Mary

[Justchanged]

Any thoughts on whether Mary is ready for a revival? It's a family name and the more I think about it the more cute it sounds for a little girl - feminine, pretty, classic and strong. Or am I getting carried away?

I also like Joan.

I like it, classic and under used. I might presume you/your child is religious or catholic though. Also like Joan, no idea why it's not more popular, it's lovely. Think I'd go for Joan more than Mary but both are great names

Yes to Mary, no to Joan.

I'm Catholic. I love the name Mary. I'd assume you were RC too.
I went to school with dozens of variations - Marie, Maria, Anne-Marie etc but only two
Marys.
Must be due a revival.

I only know one young Mary and she's a delightful three year old. It's lovely.

I love it.
My mn and grandma's name (and she's the best person ever) I know a little Mary and I've always thought it was fab

Love them both but prefer Joan, very chic.
I went to a school with a girl called Joan Joy Jones, she had this amazing sophisticated air about her even as a 7 year old.

I really don't like Joan though.

It's a lovely classic name but it has very religious overtones, I guess it depends if that bothers you or not?

I love the name Mary but Joan is my miserable cow of a MIL so I wouldn't use that in a month of Sundays.

Both my grandmas were Joan and it's my mum's middle name. I've never considered it for a child now, but I think I can see it as cool. The parents would have to be a bit rock n roll to carry it off, I reckon.
The kind of name Kate Moss could have used.

Mary was a name I really loved. But DH said no...

I love Mary, but I'd never use it because it's so religious. I also like the name Faith, but wouldn't use it for the same reason.

I like Joan as a middle name, but think it's still too dated to use as a first name. Joni is cool and has a great namesake though.

Mary is very plain and a bit dull . Joan is just not very nice . Joni / Joanna would be much better .

I love Mary - but not keen on Joan.

Love Mary but couldn't use it as DSS is Joseph!

I did like Mary until I saw some people on a local FB mums group using "Mary" as slang for female genitalia. That's put me off it a bit.

Everything is slang for female genitalia these days. I think Mary has way strong enough other connotations to ward off that connection.

Just like William (Willy) ably does.

Mary is a lovely name.

I went to high school with a beautiful brunette teenage (obviously) Mary, so my association is very positive.

It's MIL's name and DD's middle name.

Love Mary, due a comeback.

Not a Joan fan.

Mary is a great name.
Joan sounds dull to me.

Love Mary. It would have been on shortlist for DD, but really doesn't work with our surname.

I know a 6 year old Mary and I'm still not sure it suits her! The 58 year old one I know gets it shortened (although discouraged) to 'Mare' which is horrible sounding.

Also there's rhyme:
Aunty Mary had a canary up the leg of her drawers.
When she farted it departed to a round of applause

I like Joan and Joni. Mary, I don't.

Sorry, think they're both very dull and plain. Solid and unimaginative.

Absolutely beautiful name. It's on our list for DD (due July).

In a sea of little girls being named Amelia, Olivia, Isabella etc, a Mary would be refreshing change no?!

Oh sorry, meant to say, I also love Joan. And Jean.

My dad is John, and as they're feminine forms, I'd love to use either as a middle name.

Mary is lovely.

Joan is more of its time but is the name of my awesome grandmother and my own middle name, so I'd be delighted to see it revived!