How would you perceive a girl called Mabel?

[Homeontherangeuk]

Ttc & Mabel was on my list the past two times? How would you picture a Mabel?

@TatianaBis

Is there some rule that says working class parents can’t call their kid Mabel?

Indeed, especially as they're frequently excoriated on here for making choices considered ‘chavvy’.

Terrible name. Frumpy and not nice.

Cute.

I love Mabel. Possibly a dogs name but I think a girl being called Mabel would be lovely

Prefer simple May (more classic sounding imo). I'd assume the parents of a Mabel liked retro/vintage trendy names. Having said that I've met a couple of little Mabel's and I don't think it's the sort of name anyone would be surprised by (you aren't bringing back Gladys or Edna for instance).

Appreciate the replies, thanks mumsnetters...
Also love Marina, what are your thoughts on it?
The m girls names have a special meaning, my favourite non M name would be Daphne...

Mabel makes me think of the cat in Stan and Mabel. GREAT audiobook on spotify if youve got half an hour.
Marina makes me think of those fabulous old ladies from brizzle on gogglebox. And also a song from an ad from the 80s which no one seems to remember. And may she always have sunlight in her hair, Mariiina... While a woman stood on a shell like Venus and brushed her hair.

@Amdone123

Agree with pp. It's too try hard. It's also in the same family as Mildred and Mavis, so whereas some old names are beautiful ( Martha, Margot), Mabel isn't. When I hear it, I think of Mucky Mabel who had no manners at the table ! My friend's gd is Mabel. She got really upset when telling an acquaintance the name as acquaintance was overtly horrified. Of course, it was rude of the acquaintance, but inwardly, I cringe. Matilda and Mollie are lovely. Do you like Martha ? Oh, just realised it rhymes with Arthur. Margot ? Millicent? ( though then you'd have a Mollie and potential Millie !)

Surely it’s personal taste though as I personally think Martha is the most hideous name there is but I like Mabel.

I picture a sensible, studious yet pretty cool girl with blonde hair.

Marina is gorgeous - very international, classy and elegant sounding imo (since it reminds me of both the Shakespeare character and Princess Marina of Greece) and seems to be used more worldwide, even though it's not super popular in the UK.

But I like that Marina can be easily made to have a different feel by the variety of nn's - my faves are Marnie and Mina. Providing you can get past the "place to store boats" thing, I think it's a really great choice (much nicer than dated Mabel or dowdy Martha to me).

@Homeontherangeuk

Lovely name. Abs she can shorten to bel or may.

@Homeontherangeuk I love Mabel. Your other alternative of Marina is also equally lovely. They both work well with your other children’s names.

@IamnotwhouthinkIam

Marina is gorgeous - very international, classy and elegant sounding imo (since it reminds me of both the Shakespeare character and Princess Marina of Greece) and seems to be used more worldwide, even though it's not super popular in the UK.

But I like that Marina can be easily made to have a different feel by the variety of nn's - my faves are Marnie and Mina. Providing you can get past the "place to store boats" thing, I think it's a really great choice (much nicer than dated Mabel or dowdy Martha to me).

I agree. I think the same about the name Marina.

There was a Mabel in NICU while DD was there. Didn't think anything of it, really - much more sensible than a lot of the names there!

There is the pop star Mabel so I suspect it will become even more popular. However if your other 2 daughters are M names I would avoid as I hate matchy matchy things like all siblings having same initials.

Marina is fabulous - classy, elegant, international.
Mabel is the opposite - dowdy, dull, meek. It’s very scullery maid.

My dd is Mabel. It's not that popular here and I absolutely love it. She's so damn cute, she really suits the name. Everyone I've met has said they live it too (although I'm aware they might just be saying that to be kind)

It's dd's 3rd name. Her first was for my grandma, her second our mutual choice and her third as a nod to dh's grandma whose 2nd name it was.

The thread resonates a little as my grandma's middle name was Marina, dh's Mabel :)

If Mabel is making a resurgence then Beryl can’t be far behind.

I think if you are of a certain age group you might see Mabel as an old fashioned frumpy name, but if you are younger it will sound cool and ultra fashionable to you.

Mabel belongs to the group of old fashioned names that you either love or hate.

For me it's a no as I can think of many, in my head, far prettier names.
However it's your choice and that's all that matters really.

Mabel kicks ass OP. Although I might be tempted to go the whole hog and call her Maybelle. My favourite M name is Matilda. Alas I never had a girl and I'm too old now.

Dull

I think if you are of a certain age group you might see Mabel as an old fashioned frumpy name, but if you are younger it will sound cool and ultra fashionable to you.

I don’t think it’s age-related - I’m 26 and I think it’s frumpy.

Sweet, old fashioned. I know several primary school aged Mabels around here.

Marina is stunning.

I can't abide Mabel. It's so frumpy and dated sounding.

Elderly great aunt with thick glasses.