Please or to access all these features

Add post

Watch this thread

Save thread

Start a new thread

Flip thread

Hide thread

My feed

Active Unanswered threads

Getting started FAQ's

Unanswered threads Acronyms Talk guidelines

Hide shortcut buttons

Talk

Baby names

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

Flip

1 2

Original poster

What do you think of Lorraine?

40 replies

melksie · 01/10/2011 22:27

I'm pregnant and expecting a baby girl. DH really wants to name our DD Lorraine, after his mother who died. However, whilst I like the name I am a bit concerned that the name is a) a bit chavvy and b) a bit grannyish.

So over to you. What's your impression of the name?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

MrsOzz · 03/10/2011 22:30

Although unusual I have an American friend called Rainy, and I've alway loved that. Maybe you could have that as a middle name instead.

Loren Grace Rainy is nice to my ears!

NorkyPies · 04/10/2011 00:08

Raine is also a nice name, and though it could be a variant of Lorraine, it means 'queen' from French 'reine'.

AKMD · 04/10/2011 10:03

It isn't nice, sorry. I immediately thought of flowery orange wallpaper and swirly carpets.

Lauren
Laurel
Lorena

..all lovely.

Kaekae · 04/10/2011 11:30

As the lyrics go .....I can see clearly now Lorraine has gone.

ripstheirthroatoutliveupstairs · 04/10/2011 11:43

Four Lorraine's in my class at school.
I am 47.

LydiaWickham · 04/10/2011 11:47

If it's after his mother, I think that's lovely and you should go for it.

However, think about nicknames, you should start using one straight away, like Lori, because if not, she'll get called Loz. Every Lorraine I know get's called Loz. It's not a nice nickname. Lori, however, is pretty.

mumzy · 04/10/2011 13:47

It has a certain unique factor nowadays in the sea of Emilys, Rubys, lilys, evies. I think it's a pretty name from a lovely part of France and I'd go with it even though I might prefer another name simply because it will mean so much to my dh

chocjunkie · 04/10/2011 14:11

it think it would be lovely - as a middle name that is

tammytoby · 04/10/2011 14:22

What is wrong with it being a '1970s' name - all the 40 year olds were little girls once too. And at least she won't have to share her name with lots of others like she would if you gave a 2010s name (Eva, Evie, Ella, etc.).

So I say why not?

FootprintsOnTheMoon · 04/10/2011 14:29

I wouldn't choose it out of a baby book, but I think the sentiment outweighs the aesthetics. My DS was named after my late FIL, and it wouldn't have been a name I would have chosen without the association, but it suits him beautifully, and he loves to know he was named after daddy's daddy who's with the angels.

How about shortening it to Raine? Or Lori as suggested upthread. That's def not chavvy!

dearheart · 05/10/2011 14:12

Terrible name. Would definitely choose to honour your dh's mother in a different way. Raine as a mn. Or maybe his mother's middle name?

She'll be your baby too - I think it is a bit sad not to get to choose your own dd's name tbh.

whatever17 · 05/10/2011 18:05

ooh - v 70s - akin to Sharon! Middle name territory - I had to use Gordon as a middle name for one of my DSs - Lorraine is the same!

Meteorite · 05/10/2011 18:15

Raine isn't very nice - who wants to be named after bad weather?

I've never met a Lorraine called "Loz" for short.

Carlitawantsababy · 05/10/2011 18:49

It makes me think of Lorraine Kelly, but I think it is generally quite unusual and I'm sure your DD won't remind anyone of Lorraine Kelly. I love Lori or Raine as nicknames so over all think it's a good choice!

RedRubyBlue · 05/10/2011 21:35

I always think of the song;

'I can't stand the rain'

I thought it said 'I can't stand Lorraine'.

Then I listened again

Very, very seventies and not due a revival IMO.

Flip

1 2