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Baby names

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

Original poster

Too popular or classic and pretty?

35 replies

legallyblond · 24/02/2010 12:40

What are your verdicts on Eleanor (with nn "Ella")?

I love it, but I don't want her to be the "Emma" or "Rachel" of her class (3 or each in my class at primary school!).

Equally, I want a proper, classic, timeless English name that is also pretty...

Arrgh!

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TigerFeet · 26/02/2010 12:44

My sister is Eleanor, nn Ellie

She thinks it's an old lady name

I disagree, I think it's beautiful and would have used it myself had it not been my sister's name

nn Nell is lovely imo

I used to know an Eleanor, nn Nora which I also love

Bonsoir · 26/02/2010 12:47

Ella is not a nickname for Eleanor, IMO - Ellie is the usual nickname for Eleanor.

Ella is boring and overused, Eleanor is lovely.

MeAndMyMonkey · 26/02/2010 12:52

It's my sister's name - she is most definitely over 30!
She hated it when young (mainly for the Nelly the elephant connotations) and can't get over how popular it has become now. I think it's pretty and classic though.

menomena · 27/02/2010 20:12

Eleanor is a lovely name, very classic and can't go wrong with it. It is quite popular but has been solidly used for years so doesn't seem "faddy" like some of the names which are popular for a couple of years and disappear again. The number of Ellas/Ellies might concern me a bit, but as some others said there are lots of great nicknames for Eleanor. My favourite would be Elsa (I really love this - sounds so much sweeter than Ella imo) or Nora.

Also like the spelling Elinor and wanted to stick up for the poster who said it was a legitimate version and certainly not a chavvy misspelling!

LilyBolero · 27/02/2010 20:15

I like Eleanor and Elinor - both lovely. And I know some with nn Ella. You could always use Lennie..?

MamaLazarou · 27/02/2010 21:28

Will definitely become the modern equivalent of Emma or Rachel, so I would avoid it if that bothers you.

violethill · 27/02/2010 22:12

Eleanor is lovely, it doesn't need a nn

houseworkhater · 27/02/2010 22:15

Another vote for Eleanor.
I personally wouldn't shorten it as Ellie/Ella is now a name in itself.

Very nice imo.

ChippingIn · 28/02/2010 10:39

I think it's OK - but it's very popular at the moment and I think you might well end up with the Rachel/Emma situation you are wanting to avoid

MrsCadwallader · 28/02/2010 10:40

I love Eleanor - but as a pp said I would abbreviate it to Nell or Nora. Ellies and Ellas are 10-a-penny round here!

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