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Baby names

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

Matilda or Clementine?

18 replies

megs7 · 24/08/2014 03:16

Which do you prefer? I am a little put off by Matilda's popularity at the moment, but I don't know why as we live in the states and the name is #650 here.
We are due at Christmas, so I like that connection for Clementine. I am not a fan of the nicknames Clem or Clemmie.

I have a different middle name for each:

Matilda Erianthe
Clementine Elizabeth

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WildCherryBlossom · 24/08/2014 03:21

I prefer Matilda. I am never sure whether to pronounce the last syllable of Clementine 'Tyne' or 'teen' and the almost inevitable nick name Clemmie sounds like clammy. Matilda has some lovely nickname options.

temporaryusername · 24/08/2014 03:35

I like Clementine a lot . I do think it will get shortened to Clem or Clemmie though, I guess you could try and shorten to Tina if you prefer that but what school friends will do isn't so predictable. I don't like 'Maddy' or 'Mattie' as a shortening for Matilda though (Tilda is better) so may have the same issue unless you find them ok.

Pinksun12 · 24/08/2014 04:52

I prefer Matilda (but no idea how to pronounce your middle name for Matilda).

NadiaWadia · 24/08/2014 06:55

Clementine is prettier IMO.

3pigsinblanketsandasausagerole · 24/08/2014 07:06

Matilda

Clementine makes me think of oranges

And I like the mn Tilly!

3pigsinblanketsandasausagerole · 24/08/2014 07:06

Nn obviously

ChaosK · 24/08/2014 07:39

Both lovely but I would have a Clementine. It was number one choice on my list - but I had boys! I would have shortened it to Mimi (and sung arais from La Traviata all day!)

Bonsoir · 24/08/2014 07:40

Clementine Elizabeth

Sophronia · 24/08/2014 14:46

Clementine, it's less trendy and 'now.'

megs7 · 24/08/2014 15:23

Thanks. So hard to pick a name for a girl. We have four boys and didn't take this long to name any of them!

Pinksun12 - the name Erianthe is pronounced 'eh-ree-ann-thee', like Xanthe. It is Greek and means 'sweet as many flowers'. I like the contrast between it and the strong name 'Matilda'.

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StoneFoxMama · 24/08/2014 15:50

I know a Clementine shortened to Minty and even sometimes lemon or Mimi (but less so) so at least it seems to have potential for getting creative with nicknames. In the states would it be more likely to be pronounced Clemen tyne? Tiny? Grin

megs7 · 24/08/2014 15:59

Haha, I first suggested it when I caught DH whistling 'Oh My Darling Clementine' and jokingly asked him if he was suggesting ClemenTYNE as a baby name, he replied he thought the name was ClemenTEEN - he is American (hence why we are living here!).

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StoneFoxMama · 24/08/2014 16:10

Ah, well it's extremely pretty either way! I don't know why I thought it had that pronunciation in America! Tomayto, tomato Grin

Umbrellasandladders · 24/08/2014 20:56

Love Clementine

Sundaedelight · 25/08/2014 14:23

Clementine by a mile. Matilda is fine but a bit clunky in comparison.

Gemerama82 · 26/08/2014 10:10

Both names from folk songs, Waltzing Matilda and My Darling Clementine!

TBH, I'm not keen on either name personally but I Matilda is better, nn Tilly.

ReadyForDinner · 27/08/2014 17:28

Love them both!

Think Clementine might edge it - Clem. Gorgeous!

KERALA1 · 27/08/2014 18:21

Clementine oh yes. Fabulous choice.

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