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How common is Imogen??

40 replies

emsyj · 16/11/2009 13:44

DH and I are shortlisting names. We can agree easily on boys' names, but girls' names we are having difficulty with. The only two we both like are Cressida (but really really doesn't go with the surname - damn) and Imogen, but I saw Imogen is in the top 40 (number 37 in 2008). It really surprised me as I don't know of a single little girl called Imogen, but can you tell me how many you know?? I was one of 4 Emmas in my class at school and I really want to try and avoid that for our DC if possible!

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blametheparents · 16/11/2009 13:45

I don't know of any girls called Imogen.
Wanted to call my DD Imogen, but DH vetoed it - damn!
Go for it, 'tis lovely!

mumslife · 16/11/2009 13:48

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

emsyj · 16/11/2009 13:48

Hoping for more answers like that blametheparents!!!

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emsyj · 16/11/2009 13:51

Oh poo mumslife

I suspected it was getting popular. It's so hard to find something we both agree on and that doesn't clash with the surname. AAAGH! Can I ask what area you live in? We're in the north west and I don't know any Imogens round here, maybe if they're all in the south we could get away with it???

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RnB · 16/11/2009 13:55

love cressida, shame you can't use it

MrsJohnDeere · 16/11/2009 13:57

Lovely name.

I don't know any at all.

emsyj · 16/11/2009 13:58

Well we might have to just deal with the surname clash and use Cressida RnB - DH thinks it doesn't sound too bad, I think it sounds odd but not necessarily terrible and my family think it doesn't go at all and want us to use Lucy, which I love but DH has vetoed. May just call the baby 'Baby' and be done with it.

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blametheparents · 16/11/2009 14:03

I am still saying go for Imogen

anamaria22 · 16/11/2009 14:04

There are actually 2 Imogens in my dd's class at school, one gets called Immy, the other Imogen. So, yes, I do think it is becoming a little more popular. We're in London by the way.

Cressida is beautiful and I don't know any at all... I actually find Cressida more feminine than Imogen. If you can make it work with your surname, I'd choose Cressida!

lola0109 · 16/11/2009 14:05

I have a 17 year old cousin called Imogen and she's really gorgeous so the name suits her! She lives in Oxford.

I also love the name but DP has vetoed but there are no imogens I know of around here (just outside Glasgow).

I would use it if you can, really annoyed that I can't!

superbean · 16/11/2009 14:28

I know a couple of Imogens. Both quite posh. I think it's a good name!

dizzydixies · 16/11/2009 15:32

none in DD1's class (she's 6) and none in DD2's (she's 3) playgroup - DD3 is only 1 and has no mates bless her

great name and high on list if I ever get to have DD4

emsyj · 16/11/2009 16:01

Consensus seems to be that Imogen is quite posh and more popular down south, so we might be safe... we're not posh and we're in the north!

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cloelia · 16/11/2009 16:31

I know two little ones and one is shortened to Mimi which i think is sweet! Plus an 18 year old who is as elegant as you can imagine. a good name imo (I mean in my opinion!)

biscuitbear · 16/11/2009 16:39

DD2's middle name. There are a few about but probably rising in popularity. I've always loved the name.

salvadory · 16/11/2009 16:42

I love Imogen and we've shortlisted for our baby (if it's a girl obv!). We are in the NW and I don't know any who are babies, am associated with one 20 year old (v posh nn Jenny), one 7 year old, not posh at all and know of one 3 year old (poshness not determined as not known directly).
There'll definitely be less Cressidas in the NW, never hear of any. Go with Cressida (it'll be one less Imogen for my potential one to bump into!! )

PfftTheMagicDragon · 16/11/2009 16:45

I think it's becoming more popular but I think it's one of those names that is never going to be a Grace or a Ruby, I think it will be popular for a few years and then become less so again. Which is good news.

stressheaderic · 16/11/2009 19:00

I'm in the north west too, and I only know of one Imogen, who is 3 years old (and gets Immy as nickname). It's perceived to be quite posh where I live, I do like it though.

CuppaTeaJanice · 16/11/2009 20:06

I only know 2 - one is 10 and one 36, so no baby Imogens, and I've been to a lot of baby groups in the past couple of years!

Imogen is a beautiful name. Cressida, on the other hand, reminds me of washing up!

BuckRogers · 16/11/2009 20:33

I'm in the NW too and we know 2 Imogens. One in DS's(6)class and another at the playgroup I take DD2(1) to.
The 1yr old is known as Immy but AFAIK the 6yr old is always Imogen.
I think you'd still be unlucky to have another one in her class.

Slovenlymummy · 16/11/2009 21:45

I have an Imogen - 2 years old. We love it and still get comments about what a nice name etc. Was down around the 70 mark in the top 100 when we chose it but has gone up alot. We get some weird spellings - 'Imagine' was the most amusing! Good luck with your decision

Slovenlymummy · 16/11/2009 21:46

PS We are in the South!

feedthegoat · 16/11/2009 21:47

I know one and she is a teenager. I am in the north and definately not posh!

somethinganything · 17/11/2009 09:28

I'm in North London know quite a few Imogens - all posh. Mimi is a common shortening. Think it's a lovely name actually although I kind of feel it has quite a lot of expectations attached to it i.e. I think it's difficult to blend into the background as an Imogen - but maybe that's a good thing! Not so keen on Cressida TBH. Makes me think of middle-aged ladies in the Archers for some reason.

Tryingtobeorganisedthisyear · 17/11/2009 10:02

I'm in the nw, know 1 baby Imogen and don't care how many others come along, cos if this is pink at Easter when i due i'm still having it

I love it too much to give it up due to popularity