Right, who needs a baby name? I'm armed with a baby name book from the 70's and I'm not afraid to use it

[sleepsforwimps]

I have just found the baby name book that my parents used in the '70's, lent to myself when naming my children and thought it may help/amuse others.

First published in 1954, I have the 1974 reprint and by jove it has some corkers in it

The Preface

Naming Baby can be a very long, hazardous and trying business, for there are almost as many difficulties to overcome as, say, at a Four-Power Conference. For example, will Baby in later years thank or curse the appellation so painstakingly arrived at; will it please the grandparents - a point for the most careful diplomacy; is the sound of sympathy with the surname; is it pretentious and difficult to pronounce; has it a diminutive which is not at all comlpimentary; and so on and so on. Nevertheless all difficult tasks repay the care and devotion lavished upon them - least not NAMING BABY.

This little book, of course, does not attempt to solve these multitudious problems for they are essentially personal. However, it is the compiler's hope that it will serve to aid in this onerous task by showing what a great variety of names there are to choose from, and something of their origin and meaning.

I'm hoping my scruffy little book will help someone find an untapped name from the past.

So, any requests for girls/boys names of a particular letter?

Hazel is not lovely, "all the flowers in the world and they named her after a nut" is my all time favorite quote.

Hazel is not lovely .. trust me, shes my MIL

Hester,

Am now only a visitor to the hallowed fields of Kensington, did live there once though and my brother still does.

I once lost DS in Holland Park and he was in VERY expensive hand-me-down clothes care of a nanny fried of mine. I was cursing myself thinking "oh no, they'll have kidnapped him because he looks well-off and they think they'll get a big ransom!".

Have NO desire to spend five hours a day exericising ever - but especially not when newborn cuddles are on offer! (have never worn a bikini though, so maybe I don't know what I'm missing)

I like Sukey very much and Hester (I think Hester is now top of my list)

34+ weeks, don't know if boy or girl but suspecting girl.

I'm, a child of the 70's but was named after my grandmother. I knew mostly Claire/Clare/Clair variations.

I know 2 Hazels, 1 is 40 and 1 is 70!

Hester is fabulous! (Sadly, not my RL name, but you can tell I like it.)

There is a well known MNetter called Hester in RL, but I'm not letting on who...

Oooh! I wonder who it is.

I am trying to win Mr Grumpy round to 'Hester'. He looked askance but I will win this battle.

Of course, this is where I have a boy and have no idea. Inigo? Heston?