Joanne

[littlejolee]

Not expecting but have a DS, was talking to dp about what name we would choose if we ever did have a girl, he suggested Joanne, thoughts?

[ThroughThickAndThin01]

Much prefer Joanna, think it's much more elegant, prettier etc.

[AnnSmiley]

For some reason, Joanne was the cool girl at school who always played centre in the netball team and all the boys fancied, and who I never liked

Joanna, however, despite being so close is somehow so much nicer, and is on our list for any future DDs.

[HawkEyeTheNoo]

I love Joanna, I'm not too keen on Joanne. Although probably because I knew a bitch girl called Joanne who wasn't very nice, but I have a friends Joanna who is just the most elegant, gorgeous and nicest person ever!!

[ApocalypseSlough]

It's a little plain. Joanna/ Johanna much prettier.

[MargotLovedTom]

There are some names where adding an 'a'/'ah' makes them much more appealing - Susan/Susannah, Anne/Anna and Joanne/Joanna being three that spring to mind.

[KoalaDownUnder]

Ummm. I really dislike both Joanne and Joanna.

Joanne is pure 1970s, a la Tanya, Michelle and Lisa. Plain and dated.

Joanna might as well be goanna (Australian).

[juniperdingleberries]

I think it's pretty and classic but still recent enough to not be classed as an "old lady" name.
Joanna has a nice ring to it also but I think Joanne is better if its what you like, a lot of girls names end in a sound and it makes it a bit different and quirkier.

[juniperdingleberries]

That should read *an "a" sound

[Sophronia]

I prefer Joanna

[ABitAsleep]

Much prefer Joanna, has a nicer sound to it

[Nuttypops]

I prefer Joanna as well, but saying that, DD's middle name is Joanne (she is 16 months) but only because it is a combination of her two Grannies' names. It isn't commonly heard these days I don't think.

[WellErrr]

I don't think I've ever known a nice Joanne. Sorry.

[Tokelau]

I know some lovely Joannes, but they are my age. I wouldn't choose the name but I don't dislike it. I prefer Joanna though.

[mrsschu]

Joanne is dreadfully dated and not due a revival IMO! Joanna is marginally better but not much. I was born in the early 80's and went to school with a number of Joanne's/Joanna's, all of them were horrible incidentally.

[Wafflenose]

I know a lovely one who is 12.

[Jade1212]

The only thing to be wary of is that it will never ever be spelt correctly! Joanne, Joann, Jo-Anne, Jo-Ann, Jo-An, Jo Anne, Jo Ann (I've seen all of these for the Joanne in my life!)

[nectarini1983]

Prefer Joanna to Joanne but agree that it does sound very 80s.

[Raahh]

I'm a Joanne- I am 44, and at one point there were 5 of us in one language class. I have never liked my my name. And it sounds awful in a nasal Mancunian accent (which is where I'm from)

I've never known anyone spell it wrong.

But, I much prefer to be 'Jo' (I hate Joanna, was plagued by the Scott Walker song as a child).

And I'm really lovely- but knew some really mean Joanna's

[Narp]

I am 46 and Joanne was one of the most common names when I was at school.

I quite like it, but I prefer Joanna

[smartyclogs]

I like it, along with Rachael and Emma (which are also 70s/80s names yet seem to be quite popular at the mo)
Never had a problem spelling Joanne.

[KnockMeDown]

Joanne is the worst name ever

I say that as a Joanna, who was constantly and infuriatingly called Joanne through childhood, until I changed to just Jo when I went to sixth form college, just to avoid the problem.

Now many 30 years later it still grates. Just the other day I was called to an appointment as Joanne, when my notes clearly stated Joanna. I had to correct them through gritted teeth

[littlejolee]

Guess it's a no to Joanne then! He only suggested it because it's my name. (I take no offence to everyone saying no BTW, I don't dislike Mt name but I'm not a massive fan) :)

[WellErrr]

Even worse then!! I've NEVER understood why people name their children after themselves.
It just seems really odd and narcissistic to me. Sorry.

[crapfatbanana]

My best friend from school was (still is) Joanne. She mostly gets called Jo. We are late thirties. My aunt (mid 50s) is also Joanne, sometimes shortened to Jo.

Joanna/Johanna are both lovely, but I like Joanne too.

What about Joan/Joni? Joely/Jolie?