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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Opinions on these two please!

34 replies

nonsenses · 05/09/2011 00:01

Theo and Louis are our shortlisted names for son to be. Not Theodore/Theobald and Louis pronounced as Louee.

In your opinion, which is more timeless, more unusual, more hip, more classy, more handsome, more serious.

thanks!

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Original poster
nonsenses · 06/09/2011 14:45

Lots of names have this issue. My friend has an Esme (es-may) and is sometimes called Esm-ee. Doesn't worry me as I have the same issue Sara/Sarah!

OP posts:
evamummy · 06/09/2011 14:27

Both names are quite popular, with Theo much more so imo (probably due to footballer Theo Walcott).

Regarding Louis, if I were to ask someone for their name and they said
"Louis", I'd write "Louis". If they said "Louie", I'd write "Louie".
The exception would be if they had what I might identify as a French
accent; in that case I'd ask them to spell it for me. So, yes, I think you need to be prepared that not everyone will pronounce it the French way.

hellokitty123 · 06/09/2011 14:20

I've heard Louis pronounced the French way (Lou-ee) and the English/German/Spanish way (Lou-is). It seems interesting that only some English speakers pronounce it the French way (whereas the German and Spanish for example pronounce it phonetically correct in their language).

St Louis (US City) is generally said LEWIS and Louis Armstrong calls himself LEWIS in the song Hello Dolly in the refrain HELLO DOLLY , THIS IS LOUIS{LEWIS} DOLLY.

But it really doensn't matter which way you prefer. But do be aware that some people are going to mis-pronounce his name. Not the end of the world.

And if it bothered you, I suggest you go for Louie - no confusion there Smile.

Original poster
nonsenses · 06/09/2011 13:49

I quite like Tayo too! Louie looks girlie to me, maybe because of Louise.

OP posts:
Quenelle · 06/09/2011 13:34

People do mispronounce Louis 'Lewis'. I'm sure it can't be a major issue though, or the spelling would have evolved to reflect it in UK.

Louie is a 'proper' spelling of the name though Hmm

Either way I prefer it to Theo anyway. (Although I like the French pronunciation 'Tayo'.)

Original poster
nonsenses · 06/09/2011 13:23

rachel - Louis will be pronounced Louee not Lewis. Never heard of the gymnast. I only know of Louis's pronounced Louee - Louis Walsh, Louis Theroux, Louis Armstrong, all the kings called Louis! there's even a Louis (Louee) in a boy band - the X factor one. Even prince william has it as a MN - pronounced Louee. I can't think of any Louis's in the spotlight that are pronounced as Lewis. the Louis i knew growing up was Louee etc etc. I doubt they'll be issues.

Thanks anyway though!

OP posts:
Quenelle · 06/09/2011 12:49

In fact Louis Smith the gymnast is a 'Lewis'.

Quenelle · 06/09/2011 12:49

I believe Louie is the German spelling. Louis looks nicer though.

I know a Louis and some people do call him Lewis.

rachel234 · 05/09/2011 21:09

Sorry, should have written IN THE UK

rachel234 · 05/09/2011 21:08

"most names are pronounced 2 ways so not fussed. Theo in France is Tayo"
Yes, and Louis is pronounced Lou-ee in France.

But in people will call Theo Thee-o and a Louis will be Lou-is. There may be some who pronounce it the French way but many won't.

But I agree that both names are quite popular at the moment, Theo probably more so (probably due to the footballer).

Hippymum89 · 05/09/2011 20:58

Wasn't there a 'Theo' in the Cosby show?
Ergo, makes me think of him Hmm

Nightstar · 05/09/2011 20:57

Both really excellent names, different but great

Original poster
nonsenses · 05/09/2011 20:50

I can assure you that I will not be spelling it Louie :)

OP posts:
jkklpu · 05/09/2011 20:45

Each is really popular at the moment. I prefer Louis, esp if spellt properly (ie not Louie)

Original poster
nonsenses · 05/09/2011 20:30

Thanks Fairy and Quenelle

OP posts:
Quenelle · 05/09/2011 15:31

Louis, Louis and Louis. I love it.

You could spell it Louie so it doesn't get mispronounced.

Quenelle · 05/09/2011 15:31

Louis, Louis and Louis. I love it.

You could spell it Louie so it doesn't get mispronounced.

FairyArmadillo · 05/09/2011 15:21

Theo for handsome, hip etc. Personally not a big fan of Louis so I have a bias.

Original poster
nonsenses · 05/09/2011 15:18

Thanks again! Poppy, most names are pronounced 2 ways so not fussed. Theo in France is Tayo!

OP posts:
poppydaisy · 05/09/2011 13:58

Theo is much more trendy and will start to date as people tire of it.

Louis is nice in French (pronounced Loo-ee) but will likely be pronounced Loo-is in English/American/German, so be prepared for different pronunciations.

Regarding which names are more 'handsome' or 'serious' - I honestly do not regard any name as either of these. People yes, but names, no. I know too many Theos and Louis with so many different personalities, sorry.

ShoutyHamster · 05/09/2011 13:55

Love both, but Theo (as just Theo and not short for something) has risen lots and lots in popularity, so I would say that Louis is the more original and perhaps more timeless choice. However, I probably just prefer Theo as a name - it is really lovely!

oohlaalaa · 05/09/2011 12:56

I love both names.

EdithWeston · 05/09/2011 10:03

Timeless - either
Unusual - neither (several of both at DCs school)
Hip - Theo (Louis becomes "loo-ey" for a phase, and lavs just aren't remotely hip)
Classy - Theo
Handsome - either (depends too much on the holder)
Serious - Theo

Original poster
nonsenses · 05/09/2011 09:54

Thanks Curwy. Interesting that Theo is coming out as the handsome one! Keep 'em comin'.

OP posts:
CurwySwide · 05/09/2011 08:32

Handsome - Theo
Serious - Louis
Hip - Louis
Classy - Louis
Timeless - Louis

Love Louis!

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