[Opinions] Magda vs. Magdalen
My boyfriend is really in love with Magdalene, but I'm not sure how I'm feeling about it. On one hand, it's classic and lovely, on the other it's a bit uppity to me. I really prefer Magda, which is the norm for me. I prefer names like Celeste, Neva, Liora, Judith, Magda, and Nina; he likes Veronica, Christine, Cecilia, Ivy, and Magdalene.
Which do you prefer, and why? I really don't want to hear the "But Magda's a NN" argument. It's BS. Magda is established as a name and is fine by itself. I do much prefer the spelling Magdalen, so that is the spelling I would now use,
Other suggestions?
Which do you prefer, and why? I really don't want to hear the "But Magda's a NN" argument. It's BS. Magda is established as a name and is fine by itself. I do much prefer the spelling Magdalen, so that is the spelling I would now use,
Other suggestions?
Replies
Magda is more of a nickname to me than a full name, irrespective of whether you want to hear that, so I'd rather see it used as one for Magdalene or whichever other variant. I'd rather be a Magdalene or variant anyway and have the option of using any one of its host of other possible nicknames. ETA: To be more specific, I can see Magda as a full name, but I prefer it as a nickname. Kind of like Theda and Theodora.
I think if you want to avoid Maggie it might work to your favor to shoot for Magdalene nicknamed Magda. People seem awfully keen on shortening names regardless of whether they 'need' to be shortened or not, and I think they'd be receptive to Magdalene "Magda" but would be tempted to use Magda "Maggie" or some such. Just a point to consider.
I think if you want to avoid Maggie it might work to your favor to shoot for Magdalene nicknamed Magda. People seem awfully keen on shortening names regardless of whether they 'need' to be shortened or not, and I think they'd be receptive to Magdalene "Magda" but would be tempted to use Magda "Maggie" or some such. Just a point to consider.
This message was edited 11/26/2007, 9:16 AM
I'm sure this is no help whatsoever, but it's a thought, so here goes: I prn Magdalene & Magdalen differently, the former ending with "leen" and the latter ending with a "len/lyn" sound. What about you honor your dad and name her Magda Lynn? Still get the sound of Magdalen (at least, my prn) that Xander likes with the fn Magda that you like.
Like I said, just a thought. ;o)
Like I said, just a thought. ;o)
But Magda's a NN! =D
In all seriousness, wouldn't naming her Magdalen with the nickname Magda be a good compromise between your styles, since you'd get to use both?
And I prefer Magdalen(e), because my style is more like your boyfriend's and I tend to like longer, more uppity names. I think that Magdalen sounds more complete. Magda, established name or not (I agree that it is), feels abrupt, cut off, like it's missing a syllable.
In all seriousness, wouldn't naming her Magdalen with the nickname Magda be a good compromise between your styles, since you'd get to use both?
And I prefer Magdalen(e), because my style is more like your boyfriend's and I tend to like longer, more uppity names. I think that Magdalen sounds more complete. Magda, established name or not (I agree that it is), feels abrupt, cut off, like it's missing a syllable.
I prefer Magdalen/Magdalene. Magda sounds choppy and unpleasant to my ears. Adding the "len/lene" on the end smooths out the sound, imo.
I think Magda sounds a bit like an old lady. Magdalene would be better. Maybe Magdalena "Lena"? And I don't see Magda as just a nn, I've seen it used many times on its own (but on women my mom's age..).
btw, your styles don't seem to be incredibly different to me. I'd definately say Cecelia and Celeste are the same style (maybe Celestia or Cecile would suit you both?). I really like Neva of your list :)
Maybe Meredith would be something you both could like judging from the lists. Or Teresa, Helena, Livia, Camilla or Lucia?
btw, your styles don't seem to be incredibly different to me. I'd definately say Cecelia and Celeste are the same style (maybe Celestia or Cecile would suit you both?). I really like Neva of your list :)
Maybe Meredith would be something you both could like judging from the lists. Or Teresa, Helena, Livia, Camilla or Lucia?
They're not terribly different
But they're different enough. I'm not sure how to put it. :-/
I really love Livia, Lucia, and Teresa. Helena, Camilla, and Celestia are a bit too frilly. Out of all of these the only one that would be tolerable to him would be Teresa.
As for using the nn Lena...impossible in this area. The Minnesota/North Dakota/Wisconsin area is full of Scandinavian immigrants and Sven/Lena jokes abound. It's too bad, I love Lena.
But they're different enough. I'm not sure how to put it. :-/
I really love Livia, Lucia, and Teresa. Helena, Camilla, and Celestia are a bit too frilly. Out of all of these the only one that would be tolerable to him would be Teresa.
As for using the nn Lena...impossible in this area. The Minnesota/North Dakota/Wisconsin area is full of Scandinavian immigrants and Sven/Lena jokes abound. It's too bad, I love Lena.
Yah, that would be my biggest worry.
I really don't want my daughter named after a woman like her. I think Magdalen is the better way to go.
I really don't want my daughter named after a woman like her. I think Magdalen is the better way to go.
You do realize that Mary Magdalene was mistaken as a prostitute
and that most churches now do not see her as such? Furthermore, she played a very important role in Jesus' life and I would be using Magda/Magdalene in her honor.
and that most churches now do not see her as such? Furthermore, she played a very important role in Jesus' life and I would be using Magda/Magdalene in her honor.