What words would make lovely sounding baby names if they didn’t mean what they do?

[OliveLeader]

In light of the rise of pretty-sounding nouns which work beautifully as names (Wren, Aurora, River etc), what are some words that you think would make beautiful sounding names if the words didn’t have the meaning they do?

For instance, I have a soft spot for Farfalle. Elegant and feminine, but slightly chic! Paella would also very much work in this vibe.

Or for a boy, isn’t Faucet quite noble and yet sensitive?

I can picture an absolutely adorable little Miasma and her brother Artery - don’t they just sound nice?

She's extremely orderly.

Turmeric, Cinnamon, Celery, Pepper etc

What a great thread!

I think Semen would make a great boys name. Like Stephen but with a stronger vibe.

Then there's place names which do and don't work as names - and those which do get used but strongly suggest the parents have never been.

A parent called their child Cyanide. The Local Authority went to court and Judge ordered name to be changed.

Music is a rich source. Loving Arpeggio upthread. For boys, Lento, Forte, Chorus and Marcato. For girls. Hemiola, Fermata and, for the very daring, Acciaccatura (Acca or Tura for short). Breve is unisex, I think.

Melena
Clitoris
Candida
Dolores/Lolita
Dolly/Candy/Barbie
Dickie
Willie
Charlie
Isis
Payne
Mercedes
Crystal
Chardonnay
Chanel
Karen
Lilith
Myra
Fanny
Pussy
Donald
Claudia
Nero
Caligula
Caesar
Chastity
Valentine

Elbow
Malaria
Bikini
Camisole
Algebra
Trig
Marzipan
Vanilla
Ditalini
Celery
Calorie
Brioche
Veranda
Candle
Mascara
Balayage
Fade
Chablis
Grigio
Merlot
Cocaine
Taffeta
Chiffon
Crimplene
Gingham
Ribbon
Peplum
Vendetta
Malice

My friend called her daughter Isis, and had to change it by deed poll when she eventually realised

Toilette is a beautiful little girl...😁

I've always thought that Avarice would be a super girls' name.

Viscera
Bias
Lametta
Oyster
Remnant
Turpentine
Kite
Harpy
Edit
Chamber
Arson
Serviette

This one wins the Mumsnet giggle of the day for me!

Love this one. Adding Elegy, Armoury, and Ferry

Enema

I'd actually forgotten about this but i once worked with a very lovely woman called Toast. Weirdly, it actually suited her. Not sure I'd inflict that on a child of mine though 😅

Slightly American but Cilantro has a nice ring to it.

Labia

FWR and Relationships would be great sources of baby names.

Terf
Patriarchy
Limerence
Dysphoria
Narc
Phenotype

I think I might actually prefer Coriander

I also know someone called Melena which is, unfortunate.

Izal.

(It's medicated hard toilet paper.)

Just googled Izal and the heading on the first result is 'Izal toilet paper and the cubicle of pain'

Shigella

Gladioli
Melanoma
Avenue
Deciduous
Voyage
Entourage
Capybara