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Baby names

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

Original poster

Iris or Pearl

37 replies

nereidesinthemist · 05/04/2009 16:41

I think that they are both lovely to go with sister Violet but Pearl is the one I love the most - and more daring. However, Iris is possibly easier to live with....what do you reckon?

Boy's name is decided already.

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nickschick · 05/04/2009 16:42

I heart pearl.

pginthecloset · 05/04/2009 16:43

I prefer Pearl too

everGreensleeves · 05/04/2009 16:43

I like Opal and Topaz, but I'm weird

Iris is OK but not with Violet imo. Pearl is nice.

oysterpots · 05/04/2009 16:50

Pearl. Definitely. Can I ask what the boy's name is?

onadietcokebreak · 05/04/2009 16:58

Iris....great song by the goo goo dolls!

Tatties · 05/04/2009 17:06

I prefer the name Iris, but in your situation I would go for Pearl as it seems to be your favourite and it goes better with Violet IMO

LetThemEatCake · 05/04/2009 17:08

I'm sorry, I don't like Pearl... reminds me of pearl necklaces. You know, not the expensive jewellery shop ones. The other ones.

LetThemEatCake · 05/04/2009 17:08

Also, the visual image of an Iris is prettier than that of a pearl, to my way of thinking.

tummytickler · 05/04/2009 17:15

I have an 8 year old called Iris and a nearly 4 year old call Pearl so couldnt possibly choose! But think Pearl goes better with Violet.

yappybluedog · 05/04/2009 17:21

I Nan's sisters were called Pearl & Iris

so I think of stout fierce Northern women when i hear those names

I like Iris best though

yappybluedog · 05/04/2009 17:21

my Nan' sisters

yappybluedog · 05/04/2009 17:22

oh ffs MY NAN'S SISTERS

Nancy66 · 05/04/2009 17:28

Violet is a great name, love that and think Irish goes nicely.
Don't like Pearl at all - brassy and common

dittany · 05/04/2009 17:30

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

bluebump · 05/04/2009 17:38

I prefer Iris but I am biased as it's my nan's name.

lauren61 · 05/04/2009 17:40

love pearl

loobylu3 · 05/04/2009 19:23

I like both, especially Iris. Infact, love it so much, I wanted to use it for 5 wk old DD but vetoed totally by DH.
Either goes with Violet. Do you want a floral theme? Two daughters with floral names is probably fine but three is possibly a bit OTT!

Kathyis6incheshigh · 05/04/2009 19:28

I love Iris.
Also, because she's the Greek personification of the rainbow, you could decorate your dd's room with rainbows or give her clothes with rainbows on and it would have a special meaning.

screamingabdab · 05/04/2009 19:30

I like both (a lot).

I think Iris is becoming pretty popular, though, so choose Pearl if you want something a bit more unusual.

Pearl goes better with Violet too IMO

WinkyWinkola · 05/04/2009 19:39

Pearl is beautiful.

Iris is a body part.

Sesi · 05/04/2009 19:54

Pearl definitely, it is more daring than Iris but in a good way.

Also two flower names are twee ? you?d be getting into Jaime Oliver territory...

angelene · 05/04/2009 19:58

I love both, Iris was on my list for a while (Pearl wouldn't go with surname), but I think Pearl goes better with Violet.

Original poster
nereidesinthemist · 06/04/2009 11:11

So it seems to be a close call, but Pearl is in the lead by 9 to 7. A pity dh is not keen on it. Can I pick your brains further, do you think that Pearl is a 'white' name? We are a mixed race family and that's dh's objection to it. I choose to disagree. However, dh likes Daisy and Daphne, which I am also coming round to. I still love Pearl!!

OP posts:
tummytickler · 06/04/2009 11:27

I have a dd Pearl and Iris. I have only met one Pearl before i had my dd. She was a friend of mine at school and she was black. My dd is white. I see it as neither and both (if that makes sense!).
I love daphne as well btw - this was on our list too - we could be the same person!

loobylu3 · 06/04/2009 12:14

I don't think it is a 'white' name at all. We are also mixed race- Caucasian/ Asian mix and I would have considered using it for one of my children if my DH had liked it!
Violet is v similar in style (old lady chic)so it goes really well with this too.
Good luck persuading your DH!