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Baby names

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

Original poster

Dorothy, Penelope, Margaret or Elspeth.....?

25 replies

YoMamma · 09/09/2013 13:46

I'm going back to the drawing board for DD2 so I'm looking to gauge opinions on these names. I would like to use the middle name Rose. DD1 is Iris if that makes a difference. I had hoped to find a name which, like Iris, was unlikely to be shortened but it seems that I prefer longer names. I'm not 100% on the nns (and I know you can't really enforce these anyway) so am happy to hear alternative suggestions!!

So ladies, what are your thoughts on these names and proposed nns.....?

Dorothy Rose (nn Dee Dee or Dotty)
Penelope Rose (nn Nell or Nellie - not as keen on Penny)
Margaret Rose (nn Maggie or Peggy)
Elspeth Rose (nn Elle or Ellie)

I also like Juno Rose which continues both the goddess and the flower themes of Iris but DH isn't keen because of the film. Can we convince him?

TIA

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BlackMogul · 09/09/2013 13:59

I have never been a fan of nicknames but it is a big thing on mumsnet name questions. I like Dorothea rather than Dorothy. I think Margaret feels dated but no doubt will make a comeback. I think I prefer Margot or Margaretta. Love Elspeth and used Rose as 3rd name for DD1 as this has been used in various forms in the family for several generations, Rosetta, Rosanna, Rosalie etc. good luck and I am sure whatever you choose it will be lovely. Our girls have 3 names each as it was so difficult to choose!

LittleAbruzzenBear · 09/09/2013 14:02

I love Penelope, but dislike Penny. I don't like Margaret, but I like Maggie or Margot. Elspeth is alright. Don't like Dorothy. I love Juno!

LeoandBoosmum · 09/09/2013 15:07

I don't get the love for Juno....sounds like a dogs' name.
I'd go for Penelope Rose (Nell) out of those. Elspeth always sounds witch-y to me, as does Cassandra (which I know you didn't mention).

HandragsAndGladbags · 09/09/2013 15:09

I would like Margaret Rose nn Maggie for next dc. Just trying to convince DH.

I like Dorothy and Penelope too, Elspeth not so much.

CruCru · 09/09/2013 15:59

Margaret Rose was the name of the Queen's younger sister - will that bug you?

I like Elspeth best.

BigBrassBand · 09/09/2013 16:02

Dorothy

antshouse · 09/09/2013 16:10

I like Elspeth but prefer nn Elsie.

KateCroydon · 09/09/2013 16:17

Another vote for Dorothea. You can still do Dee Dee or Dot, but it gives you the option of Thea too.

Original poster
YoMamma · 09/09/2013 17:57

oooooo Elsie. I hadn't thought of that as a nn for Elspeth. Although not a huge amount of love for Elspeth here so far...

OP posts:
Ihatepeas · 09/09/2013 18:21

What a great list!!!

Dorothy.. Love. It was on our list for dd. love Dotty as a nn. How about Dorothea nn Thea?
Penelope.. My favorite on your list! Love love love!!! I think Nell or nelly are fab nns.
Margaret.. Good name, cant really imagine a baby margaret but i suppose she will be a baby for a very short time really!! I would have to have Greta as a nn which IMO is much nicer than Maggie or Peggie.
Elspeth.. Like especially with nn Elsie which I love!

EstelleGetty · 09/09/2013 18:24

They're all lovely Smile

Margaret or Elspeth would be my picks.

JamieandtheMagicTorch · 09/09/2013 18:25

Margaret

I suggest it all the time on here

CordeliaRose · 09/09/2013 20:00

I love the name Elspeth. Hadn't thought of Nell as a nn for Penelope - that's really nice. My Grandmother was known as Nell (from Helen).

efffy · 09/09/2013 21:05

I love the name Elspeth, I think it's beautiful Smile

Mumblyboo · 09/09/2013 21:34

Elspeth. Elsie. X

TheYamiOfYawn · 09/09/2013 21:47

Dorothea, Dorothea, Dorothea.

Purplelooby · 09/09/2013 21:55

Personally I like Penelope Rose and Elspeth Rose, but in terms of nicknames, I think they should just grow organically while the child is growing up - choose instead a name that you actually want to use!

sleepingbeautiful · 10/09/2013 03:58

1 Margaret
2 Elspeth
3 Dorothy
I think if you use Penelope and don't like Penny, you will be annoyed as she grows up as it's extremely likely to happen.

Suzietwo · 10/09/2013 20:00

I have a Penelope rose. I love her name. She was going to be a Penelope violet but I changed it after she was born.

Penny rose is such a pretty name. U fortunately her surname is black, so she's a penny black. Been meaning to start investing in stamps! (We did realise this when choosing name)

koalacube · 10/09/2013 21:34

Elspeth Rose. Smile

Margaret also nice.

noodlebum · 11/09/2013 12:33

Love Dorothy nn Dot/Dotty

MrsDibble · 11/09/2013 14:30

Elspeth!

LondonInHighHeeledBoots · 12/09/2013 21:28

Love Penelope! Adore Nell or Nella. Dp does notAngry . Also adore Elspeth and there is a pretty awesome one I work with. However, to warn you she was moaning the other day about people always telling her she's spelt her name wrong Hmm

merrymouse · 12/09/2013 21:32

Love all of them.

I think the first four names go better with Iris than Juno.

Karbea · 12/09/2013 21:40

None of them are my cup of tea, I agree with your dh regarding Juno and the film.

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