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Baby names

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

Original poster

Ghislaine

37 replies

PrittSticky · 19/11/2019 23:21

Don’t worry - I’m not an idiot, I’m not going to call my child this.

But does anyone else think it’s actually quite a nice name? I’d never heard of it before the obvious story, but hearing it on the news repeatedly over the last couple of weeks has made it grow on me Confused

Anyone else agree? Or is it just hormones clouding my judgement?

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RandomMess · 21/11/2019 20:16

Actually a G for golf

RandomMess · 21/11/2019 20:15

My dentist is called this with a hard g, Gilly for short.

Nonnymum · 21/11/2019 19:57

I think it's nice and not really that unusual I know someone called Ghislaine and it is pronounces Gillan with a hard G.

SillyUnMurphy · 21/11/2019 19:50

I had an aunt (by marriage) with this name and also worked with one, who was an absolute bitch, so it’s not my favourite - ratified more by the despicable Maxwell woman.

pajamadays · 21/11/2019 19:47

I really like the way it looks written down but I don't like the sound of it out loud at all Confused

missmouse101 · 21/11/2019 19:22

Jilaine is how the one I know pronounces it. It's ok but doesn't really do it for me.

DivGirl · 21/11/2019 19:11

I had a friend called Ghislaine - it got shortened to Jizz.

ThursdayLastWeek · 21/11/2019 17:31

I actually know somebody with this name and I still can’t remember how to pronounce it - it just does not stick in my head!

MikeUniformMike · 21/11/2019 17:29

I think it's Ghee-len, but have recently heard a few variations, so I would say no to it for that and spelling issues.

Gisele is pretty, but it people will say Jizz-EL.

I think if you use a name from another culture or language, you run the risk of choosing a dated name.

DontCallMeShitley · 20/11/2019 23:39

It makes me think of a cosmetics company. However, I quite like it.

Ludways · 20/11/2019 23:16

**shes a

Ludways · 20/11/2019 23:15

I know one at work, says a super grumpy whinging 60 year old, I can't bring myself to like the name, lol

Whathewhatnow · 20/11/2019 23:09

I think it's lovely. Come on, you folks banging on about its current connotations. Don't be daft. Every name has a criminal or morally dubious person wearing it somewhere....
although I'd never call a baby Donald or Boris

Officerthosearenotmysuitcases · 20/11/2019 22:14

There’s always one...Hmm @BonBon411

Halleli · 20/11/2019 18:43

@BonBon411

The OP is clearly aware of that...
That's where she's heard the name from & she's made it clear she won't actually use it for that reason.

BonBon411 · 20/11/2019 18:19

It is the name of the female who
facilitated many plane rides for
pedophiles on the Lolita Express
(Jeffrey Epstein)

Pinkblueberry · 20/11/2019 17:59

Hmm I just hear gillet like the sleeveless coat.

Clettercletterthatsbetter · 20/11/2019 17:53

I met one once (French). She pronounced it zhiz-len (but softer at the end).

She wasn’t a particularly nice woman, and I can’t help but hear ‘jizz’ at the beginning of the name, which puts me off.

ShagMeRiggins · 20/11/2019 16:13

My daughter is Giselle (Zheez-elle, though often pronounced Zhuh-zelle by well-meaning Brits. Those who don’t even try come up with Jhuh-zelle, and in the memorable case of one lovely nursery worker, Gazelle.)

She doesn’t mind.

In France it’s considered a bit of a granny name, but I’ve always thought it quite beautiful. When she was born I had to tell people, no, not after the supermodel, it’s from the ballet.

We chose not to use the preferred French Gisèle spelling as Giselle would be less accident-prone for British eyes. Grin

VenusClapTrap · 20/11/2019 14:40

I’ve always loved this name, along with Giselle.
I think the ’laine’ ending is very elegant. Marjolaine is another lovely one.

filka · 20/11/2019 11:34

Shame it’s basically been ruined by association with the Maxwell woman.

...not forgetting her father!

TatianaLarina · 20/11/2019 11:21

Prefer Sigolène.

ShagMeRiggins · 20/11/2019 07:24

And a hard G, gah!

ShagMeRiggins · 20/11/2019 07:24

Sorry, that should have been Geez-lenn. Stupid thumbs!

ShagMeRiggins · 20/11/2019 07:22

Zheez-lenn in France. Often shortened to Gigi (Zhee-zhee). Beautiful name. Shame it’s basically been ruined by association with the Maxwell woman.

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