Is Maud too miserable?

[JessieEssex]

My DH loves it, and I'm drawn to it, but not sure if it's too 'down' as a name? I can't say it with a happy voice iyswim, but on the other hand I think it's different and classy. I have an Imogen already and think they go nicely together. Thoughts?

Not sure...like you say it's not a happy sounding name, and also rhymes with 'bored'! How about Maeve?

peachy I was thinking exactly the same about 'bored'. Maeve is lovely - it's going on the list!

Also on my girl list (boy names are for another day) -

Penelope (love this but DH not so keen)
Harriet
Meredith
Juliet
Frances / Francesca

Quite a short list at the mo!

I really like Maud. It's old fashioned but cool too. And there aren't that many around. Personally, don't think it sounds down, but maybe you're thinking that because it's like maudlin?

Yes! It's surely short for ' Maudlin'. What about Madelaine? Or Pearl? Or Mabel, Edith or Margot?

Haha! Welcome baby Maudlin. Hmmmm.
Mabel and Edith are nice, not sure what DH would say, he's not mad on 'old lady' names (apart from Maud!)
Also love Martha

Aww I like Maud/e... Bring it back OP

I think it's horrible, sorry!! and i like names from that era. I love Edith, Mabel, Margot,, Dulcie, Greta, Gretel, Meryl.... Maud is an unattractive sound. jmo obviously.

Also Maggie

Just seen the rest of your list. Juliet and Maeve are beautiful.

I love Maude, nicer with an e on the end though I think.

I like Meredith too... And Juliette...

I absolutely love the name Maude! Somehow seems to be a name that you have to 'carry off' rather than being instantly appealing but I know a little girl who does it in style! I think it can be a nickname for Matilda but is a great standalone name in any case. Go for it, it'll make a refreshing change!

inspired by downton of course, but what about Sybil!?

lovely. sadness will be forgotten!

Thanks all. It does seem to split opinions - perhaps it would work better as a middle name? Penelope Maud anyone?!

Maude is lovely and if I have another girl that will be her name.

Sorry, OP, I'm not keen at all on Maude. It is too sullen sounding, and does not go well with the fabulous, sophisticated and sparkly Imogen, IMHO.

How about Miriam for Imogen's sister?

Agree that Pearl or Penelope would go beautifully with Imogen. Let's see these particular names together:

Imogen and Maud/e
Imogen and Miriam
Imogen and Pearl
Imogen and Penelope

Ooooh, tough choice (aside from Maud/e, that is). Personally, I'd go for Pearl, but then again, Penelope does have a lovely sound to it ...

Ugly and depressing, and down there with Enid and Ethel in foul old lady names that should never be revived. Does it trip happily off the tongue with a smile? No. It pulls your face down in a sort of grimace. Imogen is lovely - please find something equally nice and sparky for her sister!

The other names on your list are all lovely - vastly better than Maud.

I love the name Maud ds3 who is 10 has a Maud in his class

I just cannot stand all these old woman names being bandied about.I know it is probably a generation thing but they are awful Maud fgs!

I think it's ok. She might grow up to be a Goth

I don't like Maud, but everything else on your shortlist is nice, particularly Frances and Juliet.

Maud is a very special name where MN is concerned. It makes me smile. I also happen to like it separate to its memory iyswim.

Meredith is lovely, really like it.

Maud is short for Matilda btw.

It is a little questionable, I have to say. Claudia? same sound, slightly more feminine.