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

Is Florence a popular name?

34 replies

Elisabeth3468 · 01/11/2024 20:29

We love the name Florence but wondering if it's really popular? I do know a couple of babies/toddlers with the name but no children/adults.
We like Florence Emilia.
Our son is Henry so thought Florence fits well.

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BoleynMemories13 · 02/11/2024 07:48

Florence goes beautifully with Henry.

Popularity varies so much from area to area. According to the stats, it's in the top 10 nationally and has been top 20 popular for quite a few years now, yet I don't know a single child with this name (and, working in a school, I meet an awful lot of children).

The 'old lady/man chic' trend doesn't tend to be big around me. Names like Florence, Elsie, Arthur, Mabel, Stanley, Albert etc, which are all popular according to the national stats, are really not that common around me. Yet, by the nature of the stats, that must mean there are pockets around the country where they are exceedingly popular for them to reach that high in the national stats. Around me, it's all Isla, Harper, Sienna, Mila, Aria, Maya, Luna, Arlo, Archie, Teddy, Finley, Leo, Oscar, Jude,Jaxon, Hudson... definitely seems to be a trend for more modern names or diminutives of classics here.

I wouldn't worry about the stats. If you both love Florence, that alone is reason to use it. Nationally it seems to be on a par with Henry and that didn't stop you using that. Coincidentally, Henry isn't one I hear a lot around me either. I only know of one, who will be 2 soon. Your taste for classic names hasn't caught on much around me yet (which is why my own children's statistically popular names, which are often dismissed by others on here for being "too popular", are also hardly heard around me). Yet if I'd have gone with, say, Lila or Eden for dd2 (both of which i liked and considered) she'd gave been one of many at her school as they're both much trendier than the classic we went for, despite her name being higher in the national charts. Dd2 has a top 5 name. She's still the only one in her school and I'm still yet to teach one at mine!

Eenameenadeeka · 02/11/2024 07:51

It's such a pretty name! I'd say pick the name you love the most even if it's a bit more popular. I only know of one Florence

FayCarew · 02/11/2024 09:11

Names with a similar vibe: Beatrice, Flora, Harriet (not with a brother Henry), Martha.

Elisabeth3468 · 02/11/2024 09:33

Thank you all! Just confirmed how much we love it as no other names compare.
We also like Valentina, or Florence Valentina,
But not sure if it's a bit long (very long surname).

OP posts:
FayCarew · 02/11/2024 10:05

It depends on the surname, @Elisabeth3468 but i wouldn't use Valentina as a first name unless you are OK with it being shortened, probably to Val.

Moreteaandchocolate · 02/11/2024 10:17

FayCarew · 02/11/2024 10:05

It depends on the surname, @Elisabeth3468 but i wouldn't use Valentina as a first name unless you are OK with it being shortened, probably to Val.

Agreed - but Florence Valentina is nice.

FayCarew · 02/11/2024 10:22

It is very pretty, and a lot more interesting than Florence Grace/Rose/May/other filler middle name.

MinPinSins · 02/11/2024 12:45

As previous posters have said, it is popular, but so is Henry.

In fact, in recent years, Henry has been used more times than Florence - if you are ok with Henry's popularity, you'll be fine with Florence!

Gulbekian · 02/11/2024 12:49

Florence is lovely.

As alternatives, how about:

Constance (Emilia)
Florentina (Emily/Amelie)

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