Two very different boys names

32 replies

workingtitle · 21/06/2013 13:34

We can only find two boys names that we like (compared with the 20 plus options we had for a girl...damn!)

I'd welcome friendly/helpful opinions, I am well aware they won't be to all/many people's tastes! Also, any alternatives? We'd like something French or Welsh ideally, but have been through endless lists and haven't been able to add to the shortlist.

name 1 is Gryffin. My concern is this is not the usual spelling, but it's the way we like it spelled. DS would be 'Gryff' day to day.

name 2 is Etienne. Concerned about how people will shorten (is Eti a horrid nn?) and that people will struggle with spelling/pronunciation?

It's likely that we'll wait to see the baby before we make a final decision!

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

CelticPromise · 21/06/2013 14:05

I quite like both names. Griffin/Gryffin isn't a Welsh name though I don't think.

Original poster

workingtitle · 21/06/2013 14:04

Thanks so much for the response--I'm pleased they don't seem too 'difficult'. Yes to French or welsh because of our backgrounds, and youbethemummylion, spot on for pronounciation. Comtesse, I also think it sounds slightly feminine, but I think it works well on grown men (compared to little boys).
Clement was one of my favourites by DH was not so keen. I may reintroduce it as an option and see what he thinks.
And tigrou, I just love basil! It feels so retro (thinking fawlty towers) but DH wouldn't entertain it!

OP posts:

whatagreatname · 21/06/2013 13:52

I love Etienne and also the nn Eti. It was one that we considered.

I like Gryff but not so keen on Gryffin

tammytoby · 21/06/2013 13:50

I prefer Etienne. Lovely name that won't need shortening imo. I also like Clement or how about Quentin?

tigrou · 21/06/2013 13:47

Love Gryffin, slightly more than Etienne.
Here are a few more Frenchy names you may like:
Corentin
Matthis
Victor
Emmanuel
Basil
Louis
Clément
Tanguy
Henri

ComtessedeFrouFrou · 21/06/2013 13:46

Presumably you want a Welsh or French name because of your own cultural backgrounds? If is the case, I don't see anything wrong with either name - I don't consider Etienne difficult to pronounce - although I am a French speaker - my only thought it whether it would seem like a feminine name to those unfamiliar with it.

Personally, I'm not as keen on Gryffin - partly because I like French names and partly because I would worry that people would think I had chosen it because it was a bit "woo" (a bit like Merlin or something IYSWIM?) but again, that's my personal taste and others might not feel that way, particularly if the Welsh heritage comes into play.

youbethemummylion · 21/06/2013 13:40

Do you pronounce Etienne as et ee en. If so I like it a lot and don't worry about the nicknames as both my DS's have easily shortenable (is that a word?) names but as we have only ever used their full names people seem to take their cues from that and no one has shortened their names yet.

Not so keen on Gryffin and I find Gryff hard to say for some reason.

Unflip

1 2

Swipe left for the next trending thread