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Baby names

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Original poster

Ruby or Holly

35 replies

JessieIsabelle · 16/12/2023 14:52

Leaning towards Holly, but would really like to hear what you think. Which one will age better?

Just some of our thoughts:

Holly - I feel like this is a bit 80s/90s/possibly early 2000s. I don't mind this at all, but sort of wondering if she will. Her friends' mums might be called Holly. On the other hand I just absolutely love it and I like the plant too. I always have it in my house, especially this time of year and I like the symbolism (healing, eternity) behind it.

Ruby - this feels a bit younger, so I doubt many of her friends' mums will be called this. Probably quite a few people about 15 years older than her, though. I love it, but not sure if I like it quite as much as Holly. I like the gemstone, but find the plant to be a nicer namesake.

I like Holly Joy, is it too much? Another option would be Holly Grace. I also like Ruby Rose, but heard that there's an actress named this, so it's off the list (I don't know her, but I don't want a strong association with one famous person).

Could you comment?

Holly Joy
Holly Grace

Ruby Grace
Ruby Rosalind

Are these good or would you pick something else?

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TomatoSandwiches · 16/12/2023 15:07

Out of Holly and Ruby I prefer Holly, Holly Grace but overall I would choose Rosalind.

Rosalind Joy
Rosalind Grace

FloofCloud · 16/12/2023 15:08

Definitely Holly it's very usual, but pretty too. Every other child and dog is called Ruby these days

QuackyDuckMcDucky · 16/12/2023 15:11

Holly as Ruby is so popular.

Anything but Rose/Grace/May as a middle name. Every girl has those as a middle name and it’s been done to death.

Watchthedoormat · 16/12/2023 15:11

Holly Joy

HardcoreLadyType · 16/12/2023 15:15

My 24 yo daughter had a few friends called Ruby, but it never became hugely popular like some other names, like Olivia or Ella did at around the same time.

Its pretty, and I like it.

Of your second name choices, I like Rosalind. Grace and Joy are both “filler” names as second names (but both very pretty as first names).

mathanxiety · 16/12/2023 15:27

I love Holly.

Holly Grace would be very sweet.

Suggestions:
Holly Gabrielle
Holly Simone
Holly Estelle
Holly Eloise
Holly Elizabeth
Holly Eleanore
Holly Isobel
Holly Francesca
Holly Victoria
Holly Miranda

ThroughThickAndThin01 · 16/12/2023 15:30

Holly

mathanxiety · 16/12/2023 15:30

I think Holly is a name that is always there - it's not just associated with a particular decade. I think Ruby is much more likely to date.

strawberry2017 · 16/12/2023 15:32

Holly is lovely and ages well.
Ruby not so much.

WavingCatsandDogs · 16/12/2023 15:32

Ruby Rosalind rolls off the tongue beautifully!

Then if she needs a stage name she's got one ready made.

AdaColeman · 16/12/2023 15:39

I absolutely love Ruby!

FayCarew · 16/12/2023 19:26

Holly
Middle name. Not Joy or Grace. Both make Holly look like Holy.

Holly Rosalind is better

SallyWD · 16/12/2023 19:28

I don't know anyone called Ruby but I know loads of Hollys (adult and children).
To me, Ruby is a nicer, more interesting name.

pictoosh · 16/12/2023 19:38

Neither but only because they are so ubiquitous atm...both are nice names.
Grace is also everywhere.

mum1345 · 17/12/2023 10:07

Ruby!! ❤️

I don't know why but I find Holly a bit plain/borjng?!

LittleBearPad · 17/12/2023 10:08

Holly’s nice but only if they aren’t born at Christmas.

Theoldwoman · 17/12/2023 10:10

Love Ruby, can’t stand Holly..

Ruby Grace

theduchessofspork · 17/12/2023 10:22

I like Ruby much better because it has some spark - Holly is a bit wet.

Ruby Rosalind is great

theduchessofspork · 17/12/2023 10:24

… but if you do use Holly, don’t use Grace or Joy, with the Christmas association and it being so close to Holy it is OTT. Holly Rosalind is fine.

Coffeeandcakemum · 17/12/2023 10:24

Love the name Ruby 😊

BoleynMemories13 · 17/12/2023 19:06

I really like both but if you prefer Holly that's definitely the right choice for you. I wouldn't worry at all about the fact it was more popular in the 80s and 90s than it is now, it's still very usable. In fact I'm surprised it's not more popular, given the current trend for nature/plant names and y/ie names.

So what if she ends up with a friend who has a mum with that name? That could happen with any name and loads of 90s names are still popular now (Sophie, Charlotte, Emily etc).

GoodVibesHere · 17/12/2023 19:10

I love Holly, it's pretty and yet strong. Ruby is just a bit too 'cutsie' for me (plus there are so many of them).

wetwiped · 17/12/2023 19:12

I really like Ruby. No keen on Holly.

Jenda · 17/12/2023 19:14

I have a Ruby so obviously love it and we've only met 1 or 2 others in 6 years.

I think Holly is lovely! So go with that if you prefer it. I know 2 in their 30s but that wouldn't put me off. I think Holly Joy sounds a bit Christmassy

Ellmau · 17/12/2023 19:58

Holly Joy is far too Christmassy.

Maybe a slightly longer middle name would work. Holly Alexandra? Holly Isabella? Or Holly Rosalind...

Not very keen on Ruby, but if you did pick it don't have two names with the first letter. It just sounds odd.