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Baby names

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Holly or Phoebe - discuss

45 replies

Nightstar · 02/02/2015 00:44

We go back and forth on this. We've spent the last nine months trying to find the "perfect" name, and none seem to hit the spot. So we've narrowed it down to two favourites and keep changing our minds. I'm kind of scared of picking the wrong one, or even if either is right!
My husband says we're trying too hard and it isn't worth getting upset over, but we will have to live with it forever, and so will the baby! So it is actually rather important, don't you think?

Anyway. Our thoughts:

Holly, sounds lovely, definitely a happy and pretty name.
But perhaps a bit over-used, and not a lot of "clout" to it?
No decent nicknames.

Phoebe, lovely meaning, Goddess of the moon, (plus Biblical and Shakespearian too), but does it sound as nice? It certainly doesn't sound as cheerful, but perhaps beautiful rather than just pretty? Not at all sure about nickname of Pheebs, sounds a bit "feeble"? I start to wonder if it is wishy washy sounding, as well as a little harder to spell. Then I swing the other way and decide it does have gravitas and that a girl called Phoebe could be whatever she wants with no stigma or connotations to the name at all.

Honest opinions would be most appreciated. Even if it is just that you think they both suck ;-)

OP posts:
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OutragedFromLeeds · 02/02/2015 00:58

Holly is nice, but a bit wishy-washy and non-descript. For me it's in the same category as Katie, Louise, Chloe, Clare, Lauren etc. It's not necessarily easy to spell either because you could have Holly/Hollie/Holli. I think it's overused.

Phoebe is lovely (it's on my list). It's not overused and won't date badly but it is common enough that most people will be able to read/pronounce/spell it. The lack of a good nickname does put me off a bit, Pheebs? Bebe? Hoe? Grin.

They're both nice though and neither will result in any stigma or limitation of opportunity. Both Holly and Phoebe will be able to be whatever they want when they grow up.

GettingFiggyWithIt · 02/02/2015 01:02

Holly. Because I hate the nickname Phoebes and she was my least fave character in Friends.
Aurelie? Aurelia? Means 'golden'.

Fuckmath · 02/02/2015 01:09

Definitely Holly. I love it and I agree with you it sounds a happy name. It doesn't need a nickname so wouldnt worry about that. It's really lovely and right up there on my list for a dd.

Phoebe is ok but I am less keen on it. Just never warmed to it.

You sound like you prefer Holly from your own descriptions IMO!

turdfairynomore · 02/02/2015 01:13

I love phoebe -possibly because I know a gorgeous 5 year old one who is known as Bebe (Beebee)- because that's how she pronounced her name!!!

HaveYouTriedARewardChart · 02/02/2015 01:14

Phoebe. It's elegant, strong and not unusual but definitely not common. Holly is overused imo.

Penguinotterfoxbadger · 02/02/2015 01:39

They are both good names! "sensible" enough that they'd sound fine for a prime minister etc, easily spelled by most people, pretty & feminine and not over used.

They are, however, very different to each other.

I'm with your dh on this one. Don't over think it. Wait till she arrives and decide then. They are both good but one will suit her better.

FlossieTreadlight · 02/02/2015 02:13

I love the name Phoebe - not so keen on Holly

OrangeFluff · 02/02/2015 03:03

Phoebe, with the nickname Bee or Pip?

StrawberryTallCake · 02/02/2015 03:15

Tough one, they were also my top two names and I think they are both beautiful.

Definitely wait, you will know which one to pick when you see her Smile.

sleepywombat · 02/02/2015 03:23

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

UptownFlunk · 02/02/2015 04:15

Phoebe is beautiful. Holly is ok but doesn't have the gravitas in my opinion. I know a Phoebe whose nicknames are Fifi & Fi but who is generally just called Phoebe.

NadiaWadia · 02/02/2015 04:20

I prefer Phoebe. Holly is OK but perhaps a bit dull. Phoebe is more unusual and fresher.

bouncingbelle · 02/02/2015 04:22

Phoebe. Holly is a cute little girls name to me but nothing more.

Phoebe is classier, more unusual but still 'cool', and what is the mn obsession with every name needing a nickname. Her name would be Phoebe! (Tho I do quite like fi and phoebes!).

Arsenic · 02/02/2015 04:54

Phoebe is much more flexible. I can imagine it on a wider range of ages, jobs, personaities. It is a beautiful name.

Holly is also lovely but very much sounds like the name of a primary school child born in December in the 90s (to me).

HearTheThunderRoar · 02/02/2015 05:05

I prefer Holly as it's nice and simple but both are nice names.

GlitzAndGigglesx · 02/02/2015 06:00

I used to love Phoebe but prefer Holly now as it's nicer sounding imo and easier to spell for school

Lunastarfish · 02/02/2015 18:24

I'm not a fan of Holly.

I love Phoebe but I am possibly biased as that is on my girls list. I like Fifi as a nickname but the one Phoebe I knew growing up never had her name shortened

Sophronia · 02/02/2015 19:10

Holly. Phoebe does remind me of 'feeble' and I don't like the 'fee bee' sound at all.

PeppermintCrayon · 02/02/2015 19:42

Love Holly and know two adult ones who don't make it seem silly or girly at all.

HollyBen · 02/02/2015 22:33

I like both, but if I had to choose one I'd say Phoebe.

On a side note I know sisters called Phoebe and Holly. Not sure i would say they are similar names but there you go

VioletVelvet · 02/02/2015 23:30

Really like both but just slightly prefer Holly

Blackforestdonuts · 03/02/2015 08:29

I like Phoebe, but agree with you - the nickname 'Feebs' is not great.
It's got a nicer meaning than Holly though, which I think is a wee bit plain.

Nightstar · 03/02/2015 11:13

Well, we've just had Phoebe taken by someone else in the family! So that's out of the window. As is now Matilda which was also on the reserve list :-(

So we're down to Holly...

I just wish it seemed more "special" but it doesn't

OP posts:
squoosh · 03/02/2015 11:33

You really don't sound sold on Holly. There are a lot of names out there and bound to be one that makes you both think 'yes, that's the one'.

TheyLearnedFromBrian · 03/02/2015 12:04

Phoebe is far nicer. I know one with the nickname Bee, which is lovely. That's what I'd go for.

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