Margaret or Margot?

[Nme8961]

Margaret is a family name that I would like to use somehow, it sounds quite old fashioned and a bit harsh to me for a baby so would definitely use a nn, my favourite is Margot. Do we go with Margaret as her formal name and just call her Margot...or do we just put Margot on the birth certificate?

My concern with Margot is that it is becoming very popular around me and I'm worried that by the time she starts school there will be loads of others in her class, so calling her Margaret gives her a choice to use other nns if Margot explodes.

But if we don't actually ever intend to call her Margaret, is it silly to make that her formal name? Will she hate having to constantly correct teachers and feel awkward because her proper name is a bit of an old lady name?

My name is a 2 syllable name that doesn't lend at all to nns so I feel like I've no insight into this...

Margaret! It definitely deserves a comeback.

I love Marguerite and Magnolia. Margot was on my list for dd, but I’m glad I didn’t go with it in the end because although it’s beautiful and elegant, it is having a moment. I like Margaret too, but you don’t, so you shouldn’t call her that.

I love Margot, and also Margit (mar-geet) which is very Scandi-cool.

I love Margaret - seems like it’s due a revival and it has lots of nickname options

Margot is a gorgeous name. Makes me think of someone sophisticated, classy and glam but also fun. I can't see the name exploding in popularity. Margaret will always be shortened to Mags, Maggie, Meg Peggy or worse, Marge! Margot is far less like likely to be shortened.

Peggy is quite cute actually.

Margaret is growing on me. But if you don't like it, don't put it on the BC. Margot is fine. (Not "Margeaux" please, unless you want people to think her parents can't spell)

I think I actually prefer Margaret, but Margot is a perfectly sensible "full name" if you like it.

Both seems a bit marmite but I suppose you can't please everyone!

I prefer Margaret

I like Margaret and Maggie/Mags

Margot is, (as a PP said) too close to Maggot.

Margot and has the same nicknames as Margaret.

My teenager likes Margot too.

I’m someone with a long (4 syllable) name on my BC and my parents used a shorter version from day 1.

As an adult I’ve been very grateful to have the choice. If there’s a family association I’d probably lean towards having Margaret on the BC.

I would call her Margot. It’s a nicer name, very pretty. I really wouldn’t worry about there possibly being others in the class with the same name - it’s most likely there won’t be.