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Baby names

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

Original poster

Barbara

200 replies

user2468101214 · 04/08/2023 20:27

Due little girl April 2024

Always had a soft spot for the name.

I understand it's following the 'old granny' comeback trend.

(I may be thinking too deeply but can see this name becoming more popular soon due to new Barbie film)

Thoughts please? TIA

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lingmerth · 04/08/2023 22:57

RitzyMcFitzy · 04/08/2023 22:28

I don't mind some of those 'plain' 1940s names like Susan, Helen, or Sally. But Barbara doesn't really appeal.

Reminds me of downtrodden Barbara Royle.

It made me think of Dave's dad pronouncing Barbara Royle as Bar bara😂

RitzyMcFitzy · 04/08/2023 22:59

Nearly all names come round again. But even though some of the older names have been firmly back for years now I still think 'not for me' about them. Names like Maud and Harriet and the aforementioned Olive.

RitzyMcFitzy · 04/08/2023 23:02

lingmerth · 04/08/2023 22:57

It made me think of Dave's dad pronouncing Barbara Royle as Bar bara😂

Show quote history
Grin

or Nana saying 'bah-bra, can vegetarians eat wafer thin ham, bah-bra?'

Daisybuttercup12345 · 04/08/2023 23:05

I like it. Much better than some of the old lady names that are popular now.

Summertimesunshineandfizz · 04/08/2023 23:06

I think it sounds so clunky and awkward. Neither pretty nor strong. For me it’s the same category as Brenda and Mavis.

FlamingoFloss · 04/08/2023 23:10

Nooooo

NotABeliever · 04/08/2023 23:13

In many European countries the name Barbara is not associated with an old lady.
I think it's a great name

justanothermanicmonday1 · 04/08/2023 23:18

Oh goodness absolutely not. Sorry.

drpet49 · 04/08/2023 23:21

Seasideanticscanleadtosandybuckets · 04/08/2023 21:33

Omg no... Just no..

This. Truly awful name.

Babyroobs · 04/08/2023 23:29

I like it, it was my late mum's name.

HollyGolightly4 · 04/08/2023 23:30

Bar-bear-ah

💕 Royle family

KingTriton · 04/08/2023 23:32

Of all the old lady names this is one of the very worst!

WiseUpJanetWeiss · 04/08/2023 23:38

Babyroobs · 04/08/2023 23:29

I like it, it was my late mum's name.

Mine too. I think it’s a bit too soon, but not much.

ShinyAppleDreamingOfTheSea · 05/08/2023 00:05

I think I would like to see a little girl Barbara.

My mum's name (sadly passed away earlier this year ).

margegunderson · 05/08/2023 00:52

Pipsquiggle · 04/08/2023 22:11

Look I think it's an old, dated name and basically doesn't suit any young girls or women. 'Barbara' suits older women.

But if you like it then, good for you

All those old Barbaras started life as babies. You just have no imagination.

CallieQ · 05/08/2023 00:59

Love it 🩷

CallieQ · 05/08/2023 00:59

My mum's name too

isitaline97 · 05/08/2023 01:15

I love it too 😊❤️

user1492757084 · 05/08/2023 01:53

It should make a come back.
I know a few Barbs and they are fab.

PuffyShirt · 05/08/2023 01:59

To me it’s a hideous old lady name in the ilk of Maureen or Phyllis. I can’t imagine saddling a child with such an awful name.

Maireas · 05/08/2023 06:00

margegunderson · 05/08/2023 00:52

All those old Barbaras started life as babies. You just have no imagination.

Show quote history

Quite!

WAC1 · 05/08/2023 06:50

Love it

Maireas · 05/08/2023 06:55

I also like the name Phyllis, mentioned upthread. I'm a bit tired of ditsy, cutesy names for girls. You're naming a person, they're not babies for long!

RitzyMcFitzy · 05/08/2023 07:34

I wouldn't call a child Daisy-Mae or Phyllis.

AllPlayedOut · 05/08/2023 07:35

It's hideous.