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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Dora or Dorothea?

27 replies

Whatwhatwhat · 15/07/2013 22:34

I want to use the name Dora but should I call the baby Dorothea so they've other nn options in future?

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FingersCrossedLegsNot · 15/07/2013 22:37

Definitely Dorothea as she will have so many options!

curlew · 15/07/2013 22:37

Dorothea.

AngusAndElspethsThistleWhistle · 15/07/2013 22:38

This reply has been deleted

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Bowlersarm · 15/07/2013 22:38

I adore Dora but don't like Dorothea. Do you like Dorothea? I'm trying to think if there are any other names it could be short for but can't think of any.

Wbdn28 · 15/07/2013 22:39

Yes, Dorathea, or how about Isadora?

valiumredhead · 15/07/2013 22:41

Dora the explorer!

Dorothea is beautifulSmile

Original poster
Whatwhatwhat · 15/07/2013 23:12

I like simple Dora.

Not that gone on Isadora, Pandora or Theodora.
Leaves me with Dora or Dorothea. Would only go for Dorothea to give her options in future.
Don't think explorer aspect really bothers me. Maybe that's cause I haven't been exposed to it.

OP posts:
kilmuir · 15/07/2013 23:14

dorothea sounds like diarrhoea

MrsMongoose · 15/07/2013 23:14

Dorothea is too fussy for my liking, much prefer Dorothy. Agree on a longer name for more options though. :)

sleepingbeautiful · 16/07/2013 06:10

I prefer just Dora. It's a nice name. If you use a long name you're not really that set on, you may end up having to call her that, or Dot/Dottie (which sounds like a scullery maid).
Give her a usable middle name for options if that's your concern.

sleepywombat · 16/07/2013 06:32

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othersideofchannel · 16/07/2013 07:18

I prefer Dorothea.

Original poster
Whatwhatwhat · 16/07/2013 07:36

Thanks everyone. Seems 50/50.

Think we might just go with Dora given it's the one we prefer. Good idea re mn for options.

OP posts:
valiumredhead · 16/07/2013 11:07

You can shorten Dorthea to Thea which is just beautiful imo.

burberryqueen · 16/07/2013 11:08

Dora is such a sweet name.....

pygmy · 16/07/2013 11:22

I love Dora

Bowlersarm · 16/07/2013 11:27

Yay, go for Dora. Good choice.

Happymum22 · 16/07/2013 14:33

Dora is fine alone :)

Alternatively what about Theadora/Theodora

craigslittleangel · 16/07/2013 14:40

I have always loved Dorothea but OH didn't I eventually got to use the name as a middle name with DD2.

Part of my criteria for names is to have a long name that can be shortened into more then one nick name. Just in case, like me and the rest of my family, they hate their first name, it can't be shortened and their middle names are also crap.

So I have an Isobella and a Francesca. And yes, I know these are both disliked on here.

With that said, I ould be torn between Thea and Dora as a nickname.

Keztrel · 16/07/2013 19:26

Just Dora. But I do love Theodora.

Original poster
Whatwhatwhat · 16/07/2013 19:50

Somehow think Dora works best. Maybe I'm wrong...

OP posts:
Shockingundercrackers · 16/07/2013 19:58

I'm going for Dora if DC2's a girl, so very happy to hear it's well liked. For me it's short and sweet but still classic and strong (I think of Dora Maar). Go for it OP unless your little one's going to be in the same reception class as mine.

thegreylady · 16/07/2013 20:34

Why not just Dorothy?

Original poster
Whatwhatwhat · 16/07/2013 22:13

Dorothy just doesn't really grab me

OP posts:
massagegirl · 17/07/2013 20:32

We have a Thea and I was often asked if she'd be Dorothea but I liked just Thea and I like Dora too!

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