A woman has reached out for advice after revealing she shares her name with an iconic Disney movie villain - and people have been quick to offer up ideas
08:00, 10 Feb 2024Updated 08:08, 10 Feb 2024
Choosing a name for your baby is a hugely personal choice. Whether you plump for something unique or a moniker that honours family members, every title tells an individual story.
But what happens when you hate the name you've been given? That's the dilemma facing one woman, who has confessed she cannot stand her parents' choice - not least because she shares it with a Disney villain.
The woman took to Reddit's NameNerds forum to reveal her thoughts and ask for help in coming up with a nickname as an alternative. In her post, she explained: "My name is Ursula. I really hate it... I want to find a nickname for it besides Uschi or Sully.
"Something that's pretty sounding but maybe not too young? I'm thinking Ulla might be nice, it kind of sounds like Ella, but then I feel like people will mispronounce it a lot/think it's too weird. Suggestions?"
The name Ursula means 'little bear' and is derived from a form of the Latin word ursa, meaning 'she-bear'.
It has been used throughout history - but is commonly associated with the sea-dwelling witch from Disney's The Little Mermaid.
In response to the post, one person replied: "Would you prefer going by your middle name? Lots of people naturally transition to using it if their first name just doesn't feel right."
Another commented: "Wasn't the name of Phoebe's sister (on Friends) Ursula? Maybe your nickname should be Phoebe, the good sister lol."
A third added: "How about just go by the end of your name- Ula? (Ooh-la) I know a woman with this name and I think it's really simple and pretty."
Someone else wrote: "Have you considered Susie? It's pretty classic/timeless. The su sounds aren't quite the same, but I feel like you could get away with it. Ulla is nice too! It's something different in a sea of Ellas."
Just recently, a new mum's unusual choice of baby name sparked debate, with people remarking that it puts them in mind of a 'disappointing British city'.
Taking to Reddit, someone shared: "One of my regular customers revealed that she'd just had a baby via surrogate. She named her… Plymouth."
In response, one person joked: "She should pair up with the guy I knew called Preston to form a support group for people named after disappointing British cities. I also went to college with a girl called York, but she was Chinese so definitely not named after the city!"
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