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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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mathanxiety · 26/12/2025 19:35

Lovely name. Sounds refreshingly original to me in a sea of Florences, Olives, Ediths, and all the rest of the currently popular granny chic names.

sharkstale · 26/12/2025 19:33

My mums name so yes I see it as very old lol

Theextraordinaryisintheordinary · 26/12/2025 19:32

Deya?

littlelongstockings · 26/12/2025 19:30

We call our dog Deborah as a silly nick name so I'm going to say no I'm not a fan!

Cat1504 · 26/12/2025 19:29

It’s not good …and the diminutives are awful…don’t do it

romeoandjulie · 26/12/2025 19:25

It's a step up from Tracy/Sharon - not a good choice.

OrangeAxolotyl · 26/12/2025 19:22

MeganM3 · 26/12/2025 19:21

Old Testament name. Deborah was a strong female leader and a fighter. Deb-or-ah

It is unusual. Apparently Hebrew for Bee, symbolising diligence, sweetness, and community.

I love those Old Testament names.

MeganM3 · 26/12/2025 19:21

Old Testament name. Deborah was a strong female leader and a fighter. Deb-or-ah

It is unusual. Apparently Hebrew for Bee, symbolising diligence, sweetness, and community.

IsThisLifeNow · 26/12/2025 19:21

Your name was Deborah (Deborah)
It never suited ya

Cannot think of anything other than Disco 2000 by Pulp, so a no from me I'm afraid

AllPlayedOut · 26/12/2025 19:21

Wishimaywishimight · 26/12/2025 19:03

People calling it trashy, horrible etc might try and remember that women with this name are reading the thread. It may not be to your taste but there is no need to be quite so blunt 😆

Many people hate my name. I don’t care and if I was that sensitive about then I’d best avoid the baby names board because if you ask people for opinions then you’re going to get them.

OrangeAxolotyl · 26/12/2025 19:20

If you love the name, use it. It'll come back round again and you'll be ahead of the curve!

2old4thispoo · 26/12/2025 19:20

Yes!

OrangeAxolotyl · 26/12/2025 19:18

Wishimaywishimight · 26/12/2025 19:03

People calling it trashy, horrible etc might try and remember that women with this name are reading the thread. It may not be to your taste but there is no need to be quite so blunt 😆

Indeed, or have called their child that name.
Taste in names is very subjective, but people on here rarely accept that.

cantbearsed247 · 26/12/2025 19:17

It's very dated, I'm not a fan. It makes me think of Debbie does Dallas too.

Emanwenym · 26/12/2025 19:15

@Wishimaywishimight , They probably don't realise that Deborah is about as trashy as Sarah or Rebecca.

muddyford · 26/12/2025 19:08

No, classic and elegant.

Wishimaywishimight · 26/12/2025 19:03

People calling it trashy, horrible etc might try and remember that women with this name are reading the thread. It may not be to your taste but there is no need to be quite so blunt 😆

AnnaQuayInTheUk · 26/12/2025 18:57

It's an OT name. I like it but hate Debbie.

KnickerlessParsons · 26/12/2025 18:49

Love it. But there are two ways of pronouncing it. Deborah and Deborah. The first is the more common and the one I prefer

manicpixieschemegirl · 26/12/2025 18:47

Yes, it’s dated and just not very nice. Sorry!

Moreteaandchocolate · 26/12/2025 18:44

No, too dated, I wouldn’t use it.

hattie43 · 26/12/2025 18:44

No it’s an ugly clunky name

dizzydizzydizzy · 26/12/2025 18:43

It's a nice name but I wouldn't use it. My name is one of my DM's generation and for that reason I have always disliked it. As PP has said it is common among women in their 50s and 60s.

Bodypumpmum · 26/12/2025 18:36

no

RosesAndHellebores · 26/12/2025 18:35

It's great. An Old Testament classic. Deborah led the Israelites to victory.

As a woman with Jewish antecedents - "Go Deborah". If you are not in the least bit political or religious, and have no sympathy for Israel, it might not be the best name to chose at this time.

I think it's fabulous.