Vera

[Picknickers]

Is this useable? It's the only name we can agree on and it's really growing on me. Surname is boring/fairly common 2 syllables and middle name would be Francesca which is a tribute to a family member. We don't want Francesca as a first name as the family is full of Frank's and Frankies! What do you think?

The 'Aloe Veeeera, 'allo vera!' advert is what immediately comes to my mind

Vera is lovely and classic. I think of Vera Brittain when I hear it.

We have just found out that my mind first name was Vera. She always went by her middle name but told us that Vera was her middle name. She hated the name Vera.

We have a Vera! Love it love it love it. Easy to spell and pronounce, works internationally, works for all ages, classic, strong but feminine.

How would children know that a name is old fashioned or not? These days, kids come to schools with very exotic named children...I would suspect that any child ‘deciding’ a given name is worth bullying someone can actually thank their parents for bigoted and unnecessary comments at home —and on MumsNet—

I met a young Vera a while back and the name really grew on me. I like it. She was from the Czech Republic. However the association in the UK with Vera Duckworth is probably still quite strong. If that doesn't bother you then go for it!

Another one who associates it with Vera Brittain.
I like it - it has a Clara-like vibe, and that's becoming increasingly popular.

Didn’t say it was a bad thing just first thing that springs to mind. Good film but op may not know of it or want that association.
Vera Duckworth would be second Vera to come to mind.

Both of my girls have old lady names (outside of top 100) but I can't get onboard with Vera.

It's clunky and harsh. Sorry.

It's a step too far for me, but I was wrong about Mabel and Dorothy so I'm probably just behind fashion.

Thank you for all the help. It's definitely a contender!

TBH I don’t think Vera had quite reached the “old lady chic” stage yet

But if you truly want to be chic, you have to be ahead of the curve. It's not cool to pick the old lady names that are already seen as cool by the masses!

Then in 20 years when there are 7 Veras in every class, OP can feel smug.

? Why would kids "tease"?

It might sound a bit middle-aged to some of our posters, but to kids who lack those associations, it would no stranger than Eva or Violet or Mia or many other similar-sounding names.

I'm not a huge fan but it's not a silly or awful name.

I think many people under - what 20,30? - won't have heard of it. A child at primary very likely won't have come across another Vera if there was one in their class.

Thea?

Love it!