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Baby names

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

Original poster

Libby, Tabby?

62 replies

plumpvelvet · 08/05/2025 17:45

Tabitha (Tabby) vs Elizabeth (Libby)
Which one do you prefer?
I should probably also add that Tabitha would go by either Tabitha or Tabby but the latter would probably only be Libby as Elizabeth sounds too formal for my taste, however I would give the full name so she'd have options in the future.

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MoistVonL · 08/05/2025 23:06

I thought Libby was a nickname for Elisabeth (with an S rather than a Z). I have worked with 3 women called Libby over the years and they all spelled their full name Elisabeth.

Localher0 · 08/05/2025 23:01

I have a Libby (Elizabeth) very close to me. Although she is an official Elizabeth she’s has only ever been know by family & friends as Libby. She chooses in her now grown up and professional life to be an Elizabeth sometimes.

BrianaBlessed · 08/05/2025 22:51

It’s a cat

Libby, Tabby?
Libby, Tabby?
Psychoville78 · 08/05/2025 21:17

I knew a Tabitha but she got called Tibby-which I still love!

SemmaLina · 08/05/2025 21:14

I love Tabby as a Nick name , and Tabby Cat is fine too as a cute name for Tabitha
a friend has a DD Katherine , and her Nick name is Kit Kat
Mind you , Libby is good too

DuckieDodgyHedgyPiggy · 08/05/2025 21:13

Tabitha is one of my favourite names. I think Tabby is gorgeous. Cat association? No problem!
DD went to school with a Tabby and afaik she didn't have any bullying nicknames.

ArminTamzerian · 08/05/2025 21:12

I used to date a Tabitha. Known as Tibs to her friends.
Love the name.

BrianaBlessed · 08/05/2025 21:09

I thought this was a cat post. Please don’t call your poor child Tabby

RuthW · 08/05/2025 21:09

I like both

ninjahamster · 08/05/2025 21:07

Tabitha is such a gorgeous name.

Sleepnplay · 08/05/2025 21:05

Tabitha, I absolutely love it and had it on shortlist for dd. Elizabeth/Libby is nice, but not as interesting as Tabitha/Tabby to me.

daisychain233 · 08/05/2025 20:26

Tabby! I have a little Tabitha and love it.

user2848502016 · 08/05/2025 20:03

Elizabeth definitely, Tabby is too much of a cat’s name! Love Libby as a nn

username462025 · 08/05/2025 20:00

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at the poster's request.

Mum2jenny · 08/05/2025 19:59

Libby and Tabby are names for cats imo.

I have dgc called Elizabeth and there is no way she’d respond to Libby

MrsSkylerWhite · 08/05/2025 19:56

Is this creature a cat?

mrsm43s · 08/05/2025 19:53

Tabitha is gorgeous and has a magical feel and is a bit quirky, Elizabeth is dull and boring and is very traditional.

MrsDoylesLastTeabag · 08/05/2025 18:53

Tabby is, very obviously, a cat.

Libby is a gorgeous name, either as a stand-alone or as a shortened version of Elizabeth.

OhHellolittleone · 08/05/2025 18:51

I love tabby. I also know a Taba, short for Tabitha.

I also like a Libby, but prefer it short for liberty and Lizzy short for Elizabeth.

GreenMarigold · 08/05/2025 18:50

Tabitha/Tabby is gorgeous!

sandrevolutionary · 08/05/2025 18:50

Although having said that, if you're actually giving her a different name then it doesn't matter. I don't think you can choose a nickname for someone. Either give them the name you intend to call them, or accept they'll end up being called something different to your preference.

Tabitha and Elizabeth are both nice. Elizabeth might be more likely to end up as a Liz or Lizzie so I'd probably choose Tabitha.

EdisinBurgh · 08/05/2025 18:48

Elizabeth. So many options and brilliant name.

Just my personal opinion but Tabby is not a very desirable name, sorry. It’s a bit dreary.

sandrevolutionary · 08/05/2025 18:47

Tabby instantly makes me think "cat". I can't say Tabby without mentally adding the word cat afterwards.

I prefer Libby.

coxesorangepippin · 08/05/2025 18:47

Tabby is terrible

Tab is ok I suppose

motherofawhirlwind · 08/05/2025 18:47

Bunnyisputbackinthebox · 08/05/2025 18:39

I don't think a dd would thank you for Tabby....

I'll let mine know that she should stop loving her nickname immediately.... 🙄

As an aside, mine was supposed to be Abi, but actually responds to Tabby, Abi, Tee, Tia, Tabs, all sorts!