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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

To think Barbara is a lovely name.

317 replies

Misscromwellrocks · 02/01/2020 20:16

A friend's daughter has just called her new daughter Barbara. A few people have wrinkled their noses, but I think it's a lovely vintage Enid Blytonish name.

AIBU?

OP posts:
Thelastlittledragon · 03/01/2020 12:45

Seriously why would you click on a link if you're going to be offended? Clearly there will be vastly different opinions on every name under the sun esp after 12 pages? Hmm

olivertwistwantsmore · 03/01/2020 12:52

Agree with @doman, @welshmamma and others that some people are being ridiculously rude and offensive about a name here.

Plenty of us have relations with this name. This forum is not a race to see who can be the most gratuitously offensive, but the reaction of some folk on here to Barbara is the worst I've seen in a long time. Just nasty and unnecessary.

anotherElaine · 03/01/2020 15:16

Well, my name has been slated on here for similar reasons, and it never bothered me!

CountFosco · 03/01/2020 15:26

the reaction of some folk on here to Barbara is the worst I've seen in a long time.

There's a recent thread on Baby Names asking about the 'name' Seven, maybe everyone should pile on there instead of badmouthing the completely normal name Barbara.

MonnaLIza · 03/01/2020 19:00

I'd rather be called Barbara than Chantelle or Chardonnay.

listentothisitstoogoodtomiss · 03/01/2020 19:21

It’s not for me but children’s name really are in the eye of the beholder

phlebasconsidered · 03/01/2020 19:42

My dd (12) uses Barbara as her name in Starbucks and really loves it - wishes it was her real name! Much as I used to yearn after the name Lucy. She has the similarly 50's name of Stella. 50's names are wonderful. Plus they have the added advantage of not being popular - all the more important when you are a teacher awash in a sea of names that are all the same.

TrainspottingWelsh · 03/01/2020 20:05

I can't believe pps have been laughing at my dc's names, and others think I was taking the piss, why would anybody think so?

They go beautifully with the surname we chose for our family, Artisan de Bohemia. We're keen environmentalists and spent a fortune flying in those names from 1940 so we could recycle them and save the planet rather than harming it with yet another baby name book. I think you're all just jealous because we are sooo alternative.

Amanduh · 03/01/2020 20:07

No worse than the Nora and Edith's I hear lately.

RedPanda2 · 03/01/2020 20:08

I used to have a patient called Barbara. Very odd to call out 'Barbara' and have a 3 year old toddle in. How could you look at a baby and call it Barbara? Or Gary.

MissConductUS · 03/01/2020 20:12

I think it's fine. It's not considered particularly dated or unfashionable in the US.

RedPanda2 · 03/01/2020 20:37

@TrainspottingWelsh 🤣🤣🤣

AlmostAlwyn · 03/01/2020 21:03

As PP said, it's common in Europe, though I much prefer the nickname Bara rather than Barbie or Babs!

JamieVardysHavingAParty · 03/01/2020 21:18

Barbie's full name is Barbara Millicent Roberts.

I would shy away from Barbara as a name for a daughter, as sharing a name with the most famous plastic doll ever just invites unflattering comparisons.

MiniGuinness · 03/01/2020 21:43

When I was young I thought Hannah Barbera (cartoons) actually said Hannah Barbara, which was possibly the most glamorous name I had ever heard. I am not having more children, so if anyone wants to use it, go ahead. You’re welcome.

Roxingaroundtheworld · 03/01/2020 21:44

I like it

PancakeCloud · 16/07/2026 20:48

I love it, retro and cute.

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