Stuck between two names

78 replies

squishousdelicious · 29/07/2025 13:53

Expecting a little girl in the autumn and we're stuck between two names! We go for more unusual names, so I know they won't be to everyone's taste and I don't particularly care if people don't like them or wouldn't choose them for their own children.

I'm interested to hear thoughts on the names, potential for nicknames etc. Surname begins with M. Middle names are chosen based on family names, beginning with E and J, but not sure on the order yet.

So: Persephone or Octavia?

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Original poster

squishousdelicious · 30/07/2025 13:54

HopscotchBanana · 30/07/2025 07:29

This really.

I know people like to pretend this isn't a thing, but it is. My cousin has called her children very pretentious names. She thinks it makes her sound more well off and elevates her social status. She's very keep up with the Joneses.

I happen to know this, because I know what she's like. The wider issue is people who don't know her automatically think this is the case. So regardless of whether there's any basis to the judgement, she would still get the same eye rolls and people giving her a wide berth because they just expect her to be a bit of a knob. I see the looks, when we arrive at places with the kids, and she announces two typically pretentious names. We went to a craft session with all of them the other day. You can see the staff literally give each other looks like "ohhhh, this woman's going to be a pain in the arse" and a couple of the other parents smirk. People then literally avoid her and don't strike up conversation. It sounds quite dramatic, but it's noticeable.

I know you're entitled to call your child pretty much what you like. But it doesn't just affect you.

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As a teacher, I have heard a great many names that come with a great many judgments, whether accurate or inaccurate, fair or unfair. I have a name myself that probably evokes a fair amount of judgment (it's also been the topic of previous mumsnet threads, and it's interesting to see that it has the same reaction as I've gotten to both names here!) But having grown up with a name like that, but with no nicknames or short versions that were ever to my liking, I have very much considered the effect any name would potentially have on my child. I get your point, but neither of these names would be alienating to the people around me or in the circles I move within.

And if they are, and people want to judge, then that's their choice.

OP posts:

mathanxiety · 30/07/2025 13:55

Persephone. It's a very pretty name imo.

Octavia sounds harsh to my ear.

SaintGermain · 30/07/2025 13:56

Persephone

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