Liz CA Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) We had two turkeys named Ethel and Edith... :) We took such pride coming up with interesting names for our birds. Edited November 11, 2017 by Liz CA 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) Has Aurelia been mentioned? Or Annadezka? Thought of another one: Griselda or another version is Griseldis. Edited November 11, 2017 by Liz CA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 A lot of name geeks love the name Agatha, or like using Sadie or Sally as proper nicknames (for Sara). Personally, I'm a fan of Ethel and Edith. I knew a Hazel growing up, and I still think it's one of the best flower/plant baby names, along with Daisy. (Better than Rowan, which was fashionable a few years ago. Not as good as Clover, which is quite modern.) Looking at the SSA name lists, I also like: Pauline, Adeline, Leona, Opal, Flora, Bonnie, Dorothy, Imogene, Rosalie, Jane, and Jill. Better than Seven Apple West 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Has Aurelia been mentioned? Or Annadezka? My friend from high school has a trans daughter who has chosen the name Aurelia. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1GirlTwinBoys Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Louise Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose Posted November 11, 2017 Author Share Posted November 11, 2017 Oh man. When you said gross I was thinking of the urban legends ... yeah. So, anyway. There are some that I think are very dated but quaint and charming. Of the ones listed I'd go with Beryl, Dorothy, Glenda, Maude, Ruth (seriously, if I had a dd that would be her name), Edith, Gwendolyn, Hester, Winifred, Phyllis, Harriet, Moira. Other ones that I happen to like would be Adelaide, Rose, Pearl, Clara, Grace, Evelyn, Marjorie, Judith, Constance, Priscilla, Lydia, Genevieve, Rosalind, Lillian, Gillian, Jessamine. Then there are some that are just plain dated and I don't really see them making a comeback. Edna, Gertrude, Dorcas, Eunice, Enid, Bertha, Helga, Agatha, Agnes, Ermentrude, Mercy, Silence, Keziah, Mehitabel, Edwina, Sophronia (Phronsie!), Theodosia, Lettice (everyone would call her lettuce!), Griselda, Bathsheba, Eulalia, Eglentine, Petronella, Scholastica, Elfreda, Etheldreda, Godiva, Urith. You might be surprised. I know at least four children named Mercy, all in families that don't know each other. I'm somewhat partial toward Eunice. The germanic names are just so unfashionable right now. Vowels are in. Maybe Eulalia can make a come back. Dh suggested that name for our last dd. I also really like Constance. Eglentine, Petronella, Scholastica, Elfreda, Etheldreda, Godiva and Ermentrude would be really hard to live with. They sound soooo foreign to our ears. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I also really like Constance That's my name! But Connie sounds dated in the wrong way - it's a 1940s - 1950s name. I'd stick with the full name, or else another nickname like Stanzie. Eglentine, Petronella, Scholastica, Elfreda, Etheldreda, Godiva and Ermentrude would be really hard to live with. They sound soooo foreign to our ears. Eglantine and Elfreda aren't that bad, but I wouldn't go with Godiva. Most people have heard that name, after all, and it's bound to produce a few snickers even if all they think about is the chocolates. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KaleSprouts Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Aletheia I had a great aunt with this name and when I was little thought it was pretty and unusual. I've met a few sweet little old ladies with the name since then. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LMD Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Edwina? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BarbecueMom Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Aletheia I had a great aunt with this name and when I was little thought it was pretty and unusual. I've met a few sweet little old ladies with the name since then. I went to school with a couple of girls with that name (I'm in my mid 30s). I think one of my sister in law's friends has this name. I suspect Mildred/Millicent may become more popular soon because of the nickname Millie (after the actress on Stranger Things). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 You might be surprised. I know at least four children named Mercy, all in families that don't know each other. I'm somewhat partial toward Eunice. The germanic names are just so unfashionable right now. Vowels are in. Maybe Eulalia can make a come back. Dh suggested that name for our last dd. I also really like Constance. Eglentine, Petronella, Scholastica, Elfreda, Etheldreda, Godiva and Ermentrude would be really hard to live with. They sound soooo foreign to our ears. There is a member here with a Mercy. I quite like it. And I like Petronella, ever since I read The Miniaturist. It lends itself easily to being Nella or Petra, but it also sounds good with all four syllables. It’s one of those perfect enigmatic names: feeling demur? Use Nella. Funky and modern? Go with Petra. Need to sign a legal document? Nobody screws over a Petronella. It’s perfect! 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MedicMom Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I think all this older siblings naming babies is funny. When I was a teenager, my mom was having my youngest sister, which was horrifying enough when you’re 16. Then she was insistent on naming the baby Olivia. I thought Olivia was a terrible, ugly, horribly old fashioned name, and eventually I prevailed and the baby was named something else(a truly lovely name, too). The argument went on for months before my sister’s birth though. My poor mom had her heart set on Olivia and I thought it was just an absolutely awful name for a baby. Fast forward about sixteen years, when I gave birth to my own daughter. You should have seen the look on my mother’s face when I handed her my Olivia. 16 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MFG Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 One I have not seen mentioned yet- Drusilla 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Wheres Toto Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Myrtle Melva Dorothy Helga Roberta Glenda Alva Geraldine You can find more by reading the obituaries. ;) Gee Thanks! :001_rolleyes: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose Posted November 11, 2017 Author Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) That's my name! But Connie sounds dated in the wrong way - it's a 1940s - 1950s name. I'd stick with the full name, or else another nickname like Stanzie. Eglantine and Elfreda aren't that bad, but I wouldn't go with Godiva. Most people have heard that name, after all, and it's bound to produce a few snickers even if all they think about is the chocolates. All that I think of with Godiva is the Lady Godiva rides :ohmy:. I don't get the connection with chocolate. (edited to add: wow, I'm dumb, it's just a brand of chocolate) Edited November 11, 2017 by Rose M Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rose Posted November 11, 2017 Author Share Posted November 11, 2017 I think all this older siblings naming babies is funny. When I was a teenager, my mom was having my youngest sister, which was horrifying enough when you’re 16. Then she was insistent on naming the baby Olivia. I thought Olivia was a terrible, ugly, horribly old fashioned name, and eventually I prevailed and the baby was named something else(a truly lovely name, too). The argument went on for months before my sister’s birth though. My poor mom had her heart set on Olivia and I thought it was just an absolutely awful name for a baby. Fast forward about sixteen years, when I gave birth to my own daughter. You should have seen the look on my mother’s face when I handed her my Olivia. I used to know a woman named Cinderella because her older sister got naming rights. I seriously don't understand why the parents didn't exercise veto privileges. She went by Cindy. How would you live that down in school? 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Liz CA Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 All that I think of with Godiva is the Lady Godiva rides :ohmy:. I don't get the connection with chocolate. Godiva is definitely associated with chocolate around here. I knew someone who named her daughter "Chanel." I am wondering if she suffered in school. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
laundrycrisis Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Ingrid, Madge, Mabel, Velma Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MotherGoose Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I've always liked Enid. I think I read a book with a lovely character by that name when I was a child. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guinevere Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) Esther, Naomi, Ruth, and Miriam are all popular. Also Eleanor, Lydia, and Evelyn. Oh, and Lyla. Edited November 11, 2017 by Guinevere 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zinnia Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) My MIL's first name is Hildred. Ahe hates it. Her mother was Maoma (Mae-oma). My own grandmother was Faye. Gr-grandmother was Dora, and another was OraLee (which is a variation of Aurelie, and I think is very pretty). Edited November 11, 2017 by Zinnia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daria Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Euphemia Soujourner Fanny/Fannie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zinnia Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) Mona Imogene (I know 2 babies named this!) Edited November 11, 2017 by Zinnia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stibalfamily Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Lucille Ima Jean Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 And I like Petronella, ever since I read The Miniaturist. It lends itself easily to being Nella or Petra, but it also sounds good with all four syllables. It’s one of those perfect enigmatic names: feeling demur? Use Nella. Funky and modern? Go with Petra. Need to sign a legal document? Nobody screws over a Petronella. And if you turn out to be a fan of classic SF movies, you can call yourself Tron. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
plansrme Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I used to know a Hezekiah. She is probably about 20 now but is the only one I have ever come across. I also know a young Helen, which strikes me as an old lady name because I know a couple of adult Helens who are witches. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rutamattatt Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Geraldine Lorraine Viola I know a young Shiphrah, but it strikes me as what I lovingly call "a nursing home name". LOVE Theodosia, but I imagine it will become popular because of the musical Hamilton. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Katy Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I met an older lady once named Estebelle. I've always loved the virtue name Honor, but DH vetoed it. Eden is a similar sort of name - vaguely spiritual but not as specific as Honor, Wisdom, or Mercy. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mykidsrmyjoy Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 My grandmother's name was Bertrice, which her family pronounced BER-triss when she was growing up. As an adult, she insisted on people pronouncing her name Ber-TREESE, but eventually shortened it to Bea. A few other old-fashioned names in my family are Joyce Lucy Lola Eva Edith Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 You might be surprised. I know at least four children named Mercy, all in families that don't know each other. I'm somewhat partial toward Eunice. The germanic names are just so unfashionable right now. Vowels are in. Maybe Eulalia can make a come back. Dh suggested that name for our last dd. I also really like Constance. Eglentine, Petronella, Scholastica, Elfreda, Etheldreda, Godiva and Ermentrude would be really hard to live with. They sound soooo foreign to our ears. How about Eudora like Eudora Welty? Hedwig? Edwige? Eglee? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chiguirre Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Dolores which means pains in Spanish. I don't understand naming beautiful bouncing baby "pains" It's a reference to the Virgin Mary (one of her sobriquets is Mother of Sorrows) as are Remedios and Mercedes. Then there are all the different Virgen visions: Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Loreto, Coromoto, etc. Plus Imaculata and Anunciata for the Immaculate Conception and the Annunciation. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catwoman Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I'm still really undecided about baby names. Awhile back I ran a thread about virtue names but I still don't know about the ones that I have left. I've only got a month left so I need to get cracking! Anyway, I've got a fond affection for really old school names that everyone thinks are gross. Ultrasound says that we're having a girl. So give me your "gross" girl names that badly need revival. Why would you intentionally give your baby a name that everyone thinks is gross? :confused: That seems sort of mean. Aren't you worried that people will make fun of her? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kareni Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Willa is a less common name. Regards, Kareni 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KungFuPanda Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 My grandmother was Robena. I’ve never met another. Her daughters were Kathleen, Peggy, and Dorcas. How’s that for a collection of old names? You could always go with Hulga Joy :-) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Learning fun Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 It's a reference to the Virgin Mary (one of her sobriquets is Mother of Sorrows) as are Remedios and Mercedes. Then there are all the different Virgen visions: Guadalupe, Lourdes, Fatima, Loreto, Coromoto, etc. Plus Imaculata and Anunciata for the Immaculate Conception and the Annunciation. Oh thank you for your explanation. It is then a deeply religious name. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Debbi in Texas Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Alice Laverne Ina Lucille Ethel Belvia Patsy Virginia Nadine Millie Juanita Frances Heloise/Eloise Prentice Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Why would you intentionally give your baby a name that everyone thinks is gross? :confused: That seems sort of mean. Aren't you worried that people will make fun of her? You know, I read variations on this all the time - don't name your kid Alf, the kids will tease him. Don't name him Milo, or Noah. Don't name your girl Myrtle or Gertrude or any other name you like. But don't give those same kids popular names either! It's all silliness. Unless you name your child something really, really outre, like Hitler or Moon Unit, their peers won't think it's anything strange. Adults listen to these names and think "That's an old lady name" or "That name belongs to a stripper" or "That's a weird name!" or "That's the name of a dumb character from that dumb TV show when I was a kid*", but kids just hear "That's my friend" or maybe "That's that kid I don't like". They don't know which names are "old lady names" (and when they're grown, it is YOUR name that will be an "old lady name") or "stripper names" (another thing which varies from one generation to the next) or "weird names" (ditto), and as for old TV shows - well, have they ever seen those shows? Why would they? * Can't avoid this. You might give your kid a perfectly normal name and then a TV show or movie airs when they're six or seven and forever more people call them a mermaid or ask where their twin is. 8 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EmilyGF Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 (edited) I think kid names all sound lovely after a while of knowing a kid. But I do have a story - My husband advised his colleague to not tell anyone his child's name before it was born so they wouldn't criticize it. His colleague was Dutch and named his kid (not kidding) "Rover", which we found pretty bad since it is a stereotypical dog name. What's worse, we learned later, is that in Dutch, "Rover" means "robber". What was he thinking??? ETA: I know an Agnes, Willa, etc and they all are as sweet as the kids after a while. Edited November 11, 2017 by EmilyGF 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KrissiK Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I take exception to the idea that these names are gross. Beauty is in the eye (or ear) of the beholder. I love the names Dorothy and Beatrice. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinder Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Hortence! When I first met BIL he had a car he'd named Hortence. I can't remember what kind it was, though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tanaqui Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 My husband advised his colleague to not tell anyone his child's name before it was born so they wouldn't criticize it. His colleague was Dutch and named his kid (not kidding) "Rover", which we found pretty bad since it is a stereotypical dog name. What's worse, we learned later, is that in Dutch, "Rover" means "robber". Well, some people in America give their kids names like "Rebel" or "Renegade" or "Maverick". (Though Maverick is a funny word. Maverick was some dude who didn't want to brand his cattle. That's it!) My mother knew a girl named Conception. Concepcion is, of course, a normal enough name in Latin America, but when they moved to the US they wanted their first daughter to have an American name. Didn't work out the way they'd figured. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MercyA Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I wouldn't advise using Dorcas. I have a Mennonite relative with that name, and I confess I always want to giggle when I say it. I know that is terrible and immature and I wish I didn't have that reaction--but I do. :blushing: 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rachel Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 A couple more that are old but not gross: Mable Bessie My great grandma was Bessie, she had a slew of sisters with rhyming names. Essie is the only one I can remember though. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
goldberry Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Always thought my middle name was old-lady... Frances. Other old lady family names: Rosalee, Erna, MaryLou, Omafae, Margaret 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
amy g. Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I go by my middle name which is Genevieve. Miss Bossy's middle name is Maudie after my grandmother. My other grandmother was Mamie. I love that name too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Melissa in Australia Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 If I had had another girl I would have called her Joyce after three of the nicest old layers I have ever met I had a great aunt called Mabel, another one called Daisy and my grandmother is called Gwyneth 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
meganrussell Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 Elaine Tabitha Loraina (my great grandmother's name) Alice Ruth Naomi Mavis Betty 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DawnM Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 I admit I was shocked when I found out a 7th grader at my school had the middle name Dawn. It is quite outdated now, but when I was born it was particularly a very common middle name for girls. I know we have focused on girls names, but a few male names from our family lineage: Henry Woodford Percival Lilburn MacArthur Otis Roy Harold Lloyd Cecil Albert Elmer 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura Corin Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 My sister's name is Maude. It works well. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carrie12345 Posted November 11, 2017 Share Posted November 11, 2017 My grandparents had considered Petronella. All their daugters did get perfectly average names, but Petronella was an actual contender for their first born! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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