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Baby names

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

Original poster

Pauline

69 replies

LookingforRainbows · 09/11/2015 22:02

Hi all, looking for some honest opinions. Currently 24 wks with DD, and I am hoping to name her Pauline, after my mum. I am really close to DM and recently she has really been a pillar of support in a very difficult time for me and my sister, and just as my dsis honoured my dad by naming her DS after him (although DN does go by an abbreviated more modern form of DDad's name most if the time) I would love to honour my DM by naming my DD Pauline after her granny.

DH says that he likes the idea of DD being named after her granny, and he does like the name but he is concerned that Pauline is a bit of a 'granny' name, and that she might get teased at school. DH thinks that we should we should have Pauline as a middle name and our second choice of name, Elizabeth first, but I honestly think Pauline Elizabeth flows and sounds better than Elizabeth Pauline.

I know it is quite old fashioned, (admittedly DM is in her early sixties) and I haven't heard of anyone younger than my DM called Pauline - and I know that there was a threat a few days a go about names that will never make a come back and I remember seeing Pauline on that thread a few times (my heart sank a little) but the more I think about it, I just feel so drawn to the name and I just feel it is so right, to honour my mum in this way as she has been incredible to me, and she spends so much giving to us, I just wanted to give something back to her.

So, do you think Pauline is too old fashioned for 2016? Shall I go with my heart, and take the risk that she may be teased (which I wouldn't want) it shall I just play safe and keep it as a middle name?

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Original poster
LookingforRainbows · 09/11/2015 22:03

Sorry * a thread a few days ago - not threat!

OP posts:
Eminybob · 09/11/2015 22:04

You could nickname her Polly which I think I very sweet for a little girl.

carbcraver · 09/11/2015 22:08

My best friend is Pauline Elizabeth Smile

She wasn't impressed with her name for years but then realised she was one of very few to have it! We call her P. (I call her peewee!!)

She's very unique!

carbcraver · 09/11/2015 22:09

FWIW I'm 29.....

My DD2 goes to preschool with a Helen and a Linda.

poocatcherchampion · 09/11/2015 22:10

I was going to suggest polly as a nn too. Its a fab name!

Bovnydazzler · 09/11/2015 22:11

It's not a name that is in fashion and I don't love it (it makes me think of my mum's generation, Susan, Janet, Pamela). How about Pauline but nn Lena (which I think is really pretty).

Melfish · 09/11/2015 22:11

I went to school with a girl called Paulina (I think her family were Polish or Czech) which she pronounced 'Pow-leenah' which could be an alternative?

Original poster
LookingforRainbows · 09/11/2015 22:13

We both really like Polly as a nn Eminybob, thanks! Smile carb craver, did your best friend hate her name because it was old fashioned, and did anyone tease her?

OP posts:
Canyouforgiveher · 09/11/2015 22:14

She won't be teased for a normal name that is just slightly out of fashion.

If you really want to name her after your mum, go right ahead.

I had a grandmother Pauline and we called her Poll (sometimes Pretty Poll).

Sadik · 09/11/2015 22:14

I think Pauline is an absolutely beautiful name, and not at all 'granny-ish'. I love Paulie as a nname, too.

FattyNinjaOwl · 09/11/2015 22:15

My DD is named after my mum. It's a lovely thing to do. She's one of only 9 babies to be born in 2013 with her name. I live it and don't care what anyone else thinks and I certainly don't worry about teasing as she's a tiny terror and can hold her own Wink Grin

Sunnyminimalist2 · 09/11/2015 22:16

I prefer Elizabeth Pauline as it flows better. And Elizabeth has a million wonderful nick names - Lizzie, Betty, Betsy, Beth, Elle, Eliza

carbcraver · 09/11/2015 22:17

She was never been teased for it, she gets teased now but all in gest by those who love her!!!

She did think it was old fashioned, her brother was Andrew. Again, I think quite an 'older' name.

elephantoverthehill · 09/11/2015 22:18

I like Pauline as I have a have a very good friend with that name. but what about giving a nod to the family connection with Paula.

Original poster
LookingforRainbows · 09/11/2015 22:18

Thanks all for your responses, making me and DHbfeel much better and much less anxious. I think we prefer Polly to Paulie, as a NN as it sounds a bit like poorly, but it's still cute.

OP posts:
IndomitabIe · 09/11/2015 22:19

I know a Pauline (in her 40s) who is an absolute legend of a human! (Now that I've thought of her I'm considering it for this DC!).

except all I can think of sometimes is Pauline's Pens

ConsciousPilot · 09/11/2015 22:20

I felt the same last year when I gave birth to my third child; I desperately wanted to honour my mother who is declining in health but is proving to be the most amazing woman on Earth. Her name is Marjorie Hmm No way was I going to subject my daughter to that...so we gave it as her middle name.

Please do the same with Pauline, it's bloody awful.

ReadFox · 09/11/2015 22:31

My dd (13) has a half polish girl called Pauline in her class but the students can't fathom a class mate called Pauline so she's called Paula, pronounced Paola. There's a Susan in her class too and I said "is she chinese?'' and my dd said '' Shock how did you know?". I guess though, in 20 years, their names will be so cool.

Alisvolatpropiis · 09/11/2015 22:32

I'm with Conscious here.

I'm sure your mum is absolutely lovely, but her name is not.

Shebangsthedrumsshedoes · 09/11/2015 22:35

I like it!

EnidClowes · 09/11/2015 22:36

I know a 4 year old Paulina. Pauline is usual these days but why not! Plenty of names are unusal and out of fashion. Years ago all the grandma and grandfather names were usual. I think Pauline type names are the next wave as the generations move on.

IoraRua · 09/11/2015 22:38

Pauline is fine, much better than some of the names in vogue on MN baby names. I don't tend to like that style of name myself but your reason for choosing it is lovely. Go for it.

And tbh, in another 30 years or so - Pauline will be back in fashion.

turdfairynomore · 09/11/2015 22:43

Go for it! Pauline is a perfectly lovely name and the sentiment is beautiful too. I bet if you said that you were going to call her Polly or Ina/Ena people would be raving about the names. Stick to your guns. This is one of those definite heart over head times I think.

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 09/11/2015 23:07

Yes old fashioned but fabulous with it. She'll never most certainly be unique with a name like Pauline. Amelia, Amelia Lily-Maes ect have all long had their day now. About time we had the old but good nasmes back,
And what a lovely honor to your mum

manicinsomniac · 09/11/2015 23:20

The fact that it's out of fashion wouldn't stop me using it if I loved it and had a meaningful reason to use it like you do.

I teach a 7 year old Deborah (which I see as being in the same name 'type'. I did a double take when I first saw the class list but don't give it a second thought now.