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Original poster

Arabella or Clementine (sister for William)

79 replies

Bellalilysmith123 · 08/05/2016 23:39

My sons name is William George "Will" and if our second child is a daughter we're deciding between Clementine Louise and Arabella Louise.. Which do you prefer and why? We're struggling to decide. If we have another son we've chosen Henry James. Thank you.

OP posts:
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julfin · 11/07/2016 13:34

Wow, that's rude.

Wintersummerwintersummer · 11/07/2016 16:03

Arabella. I hate Clem or Clemmie- I know an obnoxious one plus I can't get past "clammy". Sorry! X

septembersunshine · 11/07/2016 20:42

I would go for Arabella out of the two. I think it has more (lovely) nickname options. Not a fan of Clementine, it just doesn't sound right and I don't think Will and Clem/Clemmie go well together at all. Will and Bella sound very cool. If I'm really honest I would go with Annabella (or Annabel - understated classic imo) - but that's because I have a thing for Annie :)

Will and Annie (LOVE!!!)

ButtercupMeg · 11/07/2016 21:17

Totally outing myself here. My name is Arabella and I'm in my 30s. I am not posh and have never been to a private school. I don't own a pony and I'm certainly not upper class! I was named after a relative who has passed away recently in her 90s. She was a through and through cockney from the east end, school dinner lady, married to a railway worker and lived in a council house her whole life.
So please don't make assumptions about the name 'Arabella'. Im sitting here feeling quite insulted!
As for dating quite badly I disagree strongly. It's a name that's been around for an incredibly long time and will always be used.

ButtercupMeg · 11/07/2016 21:20

Oh also OP I find the name has worn well as an adult! I've not had it shortened or changed to a nickname as I like it as it is Smile

Mrsraypurchase · 11/07/2016 21:26

Both are good names. Arabella was on my short list for dd, as was Lucia and Anabelle.

eatpuddingdrinkwine · 11/07/2016 21:31

Love Arabella so pretty.

Original poster
Bellalilysmith123 · 02/08/2016 13:58

We decided on Clementine Arabella as we didn't want Bella as the nickname (pretty but way too popular)

OP posts:
twinjocks · 02/08/2016 14:16

Excellent name - I would also have picked Clementine!

oliversmummy26 · 03/08/2016 12:22

I have a neice called Arabella, shortened to Bella (which I love on it's own TBH and would have chosen if we have a girl)

Clementine I have also considered in the past as I think it's very pretty and different. My only worry is how would you know to pronounce it Clemen-"tyne" or Clemen-"teen"...do you see what I mean? People say it differently.

Was also not too keen on Clemmy as it sounds like clammy...Hmm I love the idea of shortening to Emmy though Smile

Magazinepile · 03/08/2016 13:16

Arabella all the way as it can be shortened to Bella which is lovely and ari/ary

dontmakemedothis · 03/08/2016 16:36

Love Clementine, hate Arabella.

KERALA1 · 03/08/2016 22:30

Good choice! Ours is 7 and love it more every day suits her perfectly. Such an interesting pretty name (read book on Churchill whilst pregnant).

Ignore the "clammy" haters - nonsense. Any name can sound like a negative word - Sophie = soppy, Eve = evil, etc etc

We say Tyne to rhyme with wine.

Miranda124 · 03/08/2016 23:20

Thank you I'm very happy with our choice! I love Clemmie. There really are so many names.. "Charlotte" "Harlot" hasn't put anyone off.

MrsKoala · 05/08/2016 13:39

Oh i love Clementine and Clemency. They are on my list but DS1s middle name is Clement so i am not sure if we should.

You have chosen a lovely name.

BriocheBriocheBrioche · 05/08/2016 13:45

I have a Clementine (pron teen as she is half French and we live in France!) I also have that adorable t-shirt from M&S someone linked to above!

Arabella was on my list too but my husband didn't like it.

William and Clementine sound lovely together.

Miranda124 · 05/08/2016 13:58

My husband didn't love Arabella either but managed to get it as her middle name. I need to get that t-shirt, its very cute. Glad to hear William and Clementine sound nice together I've been a tad worried they aren't quite right as siblings.

Miranda124 · 07/08/2016 13:39

I'm beginning to wish we had named our DD Arabella Clementine instead as so many people have asked about the pronunciation and are calling her Clem / Clemmie. Clementine also isn't perfect with our surname. I brought this up with my husband and he was so upset I even suggested swapping her first and middle names! He never loved Arabella but it is such a horrible feeling having name regret. I do love both names just wish they were the other way around.

Madbengalmum · 07/08/2016 14:27

Clementine definately!

highlystrung · 26/08/2016 20:44

Great choices - I have one of each!!!

KoalaDownUnder · 28/08/2016 13:21

So glad you picked Clementine! One of my favourites. Smile

Ham69 · 29/08/2016 12:37

Not helpful but just to say I LOVE both of those names.

Seekingmiracles · 29/08/2016 14:23

I like Clementine but can't stand the nn Clem....which she could unfortunately be saddled with. It reminds me of phlegm!
So I would probably go for Arabella.

HayleyAnn88 · 29/08/2016 16:57

Beautiful name.

livinglooney8 · 29/08/2016 17:58

Miranda124 - the name Clementine is beautiful, please don't regret it! Just introduce her as you want her name to be (ie pronunciation and no nickname) and most people will follow your lead. What you can't control however is what Clementine and her friends will name her when she gets older! Clemmie is very cute and I have known a few, always found it a pretty name.