Honest thoughts on Hazel and Rose

[Zelie8]

Hi all,

We like these two names (not together) but would like to know how they are received - I know it’s what we like that counts but I found it helpful in the past to use MN as a sounding board for a name as it revealed some connotations and unfortunate rhyming words we hadn’t considered!

I don’t love how popular Rose is but I also think it’s classic and timeless which appeals. But maybe it’s having a moment actually as it’s a common middle name. Hazel: I like the link to nature (not that it’s important we have that) and think it’s cute but also ages well.

If anyone has any other short (max two syllables) girl names you think we might also like I’d love to hear them! We clearly like a z sound going by these two names.

Thanks in advance!

Both were on our shortlist.

Love Hazel. Rose is ok, but I definitely prefer Hazel. Rose often becomes Rosie, which I'm much less keen on.

I must admit I find Hazel a touch more dated sounding- although I don’t know why as I’ve only ever met 1 in RL (mid forties). I do know lots of rabbits/guinea pigs/chickens with the name though!

I prefer Rose as it just sounds very classic. While there is technically no such thing as a truly timeless girls name (apart from maybe Elizabeth), I can imagine a Rose of any age and it has lovely romantic imagery.

So Hazel is a bit quirky hippy/bohemian to me vs Rose’s more classic elegance if that makes sense? I don’t think the popularity of Rose as a middle name matters though - the majority won’t be hyphenated so she’ll still likely be the only one in class ( although maybe another Rosie if unlucky) and I’d happily use May as a first name for similar reasons (very familiar yet not that popular as a first name).

Can’t think of many other nature names with a strong “Z” sound - apart from obvious Jasmine and (rare) colour name Azure/Azura. I think Cassia and Jessamine are lovely but obviously 3 syllables and more of a “s” sound.

Where I live (Scotland) Hazel was incredibly popular about 50-60 years ago, so is not ready for a comeback yet. There are lots of late middle aged Hazels and their friends are all called Sandra and Lorna. It would be weird for a baby here, but if you live in England where it doesn't have that association I think it's nice enough.

Spot on with Mrs Trunchball! Had a few colleagues called Hazel over the years and they were all grumbling, sadistic types, prone to low level bullying and no one ever had a good word about them.

Rose is nice if not a tad over popular.

Hazel makes me instantly think Witch Hazel.

Rose I overused but classic, timeless.
I love Rosalie.

How about Fern or Rowan?

I have a Hazel, I remember reading mumsnet threads about the name and it seemed to be either frumpy (which I sort of get) or stripper (which I don't!) feedback.

We also liked a nature name, and something solid amongst the sea of Ava / Evie / Ivy / Ella / Elsie names. She really suits it, even ended up with Hazel eyes. The nut bit doesn't bother me, they're delicious and we often call her Hazelnut! I've never met another little one and it's sticking around 150th in popularity so not common but well known.

Rose is beautiful though, we had it on our list too so I think you've great taste 😉

I’m in England I and I also think of Hazel as a 1960s/70s name.

objectively though it’s pretty and has lovely nature connotations.

But I prefer Rose which is timeless, simple and elegant.

I've always loved the name Rose.

Hazel I would like only I knew one at school I didn't get on with.

For z sounds, I like the name Kezia, which means cinnamon, so is also connected with nature.

Orchid and Cherry are some less common nature names.

Iris and Ivy

Willow

Linden or Linda — means lime tree

My favourite nature name at the moment is the Swedish name Siska, which means siskin (the little, brown bird).

I think it does have that association, but less strongly. The only Hazel I knew was at school… the rest of her gang were Beverley, Tracey and Nicola!

I loathe the name Hazel. It reminds of the American sitcom from the 70s about a housekeeper with the same name.

I really dislike Hazel. I think it’s so old fashioned but not in a classic way, just a dated way. Reminds me of a buxom, farmers wife in a dirty pinny with straw in her hair.

I like Rose, prefer Rosie though.

They're both nice enough.

Hazel will always be the rabbit in Watership Down to me, even thinking about that film/ book / music makes me tearful!!

Cora or Nora ?

Darcy?

No z though, sorry.

I like Hazel, it is one dc's middle name. She is not keen on it though.

Faye ?

I loved that one, dh vetoed.

I am a Hazel and hate my name and always have done
There's so many other lovely girls names to choose from !

I'm in Scotland too but I do think Hazel is ripe for a comeback, but then one of my favourite names is Lorna so what do I know.... 😂

I see Hazel as quite quirky and strong and it also reminds me of the song Hazey Jane.

I like Rose too but would probably go with a longer version like Rosamund or Primrose although those aren't really my taste.

Love both . Also like Rosalind, Rosalie and Rosanna

I know two Roses and neither of them are Rosie, so I don't think it needs to be avoided if you don't like Rosie (I don't).

I have a great-aunt Hazel. I think it's a lovely name. Rose I find dull.
You might like:

Liza
Zoe
Zoya (Ukrainian, Bulgarian, etc form of Zoe)
Mavis (the v sound is similar to z)
Jasmine
Aster
Astra
Ezra (usually for boys but there's a girl called Ezra at my daughter's nursery)
Liv
Ivy
Evyn

I don’t like Hazel at all. I find it very old-fashioned and I’ve never known one. Rose is nice. It’s used as a middle name a lot. I know a Rosie.

I know lots of Hazels - they are generally over 45 (it must have been popular at the time in Ireland) and I think of it as a name for that age group, because I haven't met any little ones. I only know two Roses, one a toddler and the other a pensioner - I know a lot of Rosas though, mostly aged about 8-10.

I definitely prefer Rose to Hazel, and I think I prefer it to Rosa.

How about Rohaise?
Has sounds from both....

Both nice names and both relatively unusual.

Don't personally know any Hazels or Roses (quite a few Rosies)