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Baby names

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

Original poster

Esme, Esmé, Esmée?

36 replies

LizzyMargaret · 01/12/2019 11:20

Last one from me for a while guys as I feel like I’ve posted loads this week! I’m trying to make things a bit clearer in order to reduce our list.

Which spelling would you use? I’ve read the name is much like René and Renée so the feminine spelling is Esmée. We’d want the Ehz-May/Meh pronunciation too which the é determines? Very confused by the differing opinions I’ve read in my searches hence why I’ve made my own lol. WDYT?

Thanks for all your help by the way.

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Original poster
LizzyMargaret · 01/12/2019 13:50

I don’t like the Esmae spelling either. I can see where it eliminates pronunciation issues but it doesn’t look right to me.

@Katfood That’s my understanding too. The é determines the May/Meh ending and ée is the feminine spelling so that would be the spelling for us. I’m not sure where Esme with the Ehz-Me pronunciation originates from however.

I want to spell it correctly if we use it but I’m sure if it’s going to be a hassle for her living with it. I prefer Esmée Violet as a combo but I think Violet Esmée would be easier to live with (Violet is a honour name that we’re using)

OP posts:
Cbeebiesrehab · 01/12/2019 13:42

There is an Esmè in my family-pronounced Ez-May. Really dislike the double E for some reason, although I believe that’s the ‘correct’ feminine version? (I think) Esme I would pronounce Es-meee. I also know an Esmae but I seriously dislike this spelling too.

Katfood · 01/12/2019 13:41

Esmé is male
Esmée is feminine

Pronounced the same, Es mé

Thetimetravelerswife · 01/12/2019 13:40

Esme with or without the accent. Accent is likely to be left out in the Uk.

Botanica · 01/12/2019 12:55

I'd pronounce all of them Es-May.

Spelling wise I'd go for Esme and keep it simple without the accent.

BernardsarenotalwaysSaints · 01/12/2019 12:09

Esme= Ez-mee
Esmé= Ez-may
for me. I had 3 in a couple of my classes at high school & this was how they pronounced them. I’m not keen on other spellings.

ojo821 · 01/12/2019 12:05

I prefer Esmé but I would say Esmée and Esmé the same anyway. As said above Esme is often pronounced Esmee.

wonderstuff · 01/12/2019 11:33

I know a Esme, pronounced Ezmee, and an Ezmé pronounced Ezmay. I get confused and miss pronounce both! Lovely names, if you're relaxed about people getting the pronunciation wrong.

Winterdaysarehere · 01/12/2019 11:28

Saw an Esmae with her name in lights at A & E once!!

diddlediddle · 01/12/2019 11:26

If you use one of the accented versions you are more likely to get the pronounciation you want, but if you are British and live in the U.K. having a name with an accent is going to be an almighty ballache. Also it looks a bit pretentious. So if that's the case I would definitely choose Esme and then just clarify pronunciation. If you're french then do what you like! (It will still be a pain if you like in the U.K. but at least people will understand)

Grandmi · 01/12/2019 11:22

Esme ...pronounced Esmeee. Beautiful name .