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Baby names

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

Original poster

Elaine

108 replies

trueblueari · 17/06/2018 22:48

Opinions on Elaine?

Too old fashioned or due a comeback?

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ZebraKid71 · 18/06/2018 03:55

I actually quite like it. And It's is very similar to a lot of names which are currently popular so other children probably wouldn't bat ah eyelid. I only know one under thirty and she often goes by ellie, so if you're dd didn't like it she would have options for a name that "fits in".

Bubblesoup · 18/06/2018 03:25

I think its really pretty! And I'd bet you would be just ahead of a comeback! I taught a Florence and a Mabel 12 years ago and people remarked on their incredibly old fashioned names - but they were just ahead of the trend!

LidoDeck · 18/06/2018 03:14

Waaay too middle-aged!

Candyflip · 18/06/2018 03:09

I don’t like it at all, yet Eleni is one of my favourite names ever. So what do I know.

HeyDolly · 18/06/2018 03:06

The Elaine’s I know are all in their 40-50s. It’s a name I’ve never liked - it seems v bland and harsh. Awful name imo.

BlankTimes · 18/06/2018 01:20

Depends on how Elaine is pronounced.. Eeee lane stressing the Eeee, or
ilane stressing the lane.

I like the French version, Eliane pronounced Elly anne at least the French lady with that name pronounced it that way.

tararabumdeay · 18/06/2018 01:04

Gislaine is beautiful but don't do the daggers on Elaine. The one Elaine I know is the most permanent and lovely ever.

She was born about three months after the NHS was conceived; a much wanted and late in her parent's window of opportunity baby.

She is amazing.

PixelAteMe · 18/06/2018 00:53

I’m old enough to remember it first time round, and always thought it was an awful name even then. I’ve never known a nice one, which doesn’t help ...

Please don’t revive this name, and let it stay in the fifties and sixties with Sharon, Tracey and Linda!

SpacePenguin · 18/06/2018 00:46

Lovely. Know lots of young Elaine's (20s & 30s), but no babies. Would love to meet one.

Ruleof4 · 18/06/2018 00:30

You could change the spelling?
Ie. 'Elayne'

DramaAlpaca · 18/06/2018 00:24

It's a nice name on a 50 something. I don't think it's ready for a revival just yet.

Jasmina456 · 18/06/2018 00:23

*No (not sure what happened there!)

Jasmina456 · 18/06/2018 00:23

Know, only suits 60/70 year old women.

I love Elaina/Alaina though.

catsofa · 18/06/2018 00:02

I know an Elaine who is a toddler!

DashingRed · 17/06/2018 23:54

No, please don't.

SoftBallSophie · 17/06/2018 23:48

I know 1 Elaine (she IS a pain) and almost 60 years old

ReadytoTalk · 17/06/2018 23:35

I think its ok. I know an Alaine which i think is very pretty.

Elkcuhc56 · 17/06/2018 23:33

The pain

ell22 · 17/06/2018 23:29

My headteacher was called Elaine..

But actually looking at it and saying it a few times, I bizarrely like it!

Sophronia · 17/06/2018 23:22

Probably not ready for a comeback yet, maybe in another 10-15 years!

Chocolatecoffeeaddict · 17/06/2018 23:20

Reminds me of Elaine off Tracy Beaker.

JacintaJones · 17/06/2018 23:18

I like it.

All the Elaines I know are aged 70-85 so its due a comeback.

IVflytrap · 17/06/2018 23:13

I think it's lovely, with a pretty sound. It's the name of multiple magical women from Arthurian legend originally - Elaine of Astolat, the Lady of Shalott, Elaine of Corbenic the grail-bearer and Elaine the sister of Morgan Le Fay. If it wasn't a name associated with women in their 60s (which is apparently what is offputting to most people Hmm) I think it would be very "in" right now, alongside all the other E names, the Evies, Ellies, Ediths and Esmes.

It'll probably be back in fashion in 15-20 odd years, once the currently-middle aged Elaines are old enough for people to be fond of them again...

Mayhemmumma · 17/06/2018 22:58

Ooh i think it's quite cute! I was thinking same thing when I read about a baby Susie today too. Not old enough to be 'chic' but it has a charm!

bridgetreilly · 17/06/2018 22:58

It's not so much 'old-fashioned' as 'of its time'. Which is about 50-60 years ago, not now.