So out it’s in?

[Scrunchies]

Belinda, nick name Bee?

I want a traditional name that is unusual and not popular - ahead of the ‘come back curve’ so to speak!

Don’t like the very popular ‘granny’ names for the reason that they are too popular.

Peggy doesn't really fit in the "'so out its in" category, its one of the Granny chic names that have been gradually becoming more popular in the past 10 years (along with Betsy, Elsie, Nellie, Ivy, Mabel etc)

Peggy is also very popular for dogs!

I agree with PPs that Bridget, Melissa, Melinda, Vanessa, Miranda are all the right vibe to go with Susannah and meets the OP's brief

Prefer Melinda, although not keen on 'Mel' as nn. I actually really like Linda! it means 'beautiful' in Spanish.

How about:
Andrea nn Andi
Veronica nn Ronnie
Jocelyn nn Joss
Joanna nn Jo
Yvette nn Evie
Elisa nn Ellie
Tamara nn Tammy

Linda is short for Belinda, not Bea.

Bernice is a really unattractive name IMO

If I had a dd now I'd be looking at Vanessa, Gloria, Shirley, Romilly

Beatrix or Beatrice if you like Bea? And they’re less usual I think than some of the other on trend granny names?

Agree Porno podcast is the association with Belinda - and that is not a good association......

Yep, my dad wrote a porno. As long as she doesn't grow up to be a pots and pans salesman

OP, if you like Belinda then use the name, I wouldn't be concerned about what random strangers on an internet forum thought about it. The same goes for using the name Bee - honestly, all these people saying "Bee is not the shortened form of Belinda" - people can use whatever short name they like, there are no rules!!!!!

I love the name Belinda! I was at school with a nice Belinda (1970s). Her best friend was called Veronica (also a lovely name).

Never heard of this porno thing.

Not sure about Bernice, but I know a Berenice, and that's lovely.

Lovely name

Can definitely see Belinda coming back. Pretty sounding name.

Belinda is a lovely name and definitely not in vogue which is great. There's no way your kid will be known as Belinda J or whatever your surname is her whole school life.

It's a great choice. I know an adult Belinda who uses Belle as the nn. Lots of diminutives available for a classic and gorgeous name.

I think it's a very pretty name!

Very pretty name and I'm amazed it didn't spike in popularity during the similar Isobel/Isabella/Arabella/Bella phase.

It’s nice. Never heard of the podcast.

Bianca?

I think it’s dreadful. I don’t think it’s a nice or classic enough to be ahead of the curve. To me it is certainly in the Beverly, Patricia, Lorraine, Pamela category. 60-70 year old had a tough life women

Also thought if podcast

You could look at the top baby name lists from the 60s-80s as that generation of names is unlikely to come back around for a while. I think the 'granny' names are so popular because people having children now either have or had grandparents born 1920s-30s, but they are unlikely to choose a name from their parents or their generation when they're more likely to know someone with that name.
Could end up finding a bit of a hidden gem!

Names that I haven't heard of anyone naming their babies recently and could have Belinda vibes are:
Julia
Juliet
Sarah
Dawn
Gemma
Leonie
Tessa
Stephanie
Fiona
Nicole
Jennifer
Rachel
Carmen
Jane
Eleanor (nn Elle)

I don't hate Belinda, I do like the nn but would probably go for Beatrix if I was set on the nn.

I love Julia. Everyone I meet with that name is lovely!

Yes sorry Belinda to me is less common 60s- 70s, maybe a bit like Anita or Lorraine? It’s nicer though! But I’d definitely go for Beatrice.

I know a Minnie shirt for Minerva

Love Vanessa

That’s quite similar?

Susanna

Diana
Honor
Verity
Hilary
Meriel
Antonia
Philippa
Marina

I like Belinda

Or
Mirabel
Annabelle

What about Vivienne?

No idea if you'd call it out there but I saw what I think is a lovely name in a death notice today ( I know, sorry)
Marcella (Cilla)