Gwen or Mabel?

[birdofthenorth]

These are currently the only two girl's names DH and I are both attracted to but I'm worried Gwen/ Gwendoline is a bit washy washy and that people in RL will think Mabel is ridiculous! What do you think?

I also love Iris, Rita, Greta and Violet but DH unconvinced. We both like Esme, Peggy and Tess but can't use for various reasons. Any similar ideas?

Thanks!

There was a Gwendoline in the Mallory Towers books, and she was horrible, personnally I could never use that name.
Mabel isn't bad, but TBH I'm not keen on any of the suggestions.

Sorry - not much help

I just heard of a baby Gwenna and thought that was a lovely name. Or Gwendolen.

I am not a huge fan of Mabel. But I quite like Mabli, its welsh form.

Mabel is a lovely name, my granny was called Mabel.

I like Violet but not really keen on the others, alhtough theres nothing wrong with them at all.

I prefer Iris, Greta and Violet - they aren't wishy washy at all. I think Gwen and Mabel are both so plain, I know a baby Mabel so I don't think unheard of. I prefer it slightly to Gwen.

Margot, Constance, Honor or Penelope?

I like Rita and Greta much more than Gwen or Mabel.

horrid names sorry

gwen? could you really look at a gorgoeus new baby and call it gwen?

Mable was my nana, and she was lovely. I think some people called her Mabs.

I know a lovely Gwen but she is an adult and canadian so gets away with it :)

I like Mabel, Martha is on a similar vein or what about Inez, Harriet, Amaris or Tasia (Anastasia)

Gwen is better than Mabel imo. I did know someone who called their daughter Mabel and yes I thought it was ridiculous and a few friends had a good laugh about it to be honest.

I'm not too keen on Rita or most of your suggestions tbh, but that just means we have different tastes. If you like 'old' names, what about Martha?

Mabel is lovely

Mabel is beautiful. I don't like Gwen, I find it ugly and clunky.

I much prefer Gwen to Mabel although I don't think either name is very nice. Short for something other than Gwendolyn, like Gwenllian maybe? Might only work if you're welsh though.

Gwen or Violet for me.

Gwen in Torchwood is a cool character. Love Violet too, it's pretty but strong.

Mabel is old-ladyish and rather drippy. Greta is harsh, Rita a bit hard too.

Love Rita and Mabel is nice too.

I LOVE Gwen. Such a sweet little Welsh name. Go for it.

Hmm, on the whole this is confirming my fears! Back to the drawing board maybe.

Some great suggestions on hear - I love Honor. Love Martha too though DD's close friend is called this. Like Penelope but it rhymes with our surname a bit. Not sure we can pull off Mabli or Gwenllian being only 4th generation Welsh!

Martha is lovely.

Florence?

Cerys

I know a 7 year old Gwen and think it's a lovely name

Margaret, Mary or Mairi?

I know a baby Gwen and it suits her perfectly. Both perfectly good names.

Greta is lovely

Gwen! One of my best friends is called Gwen so I can't use it for that reason but totally would if it weren't for her, also love Gwendoline!