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Baby names

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

Original poster

Cleo or Rosa

35 replies

countrybum · 14/02/2021 07:40

I'd posted a previous thread before we found out we're having a girl. I was pretty set on the name Rosa but started having little doubts. I then came across the name Cleo and really love it, but hormones can do strange things Grin
I've never met a Cleo and appreciate there may be some cat or car associations....but what are your thoughts?

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Quercus3 · 14/02/2021 07:46

I love both of these names. Cleo Rosa and Rosa Cleo are both gorgeous too if you wanted to use one as a middle. Lovely, OP!

midnightstar66 · 14/02/2021 07:50

DD has a friend Cleo, they are too young to make car associations (Cleo is 12) it's a cool name but I personally much prefer Rosa

abitfunny · 14/02/2021 08:09

Much prefer Cleo to Rosa. It’s still feminine with a slightly cool edge

NoGoodPunsLeft · 14/02/2021 08:13

I haven't met a Cleo IRL but a bad ass character in a book so.it's a good association for me.

Rosa reminds.me of Brooklyn 99 so another bad ass woman so I don't have a preference. I know one Rosa IRL, she's a colleague's sister and late twenties so shes unlikely to be one of 5 at school.

Muskox · 14/02/2021 08:14

I know a Cleo - a surprisingly high number of people get confused and call her Chloe!

TempsPerdu · 14/02/2021 09:30

Tough choice; they’re two of my favourites and were both in the running for DD’s name.

The issue with Cleo for me was that I much prefer the Clio spelling but everyone just automatically thinks car, not Greek muse of history! Still a very cool name though - clearly feminine but not girly.

We loved Rosa too because it’s pretty, simple, international and has some great namesakes (Parks and Luxemburg). But it’s becoming very popular where we are in London compared to when DD was born, so I’ve slightly gone off it for that reason.

I think if I was choosing right now Cleo would probably edge it for me (and this spelling has far fewer car related issues!) 🙂

Dyinghouseplant · 14/02/2021 11:46

I think Rosa is nicer.

partyatthepalace · 14/02/2021 12:14

Cleo for sure -

Rosa is lovely but there are so many Rose/Rosie/Rosas, and Rose is also so common as a middle name that unless it is really the only one you like, best to find something else

Cleo Rosa is great
If you wanted the Clio spelling after the muse, I’d go for it - but Cleo will give you fewer spelling issues.

Spied · 14/02/2021 12:18

Rosa.
I just can't get past feline association with Cleo. I also think it's quite difficult to carry off. I can't imagine myself as a Cleo. I'd feel ridiculous. If you get my meaningConfused

TinyCake · 14/02/2021 12:23

I've met a Cleo, she was lovely.

Nell96 · 14/02/2021 12:54

Rosa is very pretty. I think it's becoming quite popular, if that bothers you - I know of two little Rosas born in the past 18 months. Cleo is a fab name - was on my list, but was a hard no from DH. I agree with pp - prefer the Clio spelling but the car makes it a bit unusable I think. So, on balance, I'd go for Cleo - a beautiful name, more unusual and just has a stronger, more independent vibe to it - Rosa would make a lovely middle name.

pinkandblueflowers · 14/02/2021 12:55

Cleo as it's less popular and a lovely name

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 14/02/2021 15:53

I secretly love Cleo and the cat associations wouldn't bother me at all, they don't for Tabitha. If you are braver than me (or maybe live in an area where unusual names are more common) then I say use it, it's such a cool name - if Juno can be used then why not Clio/Cleo?

Rosa is a safer choice and pretty, but I much admit I prefer the elegant, classic Rose (I sometimes think simplicity is lovely - I prefer Eve over Eva for the same reason).

FawnDrench · 14/02/2021 16:52

Prefer Cleo.
Cleo Rosa is lovely.

mywifi · 14/02/2021 17:02

Cleo

Timpeall · 14/02/2021 17:46

Cleo. By far.

ellenpartridge · 14/02/2021 18:20

Rosa

DramaAlpaca · 14/02/2021 18:23

I like both, but Cleo just wins.

Chunkymenrock · 14/02/2021 18:27

Cleo is really nice.

Cam2020 · 14/02/2021 18:29

They're both lovely! I couldn't choose between them - sorry!

Passiveobserver · 14/02/2021 19:03

I’d keep them both in the running and decide once she’s here, she may look more suited to one name over the other.....
They are both equally lovely names Smile

89redballoons · 14/02/2021 22:31

I know both a Cleo and a Rosa, both under the age of 4. They strike me as quite similar names, actually - both feminine but not timid (or maybe that's just the girls I know!). Neither of them naturally get shortened so you wouldn't have to worry about nicknames you didn't like.

I don't know the cat associations with Cleo. I did used to drive a Clio and when her parents told me Cleo's name I did think of the car, but I never do now, it's just her name.

BallsToYouSue · 14/02/2021 22:38

Cleo is lovely!

Rosa is fine, but think Cleo is a bit more special without being really out there.

Firebird83 · 15/02/2021 00:59

I prefer Rosa, but both are lovely.

Rubybluesy · 15/02/2021 01:00

Rosa for me