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Baby names

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

Original poster

Lily or Olive

58 replies

TinyPuds · 21/07/2021 22:15

My fiancé and I have been going backwards and forwards with baby names the past few months for our little girl due in september.

Now I have a favourite name, and my fiancé has a favourite, and about 3 weeks ago we decided to use my fiancé’s favourite name, Lily.

Literally a couple of days later Prince Harry and Meghan announced the birth of Lilibet and now Lily is the number 1 most popular name in the UK 🙄

Neither of us want our baby to have a really popular name so we’ve decided to think about another name and Olive is our next in line.

I still think Lily is such a pretty name so I’m gutted it’s so popular now.

What do you think about Lily or Olive?x

OP posts:
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Seesawmummadaw · 22/07/2021 01:25

Not keen on lily. It’s a bit meh.
Olive is gorgeous.

Dasher789 · 22/07/2021 01:58

Olive

I would also say Olive is very different to Olivia. I don't know any Olivia's who are shortened to Olive.

PlainJane1000 · 22/07/2021 04:59

I know lots of Lily's aged between 8 and 13 when I think it was super popular, I don't think that people will immediately associate it with Harry and Meghan since it's a fairly common name, if they had chosen something quite, 'out there' and you used it then I could see the issue. Go with a name you both love for your child and don't worry about what people think.

AnyaMoondial · 22/07/2021 05:31

I like both Lily and Olive. Can’t go wrong with either.

Lilian is a pretty alternative too.

olidora63 · 22/07/2021 08:14

People mentioning tv program about buses and Olive from the cartoon…must be in their late 50s. I have never heard of these programs ….had to google,so I really think they are irrelevant for this generation!
Olive is a fabulous name with a trendy vibe . Lily is nice but tired .

SoapboxFox · 22/07/2021 08:18

Lily is much nicer. Olive is clunky.

ofwarren · 22/07/2021 08:26

@olidora63

People mentioning tv program about buses and Olive from the cartoon…must be in their late 50s. I have never heard of these programs ….had to google,so I really think they are irrelevant for this generation! Olive is a fabulous name with a trendy vibe . Lily is nice but tired .
Late 50s? I'm 41 and that's the first thing I thought of too!

On the buses, Popeye and Katamala olives.
I really don't like the name.

EmRata95 · 22/07/2021 08:28

Olive! My best friends daughter is Olive, gorgeous yet unique name

MintyCedric · 22/07/2021 08:30

Olive is great...but I'm biased as my late nan-in-law was an Olive and she was one of the most fabulous women I have ever met.

Beamur · 22/07/2021 08:35

Both are lovely. Lily has been hugely popular for yonks but maybe waning in recent years, although might get a boost again now
Despite Olive being my Granny's name I don't think it's a nice sounding name. She was always Olly, not Olive. It sounds very formal. Personally I prefer Olivia, but the girls I know with that name often shorten it to Liv.
The Lily I know tends to go by Lil too!

LimitIsUp · 22/07/2021 11:38

I am not keen on Olive - it's a bit hard sounding. Prefer lily and don't necessarily think it's a problem that it is popular

Theoldwoman · 22/07/2021 12:07

Olive, it's pretty uncommon which is not a bad thing!

BunnyRuddington · 22/07/2021 12:21

Lily is fine but if you're trying to avoid very poplar names I'd avoid it. It's always worth asking your MW how popular names are around you as well as names can be very regional.

DS has a name that was in the top 20 when he was born. Only one in his class all through school and for a long time was the only one in Primary. Now he's a teen and the only one in his friendship group.

DD however had 5 Olivers in her Class and every combination of Eve, Evie, Eva and Evelyn.

Cbeebiesrehab · 22/07/2021 13:04

Love Olive. Strongly dislike Lily but I have taught some that have left me with very bad associations-plus it is very popular within all primary and secondary aged children in my experience.

marmaladehound · 22/07/2021 13:08

You need to think about how important a popular name is to you. For me it's not a problem, I have one child with a popular name and 9 years later no regrets I still consider it the most beautiful name. My other child has a much less common name, not unusual but not many around. I still love it but at times have had doubts about it. Am over those now though.

Bottom line really is choose the name you love, if you don't want a popular name, then consider that. Personally I never asked anyone's opinion as you will invariably get some who love and some who hate the names. Ultimately it's your DD, give her a name you love.

TatianaBis · 22/07/2021 17:20

Lily is very much overused but it's a million times nicer.

Who wants to be named after a little green vegetable?

Olivia is very pretty, if ubiquitous and so is Livia.

LimeRedBanana · 22/07/2021 19:47

Late 50s? I'm 41 and that's the first thing I thought of too!

Early 40s doesn’t exactly put you in this generation (of babies being named now’s peers), which was the point being made.

Those cultural references will be meaningless to young people now - so no reason not to use the name. I’m late 40s and have never heard of the bus programme.

olidora63 · 23/07/2021 00:28

@LimeRedBanana

Late 50s? I'm 41 and that's the first thing I thought of too!

Early 40s doesn’t exactly put you in this generation (of babies being named now’s peers), which was the point being made.

Those cultural references will be meaningless to young people now - so no reason not to use the name. I’m late 40s and have never heard of the bus programme.

Thank you ,that is my point …I am mid 50s and cannot remember any of these programs ! I think the name Olive is absolutely lovely and her generation will definitely not be thinking about the 60s !!😂
sibbys · 23/07/2021 00:50

So bored of the name Lily! i know so many!

Olive

Snugglybuggly · 23/07/2021 01:00

Neither

Threelittlebirds1 · 23/07/2021 14:36

I like both, but if you are bothered about popularity then I would advise against Lily.

Original poster
TinyPuds · 02/05/2022 21:55

Incase anybody had sleepless nights after my original post wondering what we called our baby… we went for Olive! She’s such a gorgeous, dainty & feminine little lady and the name suits her perfectly.

Just reading back on some of these comments having absolute lols though 😂 some people are so rude on mumsnet I find it embarrassing to read! If someone likes two baby names and can’t decide, you’re not supposed to slam the one you hate and say how ugly you think they are and list all the other reasons why you hate them 🤣 it’s like someone saying “hello this is my daughter Alice” and someone else saying “oh! What a horrible name”.

Thanks to everybody who helped (nicely) 🥰 xx

OP posts:
toastofthetown · 02/05/2022 22:34

Looking back at the thread I don’t think anyone was particularly rude. Presumably you asked what people thought because you wanted some feedback. It can’t be a surprise that some people will find names you like ugly and unappealing and when asked they will tell you. It’s very different from introducing a child, where no opinion is solicited.

Congratulations on your baby and glad you love her name.

Cloud16 · 02/05/2022 23:13

Olive is one of those names I like but wouldn't want to be called myself.

I'd be happy to be a Lily though, so I choose Lily!

Cloud16 · 02/05/2022 23:15

Sorry, just read update!

Congrats OP on your new baby!!! Glad you found the perfect name for her and that she suits Olive 🥰