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Original poster

Alice Ethel or Alice Rose?

48 replies

siluria · 04/06/2013 14:43

Expecting DD2 in a few weeks' time :) We had settled on Alice Rose and were very happy with it (and haven't told anybody in RL), except that SIL keeps on banging on about how Rose is her favourite name for a girl and we're 'banned' from choosing it.

Obviously this is ridiculous - she is single, she may never have children/may have only boys/may have a DP who doesn't like the name Rose anyway/may go off the name, etc. Plus we'd only be using it as a middle name (DH's middle name is his cousin's first name, and as Rose is fairly common I don't see a problem if she used it too). BUT, she and her sister are sure to kick up a big fuss about it, and I really don't want to start my new baby's life with a stupid argument about names which could sour things.

So we've been thinking of alternatives. DD1's middle name is Edith, and we both like Ethel. I know it's not massively popular on here, but there's a sort of symmetry to it and I think it's pretty. Plus it's a bit quirkier than Alice Rose. So I'm warming to it.

Any thoughts?

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BriocheBriocheBrioche · 04/06/2013 14:49

I love it, Alice Ethel has a lovely ring to it. Rose is a beautiful name but I feel it will be the Louise of the 2010's...

HaveToWearHeels · 04/06/2013 15:14

Alice Rose for me, but I do like Ethel too. Alice was the name I would have given to my next DD, so pretty :)

Choccyhobnob · 04/06/2013 16:02

Sorry, going to rock the boat but I really dislike Ethel! Not that my opinion should matter one jot I just think it is one old lady name that is a looooong way from coming back in!

Think you should use Rose anyway as it really shouldn't make a difference if your SIL uses it as you're only having it as a MN, not a first name.

Annakin31 · 04/06/2013 16:02

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Leeds2 · 04/06/2013 16:06

I prefer Ethel to Rose, but think Alice Rose scans better than Alice Ethel.

mummsy2be · 04/06/2013 16:07

It has to be Alice Rose...sounds really sweet and after all it's your baby x

HenriettaPye · 04/06/2013 16:10

Alice Rose flows much better than Alice Ethel

JojoMags · 04/06/2013 17:26

Alice Rose. Agree Alice Ethel doesn't scan well and Ethel reminds me of overcooked cabbages! Alice Rose is beautiful. Your SIL can still use it. In 6 months your DD will only be thought of as Alice by her Aunties and the Rose association will fade.

Alisvolatpropiis · 04/06/2013 17:55

Alice Rose by a country mile. All the country miles.

angusandelspethsthistlewhistle · 04/06/2013 18:09

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

fussychica · 04/06/2013 18:10

Alice Rose is lovely - don't be side tracked, you'll regret it. Ethel is horrid - sorry.
We were going with Alice May if DS had been a DD but also love Alice Grace if you really feel you can't stick to your guns.

farmersdaughter · 04/06/2013 18:37

Alice Rose!

I've been 'informed' by a friend that Rose is her future DD's name. She's single currently doesn't have a OH or is even having sex so frankly she can get stuffed.

Stick to your guns!

kelda · 04/06/2013 18:40

Alice Rose. Very nice name. Ethel isn't pretty at all. Mary and Martha would go well with ALice.

CarriMarie · 04/06/2013 18:40

Alice Eleanor sounds good.

Redblackcar2 · 04/06/2013 19:43

Alice Rose is lovel, Ethel I dislike .

usualsuspect · 04/06/2013 19:48

Alice Rose.

Ethel is awful

twinklestar2 · 04/06/2013 20:15

Alice Rose. Ethel is hideous.

mummyloveslucy · 04/06/2013 20:31

Alice Primrose? Alice Rosalie?

TheFogsGettingThicker · 04/06/2013 21:45

I have an Alice Smile, Alice Elizabeth

I prefer Alice Rose, just seems to roll off the tongue better?

(And I think you should have it if you want it, it's a middle name, hardly the same and not a bar to your SIL using it as a first name if she's still so inclined.)

Mumblyboo · 04/06/2013 23:05

I have an Alice Elizabeth.... I prefer Alice Ethel out of those two. great first name choice btw.... ;)

Turniptwirl · 04/06/2013 23:11

Alice Rose for me too, although surprised at myself that I actually kinda like Alice Ethel too!

I agree that people with no prospect of having a child in the near future should not be able to Bagsie a name! Especially as you're only using it as a middle name and it is a very popular choice. I'm sure your daughter will meet other children with Rose in their name just as I know many people with my middle name (eighties baby so it's Louise) as either their first or a middle name. I have too many cousins to keep track of but would be smazed if none of them have Louise as a middle name!

miffybun73 · 04/06/2013 23:14

Definitely Alice Rose. Goes really well together and sounds beautiful.

IMO Alice Ethel sounds clumsy and ugly.

littleginger · 04/06/2013 23:27

I dont really like Ethel and Alice Ethel makes me think of Alec Eiffel!

Of course it doesnt matter what anyone else thinks about the names you like but that couldnt be more true with a middle name as theyre so rarely used in every day life! Maybe its just me but its like a secret name because only those closest to you know what it is.

Saying that your SIL sounds like an arse! How mega pissed off would you be if 4 years down the line you had regretted not using Rose and then SIL no longer liked it once she did have a child!

jessjessjess · 05/06/2013 09:30

I wouldn't let her away you. What if she meets someone who vetoes all the names she likes/has an ex called Rose/etc?

jessjessjess · 05/06/2013 09:30

Sway, sorry, iPhone changed it

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