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Baby names

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

Original poster

Jolyon - too jolly?

44 replies

Wafflingaboutnames · 22/05/2019 09:48

I’ve likes this name for a while but now I’m wondering if it’s too tricky to pronounce & it’ll be one of those names he’ll spend his life spelling out. Opinions appreciated!

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Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 10:39

Is it pronounced Jol y on?

Calixtine · 22/05/2019 10:47

Don’t like it. It’s a bit of a comedy toff name. Sorry to be blunt!

Julian? Jonty?

daisypond · 22/05/2019 12:05

I know a Jolyon. I like it. But it does get confused with Julian at times.

BertrandRussell · 22/05/2019 12:07

Isn’t it a bit cartoon posh boy? And I say that as a cartoon posh woman!

Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 12:11

I've not heard it before but would pronounce it Jolly-on. Is that right?
As I've not met anyone called Jolyon, it has no associations to me. I quite like it actually. I also like Julian and Julius.

RubaiyatOfAnyone · 22/05/2019 12:45

i knew a Jolyon (Pron. Joe-le-un). I always liked it, but i have the associations of a nice person with it which helps.

Switsy · 22/05/2019 13:22

Definitely a comedy toff name.

ghislaine · 22/05/2019 13:24

I know a Jolyon. I think it’s the Scottish variant of Julian. He’s insufferable. Only do it if you plan to have a clutch of sons and name them Mungo, Peregrine and Marmaduke.

AnnoyedByAlfieBear · 22/05/2019 13:27

I know a Jolyon. He just goes by Joe in everyday life.

sue51 · 22/05/2019 13:27

It's a bit Forsyte Sagaish.

TillyTheTiger · 22/05/2019 13:30

Makes me think of Jolyon Palmer (racing driver), and Jolyon from the Forsyte Saga remake (played by Rupert Graves... yum). I like it but yes it is quite posh.
If it's the joe-leon pronunciation you are looking for rather than jolly-on you could spell it like Joleon Lescott (footballer), which doesn't have the toff connotations.

AdaColeman · 22/05/2019 13:33

I love it!

Switsy · 22/05/2019 13:37

Was Jolyon in the Forsyte Saga the evil one?

Switsy · 22/05/2019 13:38

Ah no, that was Soames. Imagine calling your baby Soames.

MsChookandtheelvesofFahFah · 22/05/2019 13:39

I've always pronounced it Joe Lion. How embarrassingBlush

Original poster
Wafflingaboutnames · 22/05/2019 13:49

Thanks for the comments, yes I did get it from the Forsyte Saga but hey, have to get inspiration from something!
Thanks, pronunciation comments most appreciated. I would pronounce it ‘Jolly-un’ but I can see there would be issues. I was thinking ‘Jol’ for short..?

I’m not too bothered about connotations, I think that can be personal and name trends change such a lot. Couldn’t do Julian as his character is so annoying in the Famous Five 🤣 I still think of Florence or Bertie as old-person-ish and dull but Mumsnet & thousands of parents think they’re cool & sweet!
DH not on board with it (yet?!) so may have to be back to the drawing board!

OP posts:
Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 14:18

Also, associations change - people will associate Jolyon with your son rather than a racing driver or a 'toff' ;whatever that means Confused).

I like it.

Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 14:18

Also, associations change - people will associate Jolyon with your son rather than a racing driver or a 'toff' ;whatever that means Confused).

I like it.

Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 14:19

Also, associations change - people will associate Jolyon with your son rather than a racing driver or a 'toff' ;whatever that means Confused).

I like it.

Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 14:19

Also, associations change - people will associate Jolyon with your son rather than a racing driver or a 'toff' ;whatever that means Confused).

I like it.

Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 14:19

Also, associations change - people will associate Jolyon with your son rather than a racing driver or a 'toff' ;whatever that means Confused).

I like it.

Purplelavenders · 22/05/2019 14:19

Also, associations change - people will associate Jolyon with your son rather than a racing driver or a 'toff' ;whatever that means Confused).

I like it.

SallyWD · 22/05/2019 16:25

I know a baby Jolyon and a 40 year old who likes to be called Jolly. I don't mind it but prefer Julian

BigusBumus · 22/05/2019 16:35

I LOVE the name Jolyon. Bu then i am a bit posh and don't actually care what people think.

DailyFailAreTwats · 22/05/2019 18:31

Love it. I remember meting a Jolyon at a party and really fancying him. It was 25 odd years ago- ish, but I've never forgotten him!!