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Baby names

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

Original poster

Our name choices don’t seem very liked

462 replies

Fritesky · 18/10/2025 18:45

DH and I have just had our twin baby girls, they are 3 weeks old and we have named them Gigi and Lola. We love their names and put a lot of time into picking them. We are a Anglo-Franco-Italian family so tried really hard to pick names that everyone would be a fan of.
Since then we’ve told family, friends etc. our babies names and got lots of “oh are the nicknames” and “oh that’s interesting”, which I guess just makes me feel really crappy. We haven’t registered the girls yet so we could change the names, but I’m not sure if I want to. Their full names are Gigi Apolline and Lola Gabrielle.

What are your thoughts?

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Sagaciously · 18/10/2025 19:30

I think they sound like drag queen names, but if you like them, that’s all that matters.

Ghhbiuj · 18/10/2025 19:28

I think lola might be because of the song about the cross dresser but your kids friends won't ever be exposed to that song, so it's not weird

Chewbecca · 18/10/2025 19:27

I prefer Apolline and Gabrielle are 'classier' and more elegant.

Lola and Gigi sound like party / dancing girls.

Spirallingdownwards · 18/10/2025 19:27

I think their full names are both great.

IRFS23 · 18/10/2025 19:25

Same love them! Especially Lola

urghhh47 · 18/10/2025 19:25

Beautiful names! Ignore everyone who says different!

amylou8 · 18/10/2025 19:25

Congratulations on your twins. They are lovely names and go well together. I think as long as you haven't called them something totally weird, which you haven't, and you love the names, you can safely ignore anyone else's opinions.

MarmiteMustard · 18/10/2025 19:24

My relatives really weren't a fan of DC1s name. Over a decade later I still have no regrets and everyone soon got used to it.

GoldenRosebee · 18/10/2025 19:22

Fritesky · 18/10/2025 18:45

DH and I have just had our twin baby girls, they are 3 weeks old and we have named them Gigi and Lola. We love their names and put a lot of time into picking them. We are a Anglo-Franco-Italian family so tried really hard to pick names that everyone would be a fan of.
Since then we’ve told family, friends etc. our babies names and got lots of “oh are the nicknames” and “oh that’s interesting”, which I guess just makes me feel really crappy. We haven’t registered the girls yet so we could change the names, but I’m not sure if I want to. Their full names are Gigi Apolline and Lola Gabrielle.

What are your thoughts?

They seems more French than Italian, maybe that's the reason relatives dislike them. Also, I think Apolline and Gabrielle are dated in France and the French kid named Lola is right now on Daily mail news as a victim.

Bishopstail · 18/10/2025 19:21

I think they're great. Ignore them.

Pricelessadvice · 18/10/2025 19:19

I love them OP!
Many congratulations xx

MiceAsPie · 18/10/2025 19:19

Your middle names are much much nicer

Findlebarr · 18/10/2025 19:18

This is totally a matter of personal opinion but I agree with PP that these names are ‘pet’ versions of longer (more dignified) names such as Giselle, Georgina, Lauren, Dolores etc.

I believe in giving your children the ‘full’ name, even if you intend to always use a nickname or pet version. This gives them more choice when they’re older whether they want to have a cutesy name or a more formal one. For example she might be Gigi to all her friends but Georgina at work.

As I said, totally personal opinion and you have every right to give your daughters whatever names you love the most.

SliceofTosst · 18/10/2025 19:16

Lovely names.

Justcallmedaffodil · 18/10/2025 19:14

GingerPaste · 18/10/2025 18:59

Sorry, but I agree with some of the PPs. The names make me think of ‘ladies of the night’. 😬

Ditto

QuietLifeNoDrama · 18/10/2025 19:08

I love them both but really if you and your partner love them then don’t worry about what everyone else thinks. You haven’t named them anything bizarre or offensive.

YesTonightJosephine · 18/10/2025 19:07

If you did need the full name as an option too ... I do still love the diminutive though!

Gigi - Genevieve Appolline

Lola - Dolores Gabrielle

Other options :

** Gianna / Georgette / Giselle
** Charlotte / Louisa / Lorelei / Lourdes

I am in love with the name Appolline!

x

friendshipover24 · 18/10/2025 19:03

Beautiful names

Magnolia24 · 18/10/2025 18:59

I have a Lola, she’s 22 years old now. She loves her name. In fact both my girls love their names, which is all that matters. I think both your names are fabulous. Congratulations on your twins.

GingerPaste · 18/10/2025 18:59

Sorry, but I agree with some of the PPs. The names make me think of ‘ladies of the night’. 😬

MrsKateColumbo · 18/10/2025 18:58

I like them!
Gigi is usually short for something and I never know whether it should be zhe zhe or jee jee pronunciation wise but I like both

Lola is a nice name and feels very 2020s.

LumpySpaceCow · 18/10/2025 18:58

As long as you like them then who cares? That's why I always waited until our babies were born before sharing names - no risk of them telling you how much they hate them when you've already chosen them!
Lola is really cute. Never heard Gigi before - is it hard or soft G? If soft, it is a nickname for a horse round here (up North!!).

SeaAndStars · 18/10/2025 18:58

Lovely names and even more lovely with the middle names.

Tamfs · 18/10/2025 18:57

I think the first names you have chosen are cute, and the middle names are gorgeous! They can choose whether to go by first or middle names when they are older if they want a more 'serious name'. Ignore the comments.

Pigeon123456 · 18/10/2025 18:56

Honestly, and only since you asked, they sound like dogs’ names to me.

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