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Baby names

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

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Original poster

Theodora

18 replies

PiratePetespajamas · 30/12/2018 00:02

Is it too “try hard”? I’ve seen other names on here called that, names i’d consider similar in vibe.

I really, really like it - does anyone have a Theodora in a state school? How does it go down? I can imagine it’s fine if you’re Robbie Williams and your kid is bridesmaid to a princess...but does it work out okay for mere mortals or does it stick out like a sore thumb amongst the Evies and Ellas and Olivias?

OP posts:

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wrapsuperstar · 30/12/2018 00:05

I have a Theodora in a state infant school. She does just fine in amongst the Evies and Lilys etc. It’s a great name with lots of lovely diminutives if always using the full version feels too much for a teeny person!

Original poster

PiratePetespajamas · 30/12/2018 00:12

Thanks wrapsuperstar, that’s reassuring to know. Do you mind if I ask what diminutive you use?

OP posts:

tararabumdeay · 30/12/2018 00:14

Would have had Dorothea if DS was a girl.

MumUnderTheMoon · 30/12/2018 00:32

I think it's lovely and teddy or Dora are great nns if you decide to use one.

ZebraKid71 · 30/12/2018 00:32

I love it! It seems very celebrity to me which would stop me using it but I think it is a lovely name. I like long names with various nn options.

squee123 · 30/12/2018 00:39

I love it with nn Thea

Leeds2 · 30/12/2018 00:55

I don't really like Theodora, but love Thea. The Theodora I knew (private school) was known as Thea to her friends, and Teddy to her family.

DramaAlpaca · 30/12/2018 01:09

I quite like Theodora, I think it's very elegant & classy, but as I can't stand any of the diminutives - Thea, Dora, Teddy - it would be off the table for me.

Dorothea is just as elegant & classy & I love the diminutive Dottie - which is weird as it's cute & I don't normally like cute names.

As for OP's question, I don't see any reason why a Theodora wouldn't fit in just fine at a state school.

Schmoobarb · 30/12/2018 01:50

I think it’s lovely but the only one I have ever known (a contemporary rather than a child) went by the nn Theo in case that puts you off

Marcipex · 30/12/2018 02:41

Thea is okay, though pronounced Fear by many in our neck of the woods.

Teddy is going to be the next Lilymae, Evie, Katie, Emma etc. Too many of them.

IdaBWells · 30/12/2018 02:47

Theodora is lovely I was tempted to use it 18 yrs ago.

Peachbubble · 30/12/2018 08:09

I like it. I know a 5 year old Theodora, who's goes by the nn Thea.

Frankenterfer · 30/12/2018 08:10

Beautiful name, go for it!

Original poster

PiratePetespajamas · 30/12/2018 14:32

I fear the “Fear” pronunciation too , also “Feadora”.... hasn’t put me off it yet though!

OP posts:

bridgetreilly · 30/12/2018 17:19

I like it, though I prefer Dorothea. I think she'll be fine in school. There are plenty of Theas around and Dora the Explorer, so Theodora won't seem all that weird.

champagneduvin · 30/12/2018 17:28

Sorry I feel it might be “try too hard”.

EloisaJane · 30/12/2018 20:51

It's gorgeous. If she finds it too much she can just go by Thea. Makes a lovely change from all the Evies, Lily's etc.

ShadyLady53 · 31/12/2018 22:58

If you like Theodora and Teddy, may I also suggest Frederica and Freddy? They are in a similar vein but less popular currently.

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