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!

I know lots of younger Gwen's (live in NWales tho!)

Don't like Gwendoline, however there are other versions!

Gwenno
Gwennan
Gwenfair

All lovely :)

I really like Gwen! Of your other names I like Rita and Greta.

DharmaBumpkin - great taste . I have a Gwenno and DD2 is Mabli.

Not too keen on Gwendoline/Gwendolyn but there are others and Gwen is a proper name in itself.

I love Mabel, but has been flatly refused for any potential DD. There is something about it, just lovely.

I like Gwen, I don't think it's wishy washy at all.

Mabel, on the other hand, is the name my rag doll had when I was little, so I have difficulty taking that seriously as a child's name.

I really thought Mabel was an old lady name that would never be due a revival until I met my brother's beautiful wife...Mabel... she is so lovely that I call her 'Ma Belle' :)

I'd use it... I like all your names except Gwen/Gwendoline. Not keen on the 'Gw' sound. I've always been fond of Rita, particularly with a Southern-style middle (Rita Jean, Georgia Lee, I love those kinds of names) but not sure I'd use it. When I mentioned it to people, they said it had a trashy sound (I disagreed...)

Neither.

If you do have a Mabel, I'd love to know what you choose as a middle name (or what you have in mind). My sister-in-law doesn't have a middle name, and I often wonder what would go nicely.

I have a baby Gwendoline named after my late beloved mum. It is a beautiful name and I have had loads of compliments and also love how unusual it is. I am very happy that it is clearly Welsh and yet everyone can spell Gwen, even in our English neighbourhood. Not that I'm biased .

I love Gwen but am not so keen on Mabel. What about Freda, Nora, Myrtle or Dulcie. Not to everyone's taste I know, but I like all of them

I'm really not keen on Mabel.

I love Frida and Nora.

I love Gwen - I hear it in a lovely Welsh accent in my head.

How about Hetty? It was on my list but vetoed.