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Baby names

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

Original poster

Genevieve or Anoushka

60 replies

Whatareyoutalkingabout · 21/05/2019 06:25

Which do you prefer and why?

We love Genevieve and had settled on it but we have Indian background and thought it might be nice to use a name with Indian heritage, but the only one I like is Anoushka and I'm worried the name is vaguely ridiculous in the UK - must admit that even to me it conjures up images of a fabulous eccentric elderly woman who used to work in showbiz and now wears one of those cool old-showbiz-lady turbans and long silk cardigans etc. You know? Who calls everyone dahling and smokes cigarettes from a long cigarette holder.

Also like Lorelei, but again, don't think it tops Genevieve. (I know a Lorelei is a siren who lures men to their doom but I quite like that about the name).

Nickname wise we like Eve or Vivi for Genevieve, Annie for Anoushka (DH likes Anu, I guess is how you'd spell it, which is the Indian nickname (or at least the nickname for this name in his part of India). I can't say properly because of my accent but which sounds a little like An-oo. I'd stick with Annie due to loving it and not being able to properly pronounce the alternative!) I like both Rory and Lorie for Lorelei.

Any thoughts?

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paintwater · 21/05/2019 09:15

I love the name Anoushka

Ellabella989 · 21/05/2019 09:14

I prefer Genevieve and would have Evie or Eve as a nn

SallyWD · 21/05/2019 09:13

They're both great names. My DH is Indian and we considered Anoushka. She could be Annie for short.

Original poster
Whatareyoutalkingabout · 21/05/2019 09:09

Thank you for the replies! Should clarify, will be using the British pronounciation of Genevieve. We are currently working abroad and while I love the French version, my French friends do not think much of my attempt to pronounce the name in a French accent! So I think I'd essentially be embarrassing myself by using that pronounciation. (I understand to to be like Gene-Vee-ev with a soft G - and i'd have sworn I was saying it perfectly but there were sniggers Grin I slightly prefer the English pronounciation anyway.

Nickname-wise, where we are living children aren't ever known by full names and their nicknames are chosen by parents and then used by teachers, family and friends (lots of short, cute nicknames - think Coco, Cici, Mimi, etc). So in that sense I'd be able to choose the nickname but that of course doesn't mean the nickname they use in childhood will stick for life. I don't like the name Jenny but I guess in another ten years time it might suddenly seem vintage and lovely instead of dated and dull like it does now, so even if she did end up and Jenny maybe it wouldn't be the end of the world (although I'd be gutted about it now!)

I've been whispering 'Anoushka' over and over to myself since I got it into my head to test out the sound (anyone else do this when they discover a new name?) and it's really grown on me! Maybe even overtaken Genevieve now, I'm not sure.

Any middle name ideas for Anoushka? Other DC have 2 so would feel bad if she didn't have any, but I can't think of any that sound nice or don't sound too much.

OP posts:
Peachbubble · 21/05/2019 07:43

I prefer Anoushka, it's always been a favourite name of mine. Not keen on Genevieve tbh, because of spelling and pronunciation issues.

Purplelavenders · 21/05/2019 07:30

I prefer Geneviève.

VanillaCoconutDove · 21/05/2019 07:23

I think the only issue is when you have nickname preferences, as once you give a child a name then nicknames become organic from that point on. I’d imagine Genevieve will most commonly be nicknamed Jen/Jenny, would you be okay with that?

I discounted a fair few names based upon disliking common nicknames derivatives over the official name.

DameSylvieKrin · 21/05/2019 07:22

I love Anoushka. Genevieve seems a bit dated and you have to like Gen or Genny.

daisypond · 21/05/2019 07:19

Anoushka is a Russian name to me. I like it. I suppose it does seem to have something of that image you painted. There’s the name Anoush as well, but that’s Armenian. I also know a Lorelei. You may get pronunciation issues with Genevieve - will you say it the French way or the English way? But I like it. It’s probably my favourite.

pilates · 21/05/2019 07:14

I prefer Anoushka nn Noush