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Baby names

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

Original poster

what else could I like - girl names

29 replies

HazleNutt · 12/03/2015 10:21

So DD is due this summer, and due to living abroad with foreign DH, I need a name that works at least in French and English, preferably also in other bigger European languages.
The name should be well known, so DD would not have to spell it every time - but also not in top 10. At the moment we like:

Eleanor
Alicia
Helen - in France that would be spelled Helene though. In English, would she have to explain every time that that's Helen with e at the end? Not so keen on Elena.
Elise

What's your favourite, and what else could I like?

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GreenOwl · 21/03/2015 21:24

My name is Eleanor. I always need to spell it and explain how to pronounce. I also get called Elena and Helena a lot, if I correct and say "It's Eleanor" then they mishear my name as Zeleanor.

I like my name but it doesn't really meet your criteria.

ChristmasEveSteve · 19/03/2015 20:23

Eloise

PeppermintCrayon · 18/03/2015 08:19

Zoe
Celeste
Stephanie

redrubyindigo · 16/03/2015 18:36

Leonie Charlotte.

Sounds ok in any language.

Falconwolf101 · 16/03/2015 17:51

My fave out of these is Eleanor. Other suggestions...
Elsa
Renn
Bonnie
Azaezle
Fern
Pip
Katya,
Hope you like these!

NadiaWadia · 13/03/2015 16:38

I would suggest Anna, Maria, Lisa, Sophie, Isabelle/Isabella, Olivia or Juliette.

I like Alicia, but there are 2 different pronunciations of course (Al-eesha, and Al-iss-ee-a). Don't know which one they would use in France.

Eleanor is also lovely. Is it well known in France?

Elise is nice. You might have problems with Helen, as pps have said. There is Helena, spelt the same everywhere as far as I know, but with about 4 different pronunciations!

sleepywombat · 13/03/2015 01:01

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Qwebec · 13/03/2015 00:50

Emma

BlueChampagne · 12/03/2015 21:37

Celeste
Caroline
Alexandra
Ariane

Yika · 12/03/2015 18:22

What about Leonore, similar to Eleanor but easier to pronounce in French.

Ellen? Not very French but well known as Ellen MacArthur is v famous in France. Cannot mispronounce - and it will sound like Helen pronounced by a French person.

Some others:
Sophie
Camille
Lia
Lily
Sabrina

Playdoughcaterpillar · 12/03/2015 18:15

I know a Helene. Agree with the above pronunciation. I think she does have to spell it a bit but it's a lovely name.
Also consider Natalie/Nathalie?

Leeds2 · 12/03/2015 18:04

Isabelle

Marguerite

Fleur

Florence

SylvaniansAtEase · 12/03/2015 17:32

Anna
Josephine
Beatrice
Joanna
Teresa

April52 · 12/03/2015 16:33

I was taught swimming by a Helene and by the way she pronounced it (He-Lene with more emphasis on the 'L') it was obvious it was a different spelling. There's also Honor which seems along the lines of your faves.

Original poster
HazleNutt · 12/03/2015 14:49

Thanks, some interesting ideas, keep them coming.

Does anybody know anybody called Helene? It is pronounced slightly differently than Helen, but they probably still have to spell it every time?

OP posts:
roastpots · 12/03/2015 14:33

French/English babies i know are called:

Josephine
Emilie (shortened to Millie)
Stephanie
Philipine

Alsoflamingo · 12/03/2015 14:31

Margot?

Belazu84 · 12/03/2015 14:29

French/English girls I know-
Melody
Camille
Iris
Clementine

Also names with simple sounds like Lara, Anya, Ella, Mia

EdYouKateShaun · 12/03/2015 14:04

María
Silvia
Juliette
Cora

Moonatic · 12/03/2015 14:02

Emma
Julia
Marianne
Beatrice
Charlotte

Of your names, I like Eleanor best but wonder if people would always be asking "Is it Helena or Eleanor?". Both nice names, however.

FlappertyFlippers · 12/03/2015 13:54

Genevieve

Radish9 · 12/03/2015 13:53

I like all of your names except Alicia (never sure how to pronounce it). How about Chloe?

SuisseRomandeMaman · 12/03/2015 12:52

I like Elenanor.

What about...
Alice
Angeline
Matilde/Matilda
Maude

Original poster
HazleNutt · 12/03/2015 11:53

Oh and I really like Estelle, but DH doesn't. Eloise and Elodie are both gorgeous, but won't go with my last name.

OP posts:
Tapwater · 12/03/2015 11:07

I have two different French-Elsewhere couple friends who called their daughter Constance, which I love.