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Baby names

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

Original poster

Finty - made up name or does it come from somewhere?

55 replies

MiniLlace · 18/08/2009 10:20

We have decided to call our DD Finty - we have both loved the name since hearing Judi Dench mention its her daughters name in an interview some years back. However we have no idea whether it was made up or actually comes from somewhere - we dont really care but know someone will ask us once she is born and the name becomes public - any idea??

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gladders · 19/08/2009 13:52

Finty is made up.

Judi Dench thought she was having a boy nd wanted to call him Finnian..

When it was a girl they gave her the name someone here has mentioned, but hr hsuband suggested finty as a nickname when she was a babay and it stuck...

I quite like it - but as a nickname.

seeker · 19/08/2009 13:26

My dd's friend Finty is in our garden as we speak. I've just asked her if it was short for something, and she said "I wish it was - people are ALWAYS asking!".

moondog · 19/08/2009 08:25

All names are 'made up'. As are all words.
People assign meaning to random groups of sounds. That's how language works.

Thus, Susan is 'made up' and so is Piloloa.

Original poster
MiniLlace · 19/08/2009 08:11

Thanks chuckamatic - to be honest the thread has made me giggle quite a lot - as ive said before names are subjective - one persons love is anothers OMG dont call her that!! .. ie one reason i didnt ask for views - although as i say they are making me smile - we are happy with it and yes we have a rather unusual surname which goes very well with it so all good - and you know if its the only thing in our lives that our DD 'hates us for' as one person says - they hey that is fine with me ... ...

OP posts:
Chunkamatic · 18/08/2009 21:55

Minilace I'm sorry people are giving you a hard time on here. It really annoys me when the OP doesnt ask for opinions but posters feel the need to respond with derogatory comments!

If i heard the name Finty i'd assume it was a nn for something, so I think that you need to be prepared for people to ask what it's short for, and for them to be a bit when you say it's a little bit made up!

There will always be people who don't like whatever name you choose, so you may as well go for something you really love and sod what anyone else says!!

malung · 18/08/2009 21:27

I simply don't believe you are serious. Finty How could you do that. So so many names - no need to make up one. Think !

hocuspontas · 18/08/2009 20:44

Don't - she will constantly be asked to repeat it then spell it.

Also it sounds like an adjective like narky. E.g. oooh she's a bit finty today

Sidge · 18/08/2009 20:39

I know of a Finty.

Her parents thought she was going to be a boy and were going to call him Finn, so when he was a she they went with Finty.

She's also got a pretty cool surname so her whole name sounds really unusual and quirky. I don't think it would work so well to be called Finty Smith or Finty Brown for example.

violethill · 18/08/2009 20:17

Yuck. Why make a name up when there are thousands of beautiful ones out there?

If something evolves as a natural nickname, fair enough, but deciding on a nickname as the name you are legally giving your child for life (unless they change it later) seems a tad too try-hard not to mention lacking in taste.

bebesequin · 18/08/2009 20:04

Finty is way better than Minty -I like it -but maybe go for a classic middle name just in case

Thunderduck · 18/08/2009 19:35

Finty is truly hideous.

Scorpette · 18/08/2009 19:27

Finty is gorgeous - it's one of my absolute faves, but my DP loathes it, so will never get to use it Although I first heard it via Finty Williams, I also once met an old lady called Finty and I asked her what it meant. She said it was a very old meaning of 'elfin'. It's from some very specific part of England, down south somewhere, but I can't recall, sorry.

Lots of names with 'fin' in them or which start with El or Al (Elwood, Alfred, etc.), relate to elves, pixies and fairies, etc. Little girls would love that link

I say GO FOR IT!

MrsBadger · 18/08/2009 18:29

actually I have a sensible suggestion

How about Araminta and nickname her Minty?

mumtoted · 18/08/2009 18:18

i think its a lovely name.

Overmydeadbody · 18/08/2009 18:12

Your DD will hate you for it.

singalongamumum · 18/08/2009 17:50

Good for you mini!

Original poster
MiniLlace · 18/08/2009 15:02

Its a good suggestion - and yip we did this - and still we are happy with the name - we know not everyone will as is evident below - im not sure there is a name out there that everyone does like - each to their own

OP posts:
BigGobMum · 18/08/2009 15:00

Mini - DONT DO IT!!!!

SoupDragon · 18/08/2009 14:58

Someone once suggested that, next time you went into a group of strangers you should say "Hi, my name's " and see what happens/how you feel. Try it in both professional and social circles.

Original poster
MiniLlace · 18/08/2009 14:48

Thanks - actaully just needed to know whether it was made up or from somewhere - but lovely to hear all your views! its funny everyone has such strong views about names so you are more than entitled to think its S*it - i know i feel that about many names others love ... hey ho it would be boring (and confusing) if we were all called the same thing!

OP posts:
GrendelsMum · 18/08/2009 14:10

Why not call her Frances and Finty for short?

I'm all in favour of unusual names, but I think it might be nice to give her the choice to use a more standard name when she's an adult and working in a professional position.

Ladyem · 18/08/2009 14:03

Judy Dench's daughter's full name is Tara Cressida Frances Williams, and performs under the name of Finty. It does sound made up, but if you love it then it's up to you, of course. I would just suggest being prepared to steel yourself for the roll of eyes when people hear the name! Sorry!

SoupDragon · 18/08/2009 13:55

Googling it makes me feel that it is indeed made up as well as sh*te

MrsBadger · 18/08/2009 13:54

what soupy said

what are you thinking?

tell them it is short for Fintamalina

or call her Tara

BigGobMum · 18/08/2009 13:53

Does sound very made-up. Sorry.

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