Torn

[AverageMummy]

Mary - really torn on this name. Thoughts?

Oh yes--I think I would feel differently if I was Irish because it seems like most Irishwomen over 50 are either Mary, Marie, Maria, Mhairi or Maureen. Or a name with "Mary" in it. A bit too much! In England I think the name is just starting to look for a revival and sounds quite "different" in a nice way.

I do think you have to be careful with middle names though. Mary Anne is sweet but a bit too retro. Mary Jane is shoes/drugs. Some combos like Mary Catherine etc. sound a bit too much like a nun or a convent school title. I think Mary is nice with a slightly frilly middle name, like Rosalind or Genevieve.

I thought the name was 'Torn' too and was about to mention a stunt man called Rip Torn.

I love it. It's my DD's middle name. I would have used it as a first name if she had a less plain, more interesting surname, but it would have been like naming her Mary Brown or Mary Jones- it just sound like an 18th century scullery maid! With a more unique surname I think it's great.

I really like it. Classic and underused. Prefer it to Marie/ Maria etc.

I think I would feel differently if I was Irish because it seems like most Irishwomen over 50 are either Mary, Marie, Maria, Mhairi or Maureen. Or a name with "Mary" in it. A bit too much!

As an Irish woman over 50 who went to school with a bunch of other Irish women who are also now over 50, I beg to differ.

Mhairi is a (mangled) Scottish name btw.

I love it. I know an extremely cool teenage Mary

Apologies, Math--the friend of my sister whom I was thinking of is Maire not Mhari! I was confusing two people.

I've only ever seen it written down so not sure how it is pronounced--maybe like "moira"?

Yes, Máire is just like Moira.

Not a name I like, but could probably grow on you if you met a little girl called Mary. I do like Merry and Mariah as alternatives.

Fairylights why? I can't imagine what is remotely tease-worthy about Mary as a middle name...

I think I prefer Torn.

Definitely deserves a comeback.

I know a little Mary Edith and a Mary Ann.

Always disliked it with a passion. Sounds so sanctimonious.
Maybe why it's underused.

I know a 4 year old Mary. I was a bit taken aback at first but she's just gorgeous so I'm used to it now and love it!

Mary is lovely. I too thought you were asking advice on Torn as a name! "Mary is a lot nicer, classic and timeless

plain and boring, not nice, middle name at most for me

How about Rosemary? Could have Mary as nn but she would also have option of a Rose/Rosie type nn if she wanted.