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Baby names

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

Original poster

Harlow

57 replies

ihaveaheadache · 19/11/2009 11:04

Will everyone think I've copied Nicole Ritchie if I name my daughter this? I really like it and did so before NR used it.
Thanks.

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lou33 · 19/11/2009 12:52

my friend had triplets in august, 2 girls and a boy, and called them harlow , skipper and dayton

MaggiePie · 19/11/2009 12:52

What about Merlot?!

is that as bad as Chardonnay?

I don't know Harlow in Essex, I had heard it was nice, but even so... I wouldn't call my child Kilmacanogue, Greystones or Enniskerry. So I'm going to say NO to Harlow.

RollCorpseIntoHedge · 19/11/2009 12:49

Jean Harlow was talented but she was also a tragic figure. She was, after all, dead at 26.

She was also known for playing floozies.

It is also the name of a not so exciting town.

Sallypuss · 19/11/2009 12:47

I live in Harlow (if I'm being posh I say one of the surrounding villages ) Trust me, you should not pick this as a name for your baby...we are desperately trying to move house as we dislike the place so much...any UK-based child would be teased mercilessly for the 'essex girl' connection. Please don't.

JackieNo · 19/11/2009 12:40

I'm afraid it made me think of 'harlot' too, because of the quote from Margot Asquith:

Jean Harlow - 'Say - aren't you Margot Asquith?'
Margot Asquith - 'Yes Dear, But the 't' is silent, as in Harlow.'

zebramummy · 19/11/2009 12:39

but you are copying her aren't you so...??

lola0109 · 19/11/2009 12:29

I'm from scotland too and wouldn't have made the Essex connection.

But it'd be like someone calling their baby Airdrie or something.

FWIW I think it's a lovely name. I also like Honor which was Jessica Albas daughter I think!

I wouldn't let NR calling her DD it put you off!

Original poster
ihaveaheadache · 19/11/2009 12:09

Thanks for your oppinions! The baby will actually be a Scottish baby and yes, loved this name way befor NR used it... as I've already said. After Jean Harlow of course.

OP posts:
cakeywakey · 19/11/2009 11:50

I know someone who loved the name Tabitha but was worried that if her little girl happened to be a bit 'big-boned' she'd end up being dubbed Tubitha. You need to think ahead

cakeywakey · 19/11/2009 11:48

I think if you'v never been to Harlow or know of it, it's OK. Having been to Harlow - I'd try to gently steer you away from it

I suppose it's like us here in the UK using Georgia as a name. In the US, it may not be so popular. (I don't know if this is necessarily true - just trying to find an analogy .)

Oooh, just remembered that there's a girl on the latest America's Next Top Model who's called London. If you called an English girl that you'd surely be setting her up for snidey comments for the rest of her life. Think about the playground comments!

Arsed · 19/11/2009 11:48

Hi Skegness !

branflake81 · 19/11/2009 11:46

it sounds a) like a place name and b) (at a push) like a boy's name. Horrid for a girl.

MaryBS · 19/11/2009 11:44

I used to work in Harlow. Dreadful name for a baby. Sorry!

birdofthenorth · 19/11/2009 11:43

I quite like it but then I live nowhere near Harlow! I live near Manchester and I do struggle when people call their daughters Romilly, which is a lovely name, but to me it means Romiley, a town down the road!

I would definately think it is inspired by Nicole Ritchie though I'm afraid... but be honest, would you really have thought of it before she had her Harlow? There's nothing wrong with that though, we have to take our inspiration from somewhere!

Just don't name your DC Sparrow like she did if it turns out to be a boy!!!!!!

MintyCane · 19/11/2009 11:40

horrible

Littlefish · 19/11/2009 11:30

My first thought.....

Harlot.

Terrible name.

Sesi · 19/11/2009 11:28

If you live in the UK you can't seriously call your child this.

Americans have never heard of the town but we all have, tis a very bad idea!

Skegness · 19/11/2009 11:24

In fact, I really like Skegness and have changed my name. Thank you, Arsed.

overmydeadbody · 19/11/2009 11:21

Oh god don't.

It's a place. Not a name. And not even a place of exceptional beauty or national heritage or anything.

nomoralfibre · 19/11/2009 11:20

lololol @ Skegness as a baby name. I would prefer to be called Skegness than Harlowe, personally.

Louby3000 · 19/11/2009 11:17

Yes I think they would. sorry

thedollshouse · 19/11/2009 11:16

Oh dear savoy. Corby is the pits make Harlow look like Saint Tropez!

mollyroger · 19/11/2009 11:15

Have you considered any other names?

Dagenham perhaps?

Braintree for a boy?

savoycabbage · 19/11/2009 11:15

I live in Australia and I know a little boy called Corby. I can't get my head round it at all as it is not the most inspiring of places. I'm sure his Mother has never heard of Corby though.

BunnyLebowski · 19/11/2009 11:13

I love it on Nicole Richie's daughter. To me it conjurs up old Hollywood glamour a la Jean Harlow. And the middle names Winter Kate are lovely.

I just don't think it would sound as pretty and original on an english baby. I would immediately think you were just blatantly copying Nicole.