Baby Girl- Phyllis?

evabvictoria · November 2013

My nana passed when I was 36 weeks pregnant with my son

She was very special to me and I think of her every day. I am pregnant with my 2nd and am toying with the idea of naming my baby after her- Phyllis. I feel like there is a possibility that it could make a resurgence as a sort of retro cool hipster-y name, but I don't want my daughter to regret my choice for her. My name is Eva though, and growing up I HATED my name, (I was also named after my great grandmother) to me it was so old fashioned and I didn't know anyone else with that name (of course now it is super popular). Be nice please but let me know what you think!

Thanks in advance.

NerdyLucy · November 2013

Are you considering it for a first name or a middle name?

Helenahhandbasket · November 2013

I am so sorry about your grandma!

Phyllis to me though is baaadddd. It's totally up there with Gertude and Bertha, IMO.

Would you middle name it?

evabvictoria · November 2013

It would definitely be a first name, I just don't see Phyllis as a middle. I keep thinking people making fun of her and calling her "syphilis". I am finding out the sex today though so this may be moot, anyway!

Scarlett&Gatsby · November 2013

Personally, I'd MN it.

What was your grandma's middle name? Maybe that would make a better FN? If you like Phyllis, than go for it. I just can't imagine using it. It's not "old enough" to feel quaint and cute to me yet (that whole Hundred Year Rule).

evabvictoria · November 2013

It is MOST definitely an old lady name, and I don't want to use it just to be ironic and subversive to see if my daughter can pick up the slack when it comes to "unfortunate name syndrome". Her middle name is not something I would use- May. Its ok, I can honor her in another way, I just thought I would get some advice from baby name experts

evabvictoria · November 2013

Joy2611 said:

I'm on a different wavelength than everyone today.

I think Phyllis is kinda awesome.

Ok, I keep rolling it around too and I keep imagining this ADORABLE little girl with curly pigtails and saying "My name is Phyllis" in a sweet little toddler voice. Swoon! But, then I realize I am idealizing the situation

NerdyLucy · November 2013

This may just be me, but here I go.

If a name, such as Phyllis, seems too old-ladyish or too matronly, or too "something," all it usually takes is seeing one adorable baby or child with the name that then changes it.

In other words, while I may not love Phyllis, I would probably like it more seeing it on a little cutie. If you love the name and want to honor your grandma, I wouldn't worry a lot about it seeming too old right now.

PB&J714 · November 2013

evabvictoria said:

Joy2611 said:

I'm on a different wavelength than everyone today.

I think Phyllis is kinda awesome.

Ok, I keep rolling it around too and I keep imagining this ADORABLE little girl with curly pigtails and saying "My name is Phyllis" in a sweet little toddler voice. Swoon! But, then I realize I am idealizing the situation

I'm right there with you two! When I see the name Phyllis of course I think of an older lady. (And I always picture myself calling patients at work when I'm thinking about names) But you know, the thought that a little girl would hop up and say, "Me! I'm Phyllis!" makes me like it. I might die from the cuteness.

Plus, I love that the name is so special to you. My grandmother's heart tugs my heartstrings the same way.

I say go for it. And possible NNs that could work: Philly, Lissa, Lis, etc. Cute! And as PPs have mentioned, maybe give her a more "modern" MN in case she doesn't end up appreciating the name Phyllis like you do.

apc1929 · November 2013

I agree with nerdyLucy- I definitely see it as "old lady" now but only because the only Phyllis I know is in her 70's. I am sure seeing and hearing it on an adorable little girl or baby will be much different.

I have to admit I was in a similar situation with my Nana'a name I didn't end up using it for the same reason. Not saying I totally regret not using it but as the name has sat with me over the years and I have seen how my children and nieces/nephews have all sort of "grown" into their names I realize I was definitely overthinking it.

foxymulder · November 2013

I guess I'm in the minority, but I love it and I love that it honors your grandmother. Go for it!

scruggsa · November 2013

I like it especially because it means something to you. And I can also imagine a very cute little Phyllis. It could definitely come back

GraceUponGrace09 · November 2013

Sorry, there is no way I could name my daughter Phyllis but its your grandma and your daughter!

let us know what u r having once you find out.

brownmouse · November 2013

I really don't want to be the one who mentioned this, but since I gave it time and no one else did, I just want to say: Boys teasing. Phyllis. Syphilis. There... I said it.

And I'm very sorry for being "that" person to bring it up.....

brooksidebride · November 2013

I think I like it. And a modern middle name would be nice, something like Phyllis Bree.

banannapeach85 · November 2013

I really like Phyllis, particularly to honor family. I'd go for it.

ArmyWife114 · November 2013

I don't like the name (DH has an Aunt Phyllis and she drives me batshit crazy.), but I love the family meaning for you!!!

Neighner20 · November 2013

@evabvictoria did you find out the sex today?

mh89 · November 2013

Did anyone else automatically think of Phyllis from The Office?

I'd personally MN it just because it's not my style at all, but if you love it then use it!

queenbone · November 2013

mh89 said:

Did anyone else automatically think of Phyllis from The Office?

I'd personally MN it just because it's not my style at all, but if you love it then use it!

Yes, that was my very first thought! Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration.

OP, I'm not a fan of all of Phyllis in the FN spot. I don't think Phyllis is ready for a comeback at all. And the idea of Phil as a NN for a little girl is totally unappealing to me. I don't even like Phil as a NN for a boy.

Meery82 · November 2013

Neighner20 said:

@evabvictoria did you find out the sex today?

This

emilyray14 · November 2013

I can't get on board with this one. I know a 16 year old named Phyllis and I've always thought for years that having that name was quite unfortunate. But the family meaning is great and its spelled correctly, so go for it if you love it!

evabvictoria · November 2013

ITS A GIRL!!!!!!

!!! So.... Phyllis really is a viable option. :O

evabvictoria · November 2013

For the record, for all of you that are not super duper into the name, my husband is right there with you

, so we shall see! I just love all these opinions, and I have a ton of time still (due March 29th). I was going to name my son Holden, I was telling everyone, all set with it, etc etc etc, and then the people who lived down the block from me named their baby Holden as well, but 3 months before. I just couldn't have two babies with the same *not so common* name on the same block, so I changed it when I met my sweet baby boy for the first time- to Noah (super popular right now!!) and he is SUCH a Noah. I think I will leave it on the list of names, and then when I see my precious baby girl for the first time I will know what to do. I agree- a really modern middle name could be the way to go then she can opt to use that if she wants. I really appreciate all the input!

Cricket Bug · November 2013

I think Phyllis is a great middle name. My grandmother who I was very close to passed away this summer was named Phyllis. She confided in me that she hated her name, and that it was 'too old lady'. She was 96 years old. Just something to consider.

evabvictoria · November 2013

Cricket Bug said:

I think Phyllis is a great middle name. My grandmother who I was very close to passed away this summer was named Phyllis. She confided in me that she hated her name, and that it was 'too old lady'. She was 96 years old. Just something to consider.

Great advice! You know, I never really asked my nana what she thought of her name! I have an aunt named Phyllis and considered asking her about her name but didn't want to insult her if that makes sense! Anyone care to weigh in on my other name choices right now? My last name is

Marino

Esme

Maya

Isabel (Spanish variation of my sister Elizabeth)

Genevieve

Anya

diamondduck13 · November 2013

queenbone said:

mh89 said:

Did anyone else automatically think of Phyllis from The Office?

I'd personally MN it just because it's not my style at all, but if you love it then use it!

Yes, that was my very first thought! Bob Vance, Vance Refrigeration.

OP, I'm not a fan of all of Phyllis in the FN spot. I don't think Phyllis is ready for a comeback at all. And the idea of Phil as a NN for a little girl is totally unappealing to me. I don't even like Phil as a NN for a boy.

Me too! I was reading through the posts wondering how it was possible no one was mentioning Mrs Vance

Her peers won't know it (except maybe from classic reruns), but I'd use it as a MN because I personally couldn't disassociate with Phyllis Vance.

And I'd fear the syphilis rhyme

Cricket Bug · November 2013

evabvictoria said:

Cricket Bug said:

I think Phyllis is a great middle name. My grandmother who I was very close to passed away this summer was named Phyllis. She confided in me that she hated her name, and that it was 'too old lady'. She was 96 years old. Just something to consider.

Great advice! You know, I never really asked my nana what she thought of her name! I have an aunt named Phyllis and considered asking her about her name but didn't want to insult her if that makes sense! Anyone care to weigh in on my other name choices right now? My last name is

Marino

Esme
Maya
Isabel (Spanish variation of my sister Elizabeth)
Genevieve
Anya

I guess it would depend on your relationship with your aunt whether you could ask her. I can see how some people might get 'off put' by being asked what could be seen as a very personal question.

Of your other names I really like Isabel and Genevieve. Is there another way to honour your nana?

mh89 · November 2013

bumpuser5823822 · November 2013

Not a fan of Phyllis. Sorry. I appreciate the meaning though!

I love Anya and Genevieve!

Sam Buttons · November 2013

First, congratulations on your little girl!

I love Phyllis! I actually grew up with a few Phyllis's - they all are now super confident women and I don't remember any of them being teased. (there are 3-4 in the grades immediately surrounding mine)

I would honestly have a chat with your aunt. Don't insinuate anything bad, just basically say "we are thinking about naming her phyllis because of the family significance and wanted to get your take on your name"

CarynJeanG · November 2013

I met a little girl named Phyllis. She went by Philly and had bright red hair and tons of freckles. She was extremely adorable. I don't mind the name as much as other old lady names like Bertha, Gertrude.. Ect.

CharlestonVal · November 2013

I love Phyllis too! Go for it!

naflmj · November 2013

I really don't like Phyllis but I would use it as a middle name. Our what was your grandmother's middle name? Maybe that could be an option

sunnyday016 · November 2013

I don't like it. I think this is one that should stay in the past. However, I think it'd be fine as a mn.

Mrs.G123 · November 2013

I love old lady names. But not this one! Middle name for sure!!!

BC&LM · November 2013

Phyllis is kind of old woman-ish to me. But I think it's better than some of the recently trendy names like Addison, Hadley, and Everly, which I think are awful.

Ineedmorecoffee · November 2013

What about something similar to Phyllis like Philipa

slukd79 · November 2013

I could never use it-- however with a family connection I think MN is a good place for it.

Also, one child can change your mind. So you never know! But right now, I really don't like it.

neverblushed · November 2013

I didn't read the replies, but this name seems to have caused a heated debate!

If you're skittish about Phyllis, you can always name her another "P" name in honor of your grandmother.

My grandmother was named Melvina. When my mom was pregnant with me, my parents were toying with naming me after her. She refused to let them do that to me. As a compromise, they chose Melissa. I got a name I like, avoided being called Melvina, and I have always still felt that I was named after my grandmother!

jjh471 · November 2013

Esme! Its my GP name for sure!

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