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Baby names

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Original poster

Etienne for a girl?

35 replies

cornwallsharon · 15/07/2015 14:02

I think Etienne would make a lovely name for a girl but my husband isnt keen as its a boys name in France. What do you think?

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Lweji · 16/07/2015 22:53

I'm still cringing for all the girls called Nikita after the Elton John song. That is also a boy's name.

And he probably meant it too. :)

LavenderLeigh · 16/07/2015 21:53

It's a boys name. Not just in France but everywhere.
Just like Ivan isn't just a boys name in Russia and Olav isn't just a boys name in Norway. They are boys names.

However, if you have a son called Madeleine or Genevieve and are genuinely trying to make a point about names without gender bias, then go for it!

elephantmarch · 16/07/2015 21:26

Its pretty, a pity its a boys name. Eponine? Sp might be wrong. Juliet? Evian...no wait. ..;)

GreatAuntDinah · 16/07/2015 15:40

As I posted on the other recent thread, I know French women called Etaïnn (pronounced Etayeen) and Etienna, if that helps.

hollyisalovelyname · 16/07/2015 12:02

Etienne- eh-T -N- French boys name
Etain- eh-tayne- Irish girls name.
Very similar.

Pleasemrstweedie · 16/07/2015 11:45

I'd say no as well.

It's unequivocally a boys name.

I'm still cringing for all the girls called Nikita after the Elton John song. That is also a boy's name.

Lweji · 16/07/2015 11:40

Only if you were prepared to call her John, or Steve, or David, or Edmund.

And for her to hate you for having to explain to everyone she meets that she is in fact a girl and not a boy.

Alisvolatpropiis · 16/07/2015 11:37

Again?

No. Not unless appearing ignorant is something particularly appeals.

florascotia · 16/07/2015 11:01

OP and others, while you are thinking that Etienne 'sounds like a girl's name' you might like to bear in mind this wonderful cautionary tale from a Mumsnet poster on a previous names thread. (I'm very sorry, but I can't find her original post - it is her story, not mine, and I hope she won't mind me passing it on.) Anyway, she told how an older relative, whose first language was not English, had suggested that she name a baby 'Cauliflower' - "because it sounds so pretty".

Words have meanings and it's not always a good idea to ignore them.

EhricLovesTheBhrothers · 15/07/2015 22:49

Again?
No, don't do it. It will likely embarrass her when she gets older and people will assume you're thick or couldn't be bothered to check the meaning of your child's name.

HawkEyeTheNoo · 15/07/2015 21:56

*their

HawkEyeTheNoo · 15/07/2015 21:55

I think it's such a pretty name! I wouldn't care it was a boys name, Cameron is traditionally masculine but no one really bothers about Cameron Diaz. I know a few girls called Charlie, Stevie and an Eddie. I'm not sure it really matters anymore, people are calling there kids the names they like not bothering about the traditional 'sex' of the name. If you like it, go for it. I'm going to add it to my list too!

Sophronia · 15/07/2015 21:24

How about Emilienne or Fabienne?

UseHerName · 15/07/2015 21:14

What about Vivienne?

florascotia · 15/07/2015 21:11

holly- I believe you Smile, it's just that I've heard differently... But, as I said, I'm sure that pronounciations differ widely from place, for example this website[[http://forvo.com/word/etain_%28old_irish%29/#ga]] is similar to what I've heard, but this website (?Irish American) agrees with you: www.babynamesofireland.com/e-names/e-names-for-girls

sweetpeame · 15/07/2015 20:22

I wouldn't do it. If I met a female Etienne in the UK I'd assume her parents didn't realise it was a boys name... I'd feel quite sorry for her.

MarieJeanne · 15/07/2015 20:04

I have lived on France for 20+ years and have always thought Etienne too pretty for a boys name. The female version is Etiennette believe it or not.
In french Laurence is a girls name.
So, if you like Etienne for a girl go for it.

JessiePinkMan · 15/07/2015 20:04

Well my dd is Stevie so I definitely would

Biscuitsneeded · 15/07/2015 20:01

I knew a French woman called Etiennette. She was 94 though!

hollyisalovelyname · 15/07/2015 20:00

Florascotia I know two Ehtaynes- spelled Etain.

florascotia · 15/07/2015 19:50

A mere Scot here, not Irish. But surely the Gaelic name Etain is not usually pronounced Eh tayne? Local versions vary, but I'd suggest it should be something like 'Ey-dawnn'. Perhaps Irish Mumsnetters can correct me?

But it's undoubtedly feminine, and as previous poster suggested, would make a nice and unusual alternative for Etienne.

purplemurple1 · 15/07/2015 19:47

I know a girl called this, we are a french speaking family and knew full well it is a boys name but like it and wanted to use it. I'm female and also have a (english) male name, its never been an issue for either of us.

FurbysMakeSexNoises · 15/07/2015 19:39

I love it but didn't know about the French meaning. Ottilie or Coralie? Genevieve?

Unoriginalusername123 · 15/07/2015 19:07

I wouldn't name my daughter Etienne as it is a masculine name. I wouldn't name her David or Matthew either.

hollyisalovelyname · 15/07/2015 19:07

Would you think of using Etain ? Pronounced Eh tayne. It is an Irish girl's name.

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