Thea - does it have to be short for something?

[sammyad]

First name DP has come up with that I actually also really like, helped by fact I had a fabulous great aunty Thea.

The dilemma: I think it has to be short for something - I really like Anthea, though would also consider Dorothea as that was great aunt's name. We could always call her Thea though, full name just for birth certificate/official things.

DP hates all the names it's short for because he's being difficult he thinks they're too old-fashioned, and doesn't see a problem with just Thea on it's own.

Putative middle name is Madeleine, and before Thea our top name was Phoebe, if either of those things are relevant.

Thoughts?

Oh and if bump's a boy, we're swithering between Robert Francis and Robert William... again any thoughts?

It could also be short for Theodora.

You wouldn't have to use her full name if you didn't want.

If you like Thea then just use that

How about Theodora? I love the name Thea.

Theodora Madeleine has a lovely flow with four then three syllables.

From your male choices, Robert Francis.

I know just a Thea and as is now 10 and nobody has ever questioned if its short for anything. I love the name and would happily use it if you want it

How about Theia? It's a name in its own right.

My friend has a baby called Althea - is that any good?

I know two people called Thea - one who is in her thirties and another who is 2. I'm never thought to ask whether either of their names are short for anything else (I will ask now though!). I absolutely love the name. It helps that both of them happen to be gorgeous and lovely. I don't think it needs to be short for anything. But I actually really like the name Dorethea if you do decide to make it short for anything.

How will it be pronounced? One of the Theas I know pronounces it with a hard T - Taya. The other with the soft Th pronounciation.

I don't think that it has to be short for anything, and I'm usually quite fussy about 'proper' names on birth certificates. But I do love Dorothea....

I think Thea works a stand-alone name. Thea Madeleine is very elegant. Robert Francis is nice too.

I only know 2 Theas, and, as far as I'm aware, they both have it as a stand alone name. I quite like it, but I'm with your dh and not liking the two 'longer' names you've mentioned.

I am the owner if a Thea . We used it in its own right - and the two other Thea's we know have done the same. Personally don't like Anthea much, although I do like Dorothea & Theadora.

I love this name. The only one I know (an adult) is just Thea, not short for anything.

I think Thea on it's own is fine. I like both your boys choices.

Thea is a version of Theia, a Greek goddess. A lovely name.

Thanks everyone! Think I need to look at Thea on it's own again - though I like the alternative spelling of Theia :)

I know a grown up Althea and a small Alethea at nursery. I think Thea is fine as a stand alone name though.