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Can I use Clementine? Is it Popular?

24 replies

Helohapp · 12/02/2012 15:22

I think we're planning to use this name if we have a girl. My neighbour has an eight year old Clementine and I wondered if it would look like we're copying as I thought it was unusual. I also mentioned we'd discounted it to a work colleague and she says it's getting popular now.
I know I should use it anyway if we like it, but I would like to know. Also thoughts on the name and any ideas for nick names.

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Helohapp · 12/02/2012 15:23

The other name we were considering is Florence.

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jandymaccomesback · 12/02/2012 15:58

The only Clementine I know has a sister called Florence (and one called Georgina and another called Harriet).

Bonsoir · 12/02/2012 16:01

Clementine is a very pretty name and one I would consider for my totally hypothetical second DD!

TidyDancer · 12/02/2012 16:04

This is one of those names that I would love to use, but DP would never agree to it! It's beautiful.

NatureAbhorsAHoover · 12/02/2012 16:11

Clementine is lovely... although it is the name of a fruit and I always wondered why Gwyneth got so much stick for calling her daughter Apple... why is one fruit name acceptable but not the other? Grin

FaithHopeAndKevin · 12/02/2012 16:16

I don't think it's popular enough that two living next to each other won't be notable.
I prefer Celeste to Florence.

MyNameIsNotSusan · 12/02/2012 16:27

I know a little Clementina (with an 'a' on the end). Very pretty name.

I have only known of one Clementine, the daughter of a friend of my mum's, who must be in her 30s or 40s now. Not common at all.

Stellan · 12/02/2012 16:40

I'm never sure whether to pronounce it Clementyne or Clementeen when it's someone's name... Which one's the most common?

Stellan · 12/02/2012 16:40

Meant to add - I've met a Clemency before which I thought was quite pretty although perhaps it would be a big name for a small child to shoulder.

hiviolet · 12/02/2012 17:53

Love it! And it certainly isn't popular. I'd check the official stats but I'm on my phone.

Florence, on the other hand, is getting very popular.

CecilyP · 12/02/2012 19:04

I donlt see why you shouldn't use it just because your neighbour has for a considerably older DD. It is not particularly popular but I think it is getting more common - 90 in 2010.

Helohapp · 12/02/2012 19:15

Well they're our nearest neighbour rather than next door, but it amounts to the same thing I suppose.
90 means it's not an oddity? In this case I want it to be popular. I don't mind that Florence is popular either.
Clemency is a big name, Clementina could be a possible solution.

OP posts:
areyoutheregoditsmemargaret · 13/02/2012 14:53

It is getting popular and so is Florence. If you like either just go for it, it's impossible to outwit the zeitgeist with names.

TheresAHuppoInMyHouse · 13/02/2012 14:57

I like Clementine; it was on the list for my DD. But I couldn't come up with a decent diminutive. Do you have one in mind or will you stick to the full-length version? 'Clem' or 'Clemmie' just aren't as nice as the whole thing, I think!

MockCroc · 13/02/2012 15:09

I love Clementine but DH has vetoed it because of the fruit. And my father singing "oh my darling" hasn't helped. I think it is increasing in popularity, along with Clemency. If you have a look at the Telegraph birth announcements Clementine crops up quite a few times. Good luck with it. I think it's lovely. ps I think Cleo is a nice alternative diminutive to Clem or Clemmie. Although my husband has vetoed that because he thinks it sounds like a cat's name (?!?).

dawn1967 · 13/02/2012 18:43

Clementine and Florence are both gorgeous. They are fairly popular but not as much as Isabella/Eve variations. Clementina is delightful.

kerala · 13/02/2012 18:52

The fruit is so annoying. The fruit was named after a priest in 19th century France who happened to be called Clement the name is WAY older than the sodding fruit.

And no one under the age of 60 knows that oh my darling song .

Kangarobber · 13/02/2012 18:55

Clementine is lovely Smile. Clemmie for short.

AThingInYourLife · 13/02/2012 19:04

I love Clementine, it's gorgeous. I much prefer it to Clementina.

It is quite trendy at the moment, and getting more popular, but that doesn't seem to bother you.

Do you think 9 year old Clementine will be upset by having a new baby with the same name? I'd have thought at that age she'd think it was really cool :o

headfairy · 13/02/2012 19:58

My friend has a Clementine. Very pretty name, and she loves singing "oh my darling..."

BlueBumedFly · 13/02/2012 20:40

I have a Clementine. I love the name, people don't usually sing but the older age group remind me of Clementine Churchill which is fine as I was reading the love letters between Clementine and Winston Churchill whilst I was pregnant and she was one strong lady. Everyone comments on the name.

BlueBumedFly · 13/02/2012 20:43

Additionally I was always told to choose a name that your child can grow with. Something suitable for a little one. (Clemmie), something suitable for an older lady (Aunt Clem) and something that will get you noticed on a C.V. to get you a job interview (Clementine). Job done.

persephoneplum · 15/02/2012 12:22

I'm hearing it more and more - my friend just called her baby Clementine and my neighbour has an 18 month old Clementine. There's also a 3 year old that goes to my local park with the name.

I wouldn't say it's wildly popular, but I am coming across it more these days. It used to be on my list for a while.

manicinsomniac · 15/02/2012 12:25

You'd think it was popular considering how often it comes up on MN!

But no, it's nowhere near the top 300 so pretty unusual.

I've only ever known one who was in my class at school when we were in reception so she'll be 28 now.

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