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Baby names

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

Original poster

Imogen or Octavia

80 replies

2und3r2 · 09/07/2018 20:13

36 weeks now and still completely torn over our 2 girls names so would love some feedbackto help us decide.

For a long time we’ve been set on Imogen but recently my husband’s become increasingly keen on the name Octavia - which he’s always liked but thinks especially fitting for an August baby. I like it too but worried it sounds a bit pretentious - what do others think? Only concern with Imogen is has it become too popular? Any thoughts much appreciated plus opinions on which of the 2 you prefer? Thanks x

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Aprilshouldhavebeenmyname · 09/07/2018 20:15

Octavia is a model of car.

RavenWings · 09/07/2018 20:16

Much, much prefer Imogen. I teach and we don't have any - mind you I am in Ireland so the popular names will be different.

Octavia always seems a bit affected to me.

Scribblegirl · 09/07/2018 20:18

I know a girl called Octavia, nickname Occy. I really like it and think it’s more unusual than Imogen nowadays but I guess it could sound a tad pretentious depending on where you live.

Atetoomanyjaffacakes · 09/07/2018 20:19

Octavia is awful

applecatchers36 · 09/07/2018 20:20

Imogen is so much nicer

ZoSanDesu · 09/07/2018 20:21

Love Octavia! It's on my list for sure! Imogen used to be too, but too many around at the moment.

HumphreyCobblers · 09/07/2018 20:22

I love Octavia.

My DH said not until we had eight.

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 09/07/2018 20:23

My DB has three Octavias in his year in his degree course (a class of about 60)! All born in 1998.

So I think August 2018 would be a good time to use it. Saying that, I like both names.

DramaAlpaca · 09/07/2018 20:24

Imogen is nicer.

Unless she's born on the 8th August in which case she'd have to be an Octavia.

ShotsFired · 09/07/2018 20:26

Octavia is more the name of a naughty springer spaniel who won't come to heel in Richmond Park.

But then Imogen with the ghastly "Immy" shortening is not great either, sorry.

TroubledLichen · 09/07/2018 20:27

I like both but prefer Octavia.

Peachbubble · 09/07/2018 20:38

I like both, but prefer Imogen I think

daisypond · 09/07/2018 20:38

Octavia is nice - unusual and strong. I really dislike Imogen.

HeyDolly · 09/07/2018 20:56

Imogen is much nicer imo.

duggeehug85 · 09/07/2018 21:01

Definitely Imogen. Love it!

gekiort · 09/07/2018 21:01

Octavia is going to get called Skoda repeatedly. Don’t do it!

Taffeta · 09/07/2018 21:03

They’re both Jilly Cooper novels Grin

EmmaC78 · 09/07/2018 21:03

Imogen

BellBookandCandle · 09/07/2018 21:10

Jilly Cooper fan perchance? Have you considered Bella, Harriet, Emily and Prudence?

Original poster
2und3r2 · 09/07/2018 21:17

Actually no, just a coincidence didn’t know they were both Jilly Cooper novels till just looked it up having read the replies

OP posts:
Cadencia · 09/07/2018 21:19

Imogen. I only know one child (age 4) and one adult.

Jj2431 · 09/07/2018 21:19

Octavia isn't very nice. Not mad on Imogen but it's a nice enough name. I'd chose Imogen

Original poster
2und3r2 · 09/07/2018 21:19

Good point hadn’t actually thought about year being 18 too - baby brain! Have agreed with husband if born on 8th she can be called Octavia - can’t ignore 8.8.18 - other dates still undecided!

OP posts:
Cbeebiesrehab · 09/07/2018 21:44

I really like Octavia and it’s very fitting for an August baby in 2018😍

Racecardriver · 09/07/2018 21:47

I mogen is lovely. Mim us a popular nick name. No particular feelings on ocatavia. Don't find it pretentious just a tiny bit whimsical in a good way.