This is sort of continuation of my other thread about [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f]. DH has decided he likes [name_u]Holly[/name_u] more than [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f]. I’m not in love with it, though I guess I don’t hate it. I didn’t particularly love [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f] until I thought about it for a while so I’m wondering if I could learn to love [name_u]Holly[/name_u]. He says it’s ultimately my choice (within reason) but I do want his input. He has shot down several of my favorites though.
[name_u]Holly[/name_u]. It’s not popular in the US now, which I like. However, it was pretty popular 20 years ago and even more so before that so I can’t help feeling it’s dated.
I know it’s more popular in the UK and Australia now and I would definitely be against it if it was that popular here.
I do like that it’s a nature name. It does have a warm feeling to me and I like the connection to Celtic myth and tree meanings.
I wonder if it’s too Christmasy though for a baby not born in [name_u]December[/name_u]?
What is your opinion of [name_u]Holly[/name_u]? Have you ever learned to love a name you originally weren’t thrilled with?
Editing just to clarify we’re not pregnant yet, just deciding on possible names we both like.
Thanks for the feedback!
I think [name_u]Holly[/name_u] is a really sweet name! [name_f]My[/name_f] impression of it is friendly, cozy, down-to-earth, and happy. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though its usage peaked a few decades ago, it reminds me in sound of plenty of modern favorites. It’s the kind of name that I could easily picture being popular today–but it’s not, which I think makes it even better! And although I like the idea of using it on a [name_u]December[/name_u] baby, I don’t think that connection is necessary by any means; I wouldn’t assume a [name_u]Holly[/name_u] was a [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] baby.
I wonder if you might like it paired with a quirky modern middle? I’ve often found that for me, the right combination can take a name from like to love. I’ve also definitely had the experience of a name growing on me as I’ve thought about it more, been exposed to it more, etc. All that said, if [name_u]Holly[/name_u] isn’t the right name for your baby, don’t force it! Some names that remind me of [name_u]Holly[/name_u] and [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f]:
I honestly think [name_u]Holly[/name_u] is “meh.” I don’t think it is too Christmasy, but it might be hard to learn to love it. I’ve definitely grown to like names, but I’ve never, learned, if that makes sense. Maybe you would like [name_u]Hollis[/name_u], which is a little more unique but has a same sound?
I actually think it’s really sweet! I’d say it’s ready for a revival! So cute! [name_u]Nature[/name_u] names are so popular right now, so I feel like [name_u]Holly[/name_u] fits right in!
I do adore [name_u]Holly[/name_u], I think it’s super sweet, but if it doesn’t feel right to you, then I wouldn’t try to force yourself to like it! Maybe something like [name_u]Holland[/name_u] could be a compromise?
I don’t think of it as being dated because when I hear the name [name_u]Holly[/name_u] I think [name_u]Holly[/name_u] Flax, LOL!
Honestly I think it’s better for a baby NOT born in [name_u]December[/name_u], because a [name_u]December[/name_u] baby named [name_u]Holly[/name_u] is sort of cheesy. I think you will learn to love [name_u]Holly[/name_u], because it will remind you of your beautiful daughter after she is born, but if you really don’t like it, don’t use it.
It reminds me of [name_u]Holly[/name_u] Flax too! I think that’s one of the reasons DH likes it because we’ve watched the office so much. Not a bad association at all to me.
[name_u]Holly[/name_u] is cute! Simple , sweet , easy to spell , recognizable and not overly popular. A friend of mine used it on her one year old ([name_u]June[/name_u] baby) and it has definitely grown on me !
I don’t think names should be held to a certain month or the time surrounding a specific event (i.e. names that make us think of Christmas don’t necessarily need to be given during the Holiday season). If you like a name enough to consider it, you should use it irregardless of the time of year.
As for [name_f]Holly[/name_f], I don’t think it’s dated. It’s a great name, but if you’re unsure about it, put it in the maybe column and come back to it later and see what you think. Take a look at it with new eyes in a couple of months or when you get pregnant and see what you think about it then.
Yes, I have found names I didn’t like originally have suddenly become fresh or a possibility in my mind sometime down the road. Just by putting it away and looking at it later has helped. I’ve also found a few that are quite the opposite… I originally loved them and now wouldn’t consider them. For example, I always thought Tëgᴀn Söphïᴀ would be the only girl’s name combo I would ever use – now I would use the names in separate combos, but not together.
[name_u]Holly[/name_u] isn’t my personal style but I think it’s a fine name. Maybe you could look up famous Hollys or books/movies that have a character named [name_u]Holly[/name_u], to find a namesake who makes you like the name more. I never cared for the name [name_f]Arabella[/name_f] before I read the book [name_f]Arabella[/name_f] by [name_f]Georgette[/name_f] Heyer. Nowadays, I really like it.
Honestly where you aren’t currently expecting I wouldn’t think about it too much. For my past and current pregnancy hubby and I have started off the early months brainstorming and then every couple weeks/ months see how we feel. And keep doing that. I’d put [name_u]Holly[/name_u], [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f] and whatever else and just go back to it. It may grow on you it may wane on him. Names that were once contenders for previous pregnancies we both looked at this time around and said absolutely not. So only time will tell how both of you will feel.
For me it’s a sweet nickname but that’s it. I don’t consider it a good name, it’s super cute on a child and I can totally see a grandma named [name_u]Holly[/name_u] but no in the middle…
I really like [name_u]Holly[/name_u]. I’m 36, & live in the midwest U.S. I can only think of knowing two in my whole life. Maybe I’m missing a few, but it’s certainly unique enough. You’re totally right about how it has such a friendly feeling, & lovely nature imagery. It’s not too [name_u]Christmas[/name_u]-y at all in my opinion.
As far as learning to love a name, I think that I have. Dh & I don’t really plan on having children, but of course I like to bug him about names anyway. When he offers a name that he likes w/out me suggesting it first, it kind of makes me like it more. Not always, of course. But I’ve never cared for the name [name_f]Gerty[/name_f], but since he loves it, I started to eventually find it really cute. So, it can be done. But if it’s actually for a real baby, I certainly wouldn’t settle for something that you’re not in love w/just because your partner is.
I think [name_u]Holly[/name_u]’s really cute and not necessarily Christmasy. [name_f]My[/name_f] sister and I both happen to have friends named [name_u]Holly[/name_u] but I don’t know a bunch of [name_u]Holly[/name_u]’s. Both girls we know are strong & outspoken. Both wear the name well. I think it’s a nice choice but if you don’t love it, keep thinking. Maybe you and DH can find a name that you both really love.
I really like [name_u]Holly[/name_u]! [name_u]Holly[/name_u] sounds friendly, approachable, and sweet, while at the same time sounding like a mature adult. I don’t think it sounds nickname-y at all, since it’s a full word. I imagine [name_u]Holly[/name_u] to be a wholesome, fun, and creative person. Since it’s a more un-common yet well-established name, people would remember it well. I don’t see it specific to a season, although it can be used that way.
If you’d ever consider a double-barreled name, [name_u]Holly[/name_u] is an absolutely perfect first part!
🤦🏻
I think that’s one of the reasons DH likes it because we’ve watched the office so much. Not a bad association at all to me.