What do you think of the name Briony?

[Keztrel]

I like it, but friend said "it's just Brian with a y on the end"... She has a point.

[squoosh]

It's a kind of goodie two shoes name in my book, along with Emily, Verity and Bronwyn.

Never thought of it as being Brian-y though. I will now!

[UnstoppableCousCous]

It reminds me of the protagonist in 'Atonement' and she is very annoying, so personally I couldn't use it. I think it's quite a nice name though, fairly unusual but not weird

[Keztrel]

squoosh that's quite funny, it's the opposite of a goody two shoes name to me, because the only girl I've ever known called Briony was an Irish traveller who threatened to beat me up when we were at school! I still liked her name though

[Nagoo]

I knew a nice one at school, I like it :)

[Repeatedlydoingthetwist]

It's one of my friends middle names, and for years she was too embarrassed to tell people because of the Brian thing, kids think that's hilarious (for some reason?!) so your DD would probably need up be prepared for some teasing. She absolutely loves it now though if that helps

[JumpingJackSprat]

I like it very pretty. Definitely prefer that spelling over bryony.

[Keztrel]

Aha, that is something to consider Big - DH is very anti any names that could cause teasing, as he was bullied at school. Maybe I'm evil but I find the idea of a tiny little girl called Brian hilarious...

[pinktransit]

I love it - but it is my dd2s name, so I would :-)

The only proviso I would make, is don't have a second name or a surname that begins with a 'C', or apparently lots of people will sing the Bedknobs and Broomsticks song 'At the bottom of the briny sea' at her. .

[YoungBritishPissArtist]

I like the name, but I can't hear it without thinking Atonement.

[pinktransit]

And it's not just Brian with a y on the end - Briony is a very pretty plant :)

[Keztrel]

Young I've read and watch Atonement but had forgotten the main character is called Briony. I've liked Briony ever since reading George and Matilda Mouse when I was little, one of the mice is called Briony.

[Keztrel]

Aha pink that must be why the mouse was called Briony then, I think they were all named after plants.

[UnstoppableCousCous]

I think if a name doesn't have a particular connection for you then it doesn't matter. The Atonement connection will not be obvious to the vast majority of people anyway. I have the sort of (unusual) name where people IMMEDIATELY mention the most famous fictional character with that name. But it doesn't actually happen that much, even though it is a completely obvious connection.

[Repeatedlydoingthetwist]

Although having said that kids can make nicknames out of anything so don't let that put you off!

[BrieMonster]

I adore it. Really love it and wanted to use it but yes DP thought it was just Brian with a Y on it. Luckily we had boys so no issue but you should go with it!!

[nemno]

Spell it Bryony like the flower, prettier I think and less Brian -like.

[LynetteScavo]

I think it's very wholesome. Like Bronwyn and Bethany

I have never thought of it as Brian with a y on the end!

[Rhubarbgarden]

I like it. I prefer the Bryony spelling.

[cuillereasoupe]

It's my sister's name, and she's ace so I like it!

[burberryqueen]

sorry i will never forget Briony Tallis from Atonement....

[NoComet]

The one I know is spelt Bryony and is the cutest, most adorable, fiesty, seven year old you could wish to meet, so I'm biased

[WhiteHairReally]

I did meet a girl who admitted that her middle name was Briony.
'How pretty' I said, wondering why she was making this perfectly acceptable name the centre of an embarrassing anecdote.

'No. Let me explain. My mother's brother died just before I was born.' she explained.
'He was called Brian and I am named for him. My middle name is Brianie.'

[Keztrel]

Whitehair

[pinktransit]

Lynette - so Bethany is wholesome as well as Briony?

Crikey - I have two wholesome daughters!! (I don't think anyone told them that though...)

:)

[Keztrel]

I love Bethany too - never realised I was into wholesome names. Might reread Malory Towers for more name inspiration...