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Baby names

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

Original poster

Esme - correct pronounciation?

35 replies

kaymondo · 27/03/2012 16:40

Is it Es-mee or Es-may?

I always say Es-may but not sure if that's right. Quite like it for a girl but need to make sure I'm sayimg it properly before I mention it to DH!

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cheesenpickle · 27/03/2012 16:58

I think the correct pronounciation of Esme (its french and should have an accent on the e) is Ez May. If you wanted it to sound like Esmee it can be spelt Esmee (accent on the first e). I think though its one of those names that some people pronounce Esme as es-may and others Esmee so if you use it your daughter may have to correct people quite a lot!. Its a v pretty name though.

LoonyRationalist · 27/03/2012 16:56

Esme is a lovely name. As BirdoftheNorth says Esmé helps to ensure the Esmay pronunciation (but ime only with speakers of French & that's if you are lucky)

There tends to be a 50/50 spilt on pronunciation otherwise. I prefer the Pratchett connection if you're going to be inspired by books but there is always the J.D Salinger option too :)

squoosh · 27/03/2012 16:54

I think the Twilight connection is way overstated. I've never seen the films or read the books, lots of people haven't. A name like Esme will outsee the latest teen fiction fad.

Original poster
kaymondo · 27/03/2012 16:50

Thanks all - do you think I can get away with it despite the twilight connection?

OP posts:
birdofthenorth · 27/03/2012 16:48

Lovely name btw

birdofthenorth · 27/03/2012 16:48

Both "right", an accent over the E helps if you want the Esmay pronunciation.

I prefer Esmee but that's possibly because I had a South African colleague called Esmay and I always here that pronunciation in an SA accent!

LucyManga · 27/03/2012 16:45

I know both. I think 'Es-mee' is Scottish and 'Es-may' is French? Someone may be along to correct me on that, though!

I prefer Es-may, but use which ever you like best.

GinPalace · 27/03/2012 16:43

I knew a friend of the queen mum once called Esme. She pronounced it Es-mee. :)

Tigresswoods · 27/03/2012 16:42

My friend's little girl is most certainly an Es-mee.

squoosh · 27/03/2012 16:42

They're both right. I prefer es-may but some prefer es-mee.