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Baby names

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

Original poster

Etienne....for a girl?

109 replies

Mammammio · 02/01/2015 20:04

Is this a massive no no? I know it's 'Stephen' in French, we are not french and live in the UK but we both love this name and prefer for a girl. Would you assume this was a boy if you heard it? She would go by Etti as a nickname and be called that the majority of the time but I think that the full version is lovely.

I know a little girl called Elliotte and another called Dylan and no one seems too fussed but wondered what people think?

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camtt · 02/01/2015 20:14

I think it does sound more feminine than masculine to English speakers, however I would say a significant proportion of the population understand enough French to know it is Stephen in French - and will assume that you do not know this.

DancingCrown · 02/01/2015 20:13

I think it's a lovely name.

Thing is you might live in the UK but dd might travel. Lots of people will presume she is a boy/man before meeting her, could be a pain at work etc?

Original poster
Mammammio · 02/01/2015 20:12

What's the football connection? I don't think I know that?

OP posts:
Chalalala · 02/01/2015 20:12

Nope. Boy name. Definitely. (Ok I am French, so maybe biased, but still)

LordJabuJabu · 02/01/2015 20:11

I would assume you were a football fan.

piggychops · 02/01/2015 20:11

Boys name- sorry...

MarchEliza · 02/01/2015 20:11

I think it's very pretty actually. I wasn't aware about the Stephen connection though.

bouncingbelle · 02/01/2015 20:09

I,ve always loved the sound of Etienne and think it would make a lovely girls name!

katandkits · 02/01/2015 20:08

It is a boys name. I would think it a bit silly to be honest, as i would if you called your daughter Stephen or Mark or Jason. In my opinion it is not a unisex name. Perhaps you might like Fabienne if you like French names, it is the feminine form of Fabien.