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Original poster

Is this a terrible name?

141 replies

RedPandaFluff · 04/03/2023 17:26

DH and I have just had a huge (lighthearted!) barney about what to call DD, due in summer. I love the name Ophelia and I know she's a tragic Shakespearean character but still love it and would happily use it (although obviously we won't use it as we won't both be in agreement!)

DH is adamant that it's a terrible name and doesn't think that anyone else would feel like me (ie make the connection but still think it's a beautiful name).

Naturally, the only thing for it is to throw it open to mumsnetters Grin

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ZoyaTheDestroyer · 04/03/2023 18:30

I quite like it, and find the terribly literal BUT SHE DROWNS people tiresome.

However, this is academic. If DH really hates it you can’t use it, and vice versa.

Hesma · 04/03/2023 18:30

I know two Ophelias. It’s ok as long is it goes with you surname. I wouldn’t use if your surname is Legg or Head 🤣

xJoy · 04/03/2023 18:32

no not keen. I did Hamlet for the leaving cert though! Do nMany years ago but I still don't think of it as a name for a person in today's world. Do not good brother like some ungracious pastors are want to do, show me the steep and thorny path to heaven, whilst like a puffed and reckless libertine himself the primrose path of daliance treads and wrecks not his own reed. mis quote i'm sure.

Grin loved hamlet. But the name Ophelia, oh no.

DemBonesDemBones · 04/03/2023 18:32

I love it. Most Mumsnetters will not, though, because they want to pick a name from the top 10 used names whether they like it or not-extra points for top 3.

Bandanadrama · 04/03/2023 18:34

Just so long as your last name isn't Balls

ReadersD1gest · 04/03/2023 18:34

DemBonesDemBones · 04/03/2023 18:32

I love it. Most Mumsnetters will not, though, because they want to pick a name from the top 10 used names whether they like it or not-extra points for top 3.

No, that's not why I don't like it 🤣🤣🤣

halfsiesonapotnoodle · 04/03/2023 18:34

A feel ya. No, no, no!

ThatshallotBaby · 04/03/2023 18:36

I really like Ophelia and I would use it. It’s a lovely name.

THisbackwithavengeance · 04/03/2023 18:39

Love it.

Very Jilly Cooper.

GarveySister · 04/03/2023 18:41

Just can’t get past the Hamlet character, which I’d personally hate to be named after!

BreatheAndFocus · 04/03/2023 18:41

I like it. Nicknames could be Phee or Fee/Fi, or even Lia. If your DH doesn’t like it, there are other Shakespearian names and/or names beginning with O.

mumof31968 · 04/03/2023 18:42

I like the name.

ReadersD1gest · 04/03/2023 18:43

God, who'd want to go through life known as Fee or Fi (or Fo or Fum)?
You say it like it's a good thing @BreatheAndFocus 😂

SomersetONeil · 04/03/2023 18:46

I don’t know why your DH is so adamant that no-one else will feel like you.

Ophelia isn’t that unusual a name, and no-one could use it without having any awareness of the Shakespeare connection/character.

Anyway, it’s clearly off the table, since you both don’t like it.

DemBonesDemBones · 04/03/2023 18:46

@ReadersD1gest jeez, we get it, you like your names unimaginative and basic. Move on!

thegreylady · 04/03/2023 18:46

We used to say Go feel ya bum!

Vexxa · 04/03/2023 18:49

I know it's very popular on here but I personally dislike it because of the Shakespeare character. I also wouldn't use Juliet for the same reason - another name that is also popular on here!

Twazique · 04/03/2023 18:50

How about Octavia instead?

Or Penelope or Antigone?

MajorCarolDanvers · 04/03/2023 18:51

It's too frilly for me

SomersetONeil · 04/03/2023 18:51

ReadersD1gest · 04/03/2023 18:43

God, who'd want to go through life known as Fee or Fi (or Fo or Fum)?
You say it like it's a good thing @BreatheAndFocus 😂

Every Fiona I’ve ever known was known as Fi or Fee and appears to be relatively unharmed by the experience… 🤷🏻‍♀️

DemBonesDemBones · 04/03/2023 18:52

@Twazique you've basically just listed my favourite names Smile

cigarettesNalcohol · 04/03/2023 18:53

There are so many pretty girls' names out there. I'm personally not a fan but we're all different. Ultimately there's nothing wrong with it.

ProperVexed · 04/03/2023 18:56

Fabulous name!

ortonym · 04/03/2023 18:58

A lot depends on your surname... you're not Mrs Ed Balls are you?
Or Mrs Hunt, Titcombe, or Fandango?

ItsCalledAConversation · 04/03/2023 19:00

Hard swerve. It’s too ostentatious, and what would be the nickname, Ophie? Or worse, Feely?