Luella

[ihaveaheadache]

Oppinions please.

Baby due in 2 weeks, sex unknown. DH & I cannot agree on a girls name and before I toss this one at him, I'd like to know what you all think. It popped in to my head last night!

Thanks!

[ihaveaheadache]

opinions too.

[ChynaDoll2006]

It seems a bit dated but it's actually very cute!

[Bonsoir]

I think it is highly associated with Luella (Bartley) brand of clothing ATM. I don't like the name much to begin with and the clothes are horrid.

[minipie]

I like it but wonder if it might seem like you named her after the fashion label?

Bit like calling her "Temperley" or "Miyake".

[Bonsoir]

Or Armani...

[mopsyflopsy]

It sounds pretty and feminine. I like it.

Not heard of a brand of clothing called Luella Bartley, though. But then what about Nicole Fahri, Laura Ashley, etc etc.. there are loads of fashion labels which happen to have a first name. Are these names therefore not allowed to be used as first names any more?

[megonthemoon]

Friends have just used this and I'mn not quite sure what I think.

On one hand, it is a too pretty-pretty girly name I think which is not to my taste. I prefer more solid names for girls somehow rather than giving them a really girly girly name.

On the other hand I do think it is quite old-fashioned but in a good way - in a 20s flapper girl kind of way which I quite like.

I do know of the designer but unlike minipie I don't think it is at all like using Miyake or Temperley though - it is a proper girls name rather than just using a designer's surname randomly. Nobody thinks "oh Lulu - you're calling her after Lulu Guinness" or "oh Alexander - it must be a tribute to McQueen"

[Bonsoir]

No, of course people don't associate Lulu or Alexander with designers, because those names are much more widespread and have multiple associations in people's minds.

The issue is when names are not widespread at all - the association is with the single source of that name. Luella (Bartley) is the only Luella I have ever heard of.

[mopsyflopsy]

But when people meet the OP's dd Luella then she will be what people associate with the name.

[Bonsoir]

Possibly. Up to the OP to hazard a guess.

[ihaveaheadache]

What are you lot like! The 'Luella' label has ceased trading due to the recession. Naming a child after a label is not my thing, my friends and family know that, not my style at all!

I just liked the sound of the name. I do know someone with a niece named Luella so was kind of thinking of her to be honest.

You haven't put me off yet!

[Doozie]

I went to a school with a Luella and have good thoughts about the name as she was a bit of an all round star.

I had it on my list but DH objected, he thought it was a bit of a cow girls name.

[ChickenInABasket]

It's really nice and very cool. I have heard of Luella the fashion designer but would never think you'd chosen the name just because of that. I'm sure there are little Viviennes and Stellas running round who are not named after fashion designers either!

[liliputlady]

It's pretty! NNs Lulu and Ella both good too.
I certainly wouldn't have made the connection with the clothes label.

[MaisietheMorningsideCat]

Sounds too much like Cruella de Vile - at least, that's what she'll be known as

[Sunshinemummy]

I know a little Luella (nn Lulu) and think it's really sweet. She has a little sis called Xanthe.

[DebiNewberry]

Luella is v pretty.

[zozzle]

I instantly thought of Cruella Deville (sp?) of 101 Dalmations fame. Sorry!

[mathanxiety]

I get an image of a country & western singer of a certain age and era -- no particular person in mind, perhaps with a bouffant hairdo. I think Cruella would be a very likely nn.

[ilovegreenbeans]

I really like it! I went to school with a Louella and also have good associations with the name.
I like Lu, Lou, Lulu and Ella as shortenings too.

[passionberry]

I love it - has an old fashioned deep south kind of vibe.

[Ziggurat]

I think it's lovely. I wouldn't be worried about the designer connection, nor Cruella, to be honest.

[mumoftoomany]

Lovely name! And nice that it is not that common. Great nicknames too.

[monetinfebruary]

Ignore the naysayers.

As long as you don't keep spotted dogs or your surname is De Ville it's perfectly fine