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Baby names

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

Theodora or Wilhelmina?

56 replies

Linguaphile · 08/09/2015 12:49

We are now getting a little desperate in our search for a name for DD3. DD1&2 are Philippa Winter and Vivienne Gray, so would like another strong classic that feels familiar but not ubiquitous. Middle names weren't intentionally 'word' names or a theme, just names to honour different people (Gray is MIL's maiden name and DH's middle, for instance). Our previous front runners (Felicity, Georgina and Juliet), while perfectly nice, are feeling just a bit stale and boring; I'd really like to be excited about DD's name as she's our last chance to name a child!

I've recently been mulling over Theodora (nn Thea or Teddy) and Wilhelmina (nn Willa) and feeling quite excited about them. Just need to know if I'm pushing the boat out a bit too far and/or going in the wrong direction! Are they far too stodgy to bestow upon a helpless infant?

Also, any suggestions for middles? I'm quite liking Blythe at the moment, but more ideas would be most appreciated.

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Raines100 · 09/09/2015 13:45

Juliet is my fave. Seriously considered it for DD, but my mum's name is Julie so DH vetoed it as too similar. Just think it's the epitome of feminine. Not overly common, but not out there either, and can never be dull when the word evokes images of a star-crossed romantic heroine.

Otherwise, I like Theodora best. I know one, nn Teddy, and she's v cute. Felicity is nice, too. Wilhelmina makes me think of the Kaiser/Malory Towers, but Willa is better. Sounds strong and independent. Not the prettiest, most exciting name, though. Georgina sounds dumpy to me, sorry.

cornishglos · 09/09/2015 19:08

Juliet goes with the siblings best and is really lovely.

Wilhelmenawonka · 09/09/2015 19:11

Nothing to add but saw the thread title and had to contribute Wink
Juliet is lovely.

Congratulations on baby

lorelei9 · 09/09/2015 19:20

Clearly in a minority but really dislike both.

Felicity, Georgina, Juliet, Blythe are all lovely names.

I'd be particularly concerned that your first two children have lovely names so a child named Theodora or Wilhelmina would feel resentful. Wilhelmina is particularly clunky. I just feel the names you have already are pretty, whereas your two top choices now aren't.

I may be over conscious as my sis has a clunky name in contrast to my non clunky one and she's always been annoyed by that. Thea alone is nice but Theodora, not so much, plus she's going to be nicknamed Dora.

I was actually just thinking the other day what a nice name Felicity is.

DiscoDiva70 · 09/09/2015 19:39

I'm not keen on either name tbh, and I also don't think they go with the names of your dd's.
How about
Cassandra, Hermione, Eleanora, Matilda, Claudia, Francesca, Jemima

GammonAndEgg · 09/09/2015 19:48

My mum is Susan and my youngest DD is Susannah to honour her.

If you think Theodora Susan is a bit plain, how about Theodora Susannah?

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