Opinions on Rosemary please?

[YummyMummybee]

We are considering Rosemary as a strong contender middle name to be Catherine. They important part is the Mary as we have struggled over the past few months to get a form of Mary we loved. Molly is the closest thing we have agreed on.However we both like Rosemary too & most importantly it incorporates Mary.
How is Rosemary percieved at the moment? Nns would obviously be Rose, Rosie or possibly Maisy? Any opinions appreciated & is it more classic than Molly?

Yes, definitely - the Mary is much more explicit.

I wouldn't get the tribute at all, with the other two.

If I knew that her granny's name was Mary, then yes I would notice it. Most people who meet her won't know that, though, so the name will only be associated with her.

Thanks a mill, I just know my mam would love a namesake & we are ridiculously close, she was thrilled when we were going with Molly initially but yes think Rosemary is alot more of an obvious tribute...

Just a quick question for you all. Hubby & I discussing Rosemary & he is pronouncing it Rosemarie.... Yikes... Do you think there would be issues with this?

That is how it is usually pronounced. Rose-Marie. I have never heard anyone prnounce it Rose-Mary.

That is, Rose-marie with the stress on Rose.

Oooh, ok he is delighted with himself here after me telling him off:( Still I love it just thought it would be pronounced as it is written with the emphasis on Mary. Thanks Percy, I never knew any Rosemary's!

Hmm, actually I hadn't thought of that. I went to say that I only know it as Rose-mary - equal stress on each syllable, saying them as they're written...

But yes, you do often hear it pronounced Rose-marie with much more stress on the Rose.

only ever heard it said ROSEmuree with stress on 1st syllable

Well, in regard to its being used as a tribute to the grandmother, I don't think it matters that Mary is sounded differently here. It's just a more subtle reference.

Thanks for clarifying girls & I agree Percy it doesn't matter really re the pronouncuation as its written Mary thats the most important part:) Its still alot more obvious & relevant than Molly & Mariella. Love Mary on its own but don't feel its enough for some strange reason-thats why Rosemary is now just perfect!!! I think it sounds really fresh, feminine & timeless! x

When are you due YM?

I was due the end of April but obviously that didnt happen!! I'm 11 days over at the moment & all ready to go, I'll will be induced Sunday if no movement over the weekend very uncomfortable but delighted to see an end of sight. We don't know if its a little boy or girl so looking forward to the surprise. Thank God for mumsnet for keeping me sane over the past few month:)

Like it a lot.

Thanks Anste:) I do think it fits all the boxes!! I love all the little old lady names like Rosemary, Pearl, Mabel, Myrtle etc all due a comeback!

My mother is rosemary, and has been Ro, Posy and Rosie, variously, through life. I think it's really nice.

I am a Rosemary, and have been called at different times Rosie, Rose, Rosy Posy, Rose Pose, Mary Rose, Rose of England, and probably a few more I've forgotten! No one thought of Romy though - shame, I quite like it. :-)

I know 3 two who must now be in their 50's and my bridesmaid, who is now 27.

She's always Rosie has been since she learnt to Write her name.

Good luck!! Please come on to tell us what you had!