Tolomey?

[Mole007]

At the height of hyperemesis-induced sleeplessness, I came up with a rather random shortlist for names for our second, due end of July. We have quite a common surname, so I wanted something a little out-of-the ordinary, and something as good as the name we have for DS1 (Adair James Francis). On the list was Tolomey, which I really still quite like. However, my ever so considerate mother has spent no little time in telling me what a terrible choice it would be.

Gettng quite stressed at our inability to agree a potential boys name, I have set DH the task of coming up with his shortlist given that he had rubbished all my attempts. He came down yesterday and, having seen my drug-addled shortlist, suggested Tolomey.

Is it as awful as my Mother suggests, or will she come round eventually?

Isn't it supposed to be Ptolemy?

No, definitely Tolomey (actually an abbreviation for Bartholomew, although really not too sure how!)

I would think it was mis-spelled Ptolemy.

Why not name baby Bartholomew and use is as a nn?

Yes, is spelt Ptolemy, but pronounced Tolomey. Probably best known Ptolemy was an ancient greek general who served under Alexander the Great, think he suceeded Alexander the Great after his death. Nice name, unusual, but not too unusual IYKWIM.

Did have that one on the list as well, but DH does not like Bartholomew Have a book of around 5000 names, and he has essentially turned down 99% of them! Suppose I should just be relieved that we have finally agreed on a girl's name!

I'd assume you'd heard Ptolemy, failed to look it up and guessed at a spelling. I like Ptolemy (somebody has to) and love the nickname Tolly.

Deffo would think you meant Ptolomy

like that chap of Resoration - Ptolomy Dean

I'd put Bartholomew on the bc if i were you because i would also have thought that it was Ptolemy spelt wrong.

Bartholomew is a lovely name. Not mad about Tolemy/Ptolemy

You would sound like a halfwit, right up there with all the Chenaids who parents can't spell.

Think hullygully has a point. Even though YOU know it should really be Ptolemy but choose to spell it Tolomey, educated people will judge - think university entrance interview, what would it look like on his business card when he Chairman of ICI etc

If you like slightly different names, how about Jolyon, Rafe, Gray or Blaise?

Mmmm, now not at all sure! Seems there are 2 names, each with different meanings: the one for ancient Greeks, and the abbreviation for Bartholomew, both of which are correct (thanks for your helpful addition Hullygully!), but interesting to see that most would assume I had the wrong spelling. Looks like we are back to the book again without being able to blame my Mum's taste!

"I'd assume you'd heard Ptolemy, failed to look it up and guessed at a spelling."

Ditto

Yes-ditto here to a wrongly pronounced Ptolemy. I think you would continually be explaining yourself.

Doh-wrongly spelt, even!

I would say it's a misspelled Ptolemy, too. (sorry :( )

People would laugh at you.

If you want a nn for Bartholomew, just call him Bartholomew.

have you put the spelling Ptolemy to your DH?

do you dilike it yourself?

Ptolemy with wrong spelling.

To be honest, I hadn't even considered the issue of spelling before posting. Saw the name in the book and liked how it looked and sounded, although wonder if Ptolemy looks a little more pretentious, and a little more 'trying to be unusual'. My main concern was the name itself, and whether my Mum was right when she said how awful it was!

I'm with your Mum on this.

Definately Ptolemy or Bartholomew. Both classic names.

I'm with Mum too. I think personally it's an incredibly pretentious name, on a par with Tarquin (just my own opinion, before anyone gets hissy) and spelling it in such a yewneek way is just making it even worse. Bartholomew is a better choice IMO.

Delhi - surely PTarquin?

Ptarquin .

I know a lovely 3 year old Tolly, whose full name is Ptolemy - I like it.

I like Ptolemy nn Tolly, but if I saw Tolomey I would assume it was spelt incorrectly too, sorry.