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Baby names

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Original poster

Why don't people like the name Fenella?

43 replies

BottySpottom · 07/08/2009 14:22

I have heard lots of negative comments over the years and I wonder why people dislike it so much.

I know she was a witch in a book - but that's surely not enough to put someone off a name is it?

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Original poster
BottySpottom · 07/08/2009 19:01

I thought it would be shortened to Nell (Nellie for a baby/toddler) or Ella.

OP posts:
honeydew · 07/08/2009 18:29

It's the witch from Chorlton and the Wheeleies -a great kids prog from my childhood!

But it's quite nice though and I do much prefer it to Olivia or Jessica which I can't stand.

What would it be shortened too? Ella perhaps, or Fen, Fenny? ( too close to Fanny I think.

People always shorten names, unless it's something like Kate, so be prepared for that.

ZZZenAgain · 07/08/2009 18:16

I don't find it posh, just too flowery for my taste. I have a distant cousin called Fenella, whole family finds it

mopsyflopsy · 07/08/2009 18:13

Too close to fennel .

Otherwise a nice name!

southeastastra · 07/08/2009 15:24

there was a finola in staying alive (john travolta film) the other day

mrswoolf · 07/08/2009 14:58

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Horton · 07/08/2009 14:47

I think Fenella is lovely.

GrimmaTheNome · 07/08/2009 14:43

Fionnula - yes thats it thanks. There was a Fionnula on the radio years ago which is why it has good assocs. for me I think

MrsBadger · 07/08/2009 14:42

it is a bit posh but no worse than many

Original poster
BottySpottom · 07/08/2009 14:41

Not as keen on Fionnula as Fenella for some reason. I think it sounds more like a bone in the leg than a vegetable!

OP posts:
KEAWYED · 07/08/2009 14:40

I love the name. I think Fenella Fudge is a great name.

SOLOisMeredithGrey · 07/08/2009 14:38

Sounds a bit erm...plum in mouth?

What about Fionnula? I think it's pronounced Finoola. Nula for short.

Tortington · 07/08/2009 14:37

reminds me of fenalla fudge too

i don't mind it actually - fora posh bird

GrimmaTheNome · 07/08/2009 14:36

Because it sounds like a vegetable?

I like it though. (I like fennel too!)

There is a Scottish name, which I don't know how to spell but is pronounced something like Fenoola which is nice too. What am I thinking of?

HuffySpice · 07/08/2009 14:33

Isn't there a Fenella Fudge on Radio2?

babster · 07/08/2009 14:31

Because they were 80s kids who used to watch Chorlton and the Wheelies - very funny btw.

pranma · 07/08/2009 14:24

I like it!

hellymelly · 07/08/2009 14:23

I like it,i think it is really pretty.Only person
I can think of is the actress Fenella Fielding,who is slightly bonkers with huge false eyelashes,but that aside it is a lovely name.

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