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Baby names

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

Original poster

Maggie, Oli, Magnolia

45 replies

FlyingPeanut · 13/08/2025 01:37

Been thinking of the name Magnolia for my first girl. I love the shortenings Maggie and Oli. I guess I'm asking when do you decide? Do I use both interchangeably until one feels more right? I'm also horribly aware that Maggie has some less than favorable political history attached to the name. And essentially I'm overthinking everything.
Advice please

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Limonades · 13/08/2025 11:38

I actually like Magnolia. It’s a beautiful flower and I think it sounds nice.

i hate Maggi /Maggie though as it’s a brand of seasoning.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maggi

DuchessOfNarcissex · 13/08/2025 11:23

Magnolia is the colour of paint used by landlords. The flower is pretty but the name isn't.

user1492757084 · 13/08/2025 10:49

Do you like Lilac or Florabunda?

Imperativvv · 13/08/2025 08:55

ImAPreMadonna · 13/08/2025 08:33

I’m very familiar with the plant, doesn’t stop me from thinking it’s a pretty ugly name for a person.

Yes, people will make the painted walls association. I wouldn't inflict that on a child, sorry.

WonderingWanda · 13/08/2025 08:38

villamariavintrapp · 13/08/2025 07:48

Noli seems a more natural shortening than Oli, as the sounds are different.. oh but maybe you're pronouncing Oli differently to Olly. Anyway, I also have a soft spot for Marigold.

Agree with this. Oli doesn't seem quite the right sound. I do know females with Olly as a shortening for Olivia, although Liv is more common.

Whilst I love Magnolia trees and think that the word looks nice I don't like the way it rolls off the tongue as a name. I think it will come out quite clipped and sound as though you are always reprimanding her. I think Iris or Camellia are lovely.

ImAPreMadonna · 13/08/2025 08:33

I’m very familiar with the plant, doesn’t stop me from thinking it’s a pretty ugly name for a person.

PrincessOfPreschool · 13/08/2025 08:11

For those who think of paint!

Maggie, Oli, Magnolia
PrincessOfPreschool · 13/08/2025 08:09

Or you could even have Lia as a shortening (I know a Lia who pronounces it the same as 'Leah').

PrincessOfPreschool · 13/08/2025 08:08

I like magnolia because I think of the tree not the paint. I also like Maggie as I have a lovely friend with this name and it's overridden Maggie T memories (even though she was PM through my formative years till I was 17). I think Noli is a nice nickname. I have an Oli who is a boy and pronounced Ollie. Go for it! Don't let MN put you off!

babyproblems · 13/08/2025 08:03

villamariavintrapp · 13/08/2025 07:48

Noli seems a more natural shortening than Oli, as the sounds are different.. oh but maybe you're pronouncing Oli differently to Olly. Anyway, I also have a soft spot for Marigold.

yes to this 💗

Moreteaandchocolate · 13/08/2025 08:02

I love Maggie, but not keen on Magnolia, or on Oli as a nn for a girl.

villamariavintrapp · 13/08/2025 07:48

Noli seems a more natural shortening than Oli, as the sounds are different.. oh but maybe you're pronouncing Oli differently to Olly. Anyway, I also have a soft spot for Marigold.

Limonades · 13/08/2025 07:40

Maggi is a seasoning sauce! Awful name choice

buswankerbabe · 13/08/2025 07:07

It’s awful, sorry. Of all the lovely names out there…..Magnolia? Why?

shellyleppard · 13/08/2025 06:58

Oli is short for Oliver. Maggie is old fashioned but still a lovely name. Magnolia however I will always associate with a paint shade!

nellietheellie75 · 13/08/2025 06:56

It's a terrible name. Sorry.

crumblingschools · 13/08/2025 06:53

Oli is male name and I wouldn’t saddle a child with the name magnolia. If you like the name so much change yours to it

Iocainepowder · 13/08/2025 06:50

Oh just to add, nothing wrong with Maggie. But the only Oli’s i’ve known are male.

Springadorable · 13/08/2025 06:46

Magnolia?! As in the most joked about boring and bland paint colour of all time?!

Iocainepowder · 13/08/2025 02:26

Sorry, I think it’s awful. I also personally associate it with being a common shade of paint.

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