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Baby names

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

Original poster

Short and simple names for a girl

70 replies

weebairn · 13/02/2014 07:37

I'm pregnant. I'm a bit of a tomboy and I like simple, punchy names. My lovely DD is called Jess (not Jessica, and no middle name) and it totally suits her, like a little cheeky superhero. Ironically even though I thought this name would be really common I've yet to meet a baby Jess! Just lots of Evas and Olivias and Annabels and Amelies and Darceys and names that I thought would be more unusual…

Boys names I find easy and I already have one picked, but I struggle with girls names. I don't like girly or flowery really. What do you think of these names for a sister for Jess, if it's a girl

Meg
Jude
Jaime
Alexa
Abby

Do you think it's ok to call kids these short names? Or should I go with the full name? I don't like the name Abigail but Abby is so pretty. Same with Megan, but Meg is so cute. I'm not sure.

I really like Jude, but DP says he won't have it because it reminds him of Jude Law! I think I could wear him down though. Though there's always the fear people would sing Hey Jude a lot. I hate that song. :)

I also really like Tess but Jess & Tess is too cartoony even for me Grin

Any thoughts? Be kind!

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Elfina · 13/02/2014 16:18

What's your boys' name?

AndWhenYouGetThere · 13/02/2014 16:23

I agree with Anna. Perfect.

Elfina · 13/02/2014 16:30

Nell

nomoreminibreaks · 13/02/2014 16:35

Erin?
I like Nell too.

Met a little Jose recently and loved it!

JollyGolightly · 13/02/2014 16:39

I love Meg from your list.

Do you like Finn for a girl?

Or perhaps...Thora, May, Bree, Bo, Libby, Sara, Leah, Mary, Nora, Lou, Kit, Pip, Jo.

Sparrowghost · 13/02/2014 16:42

Alice/Alys would be my pick :)

mum2jakie · 13/02/2014 16:43

I also like Meg and Abby. Both sound like strong names in their own right. I don't see the problem with them being shortened versions - surely it is only like having boys named Ben and Charlie, for instance?

I would assume Jude was a boy's name. I do like Jaime (presuming you're pronouncing it the same as Jamie.) Not so keen on Alexa although it would depend on how it sounds with your surname, I suppose.

Leo35 · 13/02/2014 16:43

Ellen/Nell. Would have used this had DS2 not been, well, a DS!

Cocolikeschocolate · 13/02/2014 16:45

How about Purdey?

notso · 13/02/2014 16:55

I love Meg, it was on my list for DC 2,3 and 4 but the ended up being DS1,2 and 3!

I really like Jude too but Jess and Jude is a bit J-ey for me.

I also like Nell, Roz, Zoe, Anna

Not keen on Abby it is to much of a word for me.

ladyquinoa · 13/02/2014 17:25

Martha nell willow frankie

ladyquinoa · 13/02/2014 17:25

Morgan

Norfolknway · 13/02/2014 17:27

Heidi? My DD is a Heidi and I like your other names too.

I love Jude for a girl or boy - I know a very beautiful woman Jude :)

thegreatgatsby101 · 13/02/2014 17:42

I would immediately think Kate and think that Kate is quite a tomboy esq name.
I hate the word tomboy actually. I don't know why I said that, but there you go. Kate!

JoinYourPlayfellows · 13/02/2014 17:51

How about Anne?

Much nicer and more elegant than boring old Anna.

TamerB · 13/02/2014 17:55

Annie sounds a stronger name than either Anne or Anna.

Sleepy678 · 13/02/2014 18:00

I have a Nell & I love her name. I'm so proud that her name is more unique than others - keep meeting lots of baby Amelie's, Amelia's & Evie's. I don't think there is anything wrong with short names. Most names are shortened to nicknames at some point. I also love Meg ! If I had another baby I'd like Rose or Betsy & for a boy I like Joe, Finn or Laurie after my grandad.

JoinYourPlayfellows · 13/02/2014 18:05

Annie is super cutesy to my ears.

Like you've got a perfectly nice name, but you just have to add an -ie on the end.

AngelaDaviesHair · 13/02/2014 18:10

I like Meg, from your list.
It is nice to avoid an 'ie','a' or 'ia' ending if you want a strong name. Harder than it sounds, though.
Helen?
Cleo
Marit
Jane
Janice
Bronwen
Gwen
Karen
Catrin

Ham69 · 13/02/2014 18:13

I love Jess. There's nothing wrong with short names.
I also love Nell. Other name that sprang to mind was Bea.

Original poster
weebairn · 13/02/2014 18:19

I am not entering into the Anne/a/ie argument Grin

Brilliant ideas guys, thank you! I'm getting a lot of love for Abby and Meg which makes me very happy. I am not too bothered by having a unique name. I assumed Jess would be commonplace. I just want a tough, funky, strong one. The sort of girl who would buy you a pint Grin - that is literally how we decided last time, me and DP continually asking each other "would [insert name] buy you a pint?" - well we thought it was funny.

My boy's name is Robert and I thought that was definite, but now I am having second thoughts… ! Again I prefer Rob and Robbie really…

OP posts:
Original poster
weebairn · 13/02/2014 18:23

I also like Richard and James.

OP posts:
Elfina · 13/02/2014 18:30

Gem.

Bobby for a girl.

Robyn/Robin

MerryWinterfel · 13/02/2014 18:31

Alix

Elfina · 13/02/2014 18:31

Personally Alexa makes me think of Alexia, and Meg --> Smeg.