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Baby names

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

Original poster

Unity

58 replies

DorotheaPlentighoul · 13/10/2009 19:47

The more I think about it, the more I like this name for a DD, if this baby (due in spring) happens to be one. It sits nicely alongside DS's name, and goes with their surname. However, the Unity Mitford association is a big reason not to use it, and I am just wondering what people think about that aspect.

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Hulababy · 14/10/2009 13:43

I wouldn't have immediately made the connection. However, it isn't a name I particularly like, sorry.

scaryclaireyboo · 14/10/2009 13:40

This is my association - much better

Original poster
DorotheaPlentighoul · 14/10/2009 13:22

at typical wide range of opinions.

I was asking specifically what people think about the Mitford aspect, because I'm trying to get a sense of how paramount that association is in people's minds. Thanks to everyone who answered ... but as I said in the OP, I already know that I like the name, so I don't really need to hear unvarnished condemnation of it unrelated to my question! (In any case, that's not very useful when I don't have any context ? those who think it's "hideous" might well choose a name I really don't like, so hey ho).

IMove, do you think it's such a weird idea it's troll-like? I am almost flattered!

OP posts:
lovemybabyboy · 14/10/2009 13:01

I dont think its horrible though.....just wouldnt use it myself IYSWIM...same way that you might not ue a name that I would use.

lovemybabyboy · 14/10/2009 12:57

I have never heard of anyone called Unity in my life and I am from Ireland...
I personally wouldn't use that name- doesnt really sound like a real name to me, but, if you like it then use it....its your baby!

sprogger · 14/10/2009 12:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

IMoveTheStarsForNoOne · 14/10/2009 12:28
Hmm
Chickenshavenolips · 14/10/2009 11:37

I didn't know of any Nazi connections, so my initial response was 'hippy, dippy, probably got a brother called Leaf' IYSWIM. I think it's a grower.

choosyfloosy · 14/10/2009 11:35

I think it's a lovely name although I couldn't personally get over the connections to name a child it myself.. I would be pleased TBH to know somebody with the name and a less awful history.

I think Robert is a good name despite Robert Mugabe etc etc so I would say use it if you love it. Possibly go for a slightly 'soft' second name - Unity Lydia? Unity Rose?

NancyBotwin · 14/10/2009 11:30

No her nick name at school will be "you're nitty"!

MissSkylar · 14/10/2009 10:55

I like it -and think that it is way better than Trinity! Guess a nickname could be June?

pinkx4 · 14/10/2009 10:22

There was an actress called Una Stubbs. Similiar. Unusual yes, but not a name you'd forget.

I'm not going to say anything negative because I checked out a thread on my own name on here last night and the bitchy comments were awful! Went to bed feeling 'dull and boring'. I realise that this is a forum for getting opinions but a little senstivity doesn't go amiss especially when someone has set their heart on a name. If you like it, go with it. She may well thank you for your individual choice one day.

IMoveTheStarsForNoOne · 14/10/2009 10:18

Sorry, don't like it.

What about Trinity?

CristinaTheAstonishing · 14/10/2009 10:15

I didn't think of Mitford but first reaction was that I didn't like it. It seems a bit...pointless. Makes a statement, but what about? If it was on a child I'd get used to it but on paper it doesn't sound great.

RealityBites · 14/10/2009 10:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

skihorse · 14/10/2009 10:12

Hideous.

seeker · 14/10/2009 06:40

Says Mitford to me too - but not sure whether that's just because I'm old.

nooka · 14/10/2009 06:19

Unity makes me think of the Matrix for some reason (was there a Trinity or something like that in there?). It does sound a little fascist to me, not because of any association, but just in meaning.

mazzystartled · 14/10/2009 05:17

I immediately think Mitford

Even without those associations I don't like it very much. Sorry.

ClaudiaSchiffer · 14/10/2009 04:22

I quite like it too. It's kind of odd and unusual but in a good way.

I love the Mitfords, obv Unity isn't my favourite (all that Nazi unpleasantness) but who cares really. Lots of children have names of mass murderers/dictators and we don't really associate them with their namesake or expect them to follow in their footsteps

Cortina · 14/10/2009 03:33

I quite like it and I think most people would have no idea who Unity Mitford was.

SomeGuy · 14/10/2009 03:27

Unity is a ridiculous name.

And I say that despite being an ignorant bastard whose never heard of Unity Mitford.

florence2511 · 14/10/2009 02:50

Unity is a very pretty name, but I simply couldn't get the Nazi association out of my head.

The poor woman tried to commit suicide when war was declared on Germany as she was infatuated by Hitler and couldn't bare the thought of her beloved Britain fighting her beloved Hitler.

So, no, no, no. I couldn't name a DD Unity.

Original poster
DorotheaPlentighoul · 13/10/2009 20:10

No, DS's name is very widely used and uncontroversial! But agree about the safety in numbers thing, eg (as someone said on old thread I just found) Myra will always be Hindley, but Rose doesn't make people think of Rose West.

I don't want to use Eva though -- we know two families with little Evas.

OP posts:
LilianGish · 13/10/2009 20:06

What about Eva? Actually when you come to think of it that has the same associations, but is quite popular. Maybe there is safety in numbers - it's the fact that noone calls their children Unity that makes us think of Unity Mitford (ds isn't called Adolf by any chance?)