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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Deborah too dated/old?

115 replies

obieone · 26/12/2025 18:13

Spent this afternoon looking through the baby name book with dh. We both like Deborah as it has the strong feel that we both gravitate towards. I've not heard it used for a while. Is it too dated?

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Dutchhouse14 · 27/12/2025 23:22

I like it , as other have said it was a popular babies name from 70s.
Weve had the resurgance of names that were popular for grandparents (or great grandparents depending in your age!) like edith,jessie, violet etc so must be time for a resurgance in my generations names! samantha,deborah,helen,sarah, nicola,joanne ...

Perhaps have missed my mums generation of janet, barbara,pauline,pam ...

Anyway i like deborah its a classic biblical name so if you like it go for it!

Names are subjective and go in and out of fashion,pick something you love

Rocknrollstar · 27/12/2025 22:25

It’s a lovely name and you should use it.

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 27/12/2025 21:34

ChikinLikin · 26/12/2025 21:30

Beautiful name with some beautiful owners:
Deborah Kerr
Debbie Harry
Debra Winger
It deserves a resurgence.

I am named Deborah as Dad had a thing for Deboral Kerr!!

ChocolateCinderToffee · 27/12/2025 06:20

I really like it and it’s quite unusual now. Interesting that people are saying it’s 60s because it was popular in the 60s too.

TheSandgroper · 27/12/2025 05:48

Yes. I have always liked it, I’m of an age to know several Deborahs and it’s a great name. I was the only one with my name in school and my dd was the only one with her name in school. Never discount the usefulness of that,

Don’t let anyone put you off. It’s a really good name.

TheCraicDealer · 27/12/2025 00:57

It’s my name, I’m in my 30’s and was always Debbie as a child but moved to Deborah when I started uni/work. It obviously had its heyday in the 60s and 70s but the fact it’s biblical makes it more classic than other “trendy” names, like my twin’s which is very late 80’s- she considers me to have been the “lucky” one with names! I think it’ll come back around in another 20 to 30 years, like Florence, Edith and their ilk have all done.

And to everyone mentioning Disco 2000, I’ll have you know we had a string quartet play it as we walked back down the aisle at the end of our wedding.

awrbc81 · 27/12/2025 00:51

There are definitely worse names, it is a bit dated but also pretty and I actually think Debbie is cute for a baby.
Prefer Sarah or Rebecca though which have the same feel but are more classic

TeaRoseTallulah · 27/12/2025 00:46

It's lovely.

MidnightMeltdown · 27/12/2025 00:40

PortSalutPlease · 26/12/2025 18:27

It’s very 80s

It’s definitely not. 60s more like.

ABeerInTheSunshineMakesMeHappy · 27/12/2025 00:19

Denim4ever · 26/12/2025 23:50

60s or 70s - I was born in the 60s and tge common girl names were Tracey, Sharon, Karen and Deborah/Debra. Of that quartet Deborah is the best and I like it, but not Debbie as a shortening. Debsey Wykes - who was from my school - might be the only Debsey. Certainly the only famous one

Show quote history

My generation too. But for some reason, Deborah doesn’t seem as dated as Sharon, Tracy or Karen. I guess if names go round in a circle the names of my mum’s generation (Barbara, Margaret, Pamela) need to be revived first.

whatisthegoddamnholdup · 26/12/2025 23:54

Very dated

Denim4ever · 26/12/2025 23:50

PollyPlumPeach · 26/12/2025 18:15

Very 80s. Sorry it sounds trashy to me

60s or 70s - I was born in the 60s and tge common girl names were Tracey, Sharon, Karen and Deborah/Debra. Of that quartet Deborah is the best and I like it, but not Debbie as a shortening. Debsey Wykes - who was from my school - might be the only Debsey. Certainly the only famous one

Clearinguptheclutter · 26/12/2025 23:21

Your name was Deborah. It never suited ya!

sorry, no.
i know so many Debbies in their 40s it’s ridiculous. And not due a comeback yet.!

Neveranynamesleft · 26/12/2025 23:19

Yes it is very dated.

MrsDoomsPatterson1 · 26/12/2025 23:17

I think of Marc bolan “oh Deborah”

Jugendstiel · 26/12/2025 23:15

I hate the name, even though the Deborahs I've met have all been nice people. My parents almost called me this. I don't like my name but in comparison I am so glad they chose it.

Deborah felt old fashioned in the 1970s when it was in fashion and has never felt right since. Debbie and Debs are not great nn either.

Pettenell · 26/12/2025 23:14

Deborah is a beautiful, strong, classic name. I'd love to see it used more. I know a 1960s born Deborah who has always been 'Deborah' never Debbie. When an occasional person tries 'Debbie' she ignores them. It is such a fresh change from the frequent soft-sounding and similar sounding names around these days. I see it as a similar vibe to Rebecca and Jemima.
A great name!

PatMustardsBigTool · 26/12/2025 23:09

If you like it, use it. Folk were very opinionated about the name chosen for my middle daughter (also “dated”, 80s) but so what? That’s her name and she wouldn’t be anything else. For what it’s worth, I like Deborah.

Hallywally · 26/12/2025 22:57

Reminds me Disco 2000! 🤣

MrsKateColumbo · 26/12/2025 22:32

It's not due to be granny chic popular until about 2040 so you would be ahead of the curve of you choose it!

Overall im neutral about it

Giraffehaver · 26/12/2025 22:19

Personal but the Deborah in our family is pure evil so I'm not keen. Sorry

Ketzele · 26/12/2025 22:15

I love it.

intrepidpanda · 26/12/2025 22:00

So long as it suits her

cannynotsay · 26/12/2025 21:58

Yeah it’s a hard no

JanetareyouokareyouokJanet · 26/12/2025 21:56

I absolutely love Deborah it is very 80s but don’t stop me loving it