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Baby names

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

Original poster

Baby name - only a few days to decide!

55 replies

FTMRLH · 08/10/2021 13:37

We are registering our baby next week.
We have given her the first name Olive.

And my husband wants the middle name to be Doris after his great grandma.

What’s everyone’s opinions on this? The midwives said it’s too old sounding and made me question our decision.

Any other suggestions for a second middle name or an alternative that’s still honouring his grandma?

Thanks

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Theoldwoman · 08/10/2021 13:50

Olive is one of my favourites.

Doris - mmm , not a fan but then again I gave my kids middle names that they could use if they really hated their first (as an adult) No family names give as they were just too old fashioned.

SleepingStandingUp · 08/10/2021 13:51

I don't think it flows and I don't like Doris but not my baby and I'd never you that to your face.

TyrannosaurusRights · 08/10/2021 13:54

How rude of the midwives.

If you and your husband want to use a family name that’s meaningful to you as a middle name I’d do so.

SlidDownTheElephantsTrunk · 08/10/2021 13:55

Doris = silly fussy women.

Not my cup of tea but it's a middle name and will never be used out loud.

I don't even like my own kids middle names !

ReeseWitherfork · 08/10/2021 13:56

Don't question it, call her Olive Doris if that's what you'd like. Absolutely nothing offensive or weird or eyebrow-raising about it. No name is going to be to everyone's taste.

alpinerain · 08/10/2021 14:21

Weird that the midwives would say that...

Doris does sound old but it's only her middle name. I love Olive and it doesn't sound old to me!

ClaraBean · 08/10/2021 14:29

I'm quite shocked the midwives said that!!!
I actually love Doris, but it doesn't flow very well with Olive, if that bothers you.
But you'll probably rarely call her by her whole name anyway.
Don't let other people put you off and call her whatever you want!

FindingMeno · 08/10/2021 14:33

I'm not keen on the flow if I'm honest.
Olive Dee? ( as in D for Doris)
Olive [ insert additional middle name] Doris?

Ignore the midwives. That's so rude.

WithRosesAroundTheDoor · 08/10/2021 14:35

Olive Dorothy flows better but if you like Olive Dorris go with that.
The midwives were very rude to comment.

girlmom21 · 08/10/2021 14:38

@WithRosesAroundTheDoor

Olive Dorothy flows better but if you like Olive Dorris go with that. The midwives were very rude to comment.
I thought Dorothy too! Doris doesn't flow but are you planning to regularly call out your daughters full name? If not, it's fine.

Congratulations!

emmathedilemma · 08/10/2021 14:47

I'm not against Doris, particularly if it's after a relative, but I just don't think it works well with Olive, the sounds just don't flow.

Balonzette · 08/10/2021 14:48

I also don't think it flows very well with Olive. It makes the lovely Olive a bit frumpy and clunky. It's not a very nice name, Doris. I know a little 2 year old Doris. I can't get used to it.

alligatorpeardrop · 08/10/2021 14:50

Olive Doris is a really cool name for a girl, those midwives have a bloody cheek.

ofwarren · 08/10/2021 14:52

I think it sounds clunky due to having the same number of syllables as Doris.
O Live
Do Ris
If her first name was Olivia for example, it would flow better.
I also prefer the name Doris to Olive.

ODFOgrinch · 08/10/2021 14:59

They are both great names.
Give the midwife a 'did you mean to be so rude?' with one raised eyebrow, or burst into tears: that seems to make them remember to be kind.

LittleGwyneth · 08/10/2021 15:12

I don't like them together but she's unlikely to use her full name very often and if it means a lot to your DP I'd probably let it go.

urbanbuddha · 08/10/2021 15:12

Sorry but I agree with the midwives. Both names are too plain and old-fashioned. Olive isn't my favourite but if you love it go for it
However I think Olive and Doris just don't wotk together. Did your DH's grandma have a middle name herself?
Or Maria?
Dora?

bloominglovelyorange · 08/10/2021 17:24

Olive Doris is lovely
I'd really ignore the midwives to be honest
Olive is the name that will be used 99.999999% of the time. It's a lovely name.

I don't even know my best mate's middle names! Seriously, stick with a name with meaning rather than something that "flows" or something your random midwives might like. A middle name with meaning is really special . Stick with Doris

Innovationstandard · 08/10/2021 17:26

Ditch Doris

AnotherLauraLou · 08/10/2021 17:28

I don’t like either name to be honest, but Doris doesn’t go with Olive at all, it almost rhymes. Doris is a horribly frumpy old fashioned name, regardless of who you’re naming her after.

FriedasCarLoad · 08/10/2021 17:35

  1. Olive Doris is lovely, especially with your reasons for it.

  2. Rude midwives!

  3. People will rarely hear the middle name anyway, except for now. So go for the meaningful name even if the flow or feel isn't 100% perfect for you.

KirstenBlest · 08/10/2021 18:53

The names don't flow very well and I'm not keen on Olive, but Doris is due a comeback.

If you like Olive, use it, as long as it goes with the surname
Middle names aren't used much

The midwives probably like meh names

MalagaNights · 08/10/2021 18:57

I love Doris.

It has the same kind of vibe as Olive.

Vintage, spare, cool.

They don't quite flow but that really doesn't matter. If it's meaningful to you and DH that matters more.

KirstenBlest · 08/10/2021 19:03

I'm surprised at the comments on here. Names are trends and if you'd told me 30 years ago that there would be lots of Arthurs, Stanleys, Alfreds, Mays, Evas and Elsies again, I'd have been surprised.

Doris Olive flows better and I think it's nice

Cindie943811A · 08/10/2021 21:12

I’d avoid the initials OD by adding another middle name.