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Baby names

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

Original poster

Celeste or Dahlia?

63 replies

ThatTwinklyBiscuit · 08/02/2026 05:14

Iā€™m stuck between two names and need outside opinions šŸ˜… Which do you like better: Celeste or Dahlia? And why?

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mycosyredwooltoque · 08/02/2026 20:13

They'Re both nice names, I like the sound of Celeste better but I wouldn't like Selly or Cel as a diminutive as nobody seems to escape having their names shortened.
The diminutive for Dahlia is nicer imo, Lia or Dee, but someone would probably call her Doll.

noego · 08/02/2026 20:05

Je suis Celeste. Is what she said when I met her. And I've always loved her. :)

Idontknowhatnametochoose · 08/02/2026 20:05

Or Cerise.

Elisirdamour · 08/02/2026 19:58

Celeste is beautiful. Dahlia gives me ā€œcomedy period playā€ vibes.

namechangeabc123 · 08/02/2026 19:55

I agree with PPs who recommend Celine as an alternative.

I like the name Celeste but I did used to be on that contraceptive pillā€¦

I actually really like the name Dahlia though.

101Alsatians · 08/02/2026 19:53

Celine?

NamingNoNames · 08/02/2026 19:51

@Calliopespa , I think more people will be familiar with the name of several Popes, the EE character, and a premier league footballer from the noughties than with an opera singer from over a century ago.

mathanxiety · 08/02/2026 19:44

Not a fan of either name really.

I prefer:
Celestine
Daphne
Daria
Delia
Seraphine
Celine
Serena
Dinah

dove76 · 08/02/2026 19:42

sorry I couldn't vote:-

Celeste contraceptive pill
Dahlia not keen at all

Calliopespa · 08/02/2026 15:16

NamingNoNames · 08/02/2026 14:17

You might do. Baby name explorer says it's used for girls.
I'd think it was a man of Nigerian heritage. (Celestine and Etta Tavernier - Wikipedia)

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Have a look at Celestine Galli-Marie. She was an opera singer (mezzo-soprano, definitely female).

But it's also used by Popes. (So a male use)

NamingNoNames · 08/02/2026 14:18

OvernightBloats · 08/02/2026 14:17

How about Celia?

Don't like Dahlia - think they may be difficulty for people to know how to pronounce it. Celeste makes me think of the ghost ship Marie Celeste.

I think Delia is a pretty name, but otherwise I agree.

NamingNoNames · 08/02/2026 14:17

Calliopespa · 08/02/2026 13:36

I think it's gender neutral isn't it?

I certainly know some female ones.

Show quote history

You might do. Baby name explorer says it's used for girls.
I'd think it was a man of Nigerian heritage. (Celestine and Etta Tavernier - Wikipedia)

OvernightBloats · 08/02/2026 14:17

How about Celia?

Don't like Dahlia - think they may be difficulty for people to know how to pronounce it. Celeste makes me think of the ghost ship Marie Celeste.

Idontknowhatnametochoose · 08/02/2026 13:41

EleanorReally · 08/02/2026 09:20

what about Begonia?
Pansy?
Primrose
Daffodil?
snowdrop?

Show quote history

Or Hyacinth! On the other hand...

Not keen on either op. If you like flower names how about Daisy?

Calliopespa · 08/02/2026 13:36

NamingNoNames · 08/02/2026 13:26

@Calliopespa , it's usually a man's name.

I think it's gender neutral isn't it?

I certainly know some female ones.

whatwouldlilacerullodo · 08/02/2026 13:28

I like both. I'd chose the one that fits best with the last name. Also, Google both of them + surname and see what comes up.

Better still, wait until the baby is born and choose the one that fits her. I did that with both my DC.

NamingNoNames · 08/02/2026 13:26

@Calliopespa , it's usually a man's name.

Calliopespa · 08/02/2026 12:32

Just a thought Op: what about Celestine?

MamaLoLo1 · 08/02/2026 12:28

Love love love Celeste and would be using it if it was my turn to pick šŸ˜†

Onefortheroad25 · 08/02/2026 11:42

I kinda like Celeste although it was the contraceptive pill of choice back in the late 90ā€™s. Wasnā€™t Nicole Kidman Celeste in Big little lies?
I donā€™t like Dahlia. Prefer Delia or Delilah if you wanted that kinda sound.

Calliopespa · 08/02/2026 11:35

Celeste for me, simply because I really don't like "D" names. The "duh" is such an ugly sound. Heavy and a bit thick.

Dahlia, Deirdre, Daphne, Dora, Dorothy ... I don't like any of them

See also hard "G" sounds: Gretel, Gerda ...

I don't mind a soft G as in Genevieve or Georgiana, but there is no equivalent for D.

ImPamDoove · 08/02/2026 11:35

You forgot the ā€˜neitherā€™ option.

NamingNoNames · 08/02/2026 11:32

Celeste the elephant or Great Aunt Dahlia?
Celeste sounds like a contraceptive.
Dahl-ya or Dail-ya?

fellupthekerb · 08/02/2026 10:29

I really donā€™t like Celeste as it sounds too much like molest. Dahlia is not my favourite but itā€™s fine.

allmycats · 08/02/2026 10:19

Isnā€™t Dahlia pronounced as Darleeah when used as a name. Not Dayleea like the flower.

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