly with toddlers and small dogs several years ago (I had a lot of people criticising my puppy's name, because it's "not a dog name"; I said, "It is, because she answers to it. Anyway, if I called her Tilly and shouted it in the park, I'd have three toddlers and a whole pack of dogs running at me").

Your SIL has the right to name her own children, but don't let her name yours, especially if you're not a fan of the name!

Gundogday · 17/04/2025 21:13

why are you letting your sil name your baby?

3rdtimeidiot · 17/04/2025 21:12

It’s a non issue you don’t like it. So push all she wants it’s a no. I actually like and considered it for my third but it sounds like my sisters name said fast so we didn’t use it

enpeatea · 17/04/2025 21:10

If you don’t like it don’t use it. Why would you let someone else choose your child’s name?

Icanttakethisanymore · 17/04/2025 21:09

Tilly sounds a bit weak to me. Fine for a 5yo but I’m not imagining Tilly smashing through any glass ceilings when she’s older.

EmpressaurusKitty · 17/04/2025 21:08

The only Tilly I know is a stubborn, crafty & affectionate young black cat with a purr like a pneumatic drill.

LilyJosephine · 17/04/2025 21:04

Emanwenym · 17/04/2025 20:55

@LilyJosephine , why should the OP pick a name to just about suit a 'nn' dictated by her SIL?

?? That’s why I said to ignore SIL if she didn’t like Tilly. Surely a name thread is for making name suggestions- didn’t realise that only certain opinions or suggestions were allowed🙄

Emanwenym · 17/04/2025 20:55

@LilyJosephine , why should the OP pick a name to just about suit a 'nn' dictated by her SIL?

LilyJosephine · 17/04/2025 20:53

Nay. If you dislike Matilda, maybe you could use it as a nn for Thalia instead? Imo Tilly is simultaneously a bit twee and “horsey” sounding on its own. But it sounds like you aren’t keen on it anyway? So ignore SIL

sunnydayz43 · 17/04/2025 20:49

Definitely a Nay from me

Pinepeak2434 · 17/04/2025 16:39

I like Matilda and Tilly/Tilda as a nn however, I would never allow my SIL or anyone to pressure me into a name. That’s for you/your partner to decide on. Find a name YOU love.

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