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Baby names

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

Original poster

Too old fashioned?

107 replies

fluffysprout · 20/04/2025 17:20

Happy Easter everyone!

Me and DH are expecting a daughter in July, and today we were asked by SIL if we had a shortlist. Silly us, as we did tell her. We got told our names are “old fashioned” and setting our daughter up to be bullied. Me and DH are both genealogists by profession, so our names do come from our family trees, anywhere from 2-5 generations ago. I can’t see her point and I think she’s being a bit dramatic so any opinions would be appreciated, a fresh set of eyes would be useful.

Here is our shortlist.

Mary,
Josephine,
Christina,
Rosina,
Elizabeth,
Alexandra,
Alice.

Mary and Josephine are our top two but we’re still fond of the others.

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dontcallmelen · 20/04/2025 17:30

Congratulations OP really lovely names, cannot fathom how any child could possibly be a target for bullying with any of the the names on your list.

Joolsin · 20/04/2025 17:29

A very classic list. Alexandra and Alice are much more commonly used than the others. Mary is so unusual nowadays, but such a universally known name. I prefer Rosa to Rosina. I know one young Josephine, but she's known as Effie, which I love. And, of course, Elizabeth has so many shortenings - my favourite is Betsy. I don't really like Christina.

RealityContinuesToRuinMyLife · 20/04/2025 17:27

All perfectly nice names.
Just tell her you’re having a rethink but won’t tell her the new choices.
Then, just name your new baby whatever you like from your original list, she’d have to be an utter bitch to criticise the name of her new niece once the names been given!

Veggielepsy · 20/04/2025 17:26

I have job envy!! All of your choices are lovely. Don't see why any would lead to bullying at all.

DisplayPurposesOnly · 20/04/2025 17:24

All lovely names and as a strictly amateur family historian I would definitely be mining my family tree if I were naming children!

Only slight hesitation is Christina as that feels a bit 70s/80s to me. Not vintage enough 😄

Wish I was a genealogist by profession!

PatsFruitCake · 20/04/2025 17:24

I really like them all with the exception of Alice and I don't think they will date

I particularly like Elizabeth - it's my favourite girls name.

Ignore your SIL, it's none of her business.

Newbeginningsandhappy · 20/04/2025 17:24

I don’t think your daughter will be bullied. I think your choices are refreshing and there’s some lovely names on there. I particularly like Alice and Alexandra but you need to choose a name you like.