We have decided to go with Alison

[emmyloo2]

After much discussion, posting, more discussion, arguments etc, we have tentatively decided to go with Alison for DD due in 9 days.

I am still having a few wobbles but I think I would have that with any name. My main concern is I feel like it's a little dated because I know quite a few Alisons in their 30s. However, my DH really likes it and it's my late aunty's name and so we have decided family trumps trends.

I always envisages we would go with something old-fashioned to match DS (George) but this seems to be where we have landed.

Not sure why I am posting but any last minute thoughts or comments, encouragement or otherwise, would be appreciated.

Thanks!

[KittenofDoom]

There are Alisons in my age group, it is probably a bit of a cyclical name. (Alice was more of an old-lady name back then and now that is back in fashion.)

I think Alison has a lovely sound and rhythm, and like an earlier poster I think of the naughty Alison in the Canterbury Tales! It's a name with a fine medieval ring to it.

[kelda]

It's not really relevant how nice the name is when the OP herself doesn't sound that keen on it.

I am all for compromise when it comes to choosing baby names but in the case of stalemate, clearly the mother has the final say

[ZolaBuddleia]

For me it's not that it's dated, and I'm all for avoiding the Tilly/Evie/Lily/Ruby herd, it's just not a nice sound IMO. There are plenty of names from that era that sound nicer eg Sarah, Helen. Alison for me is lumpen and clunky.

OP, what are you going to do, now some of us have been rather mean about your name choice?

I changed my DD's name as I'd gone for something I wasn't 100% behind, it was upsetting and stressful, can you hang on for something that really chimes with you, do you think?

[ApplesGalore]

I'm a mid 40s Alison with a 7 year old Jennifer and I like both. We are nicknamed Ali and Jenny, but I mainly use Alison. As a teen I tried using Ally but I was teased for pretentious spelling at school and reverted back to Ali. I also get called Al quite a lot, and am fine with any of them. I occasionally get called Alice by mistake and I don't like that, for some reason I have never liked the name Alice, I find it old fashioned and a bit prim.

There is an Alison in Yr R of my daughter's school. My DD is the only Jennifer/Jenny in the school, although you do encounter one occasionally so it is unusual in that respect but without being way out there.

[SilverBirdie]

I'm one in my 30s and have always liked it but when younger wished I'd been Alice instead.
All names can be 'dated' until used again.... Years ago nobody would have used Emily, Lucy etc but now look. And Lily, Florence, Martha etc...... Same goes for those.
It's classic and not at all faddy so I say go for it

[PipkinsPal]

I'm in my mid 40's and know a few Alison's, my cousin included but she spells her name Allison. I have also seen the spelling Allyson. Your little one most probably the the only Alison in her year if not her school. It's a lovely name which will suit her until she is an old lady. My sister knows a baby Jennifer and I have a friend called Jenny.

[Pegglebot]

I'm a 26 year old Alison! Generally an Ali or Al though but I've always liked the name and I like the fact there are not many people my age called it. In fact a couple of times recently its been mistaken for 'Madison' believe or not, I am very quick to correct them!

[NowPlayingZone]

I think Alison is lovely & much prefer it to Alice. Go for it, especially if it has meaning to you.
You're probably ahead of the curve, give it a few years & you'll be tripping over baby Alisons, Jennifers, Lauras etc....

[JeggingsJive]

Are there any diminutives of Elizabeth you love? Then use Alison as a middle name? Eg

Eliza
Betsy
Beth etc?

Sure you can Google for a long list!

To be completely honest with you, having given it so much thought, I think it's important that it is a name you love.

I also don't think you need to decide yet- try to relax and give yourself time. She might surprise you with what she looks like!

[JeggingsJive]

I meant you having given it so much thought (I've seen a few of your threads and was like that with my babies' names) not me - that would be weird! :)

[Thinkingpositively]

don't panic!! If your not 100% sure don't choose until you meet her. I know people who have taken days after baby has been born to pick a name........

I think Alison is a strong name.

[FetaCheeny]

I think Alison is too dated. It's true that she would be the only one in her class but she would consider her name a mumsy name. What sounds retro to us, will sound old fashioned to them.

The name itself isn't bad, but I think you can do better, as you seem unsure yourself. You could always have Alison as a middle name to honour your late Aunty.

Good luck deciding!

[formicadinosaur]

I'm not so keen on Alison sorry, it's rather 70's - but I just adore Alice which is timeless and stunning.

[Breezy1985]

There's an 8yo Alison in my DD's class, I'm not keen but I don't hate it.

[Gullygirl]

I like Alison.Lissy for short is nice.

[ArtemisKelda]

I'm a 39 year old Alison. Every other Alison I know is around the same age, she'll probably be the only one in her class

From your list, I like Ruth & Eleanor (Eleanor was one of the choices for DD, we didn't choose it because the nn Ellie was too close to Allie)

[Allthatglitters789]

I think it's a beautiful name, it is a little dated but who cares? It's a lot better than most of the names parents are giving their children these days. Alice is very pretty too, I say go for it!