Imogen - boring and sensible??

[passionberry]

I think Imogen is really pretty and am leaning towards it rather than my original choice of Isla.

Can't think of a middle name to go with it though and some people have commented that it sounds "sensible" and "serious".

did you know - imogen is a made up name? as grammar says it comes from cymbeline. but shakespeare intended it to be 'innogen' to sound like the word innocent. most of shakespeares plays (i think) weren't published or anything and what we have today are not quite originals there are 3 different versions. anyway i digress, imogen as name was born out of a misprint/misreading - which i think is quite unique and special

TD- I am hoping that happens to us. Having been convinced i would never find a boys name i like as much as ds's, we have. And now can't agree on girls! Typical!

We have an Imogen. She is not in the slightest bit boring or sensible. It's a name that shortens well too. It's also fashionably unfashionable.

I agree with the "sensible and serious" definition of Imogen. It veers towards the bluestocking IMO.

Imogen is a beautiful name. Not a serious sounding name. It's a proper name and with all the made-up and celebrity inspired names around maybe that's why that person thought it sounded serious!

Imogen was the 33rd most popular girls' names for babies born in England & Wales in 2008.

In fact, Imogen is ahead of Isla in the popularity stakes - Isla was 35th most popular in 2008.

I think it is a lovely name that suits small child, teenager, adult and older lady too.

Thanks all, I feel reassured!!

Not too worried about popularity - haven't heard it much round here (all Isabellas and Avas!)

I love the name Imogen and only know one; an 18-year-old who usually goes by Mo. I'm quite keen on names that have a handful of nn options so like that Imogen could be Mo, Immie, Gen/Jen, Gennie/Jennie, Imo.

For middle names I'd probably go for something with one or two syllables e.g. Hope, Mary, Claire, Kate, Lucie, Rachel.

We didn't tell anyone the names we liked for DD1 before she was born but we had three and didn't choose one until she was born. DD2 was a bit of a different issue; two friends were told her name before she arrived but they knew we didn't want opinions as there was only 1 name that we had in mind for DD2 which was because of its meaning. On both occasions we either gave people names we'd never consider i.e. one that rhymed with our surname so sounded ridiculous or else simply said, "it's an old-fashioned name and has three syllables".

I like it. Wouldn't say it was boring. It is probably a sensible choice, as in not a crazy choice, but that's a good thing imo

We chose Imogen for DD1 before she was born and didn't tell anyone the name - as we knew everyone would have an opinion on it. The only negative remark we ever got was - it was a "pony club" name!
Imogen Grace is now 7 and I am still glad this is the name we decided on.She goes to a large primary school and there is only 1 other Imogen at her school.

I don't think it is sensible or serious - it's just a lovely name that suits all ages (not biased at all!)

I love 'boring and sensible' names-it means they are classic and won't date the DC.

I liked Imogen and it was a serious contender for my first born but we changed our minds at the last minute when I saw another name in a book I was reading just before she was born.Considered it again for my second DD but DD1 and DS1 couldnt pronounce it properly . Still think it is a beautiful timeless name.

Hello, OP here! I started this thread back in January - nice to see some more positive comments for Imogen as she's due 14th April and we are pretty much decided on the name!

Do you know that you are having a girl ?

Well, we think so - the sonographer wasn't 100% sure so we haven't bought anything pink! We do have a boy back-up name just in case!

Hope everything goes well let us know what you have