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Original poster

Muriel or Beryl?

274 replies

ItsaMeMarioooo · 21/09/2026 20:44

Which do you think sounds nicer for a baby girl?

I originally suggested Muriel after my Grandma and then my husband decided to throw his Nanas name into the ring (Beryl) and he suggested that maybe we use one as a middle name as a compromise.. I’m not really keen on using both as it’s too rhyme-y, do you agree? We are both on the fence about which to choose, so thought we’d gather opinions here!

If you choose “both” please comment which order you’d put the names :)
Thank you!!

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cymraes12 · 21/09/2026 22:32

ItsaMeMarioooo · 21/09/2026 21:41

I can’t believe the number of people thinking this is a wind up! They’re just names.. I could understand if I’d come here contemplating the name Fruitoftheloom or something 😂
We aren’t that bothered about names “coming back around” in fashion to be fair, and we honestly didn’t think either name was so outlandish that our daughter would be considered a “poor kid” so that took me by surprise a little. I don’t really get some of the associations that people are making with the names, so perhaps that’s what is giving some people a different perspective.

I also don’t think it’s unfathomable that my husband doesn’t like Meryl…he said he associates the name with Meryl Streep, and simply doesn’t like it the way he likes our other picks.

i have a close friend whose middle name is Meryl (born early 1980s and named after a family member). She hates it because every single time she tells anyone her middle name or they see it written down, they ask if she’s named after Meryl Streep - and I really do mean every time. So I suspect your husband’s instinct is right …

oizzle · 21/09/2026 22:31

Can I throw Bertha into the mix?

Denim4ever · 21/09/2026 22:31

Slightyamusedandsilly · 21/09/2026 20:46

Neither. Both awful.

This, both are really dreadful names

Original poster
ItsaMeMarioooo · 21/09/2026 22:31

Needmorelego · 21/09/2026 22:23

They are just a bit dated and old fashioned.
As someone upthread just said their future classmates won't know that though and to them they are literally just names.
If you really do like the names go for it. If you can't decide which one....flip a coin.

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This was my thought too. I understand that they’re old fashioned now, but they’re pretty ordinary names and I assume that their future classmates will just hear her name and move on.

OP posts:
itstoolateforsnacks · 21/09/2026 22:29

I love them both and can’t decide which I like best. Maybe Beryl slightly has the edge. I also love Gladys, Phyllis and Edna! Mildred I couldn’t get on board with however.

Ignore the naysayers, they’d probably all want (imo) dull names like Sophie and Olivia.

I was racking my brains to think of a name I posted on Mn which divebombed in a similar fashion - Myrna. But actually I was glad as posters pointed out how that would sound in some English accents - I feel Merryn is the same, gorgeous but only in accents that pronounce r’s.

Beshtiismybestie · 21/09/2026 22:26

Beryl has always sounded like a cream to me. I've got a boil, better get some Beryl cream!

MissingMeadow · 21/09/2026 22:26

I can't believe you and your husband both like the names Muriel and Beryl.

If I'd suggested them to my husband he would have laughed his head off.

You're truly a perfect match. Both names are dreadful so good luck to poor baby Beryl Muriel.

AltitudeCheck · 21/09/2026 22:26

I like Gladys (I had an aunty Glad) and Edna. For Beryl and Muriel I think Muriel is slightly better... but I'd go middle name rather than first / only name.

BridalFeastofBethChadruharazzeb · 21/09/2026 22:26

I LOVE Merryn

Mirroredclock · 21/09/2026 22:25

neither

SinuousTendrils · 21/09/2026 22:24

Beryl is an excellent name which is surely due a revival. I had it on my list.
I thought the other day how I wished I'd named my dog Muriel so I could shout it after her on the park!

Original poster
ItsaMeMarioooo · 21/09/2026 22:24

Pingsung · 21/09/2026 22:17

Both names are completely fine. People just cant imagine them on a small child because they are the names of previous generations. Edith, Florence ,Maud , Dorothy were all old lady names until about 8 years ago. Now they are everywhere.

I think you’re right.
And the poster who says sometimes names sound odd until you meet one, and it becomes normal.

OP posts:
GlaikitWeeNyaff · 21/09/2026 22:24

Merge them and go for Meryl

tiredtiredd · 21/09/2026 22:24

Emptyandsad · 21/09/2026 22:23

Combine them as burial

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That’s what I thought of straight away 😂

Needmorelego · 21/09/2026 22:23

ItsaMeMarioooo · 21/09/2026 22:14

I seriously don’t understand why people think a child (or an adult at work) would be teased for such ordinary names! And why would people cringe? Huh?? ….but Meryl, is nice? Beryl, with an M is a nice name, but the ‘B’ makes the name horrible 😂

Sorry, I do appreciate your thoughts…I just don’t get the hate?!

They are just a bit dated and old fashioned.
As someone upthread just said their future classmates won't know that though and to them they are literally just names.
If you really do like the names go for it. If you can't decide which one....flip a coin.

tiredtiredd · 21/09/2026 22:23

Twinklewonderkins · 21/09/2026 22:22

It’s MARIEL

Now I must rewatch this masterpiece

Emptyandsad · 21/09/2026 22:23

LyraLupin · 21/09/2026 20:45

Combine them as Meryl

Combine them as burial

tiredtiredd · 21/09/2026 22:23

Omg neither. Please don’t do that to
your poor baby.

Twinklewonderkins · 21/09/2026 22:22

It’s MARIEL

Original poster
ItsaMeMarioooo · 21/09/2026 22:21

Thatcannotberight · 21/09/2026 22:02

What about Merryn? A nice name.

That’s such a lovely name, thank you for the suggestion! Will throw that one at my husband too.

OP posts:
aWeeCornishPastie · 21/09/2026 22:21

Please don’t

Jrisix · 21/09/2026 22:21

Beryl is cute for a kid and a strong name for an adult, I like it.

The old person names sound odd until you meet a baby one and your brain accepts it. I met lots of babies called Paul recently while living in Germany and I was totally converted in the end 😅

Agapornis · 21/09/2026 22:21

Combined the other way round - Beriel? 😉 Beryllium?

Remember that every generation feels that certain names are old fashioned or out dated. Just pick what you like.

idontknowhowtodreamyourdreams · 21/09/2026 22:20

No. Just don’t.

2dogsandabudgie · 21/09/2026 22:20

PrettyLittleRose · 21/09/2026 22:07

I agree. Beryl is honestly horrible 😖 Sorry @ItsaMeMarioooo you must surely know that most people are going to cringe when you introduce your child. Poor girl is going to have such a hard time at school! (And will be teased at work too.)

If this is serious, please don't call your child Beryl. Muriel isn't much better.

I agree with maybe calling her Meryl. Nice name.

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I don't think they would have a hard time at school. Young children wouldn't know which names are considered old fashioned plus there's so many ridiculous names now anyway that Beryl or Muriel sound quite normal.