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Baby names

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

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Original poster

Gabriel or Theodore

40 replies

fireworkbaby · 04/04/2019 14:20

Which do you prefer? I like both of these names. Would prefer something not too popular (ie not multiple in a class) and think Theodore + Theo + Teddy etc are pretty popular? If we went for Theodore would use Theo or Ted as a nickname. I like Gabriel but not so keen on Gabe. Also any suggestions for names on similar lines?

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Awwlookatmybabyspider · 05/04/2019 19:33

How does Gabriel shorten to Rae.

I suppose the Same could be said "How does Margaret shorten to Peggy".

EmmaBead · 05/04/2019 19:35

I like Gabriel. It's a nice name.

Mooshu · 05/04/2019 20:30

I like Theodore but hate the name Gabriel.

I have a Theodore shortened to Tom

SassyCassie · 05/04/2019 20:34

A little Theo would be adorable! I wouldn't say the name is popular, however that could just be where I live.

Doodlekitty · 05/04/2019 20:39

I have a Gabriel. He's nearly 4. He has never had his name shortened, although I appreciate it probably will be in future.

Outing myself to anyone who knows me here, but his brother is Gideon. Which I adore!

We get a lot of comments about him being an angel. Which he very much isn't. Its a lush name.
Theodore was on our list but really doesn't work with our surname

KindnessCrusader · 05/04/2019 20:44

@Doodlekitty Gideon is so lovely!

Joeybee · 05/04/2019 21:02

This is a tough one. I like both names and both have been on my list at some time or another.

Theodore is gentle, versatile, a little bit grand, but not pompous. However it puts me off that it is riding in popularity so much.

Gabriel is such a sweet sounding name and Gabe is a lovely nickname. However I feel it's maybe a bit too feminine sounding. It's also very biblical...which without being religious, I felt a bit wrong using it.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 05/04/2019 21:20

I wouldnt say Gabriel was feminine.
Yes it does have a feminine form, but so do lots of names. Daniel, George. Harry. Joseph. Francis.
No one complains about those names.

MouseBatMummy · 05/04/2019 21:24

I like both. Theo is very popular where I am ( West Yorkshire) so would go for Gabriel - but I love Gabe so that nn wouldn't bother me

tootiredtospeak · 05/04/2019 21:58

I have a Gabriel and we love it. There is actually 2 in his class at school!!

WoollyMummoth · 05/04/2019 22:12

Gabriel and Gideon are gorgeous names!

NutMeghan · 05/04/2019 22:25

I much prefer Gabriel but I like Gabe.

So if you don't like Gabe go with Theodore with nn Ted.

KarBB · 06/04/2019 11:42

Gabs?
I've come accross lots of Theo's lately and I think it's really high on the popular names table atm - you can check the ons stats. That said I prefer Theodore to Gabriel and adore Ted & Teddy!

SilverySurfer · 06/04/2019 16:10

I like both but would choose Theodore for the nn Theo.

WhereIsMyTVRemote · 06/04/2019 22:53

Tough choice there op. Love them both. No Gabriel's in abundance where I am, Theos are to a point. I'd go Gabriel personally as I love Gabe too.

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