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Baby names

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

Original poster

Maria?

39 replies

Loliee · 31/12/2025 00:37

DH and I are expecting our first daughter. We have a shortlist of names but most of them aren’t names we both love. The only name we both like is Maria, but when DH mentioned it to MIL as being on our shortlist she said it was very old fashioned. We have Italian and English family so the name needs to work well in both languages.
We also have
Sofia
Anna
Elena
Emma

On our shortlist but they all have some sort of caveat. Thoughts?

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JillyGiraffe · 31/12/2025 09:13

I think Maria is a lovely name! Sounds much fresher than Anna and Emma to me. Also like Sofia.

PersephoneParlormaid · 31/12/2025 07:18

Prefer Sofia. And don’t discuss names with anyone.

Moreteaandchocolate · 31/12/2025 07:17

My initial reaction is that I find it a bit dated but it would grow on me quickly if I knew a little one with the name and I’m sure it would be the same for your MIL. I love all the other names on your list.

Cando6 · 31/12/2025 06:29

Lovely name. Also love Marianne.

TheSandgroper · 31/12/2025 05:43

Feckin’ MIL. Ignore the wumman. She’s had her turn.

Pranksters · 31/12/2025 04:55

I think, stop mentioning names to your MIL or anyone else.

miniaturepixieonacid · 31/12/2025 02:40

I think it's pretty and classic.

I've taught quite a few children called Maria but they've all been Spanish. Never met a British child with the name. That wouldn't put me off at all though. It's clearly a well known name, nobody's going to to struggle to recognise, say or spell it.

Pettenell · 31/12/2025 02:15

I prefer all the other names on your list over Maria. Anna and Sofia are my favourites.

Groberts · 31/12/2025 01:26

I like it but prefer Marianne. Not sure if that fits with your Italian heritage then. But I know of a couple of recent Maria’s. I don’t find it dated.

AliceMcK · 31/12/2025 00:48

Would definitely fit both nationalities. I don’t think old fashioned is or should be a thing these days, lots of people use names used 100 years ago.

personally for me it’s a no, but only because I have a name association with the name I couldn’t shake. Before then I’d have said it’s a lovely name.

awrbc81 · 31/12/2025 00:46

I think Maria is lovely, it’s timeless so not likely to become dated.

However I do prefer all the other names on your list

nellietheoliphant · 31/12/2025 00:43

I adore the name Maria. My number one name for a girl. I had a boy. I know three Maria's and asked them all of they liked their name, two said yes I love it, and the other said it's the only thing she's grateful her parents gave to her.

ISeeYouHere · 31/12/2025 00:42

It’s very pretty and classic, I like it!

OSTMusTisNT · 31/12/2025 00:40

It's an ok name but Blondie and Tia Maria would put me off.

I love Anna and Emma though.