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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is this a nice name? Knock some sense into me, and quick.

150 replies

emmyblake · 22/08/2019 18:40

Turned 30 weeks yesterday with a baby girl and I’ve fell head over heels with the name Arietty I’m in loooooveee!!! Is it a dreadful name? It might be hormones.
Disclaimers

  • yes I’m well aware it’s a name from The Borrowers, and that it was made up for it.
  • and yes it was spelt with 2Rs as in Arrietty but I think that makes it a bit clunky!

So please, knock some bloody sense into me. I’m just head over heels with it!

Thank you
Emmy

OP posts:
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DinosaursWouldEatYou · 22/08/2019 21:32

Oooh I love it! And so many ways to abbreviate it, only issue is How many times people will misspell it!

Lucked · 22/08/2019 21:33

Do it.

Yes it is marginally pretentious but so what - it is a fab name

OhTheRoses · 22/08/2019 21:36

It's rather nice. If you sp it arietty will it not be pronounced Ahrietty with a long a? I prefer the short a

Milkstick · 22/08/2019 21:39

If you love it, use it. I have a huge list of names saved on Nameberry and some of them I would love to use if we ever manage baby 2. I'm normally not a fan of A names (I don't even know why) but you love this and I love that you love it, and names are meant for people who love them. DS has a name from a book character too. :)

tabbiemoo · 22/08/2019 21:40

I think it’s really cute. Also lots of possible nn’s - Ari, Aria, Etty, Etta

tabbiemoo · 22/08/2019 21:41

Also like all the names Ariany, Ariana, Ariane which are similar.

Choice4567 · 22/08/2019 21:47

Ooo I love it! Knew it sounded familiar; I’d forgotten about the borrowers!

Oh I really think you should go for it. Nn Etty

StripeySocks29 · 22/08/2019 21:48

I loved the borrowers as a child and in theory I like the name, but I cannot picture it on an adult.

And it will be a nightmare having to spell it out and repeat it constantly, I’ve got a top 100 name that I have to do this with and it is soul destroying.

I’d be tempted to put Harriett on the birth certificate and use Arietty as a nickname.

Marcipex · 22/08/2019 21:51

I like it 🙂
I think I’d use Harriet on the birth certificate and nn her Arrietty.
I know a Harriet nn Ratty so its a lot better than that.

Original poster
emmyblake · 22/08/2019 21:59

I dislike Harriet I’m afraid.
Unless it’s a v ridiculous name, I don’t see the point of having a name on the bc you never use! This is close to home as I am registered Emmeline but have been called Emmy from day one to everyone. I must have been called Emmeline about 5 times total in my 26 years on this planet. Most don’t even know Emmy is not my full name! Anyway rant over.

I am a little worried that the name won’t wear on an adult. Thoughts?
Also I want the ari (like apple) pronounciation rather than ah-ri (like a southerner would pronounce bath!)
So maybe the Arri spelling would stop this?

I am so close to using it! xx thanks for all your thoughts

OP posts:
LollyBmummy3 · 22/08/2019 22:06

Boing🔨 it’s not great! Arria is similar but nicer. 💕

ranoutofquinoaandprosecco · 22/08/2019 22:11

Love it, you'll need to get her all the Borrowers books. X

SierraNevada · 22/08/2019 22:17

I love it for a child but am not sure about it for an adult. Somehow it seems the sort of name you’d need to suit and might easily not ‘fit’ the personality/style of its owner if that makes sense. As a small, plump, middle aged admin assistant I’d maybe not feel I could carry it off and want something a bit less theatrical sounding? But I do realise that’s just me projecting.

CorBlimeyGovenor · 22/08/2019 22:19

I like it. It sounds really pretty!

BertrandRussell · 22/08/2019 22:20

Harriet. Use Arietty as a pet name. Sorted.

Croquembou · 22/08/2019 22:23

I am a little worried that the name won’t wear on an adult

I always think this is a ridiculous argument. I have one of the names people always label as too cutesy for an adult but here I am as an adult, with my name. I think the stance people take is that noone will take you seriously? Well, I have a good job that I'm very competent at in a male-dominated field and it has never been an issue. I like my name, it is cute, but it doesn't change anything.

I also don't think Arietty is particularly babyish.

It's really cool - do it!!

sheshootssheimplores · 22/08/2019 22:28

I can promise you no one will use the full name bar you. It’s too much of a mouthful.

SleepingIsOverrated · 22/08/2019 22:28

@emmyblake I don't think I've ever seen a names thread with so many positive replies GrinGrin

helloisitmeyourelookingfor · 22/08/2019 22:35

I prefer Arrieta -ages better

Croquembou · 22/08/2019 22:35

ALSO (sorry, apparently I have a lot of views tonight), I never understand 'oh, it's just a made up name'. All names were, at some point, made up. There isn't a scroll in the centre of the earth with the one true list of real names.

Heh1991 · 22/08/2019 22:44

I think it’s really lovely. I’d personally be inclined to put Harriet on the birth certificate though and have Arietty as a cute nickname and then if DD wanted to do could be Aria or Etta even from that!

SeaWitchly · 22/08/2019 22:55

Awful name imo. Sounds made up and try hard. Also like a child making up a nickname for Harriet.

SeaWitchly · 22/08/2019 22:58

Agree with PP who thought it was the equivalent of calling your child Khaleesi and also the one who said Ariadne was much nicer.

Letthemysterybe · 22/08/2019 23:03

It definitely was on my
‘List’. But then it was replaced by Ariadne, which is more elegant IMO.

NameChange84 · 22/08/2019 23:03

Surely the equivalent would be more like Wendy or Tigerlily? Neither of which seem all that strange...