Caledonia?

[Milkchocolatealmonds]

What are your thoughts on Caledonia?

I'm Scottish but living overseas. My preference for names is slipping into the territory of names that would have felt too much in Scotland...Hamish, Angus etc. Am probably homesick!

Caledonia I'm liking a lot but is it a bit much?

I'm English and don't think it's any different than any other place names. I wouldn't be surprised to meet a Caledonia. Shortened to Callie it's cute. I also know a girl called Donia.

I think it's much better than Alba. I can't get over the electronics brand and political party.

You've been listening to that song, haven't you? I get the homesickness, remember that ad in the 90s with a guy on the tube?

Please don't. There are so many great Scottish girls names around that you don't have to name her Caledonia.

On the same page as @VeryHungryCaterpillarYum.

Well it's looking like a pretty strong 'no' for Caledonia! Thanks all. Always good to have a virtual slap on Mumsnet!

Reminds me of a North Sea ferry. Sorry.

Homesickness can cause a glitch in the good sense and good taste matrix.

Living overseas can be hard at times!

How about Tiree?

There are a lot more little Caledonias in Scotland that you might think! Also many Albas and a few Scotias. These are all girls, but Scotland has been used as a name for a fair few boys, so you're definitely not alone, OP!

There are lots of fabulous Scottish names which are more unusual:

Girls: Muirne (Or Murran/ Mirren for English spelling)/ Morven/ Eilidh (more common but lovely)

Boys: Innes/ Struan/ Lauchlan/ Arran (again last 2 more common but lovely).

The song that sprung to my mind was

Caledonia is a bit OTT. Apart from this I cannot imagine a 70 year old lady called Caledonia going down the shops. As some one suggested, Iona is lovely.

But Iona doesn't offer any scope for multiple nicknames, only Yoni or Ione, whereas Caledonia offers many and will be so cool when she is a High Court Judge/Headteacher/MP....

Caledonia might be a bit much but I love Callie.

Also Morven, wish I could have justified calling DD Morven but I’m not remotely Scottish.

@ILoveShula

But Iona doesn't offer any scope for multiple nicknames, only Yoni or Ione, whereas Caledonia offers many and will be so cool when she is a High Court Judge/Headteacher/MP....

DD has a friend called Iona and her nickname is Gus.

Nicknames aren't always shortened/lengthened versions of a name.

Makes me think of a train line. I'd go with Skye, Alba, or traditional names like Mhairi.

I know a Caledonia. She is always called Callie.

I rather like it… I am see if you’re in Scotland it might be a bit much, but as you’re not, I think it’s fine. I can’t see it’s much different to naming your child Erin.

Only if you are Nicola Sturgeon

It’s a bit nationalistic but then there’s America Fererra.

What’s your logic behind Hamish and Angus being too much? I live in Scotland and they are normal around here.

@daisypond

I rather like it… I am see if you’re in Scotland it might be a bit much, but as you’re not, I think it’s fine. I can’t see it’s much different to naming your child Erin.

It would be the equivalent of calling your child Hibernia. Not Erin.

It’s also the title of a fabulous Amy McDonald

Reminds me of this

I think it's a lovely name for a country not a child. Not sure what you are having OP but what about the following?

Kyle
Lewis
Harris
Arran
Brodie

Iona
Isla
Skye
Eileen (pronounced Aileen)