Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Sibyl / Sybil

33 replies

17caterpillars1mouse · 26/09/2017 19:46

What are your thoughts on Sibyl / Sybil for a girl. Unsure which spelling I prefer but only Sybil features on the ONS

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
SumAndSubstance · 26/09/2017 19:54

Sybil is the more normal spelling for the name, I think. The Cumaean Sibyl was Aeneas' guide in the Underworld - 'Sibyl' means priestess.

The name does make me think instantly of Sybil Fawlty, but that's not the end of the world... I do quite like the sound of it. I'd be tempted by the Classical spelling, but she might find herself correcting it.

Charliedeservesamedal · 26/09/2017 20:00

I like it❤️

7ways · 26/09/2017 20:02

I thought it was spelt Cybil?

ElizaDontlittle · 26/09/2017 20:04

I think Fawlty Towers and The Worst Witch books have ruined it for me. I've never known one in real life to counterbalance it. Sorry OP.

Chaffinch4 · 26/09/2017 20:06

I like it. Spelt Sybil. DH vetoed because he could only hear Basil Fawley shouting it!

PosiePootlePerkins · 26/09/2017 20:07

My girl cat is called Sybil, and my boy cat is BasilGrin

Chaffinch4 · 26/09/2017 20:07

Fawlty. Stupid spell check.

Mightybanhammer · 26/09/2017 20:42

Make sure she always speaks quietly.
That was the FT joke...

Redpramlady · 26/09/2017 21:13

I was given this name in 'Victorian week' as a kid at school (a week of living like the Victorian times in primary school)
I was so jealous that my friend was given the name Sadie 😂👍

Dustbunny1900 · 26/09/2017 21:14

Ive always loved it, very old fashioned 1920s right? And with mysterious undertones
Plus it's cute. Short and sweet
Sybil

Liadain · 26/09/2017 21:15

Sybil (or is her spelling Sibyl?) in Downton Abbey redeemed it for me a little. I do think it's an awful heavy, clunky and ugly sounding name though.

HainaultViaNewburyPark · 26/09/2017 21:18

I don't mind it if it is spelt Sybil.

I think of it in the same bracket as Cynthia, Enid, Phyllis, Sylvia and Valerie.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 26/09/2017 21:29

I think its cute.

I take it you're a Fawlty Towers fan, Posie

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 26/09/2017 21:30

Sybil is the better spelling. Sibyl doesn't look right

PinkFlamingo888 · 26/09/2017 21:31

I loved Sybil after hearing it on Downton Abbey! Never seen the Sibyl spelling before though

Buntysoven · 26/09/2017 22:49

I read a book as a teen about someone with multiple personalities called Sybil. It was so sad it took the shine off the name for me but I get why it's attractive

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 26/09/2017 22:51

Sybil Dorset.
Have you seen the movie. Its shocking. What that women did to that poor little girl.

JanuaryJuniper · 26/09/2017 23:08

Really love it and would have used it if this bump had been a dd! Prefer Sybil spelling.

TansyVioletta · 26/09/2017 23:15

Oh yes, the film called Sybil about the abused girl.

KatherinaMinola · 26/09/2017 23:17

Great name. Sibyl is the more "correct" spelling (the ancient one). I think the other spelling is derived as a simple inversion.

I like the meaning too - oracle, priestess.

BackforGood · 26/09/2017 23:27

Sybil would be the spelling for me - the other way looks odd.
I would never use it myself as it would be "Basil Fawlty" 'd all the time.

However, it is a really old fashioned name so it is no doubt due for a revival along with the Maisies, Ivys, Irises, Evies etc.

Sophronia · 26/09/2017 23:45

I like the Sibyl spelling, but I’m in the minority.

TynesideBlonde · 27/09/2017 07:04

Love it! There's a girl in my my DS's class called Sybil and she is very cool.

Lemondrop99 · 27/09/2017 23:41

Not very keen on the name personally, however the spelling I'd use is definitely Sybil

DramaAlpaca · 27/09/2017 23:47

I adore Sybil. It's got such a cool, elegant feel.

Swipe left for the next trending thread