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

Regret my babies name

52 replies

Cleo2628 · 15/04/2018 20:43

She’s 7 months old and I have sleepless nights over it! Am I over reacting? I cringe when people ask me what her name is. It was my partners favourite name and we didn’t agree on any others. After she was born I think I was just in a whirlwind and said let’s call her Penelope like you wanted. Now I regret that! Even though he kept asking if I was sure.
Anyone else had these feelings?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
SophieofShepherdsBush · 15/04/2018 20:45

Hmm, I haven't had name regret but I wanted to say Penelope is an awesome name; cool nicknames ( nell being my fave) . You can change it but it is ace!

Aprilmightbemynewname · 15/04/2018 20:46

Maybe a nn? Nell?

SophieofShepherdsBush · 15/04/2018 20:46

And if you don't like introducing her as Penelope you could introduce her by her nickname. Would you be happier introducing her as penny or nell?

UpTownFuck · 15/04/2018 20:47

I know it's probably no help but I love Penelope!

BettyBooJustDoinTheDoo · 15/04/2018 20:48

I love it too, and the shortened versions are lovely as well.

JaimeLannister · 15/04/2018 20:50

Nell is a very sweet name.

Inthedeepdarkwinter · 15/04/2018 20:52

It is a lovely name- what does your partner say if you tell them you don't really like the name. I think I'd be honest and talk through the options. If he loves it and can't think about changing it, it might be different than if he sees your upset over it. I also like Penny, Nell, Pen and so on- do any nicknames appeal to you. Penelope is a sophisticated lovely name, but if you don't like it, I'd get chatting.

toasterstrudle · 15/04/2018 20:52

Love it, I know a wee 3 year old Penny and it's such a gorgeous name. Nell also lovely.

auntyflonono · 15/04/2018 20:55

Love it! What about a nick name? Nell, Penny, or something not traditionally linked to Penelope but cute and that you like, Daisy, Tansy, Lally.

Padfoot100 · 15/04/2018 20:55

What is it you don't like about it? Have you spoken to DP about it? I do think it's a lovely name, as others have mentioned, have you considered a nn?

MrsZippyLake · 15/04/2018 20:57

I really like Penelope!

Mallowmarshmallow · 15/04/2018 20:57

I echo the others by saying Penelope is a great name although I know that's not overly helpful. Nell is my absolute favourite name but rhymes with a nickname my son ended up with. Do you want to swap?! Wink (names, not children!!)

I also have name regrets; we imagined we were having a boy so hadn't really discussed girls' names. We had thrown a couple about and ended up choosing one on the spot, I very much wish we had taken a few days to think about it.

DD is two now and whilst I still don't love it I get a lot of compliments on it and am resigned to it being her name.

That said, if I could go back to her being only seven months again I quite possibly would've changed it.

pictish · 15/04/2018 21:00

Both Penny and Nell/Nelly are lovely derivatives of Penelope. I’ll be honest and say I’m not a big fan of Penelope but there is worse...much worse.
We have a close (and much loved) relative called Penelope but she is only ever known as Penny. X

callies · 15/04/2018 21:01

It’s OK. I’m not madly keen but as names go it’s inoffensive.

However, my opinion isn’t important, yours is. Change it. (Nell is a stupid nickname, sorry.)

Mumzywumzy2 · 15/04/2018 21:04

Oh penelope is a beautiful name, please don’t regret it. Sending you big hugs 🤗
It’s horrible feeling like you’ve made the wrong choice xx

Scullerymaid · 15/04/2018 21:06

There's no law that says you must be called by your birth name, op. Just choose a different name to call your baby if you wish and carry on with it.
There's only a few times in life that you need to show a birth certificate and no one will bat an eyelid at the different name.
My whole life my name has been different from my birth cert name - never had a single problem in all that time.

Chewbecca · 15/04/2018 21:07

It's a great name IMO, possibly better on an adult than a baby but that's not a bad thing, she'll grow into it.

happytobemrsg · 15/04/2018 21:11

Perhaps when she grows into her name more you will start to like it? I must say I love the name 😍

HermionesRightHook · 15/04/2018 21:20

Do you like her middle name better if she has one? Can you just swap to that?

PussGirl · 15/04/2018 21:22

I thought Nell was short for Eleanor.

Penelope is fine as a name IMO. What's her middle name, if she has done?

Ryder63 · 15/04/2018 21:22

I like it! and I love Nell or Penny.

PussGirl · 15/04/2018 21:22

*has one

snap with Hermione Smile

DPotter · 15/04/2018 21:23

Penelope is a good strong name.
Wife of Odysseus, who when he failed to return home after the Trojan war, was being pressured in to re-marrying, but refused to choose a new husband until she had finished weaving a piece of cloth. She would weave all day and then at night un-pick it all, only to start again at day-break. Took 10years I think. That’s dedication for you.

AnElderlyLadyOfMediumHeight · 15/04/2018 21:25

Penelope is lovely! I know a Nella - it's her full name and not a shortening, but that might work for you as a shortening/'nickname'?

It sounds as if there isn't a particular name you're desperately hankering after. Tbh, i'd leave it be and let her grow into it, iyswim.

Laniakea · 15/04/2018 21:25

I have a Penelope she's mainly Nell or Nellie but has recently (soon to be 9) started using her full name. She likes it & we do too!

(Nell can be a nickname for Helen(a), Penelope, Eleanor, even Elaine)