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Baby names

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Original poster

Betty Jane for a girl?

43 replies

sunshineoutdoors · 01/02/2011 18:34

What does everyone think? Me and DH think we want to keep our names a secret from friends and family until after the birth so that no one can put us off beforehand. Sounds good but also means I don't have any second opinions.

We have chosen the name for a boy which I am v happy with.

We have also chosen Betty Jane for a girl, which DH loves and I do too, think it's really pretty but keep having occasional pangs of doubt.... will my daughter hate being called Betty Jane... will friends and family think wtf?

Would love to hear some opinions...what would you think if you got introduced to the baby Betty Jane?

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anthonywiggleisthebest · 01/02/2011 23:55

I love Betsy! Easier to say than Betty. And a bit prettier I think... But then, I would go with Elizabeth also, and use Betsy/Betty as a nickname! Elizabeth Jane is nice... Elizabeth Rose is even nicer...
But I've had wine! :)

Original poster
sunshineoutdoors · 02/02/2011 06:43

Jane just as middle name... no hyphen double barrelled ness.

I suppose just when she's naughty she'll hear the full name!

OP posts:
gleechie · 02/02/2011 09:48

Ahhh i think it's adorable!

JojoMags · 02/02/2011 10:05

Not keen on Betty Jane. Betty is OK on its own, but would definitely use as short form of Elizabeth, with Jane as a mn.

sparkle12mar08 · 02/02/2011 11:29

Betty? Awful. Absolutely awful. Elizabeth Jane on the other hand is gloriously classical.

ragged · 02/02/2011 11:33

My gut response would be (not that I would say this out loud) "Gee, that's ... brave"

My mother was a Betty and HATED it. It screamed lack of respect to her ears. She didn't mind Liz, but she battled to become ELIZABETH, instead.

JamieLeeCurtis · 02/02/2011 11:54

I love Betty, but as others have said, would definitely name her Elizabeth

What about Margaret - nn Peggy/Maggie ?

thereisalightanditnevergoesout · 02/02/2011 11:58

Love it.

thereisalightanditnevergoesout · 02/02/2011 11:59

Alos, there's a 9/10 year old Betty at DD's school.

MarniesMummy · 02/02/2011 12:47

OP I am feeling the love.

So pretty, so unusual, everybody will be able to spell it.

I personally think to suggest naming her Elizabeth is to miss the point.

allyfe · 02/02/2011 13:45

I'm not keen on Betty. I think it will date really badly.

But if you and your DP love Betty Jane, then use it.

JamieLeeCurtis · 02/02/2011 13:47

To me the point is, that as with lots of girls names - they sound cute for a baby or little girl, but are a but frivolous (for want of a better word) for an adult. Elizabeth is a classy name, and has a range of nn which she can choose from if she wants. I do like Betty though

MarniesMummy · 02/02/2011 14:43

Fair point JaimeLee.

Think Betty and I think housewifeHmm, though Betty Boothroyd, Grable and probably loads more who break the mould.

tebbles · 02/02/2011 17:38

Betty I dont like at all. Jane is nice.

Bess, Beth?

ValiumSandwichTime · 02/02/2011 17:51

Elizabeth Jane flows better, is more classic and it's nicer and has more options.

Betty is my LEAST favourite Elizabeth name.

lalalonglegs · 02/02/2011 19:22

I prefer Betsy to Betty and Eliza or Liz or Beth as shortenings of Elizabeth to be honest.

Betty Jane, if you intend to use both names all the time, sounds a bit C&W.

yogididabooboo · 02/02/2011 19:24

I love it.
i tried with all my might to persuade SIL to use Betty and i am now badgering my bestest mate.

though i would register Elizabeth and use Betty as a nn

KristinaM · 02/02/2011 19:27

i agree

call her Elizabeth Jane and use Betty Jane as a nickname

giving her the initials BJ is just cruel

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