Mum sparks huge conversation over 'fabulously OTT' Victorian baby names

A mum-to-be has divided opinion by asking for opinions about 'fabulously OTT' Victorian baby names.

On the thread, posted on parenting site Mumsnet, a user by the name of tinymeteor shared with other mums that she was using a rather unusual method to help her drop off to sleep.

'I'm pregnant and can't sleep,' she explained, 'so am idly trawling though all the baby names I can think of, by way of counting sheep.'

'Last night's musings were fabulously OTT Victorian names for boys.'

She went on to offer 'Isambard, Algernon and Melville' as possible options, but ascertained that these definitely wouldn't be ones she'll be picking for her own newborn - 'I probably, almost certainly, maybe won't go there,' she declared.

However, she appealed for suggestions regardless, a request which seemed to spark the imagination of other Mumsnet users, with plenty wading in on the discussion.

Cornelius seemed to be something of a favourite amongst mums who had much loved elderly relatives with the name.

'My family had a 'Cornelius' for several generations, sadly DH vetoed it!' said one, and another agreed, 'I have an uncle Cornelius.'

One more piped up: 'Cornelius is a belter!'

Oswald, Halbert Eustaceor and Eramus were also suggested, whilst for others, Isambard hadn't completely dropped off the radar.

'Isambard was on my husband's list, as was Caractacus!' said one bemused mum. 'I vetoed both – and several more I can't remember now.'

Another added: 'I briefly dated someone who stated he wanted to call his firstborn son Isambard.'

Some mums from Scotland pointed out that Melville wasn't actually such a weird one for them – 'I think Melville would be a great name for a boy,' said one. 'I don't think anyone would bat an eye if you used it here in Scotland.'

A second agreed that 'surname-type names are still relatively common in Scotland so don't raise too many eyebrows. Even some of the Mc and Mac names are used. I know McKenzie was popular for a while and then came McCauley, but I know older people called Macgregor and Macinlay.'

Would you choose a Victorian baby name for your little one? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!