I’ve been thinking about [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] recently, but is it useable in real life?
The mythology doesn’t bother me at all, she’s essentially Greece’s form of [name_f]Eve[/name_f], and people don’t shy away from using that. And from what I’ve read [name_m]Zeus[/name_m] planned for her to open the box/jar (plus it was a wedding gift, and who doesn’t open their wedding gifts?!)
Anyway, what worries me about this name is the teasing potential, especially during the teenage years, about “getting into [name_f]Pandora[/name_f]'s box”.
Are my worries founded?
What are your first thoughts about [name_f]Pandora[/name_f]?
I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] the nickname Panda for it! But dislike [name_f]Dora[/name_f], do you think people would try to call her [name_f]Dora[/name_f] for short?
I think Panda and [name_f]Dora[/name_f] are both nice, actually, and I suspect a few people may try to call her [name_f]Dora[/name_f]. However, it’s a very unusual name which doesn’t feel like it has a standard/expected nn (it’s not like you’re trying to avoid [name_f]Izzie[/name_f] for [name_f]Isabel[/name_f], or [name_f]Ellie[/name_f] for [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f], for example), so I would imagine that people would generally follow your lead and call her Panda.
It’s a cool, highly unusual choice but familiar and easy to spell, and with a long and interesting history. I say go for it!
[name_f]Pandora[/name_f] is a very pretty name. I imagine people would eventually tease her about “getting into the box” but honestly, which teenager doesn’t get teased? If it wasn’t the name, it would be something else… However, if you really don’t like the name [name_f]Dora[/name_f], then maybe reconsider, because I think [name_f]Dora[/name_f] is a very natural and common nickname. Panda, on the other hand, might be much harder to make stick - and might seem infantilising?
I love the name [name_f]Pandora[/name_f]! It’s such a beautiful name, and I love the connection to Greek mythology. I do think it’s usable, since [name_f]Athena[/name_f], [name_u]Artemis[/name_u], [name_m]Apollo[/name_m], etc. are regularly used.
I do think that few would try to call her [name_f]Dora[/name_f] (which I’m also not a fan of) but you can always correct them if you don’t like it.
I’m 100% Greek and I grew up in Greece, and while I’ve never met a [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] I honestly wouldn’t expect that many jokes and I wouldn’t find it weird at all. It’s very much usable
If someone wants to call her by a nickname, and they feel like Panda is too childish, they could call her [name_f]Andie[/name_f]/[name_u]Andy[/name_u] maybe?
[name_f]Pandora[/name_f]’s been my favourite name for years, and I came across the possible connotations and posted a thread about it a few years ago too haha. It mostly reassured me, since very few posters had thought about it or saw it as an issue. Plus, in all honesty, as a teen (and with a rather active, not-so-clean imagination) I didn’t think of it at all. Personality I adore [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] far too much for it to make it unusable, especiallly as it’s not guaranteed.
In terms of nns, [name_f]Dora[/name_f] isn’t my favourite (although I don’t mind it) and I don’t think it’s difficult to avoid at all. Of course she could pick it for herself, but again it’s not certain. I love Panda!
I knew a little [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] - years ago now, I was around 10 and she was about 3. She went by [name_f]Pansy[/name_f] at the time, I don’t think anyone was considering calling her [name_f]Dora[/name_f].
Thank you all so much, you have given me the confidence to move [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] from my GP list, to my list of actual possibilities for future kiddies!
I should have specified, Panda would probably only be her nickname as a child, I agree that it’s a bit childish for a grown woman. But I like the suggestions of [name_f]Andie[/name_f]/[name_u]Andy[/name_u] and [name_f]Pansy[/name_f] (providing I could get passed the [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] associations on that one!) if I felt [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] needed to be shortened as she got older
I like it and agree with [name_f]Katinka[/name_f], brave but usable. I also think upper class British. I like [name_f]Pansy[/name_f], [name_f]Andie[/name_f] as nns. Also [name_f]Dolly[/name_f] and [name_f]Dottie[/name_f]. [name_m]Prince[/name_m] [name_m]Harry[/name_m]'s former girlfriend [name_f]Cressida[/name_f] has a sister [name_f]Pandora[/name_f].
Growing up I had a friend whose mom’s name was [name_f]Pandora[/name_f]. I always thought it was such a pretty and interesting name.
because of that, I never thought of [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] being anything but a usable name!
I think the nn Panda is adorable, and I like how many other possibilities there are if she gets older and doesn’t want to use Panda.
I also don’t think you have to worry too much about [name_f]Dora[/name_f], you or her could just correct that person with her preferred nickname!
(just wanted to add, [name_u]Toby[/name_u], [name_f]Athena[/name_f], and [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] make an incredible set of siblings! I especially love [name_f]Athena[/name_f] and [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] as sisters!!)
I have a friend whose grand daughter was just named [name_f]Pandora[/name_f] they call her “[name_f]Andi[/name_f]”. No one was sure at first but mom wanted a greek name and loved it. It fits her perfectly!