Pearl

[anicecuppatea]

As a middle name potentially. Too old lady? Too cutesy? Or simple, beautiful, classic?

Like Rose, I like this name as a first name but less as a middle name. Pearl, and Rose, are lovely choices but when used as middle names they just seem like this generation's Louise and Marie. I think they are very simple, beautiful names and I suppose that is why they are often selected as middle names. After all, Pearl works well with most first names - Olivia Pearl, Jessica Pearl, Elizabeth Pearl, Ellie-May Pearl... For me, the middle name spot is a great chance to use a family name or a name I like but don't think is right for a first name. If Pearl is a name you really love, use it but don't feel you have to pick one of the traditional middle namey names.

Beyooootiful! Use it as a first name

What is your chioce of first name if you don't mind sharing.

Good advice Stellan, thanks. My only worry is that our last name is only one syllable, and even if we add a long middle name into the mix it will be a bit mono-syllabic when she'll ultimately be referred to as Pearl X. Maybe I'm over thinking it...!

Thanks Sugar! To be honest I like it as a first name, but not sure DH would agree. As I mn, I might put it after something Cornish like Lowenna or Elowen. Really love the name Isla too.

anicecuppatea - It works for Pearl Lowe (and probably countless others but can't think of any right now off the top of my head)!

Good point! Hadn't thought about that.

I think Pearl is beautiful, simple, classic, stylish, elegant (and it is my 7 year old dd's name )
I do not think it is too old fashioned. One of the reasons we chose it was because I have know a couple of different ages (90's and 30 something).
Elowen Pearl is gorgeous!

Pearl always sounds a bit hard to me.

I LOVE Pearl! A strong and very feminine name. However, it doesn't flow well with our surname, so we couldn't use it for either of our girls :(

We did however, choose a name that means 'precious like a pearl' for DD2s middle name :)

Love it. Wanted to use it for DD's middle name but didn't and really regret it.

I like it.

I think it's a simply beautiful, classic and lovely name.

I love it as a first name.
Wanted it for DS2 had he been a girl but a, he was a boy and b, mil has a nutty neoghbour called Pearl and it rather put dh off!

Thanks for all the comments ladies! Don't know any Pearls myself so don't have any negative associations to contend with, luckily. I can see it has potential as a first and as a middle name too. Definitely fits my criteria for a girls name: classy, classic, feminine but not saccharine, and will grow with her as she ages. Love it!

Right. Pearl is definitely going on my (very short) shortlist either as a first or a middle name. Wish me luck with DH...!

Love Pearl.....I would go withit as a first name unless you have something more amazing in mind for that!

I hate Pearl. It's ugly and I don't know why it's so popular,but it's ok as a middle name.

You will be The Mother of Pearl though.

I knew a vile Pearl, so it has completely put me off the name. However, it is a simple, classic name and I am sure there are lovely Pearls out there as well.

What else is on your shortlist? Sorry I'm such a nosey bugger.

I think it's lovely, and would suit all ages, baby, child, teenager, woman....

Too old ladyish

I think it is elderly lady name, but it would be OK as a second name.

So, I'd like to use both a first name and a middle name. The ones I like at the mo, for either fn or mn, are:

Isla
Grace
Pearl
Cornish names like Elowen or Lowenna (emphasis goes on the middle syllable for these)
Poppy (DH's choice, which I like, but it's not my favourite)

There are probably more, but these are the ones that strike a chord thus far.

They are all lovely names, grace is my least favourite. I had isla and pearl on my list as well as cleo which I think we would have gone with. Pearl is my favourite on your list.