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Original poster

Valentina- is it too poncey if you are not Spanish??

28 replies

summermumtobe · 21/04/2009 21:20

Considering using this maybe as a middle name with traditional English first name. We are not Spanish but child will be dark skinned. Is it too poncey? Also, do you think it should only be used for a baby born in February?

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smellybulldog · 21/04/2009 21:25

I think its an interesting and unusual middle name. I wouldn't use it as a first name though as it would get shortened to either Val or Tina. No I don't make the baby has to be born in Feb.

smellybulldog · 21/04/2009 21:25

I mean I don't THINK the baby has to be born in Feb.

Original poster
summermumtobe · 21/04/2009 22:26

Thx sbd. Anyone else??

OP posts:
Flibbertyjibbet · 21/04/2009 22:44

I think its a lovely name. I'd use it as a first name though with the traditional english name middle!

If you use it for a middle name people will think there's some spanish grandma abuela somewhere in her family.

lastboxoftampons · 22/04/2009 12:11

I think it's gorgeous - we were considering using it as a middle name (Isabel Valentina). IMO - it's a bit cheesy to name a baby Valentina if she's born in Feb, but I think it's fine any other time!

nightnightmoon · 22/04/2009 12:17

valentina is pretty not poncey. and in any case you can get away with more poncey middle names - that's what they're for!

InmyheadIminParis · 22/04/2009 12:27

I think what you suspect is right. I love the french name Valentine, if we'd stayed in France, then maybe, but here in the UK? Way too poncey! And are you sure you want a Val or a Tina?

InmyheadIminParis · 22/04/2009 12:28

Oops - didn't realise it was for a second name. I think for a second name you could definitely go for it!

WinkyWinkola · 22/04/2009 12:34

It's lovely.

DannyWotty1 · 22/04/2009 12:45

I think it's a beautiful name, either for a first name or second. I didn't realise the connection with February and TBH, don't think it matters. My DD has friends named Autumn (born June), Summer (born April), amongst others far too bizarre to mention (Ladybird, Meta-Angel(!?), Chipmunk(!?)).

WinkyWinkola · 22/04/2009 12:49

Chipmunk?!?!?!?! I don't believe it. Chipmunk?

And the OP is worried about Valentina?

DannyWotty1 · 22/04/2009 12:54

Chipmunk is quite true - I can't quite believe it myself. It's quite a topic of conversation for my DD and friends...
Valentina is just plain beautiful - go for it.

dempsie · 22/04/2009 13:16

pretty name- i like it

Original poster
summermumtobe · 22/04/2009 15:20

Isabel Valentina is a lovely combo lbot!

OP posts:
MrsMattie · 22/04/2009 16:08

I love this name, but I steered away from it because I hate 'Val' with a passion and just couldn't bear to ever have anyone call my DD that! . It is an exceedingly pretty name in it's full version, though.

sleepyhead3 · 22/04/2009 19:22

I think it is beautiful and if it is only a middle name the nns Val and Tina would be avoided.

Nekabu · 22/04/2009 19:47

The first woman in space was a Russian astronaut called Valentina, so I don't think you have to be Spanish.

ARAG · 22/04/2009 19:54

I think Russian before I think Spanish, too. In any case, it has a wonderful sound and feel to it.

I grew up with a Valentina, and she was always 'Valentina', not 'Val' or 'Tina'.

I think it is a lovely, musical, feminine name and not at all too poncey.

Enjoy deciding!

Original poster
summermumtobe · 22/04/2009 20:41

What I meant was, is it poncey to use the name if you don't have the cultural heritage to go with it whether it is Russian/ Spanish/ Italian/ Mexican, etc? Our child will definitely be dark skinned but dosen't have the above ethnic backgrounds!

OP posts:
Nekabu · 22/04/2009 21:23

The Valentina I knew didn't share that cultural heritage either. Didn't matter a jot, it's a lovely name and it suited her beautifully. If you like it, go for it ...

ARAG · 22/04/2009 21:35

I'm with Nekabu, 100%. I hear your point, summermum, but I don't think the name Valentina falls into that category (while 'Lyudmila' or 'Flor' might, for example, though essentially my philosophy is do-what-you-like). I think 'Valentina' totally makes sense in a British context. It's lovely!

BlueEyedMaid · 22/04/2009 21:37

Someone I know told me about twins born on 14 Feb (the same day as my twins) who were named Valentin and - yep, you guessed it, Valentina. That's just wrong, isn't it?

Better to give those lovely names to people who are a) not born in Feb and b) not related.

purpleduck · 22/04/2009 21:51

LOve it

LetThemEatCake · 23/04/2009 08:35

I think the cultural/ ethnic thing is irrelevant, especially in this day and age. Might irritate the odd pedant, but who cares?

My name is as Hebrew as it comes, yet not a skerrick (sp?) of Jewish heritage in me.

lastboxoftampons · 23/04/2009 11:37

thanks, Summer - alas, would be quite silly on our little BOY!

To answer your question - I don't think Valentina would be any more poncy than anyone using, say, Francesca (also one we were considering!) they have a European flare, but are quite accepted in the UK by now. Incidentally the Valentina I know is Italian - so if we all can't even determine in which country the name originates, then it's fair game, I say!