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Baby names

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

Original poster

That's my cat's name!

28 replies

LyraBelaqua · 08/04/2011 20:55

I really like the name Phoebe for our DC2 but am a bit concerned as my sister has a cat with this name and so does my friend. Actually another friend has a dog named Phoebe. Should I let this change my mind?

Also DH and I have always loved Bree - should the cheese link put me off that one? Does anyone know a Bree and if so what do they think of it?

Thanks for your opinions :)

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EdithWeston · 08/04/2011 20:57

The only Bree I know is a horse (sorry to add to your menagerie), but it's short for Breagh, which I believe is a proper human name, and which I like.

BosomForAPillow · 08/04/2011 21:00

I wouldn't worry about the cat's name being Phoebe as it is not a "typical" cat name. Your sister probably chose it because she loves the name!

Bree - I know one girl aged 10 called this and one man (Australian). It's ok but the guy did get fed up of the cheese jokes. Kids don't tend to make the link though.

Phoebe is my favourite.

reddaisy · 08/04/2011 21:01

Phoebe is a gorgeous name. Don't worry about the pets, she will just think they have been named in honour of her!

piebald · 08/04/2011 21:03

Breagh is a lovely ( i think Gaelic) name , as nice as Phoebe with no animals or (i think) Desparate housewives attached to it

suwoo · 08/04/2011 21:04

To me, Bree = Desperate Housewives.

BosomForAPillow · 08/04/2011 21:04

Friends not Desperate Housewives.

BosomForAPillow · 08/04/2011 21:04

Oh yeah, sorry, Phoebe = Friends

naturalbaby · 08/04/2011 21:07

I had a cat called Pheobe. I had a dog when I was little and SIL just named her baby the same name, and admitted she had a dog when she was a child with the same name.
How old are the pets? They won't be around forever!!

piebald · 08/04/2011 21:07

But isnt there a Bree in D housewives,or is she in Buffy The vampire or one of the other horrors that my DD watches. I know Phoebe is in friends

Original poster
LyraBelaqua · 08/04/2011 21:19

Bree is D Housewives think thats where we got it from. How do you pronounce Breagh please? Think Phoebe is the best as everyone says dont worry about the pets. I bet I have a boy now as we are stuck with boys names. Liked Gabriel but most people seem to think thats rubbish! DH wants Sebastian as he says there are 3 world champions with this name (motorsport I think) I thought it was a bit girly. Opinions?

OP posts:
CharlieCoCo · 08/04/2011 21:22

one of my best friends is called Bree (middle name Amy) and i like it but she hates it.
if you like the name Phoebe (which reminds me of Buffay and the one in Neighbours and Charmed, all a bit'weird') you should, people name their pets all sorts and when they start using human names its inevitable you will come across one you like for you own children.

Trinaluce · 08/04/2011 22:07

Phoebe's a lovely name and not one I associate with pets. Chloe on the other hand was the name of my cat when I was growing up so will never be using that one!

Bree was the horse in Horse and His Boy (short for Breehy-hinny-brinny-hoohy-hah) and will always have that association for me. Actually the cheese makes me think of the horse!

Figgyrolls · 08/04/2011 22:10

I named dd, then suddenly realised that my sisters dog was called the same name Blush oh well! Since then the dog is no longer with us and quite frankly it never even crossed my mind! I like Phoebe, thinks its a lovely name.

thereisalightanditnevergoesout · 08/04/2011 22:11

We have a cat called Angus.

We also have a 12 week old DS called Angus.

marie14 · 09/04/2011 00:32

My cats called phoebe :) it's because i loved the name! and she is practically my baby aswell!!!

MollysChambers · 09/04/2011 00:58

Breagha (pronounced Bree-ah) is Scottish Gaelic name meaning beautiful. Or to be more precise it's the Gaelic word for beautiful which is now being used as a name.
Could be shortened to Breagh/Bree.

SolarPanel · 09/04/2011 10:55

Phoebe is a lovely name. If people call their pets by a human name then they shouldn't be too surprised if they meet a person with this name.

A1980 · 09/04/2011 20:54

I know a Bree. She's a grown up.

It's ok but I wouldn't call a child that.

roomonthebroom · 09/04/2011 21:00

I know someone who has a new baby called Gabriella and is using Bree as a nn. I quite like it (but have never seen Desperate Housewives) .

emsyj · 09/04/2011 21:25

My mum's cat is called Phoebe - but it's a lovely name, just use it anyway.

SolarPanel · 09/04/2011 22:16

Bree - yes I do just think of the cheese.

eurycantha · 10/04/2011 20:13

I ve heard Bree as a nn for Sabrina.I agree with Solarpanel that people are bound to come across people with their pets name if they use a human name.I rescued a cat from the RSPCA and his name is Max ,at the time I was looking after a little boy called Max and I was desperate to change the cats name but nothing seemed to suit him except Max so we have two maxs and it doesn`t seem to matter at all.

ChocolateEggyrolls · 10/04/2011 21:33

My parents had a cat called Max, when ds was born I was pretty convinced he looked like a Max Hmm so was my mum!!!!!!!!! Cat no longer with us but I named him years and years ago so I obviously like it and have since used it for my own child! So actually (figgy here) I have 2 children named the same as family pets were named Blush oh well! I know who is going to have a longer lasting impact Grin

daimbardiva · 11/04/2011 13:46

The only Phoebe I know is a two year old human - it's a lovely name. Love Breagha too.

Moffit · 11/04/2011 14:04

I had a little girl at the nursery where i taught called Brianna, which was shortened to Bri. But I love Phoebe, its on our short list! Good luck with your decision.