Philomena

[Rickandmortified100]

Okay I know I’ve posted too many threads, but I’m reading about saints and keep discovering names that I have never heard of before! Interested in what others think of them (although not necessarily planning to use any, more curious). What do you think of Philomena? I can’t decide it’s it’s really pretty with lovely nickname options, or just a bit much!

Love it. I had a lively friend called Philomena.

Lovely!

Pretty name, terrible story (the mythological Philomena is raped and has her tongue cut out so she can’t tell anybody*). That would make us unusable for me.

(* She eventually manages to tell by weaving images of what has happened into a tapestry and then escapes by being turned into a nightingale, but it’s still a terrible story.)

I’d not heard this story - is this the story about Saint Philomena? The version I read was different (this one: www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=98 - although to be fair in my version of the story she was scourged, shot with arrows and drowned so it’s not exactly a happy story either 😂)

It's a beautiful sounding name. And memorable and refreshing compared to all the Ellies and Sophies

It’s a bit too religious-y for me. It reminds me of nuns and convents. But I quite like Philippa which is a bit similar. Or even Phoebe if you’re looking for nice “P” names.

Ignore me, I’m thinking of Philomela not Philomena.

I think of elderly ladies at Mass when I was a child. It is pretty though .

Little old Irish lady.
Prefer Philippa or Philida.

Phyllida is a more correct spelling apparently.

I think it’s lovely. I also like Filomena

Personally I think its definitely a bit much, one of those old names that should stay unused - like Gertrude or Hortense.
I don't get the nicknames either Phil, like a middle aged man. Filo, like the pastry. Mena, like a menstural product. Meanie?

According to other naming sites, traditional nicknames would be Philly, Mina and Minnie - all of which I think are adorable!

I think it's lovely.

I think it's totally dire. And there is that awful sad book and film with the same name. No.

I think Philomena Cunk has made it unusable now!

I don't like it, sorry. It sounds rather pretentious and fusty.

What does 'pretentious' mean? I genuinely don't know what the 'pretence' is? I do understand what 'fussy means'.

This for me too and not in a good way.

Ghastly. I cannot understand how people see appeal in it.

Really old fashioned.
and not in a good way.

makes me think of this lady
www.discogs.com/release/13066840-Philomena-Begley-And-Her-Ramblin-Men-Meet-The-Queen-Of-Country-Music/image/SW1hZ2U6NDM5OTYzNTA=

Awful. I'm Irish so it doesn't sound fresh or undiscovered to me.
Really coukd not staple gun on a smile if you introduced me to your baby Philomena.

I don't like it. I think at school it would be shortened to Phil which is what happens with Phillipa and is awful too.

The book and film of Philomena is brutally sad. I don't think I'd use the name, as lovely as it might be.

I should have added - I love the religious vibe! My other children have names linked to religion so it’s not a negative thing for me. I’ve not heard of a book or film, maybe I should research that!