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Baby names

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

Original poster

Names which are unpopular and you don't understand why

126 replies

detachablehoof · 06/02/2019 20:25

I wondered about calling my PFB Topsy. 99.9% of responses were utter horror. Olive was another on my list which people were horrified by. I don't understand why?! It's not weird, it's easy to spell, it's a proper name, ...

And now I'm wondering about Beryl. A quick search of this forum tells me that I'd get a similar reaction so I'll not ask for opinions Grin

If it was a boy I liked Leonard ... which elicited horror from my family!

Do I just have terrible taste or does anyone else find the general consensus really odd sometimes? Like why is Olive considered terrible and frumpy when Olivia is so popular?

Would love to hear which other names you wonder why they aren't used more!

OP posts:
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SallyWD · 06/02/2019 22:45

I think the name Maria is beautiful but I never meet any little girls call Maria. Its just not fashionable.

GinZing · 06/02/2019 22:47

Ballonz is everywhere these days as you know, but Barry not so much. Times change.

Original poster
detachablehoof · 06/02/2019 22:48

@sallywd Maria is lovely!

OP posts:
pasbeaucoupdegendarme · 06/02/2019 22:50

I know an adult Topsy. She must be in her 50s now. She’s from a pretty privileged background but also is an entrepreneur and is, frankly, loaded. I’ve never quite felt that the “ditsy” nature of the name suited her!

Quite surprised to read a pp’s description of me based on my ds’s name! Surprised and amused because it’s far off the mark and just serves to show what wild conclusions people will jump to.

MotherofPearl · 06/02/2019 22:54

GinZing Grin

Sakura7 · 06/02/2019 23:01

Topsy is ridiculous, sorry. I can't believe it's actually been used and PPs know people IRL with that name. Shock

Olive is ok but I prefer Olivia.

I love the name Freda/Frieda but I've seen it absolutely slated on here.

slappinthebass · 06/02/2019 23:05

I met a Topsy once in a nursery, she was just adorable and really suited it. I've met a couple of Olives recently, and although the name isn't hugely popular yet (150th) it's dramatically on the rise in popularity according to Dark Greener names tool.

For me it's Dilys. I think it's adorable but everyone just thinks welsh old lady.

slappinthebass · 06/02/2019 23:08

Oh I like Beryl too. I had an auntie Beryl, and she took me bluebell picking when I was feet little, and I thought her name was Auntie Bluebell. Can you call her Beryl Bluebell Grin.

Kokeshi123 · 07/02/2019 01:05

I'm sorry, but Topsy is simply awful. It has a silly sound, it is not a proper name, Topsy and Tim etc. It's like something you would call a pet labrador.

Olive and Beryl are at least proper names though not to my taste. Beryl makes me think of a mean lady librarian with a tartan pleated skirt and scary Dame Edna spectacles.

Taytotots · 07/02/2019 01:29

I like Beryl but you will get 'Beril the peril' (Beano comic) - or maybe not as no-one has mentioned it yet I don't think!
Topsy = Topsy and Tim to me. Also sounds like a posh jolly hockey sticks nick name.
However, if you like it go for it. My son is one of the marmite names mentioned above!

pineapplebryanbrown · 07/02/2019 01:42

Topsy makes me think of big bouncing bosoms.

I love Gretchen, Greta and Gretel. But i think they sound too much like retching.

17caterpillars1mouse · 07/02/2019 03:01

I love Mavis, Dilys and Sibyl. Nobody else does

stellarfox · 07/02/2019 07:39

I love Dorothy with the nickname Dottie.

I really like Eric but I don’t think a lot of people do.

Bumblebeesmum · 07/02/2019 08:27

Oops I didn’t mean to say a surgeon called Topsy sounded uneducated - I meant they sounded like a rabbit / fake / I’m dreaming !

PaulHollywoodsSexGut · 07/02/2019 08:35

Two entries that have made me crack up on this thread

@Bumblebeesmum and the surgeon called “Topsy” (tears)

@tawdrylocalbrouhaha I’m sorry but “baby Alan” has also killed me.

You do make a good point though about “Leonard” being in the “Wilf” and “Stanley” categories.

Maybe there’s a laughing gas leak on this bus.

I like Mary but it’s always binned off. Also: Jane.

Due a comeback I think.

Bumblebeesmum · 07/02/2019 08:41

Baby Alan Shock

dellacucina · 07/02/2019 08:45

Nevaeh how do you even pronounce that??

Parthenope · 07/02/2019 08:50

'Nev-AY-a', della. And no, that doesn't make any sense phonetically from the spelling of 'heaven' backwards, which should sound like 'Nev-AY' (possibly with a silent final h?).

I'm slightly fascinated by Nevaeh. Presumably some individual parent had the bright idea of calling their daughter Heaven backwards in the relatively recent past, and then it sort of went viral...?

Boxerbinky · 07/02/2019 08:56

I love Olive and Dorothy - the others not so much.

Boxerbinky · 07/02/2019 08:56

Actually - I don't mind Leonard.. little Leo Smile

dellacucina · 07/02/2019 09:26

Parthenope thanks! This makes me dislike the name even more than I initially did. It is an interesting story, though...

Tawdrylocalbrouhaha · 07/02/2019 15:11

Baby Alan is a very charismatic little chap - he will rock that name, and by the time he is 20 it will be popular again and he will be ahead of the curve.

EnoughSnowAlready · 07/02/2019 15:23

You can make that a club of at least three, Parthenope. I hate George too.

YoungBritishPissArtist · 07/02/2019 15:26

There's a popular YouTuber called Dodie, short for Dorothy. She's early twenties and it suits her.

starkid · 07/02/2019 16:28

Nooo not Deirdre!

Olive is lovely :) Not keen on the others though, especially Topsy?!!