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Baby names

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

Thoughts on these 3 names?

123 replies

rachelhowell · 25/08/2023 12:39

Hiya! We are expecting soon and have shortened our potential names down to 3 options. Our top three at the minute are Thea, Willow and Maeve. My partner and I both wanted something a bit more unique but not too uncommon to the point where she could be potentially bullied. Our surname is Howell if that helps with any opinions on these names.
See my favourite is Willow but my partner says it doesn't work well with our surname because of all the L's and W's but I don't see too much of an issue with it. My parents both prefer Thea, which I do adore as well so its a hard decision. Then my partner's favourite is Maeve, so my immediate family and all my friends have different opinions on each name so its very hard to make a decision. I know everybody on here is very honest and brutal so please let me know your thoughts. This is my first pregnancy so picking a good name is extremely important to us! Also if you have any ideas of names that are similar to these three I would be happy to hear them.

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Cholumenosoapy · 25/08/2023 12:44

My friend’s golden retriever is called Willow. I honestly think it’s more of a dog’s name. I’m not keen on your other two names, sorry.

hdbs17 · 25/08/2023 12:45

I personally love Maeve and it's always been too of my list for a girl.

Willow isn't great - and I know of a few.

Thea is ok, but I feel that some may get confused when hearing it and not seeing it written.

Valerie23 · 25/08/2023 12:47

Thea, Willow and Maeve.

Thea is ok. Willow is awful for a child. Maeve is lovely.

SummerInSun · 25/08/2023 12:47

I like Thea and Maeve. Unusual and feminine but still strong - you can imagine a doctor, lawyer, chair of the board with those names. Whereas Willow sounds sweet for a little girl but not nearly as powerful for a women.

Valerie23 · 25/08/2023 12:48

Willows are willowy.

What if she grows up and is a bit of a lump?

That's just asking to be teased.

yellowsmileyface · 25/08/2023 12:49

I agree with your partner that Willow doesn't work with Howell.

I like both the other names but I think Thea sounds best with your surname.

TheYearOfSmallThings · 25/08/2023 12:52

Maeve is my favourite but I'm not sure about Maeve Howell. Thea is nice, if you don't live in an area where it will be pronounced FEEE-urr. I wouldn't use Willow myself but I think it goes fine with Howell.

Fallingthroughclouds · 25/08/2023 12:52

I really like all those names. There are 3 Willows that go to our very, very tiny primary school and 2 Thea's so they seem to be popular names around here though. People are always going to have reasons for disliking names, they know a Thea they don't like, a dog named Willow, a character on TV called Maeve etc. I don't think posting it for public debate is going to serve you very well, it's such a personal choice.

SuperiorM · 25/08/2023 12:52

I like them all Willow and Thea better than the third option.

I know a few Willows but never heard it as a dog name. Dare say there will be a few out there.

Notlongnow01 · 25/08/2023 12:53

I don’t like Maeve at all sorry. I agree with your husband about Willow and the ‘l’s. Thea is ok but my dd would say Fea which puts me off!

PurpleChrayne · 25/08/2023 12:54

Willow and Maeve are gorgeous.

Thea sounds like a puff of air. Perilously close to the absolutely ubiquitous Theo. Boring.

WaltzingWaters · 25/08/2023 12:55

Maeve is my pick. Thea is nice too.
I like Willow but it doesn’t work with your surname unfortunately.

Whatsthepoint1234 · 25/08/2023 13:03

Willow doesn’t really work with Howell. I love Thea though, it’s probably my favourite out of your three!

HamishTheCamel · 25/08/2023 13:06

I agree that Willow Howell doesn't really work. I like Thea best, but Maeve is quite nice too.

Awittyfool · 25/08/2023 13:08

Valerie23 · 25/08/2023 12:48

Willows are willowy.

What if she grows up and is a bit of a lump?

That's just asking to be teased.

I know a hefty Willow. She was also the school bully.

I don’t think Thea is a pretty name and it’s so bland. Not traditional, not modern just meh.

Maeve is ok but I can’t spell it. You could use the ending as Eve is good with your surname.

Theoldwoman · 25/08/2023 13:13

Maeve Howell sounds the best, all are great names though.

KirstenBlest · 25/08/2023 13:22

Thea - don't like it and there are too many Theos
Willow - got used to it.Babies called Willow in England & Wales since 1996 (darkgreener.com)
Maeve - don't like it

Willow doesn't go with your surname.

There are much nicer names than Thea and Maeve

Amidlifecrisis · 25/08/2023 13:25

Maeve Howell doesn’t sound good to me - the two names don’t “go” at all. Do you have any Irish heritage?

Thea Howell sounds really nice to my ears. Willow Howell too many Ls.

angiec89 · 25/08/2023 13:27

Thea is lovely!

User6761 · 25/08/2023 13:29

Thea and Maeve are lovely.

Willow is now a top 10 name I think? I'm not keen personally.

Missingmyusername · 25/08/2023 13:29

Willow reminds me of the film- have you googled it.
Thea is the nicest
Don't like Maeve at all.

GreenAventurinee · 25/08/2023 13:38

Thea is so pretty

cordelia16 · 25/08/2023 13:54

I also agree that Willow doesn't work with Howell. Much too sing-songy and the repeating double letters aren't great.

Between Thea and Maeve, I prefer Maeve. But I don't love it.

Do you have any other names you would consider? What about Tabitha instead of Thea?

Samzzz · 25/08/2023 13:58

Maeve is the nicest

BoleynMemories13 · 25/08/2023 14:08

Willow is far from unique, it's in the top 10 nationally. There's been an absolute boom of them in the last 10 years or so. It also doesn't go with your surname so I would rule that one out, personally.

Out of your other two choices, I much prefer Thea. Maeve is another that is shooting up the name charts and I just don't get the appeal. Pronunciation wise, it's just Dave with an M isn't it?

Thea Howell is lovely though.