Mary Ellen

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-07-2006
Mary Ellen
11
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 8:49am

Hi Everyone,

I would really appreciate some feedback on the name Mary Ellen (double name). This is currently one of dh and my favorites, but I wanted to get some honest opinions (I will appreciate both negative and positive feedback).

This was my grandmother's name; however, I haven't met any other Mary Ellens, so I'd like to know if you know any or if you think of a certain time period or image when you hear the name. Is there teasing potential. Was it ever popular? Do you think it's a fresh option or is it dated?

If she decided to go by Mary and drop the Ellen, what do you think about that name? Is it too plain or ready for a comeback?

Thank you in advance for your help. It is much appreciated!

Liz

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
In reply to: poguer
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 11:12am

The combo name Mary Ellen does make me think of the Waltons, but that's not a terrible association or anything and I wouldn't think most kids would even be that familiar with the show for it to be a potential for teasing, KWIM? It's still a lovely choice, especially with the family connection. I also think Mary on its own is incredible sweet (and also wouldn't seem too dated with all the other more classic names currently seeing a comeback), so if she ever decides to shorten it to simply Mary I think that would be great as well. ;)

HTH

~Kelli


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iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
In reply to: poguer
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 11:15am
I think that its wonderful for you to consider using your grandmother's name. At first, when I just saw the post with her name on it, I didn't like it very much. It just give me an image of a middleaged farming mother for some reason (?). But once I realized that it is your grandmother's name, it gave it a lot more meaning. I think she will probably, eventually, go by Mary, as most kids shorten their names at one point. Mary is a fine name, in need of a comeback. I like it :)


Edited 4/16/2006 12:26 pm ET by nat_c_123

                             
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
In reply to: poguer
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 11:49am
I like it. One thing to consider though. I have a friend named Ann Marie. That's her first name and she has no middle name. It's always driven her crazy because she gets mail to Ann M. all of the time. She's always explaining it to people. She named her daughter Mary Ann, with Mary being her first name and Ann being her middle name. Everyone calls her "Mary Ann."
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-29-2003
In reply to: poguer
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 2:49pm
I like it too. It does bring to mind the Waltons but like someone else wrote, no little kid these days would make that association. I have a very good family friend named fn-Mary mn-Ellen who went by both names as a child (so we still call her that) but goes by Mary to her friends/people she's met as a grown woman. Works fine for her. Go for it!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-14-2005
In reply to: poguer
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 7:00pm

I love both Mary and Ellen individually and together. I'm a big fan of double names, and I think Mary Ellen is a particularly pretty combination. And it's so special that it was also your grandmother's name. I think both names individually are really due for a comeback. And if she gets older and only wants to use one instead of both, either would be a lovely choice.


Oh, and I never would have made the Waltons connection. I'm 25 and I've never sen an episode of the show ...



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iVillage Member
Registered: 01-22-2006
In reply to: poguer
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 10:28pm

My friend just named her baby Mary Eleanor, and I think it's beautiful! Just something a little different, but I do like Mary Ellen as well. ;)

Another thought on Eleanor (which you aren't even asking about, but I'm gonna tell ya anyway, LOL!)... We have considered using Elenorah w/the nn Norah. :)

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-14-2006
In reply to: poguer
Sun, 04-16-2006 - 11:57pm

I like Mary Ellen. I have a friend by the name only she spells Ellen with a "y" so its Mary Ellyn- I think this makes it unique.

Lillie

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-17-2006
In reply to: poguer
Mon, 04-17-2006 - 10:06pm
I think the name Mary Ellen is lovely. It's very sweet and makes me smile. I do have a couple of remarks though. I come from an old Southern family and therefore have many relatives with double names, including myself and my mother. I just want you to know that her name will be shortened by every teacher on the first day of school and on every medical and governmental form (especially IRS and driver's license) form she ever fills out. I go by my middle name so I only have problems on forms, but my mother gets her name butchered every day. Even though she always uses her full name when she introduces herself, people shorten it all the time. It is like there is some sort of mental stutter when it comes to saying both names. You can look them in the eye and say your name two or three times and they repeat the first name only. Mary Ellen is a more common double name than hers, so the problem might not be as bad. In any case, I think you should choose whatever name makes you happy, but you must also be happy with the name Mary alone, because you will see it written and you will hear it all the time. Good luck and congratulations on the new baby.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-05-2006
In reply to: poguer
Mon, 05-01-2006 - 7:14pm
I'm a bit late to post here, and I'm not sure if you came to a decision... but I just wanted to add that I think the name Mary Ellen is very sweet. I prefer just using Mary as a first name and Ellen as the middle name though -- I knew a girl named Mary Ellen, and people started calling her "Melon" in grade school... and then it stuck through high school due to her rather generous chest size!
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2005
In reply to: poguer
Mon, 05-01-2006 - 7:51pm

HI Liz -


My cousin is named Mary Ellen . She is in her 30's now.

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