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

Middle name to go with Bernadette

74 replies

babydisney · 12/08/2020 06:40

I love all of the below names so would probably use in the future as a first name but also wouldn't mind using for middle names, they are preferred suggestions, Irish/French is my theming and Marie is a family name. Bernadette as first because I have a personal connection to the name and my favourite ever series is TBBT, my name is two syllabals partners three, not sure whose I would use yet.
Della
Emilie
Estella
Rosalie
Enya
Esmerelda (Esme)
Giulia
India
Margaux
Daphne
Pippa
Celeste
Marie
Gabriella

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Gubbeen · 12/08/2020 06:44

There’s nothing remotely Irish about any of those, though, other than Enya, which is an Anglicised version of Eithne?

babydisney · 12/08/2020 06:46

As an Irish immigrant I can tell you bernadette, Marie, Enya and Emily are prominently used in our Irish community. As stated I'm open to stronger Irish middle names but bernadette is the first chosen due to its Catholic connections 🙃❔

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Gubbeen · 12/08/2020 06:52

Bernadette certainly used to be used in Ireland, but no longer, along with Concepta, Assumpta, Philomena etc. Ditto Marie. I doubt there are Bernadettes under the age of 60.

TwilightPeace · 12/08/2020 06:56

I doubt there are Bernadettes under the age of 60

It’s true, and there’s a reason for it.
Don’t choose a name like that without thinking about how your child will feel having to grow up with it.

orangejuicer · 12/08/2020 06:58

I would probably look at a short middle name with such a long first name. Eg Anne, though that probably doesn't fit with your list.

MissDai5y · 12/08/2020 06:58

Going off script I like Frances as a middle name for Bernadette.

babydisney · 12/08/2020 06:59

The comments are hilarious bernadette isn't the discussion the middle names are. I love the name and yes I know multiple bernadettes UNDER 60 thanks. 🙄

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babydisney · 12/08/2020 07:00

@missdai5y thank you that's actually a family name too, my aunties first name and sister middle that would definitely be a contender x

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Knocka · 12/08/2020 07:15

Calling a baby Bernadette or Marie is like calling her Doris or Mildred.

kyles101 · 12/08/2020 07:44

Names come in and out of fashion due to nostalgia. Look at the resurgence of archies etc

I would go for something short, one syllable, I think the flow is nice that way.

LongPauseNoReply · 12/08/2020 07:46

Op I think it’s lovely!

I like Bernadette Celeste

ILoveStickers · 12/08/2020 07:47

Bernadette reads pretty Irish to me (though not Irish language).

I know a Bernadette in her 30s with a daughter Aoife. I actually think Bernadette Aoife is a great combo!

justoverthehorizon · 12/08/2020 07:48

I like Bernadette Frances as well!

what about
Clare. or Charlotte?

RedRec · 12/08/2020 07:52

I think Bernadette is a lovely name, OP. What about Joy as a middle name? Neither Irish nor French but I think those names work together beautifully.

Knocka · 12/08/2020 07:59

Absolutely, @kyles101, but Bernadette is with names like Barbara, Nigel, Derek or Angela — not long enough has passed for them to come back into fashion like Archie or Ada.

Definitely in Ireland as a pp said, it would be classed with horrifically dated ‘nun names’ like Assumpta, Concepta, Attracta, Immaculata, Faustina.

babydisney · 12/08/2020 08:02

@ilovestickers love that, that used to be on my list but I thought would be difficult to pronounce and close to my cousins name but as a middle would be fab.
@justoverthehorizon not keen on Charlotte but Claire is another cousins name so will add to the list.
@redrec not usually keen on emotion names like 'hope' but will admit it fits the overall vibe and works well

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babydisney · 12/08/2020 08:03

@longpausenoreply great suggestion works so well x
As for everyone else, shaming me for culturally broadening my horizons is pretty appalling.

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babydisney · 12/08/2020 08:05

The only other name I would consider making bernadette a second name for is Caoimhe

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emmathedilemma · 12/08/2020 08:51

Mary?
Orla?

Kokeshi123 · 12/08/2020 12:52

I rather like Bernadette, but it does sound as if the name sounds dated in a bad way in Ireland itself. If your child is likely to spend much time in Ireland or live there, perhaps it might be better as a middle name?

Caoimhe Bernadette sounds good to me.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 12/08/2020 13:54

I think it's a fab name. There was also virtually no Arthurs under 70 ten years ago. You can't put a pin head between them, now.

Bernadette Shannon
Bernadette Florence
Bernadette Mairead.
Bernadette Sofia
Bernadette Olivia
Bernadette Alicia.
Bernadette Abigail

MikeUniformMike · 12/08/2020 14:08

I like it. Doris is due a comeback.

Most middle names on your list are too strong IMO.

I'd use as a full name:

Bernadette Surname1 Surname2 where the day-to-day name is Bernadette Surname2.

If you feel another middle name is required, choose one that flows. Bernadette Marie is the one that sounds best.

I am of the opinion that parents should be, ideally married, and that the child should have the mother's surname.

CoffeeRunner · 12/08/2020 14:16

Is Bernadette really that bad in Ireland? It sounds quite pretty to me.

I think something short & sweet would sound nice with it. Along the lines of;

Bernadette Lucy
Bernadette Kate
Bernadette Molly

Is there a usual nn for Bernadette other than Bernie?

YetAnotherSpartacus · 12/08/2020 14:22

Bernadette was the favourite confirmation name for girls of my era (under 60).

Most Bernadettes had Mary as a second name.

I think Brigid is due a come-back.

How about Bernadette Brigid?

PaulinePetrovaPosey · 12/08/2020 14:26

I know it's not what you asked... but I love Bernadette and know a very cool one in her 20s (know as Detta).