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Baby names

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

Original poster

French girl name Capucine in England?

93 replies

ZazieMetro · 26/12/2019 18:33

I’m French living in England, and I have always loved the name Capucine for a girl. It’s a flower name, quite popular in France, but we’re not sure how it will work over here.

What do you think, please? Would you know how to pronounce it and do you like it?

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Nonnymum · 26/12/2019 18:59

There was a famous actor called Capucine.. I don't think it matters what others think. Use a name you like from your background all my GC have European names because their father is from Europe They live here so its nice they have something that reflects that part of their heritage. Their names sound unusual to native English speakers but they only need to be told how to pronoune them and they are fine. They are part of who they are and people accept that.

Original poster
ZazieMetro · 26/12/2019 18:58

It’s “cap-u-seen” in French, it rhymes with lean.

It’s always been my favourite but I fear it doesn’t really work here Sad I have asked a couple of English friends and one did say about the coffee, which isn’t so bad perhaps but it’s not supposed to be pronounced with the “ch”.

I will struggle to let it go! Any ideas for names I might like? My husband likes old-fashioned, very “English” names like Martha, Mabel, Marnie, Pearl but they’re sometimes difficult for my relatives to pronounce.

I quite like Clémentine/Clementine but he’s not convinced.

OP posts:
LilyPinkNoah · 26/12/2019 18:56

I know a French Capucine it's a lovely name.

She also lives in England

youwereagoodcakeclyde · 26/12/2019 18:52

Also would have guessed pronunciation cappuccino with no “o”.
First thought was is that the type of monkey, not really a bad thing.

Lizziedu49 · 26/12/2019 18:51

I lived in France and did my SATs, GCSEs and A levels there 7 years ago and never encountered anyone by that name. So to me it doesn't seem French at all. Also reminds me of the monkey or the coffee drink! Sorry to be negative ☹️
But if you really love it just do it!
I would never not name my child something I loved just because others didn't 🙃

MikeUniformMike · 26/12/2019 18:49

What nn? Puce?

KittenVsXmastree · 26/12/2019 18:47

Cap/you/sign
Although, that ending is too harsh for french, so I'd guess it would have softer vowel ending.
It doesnt grab me as a name, but if you love it, consider it if you can cope with the Brits mashing it up frequently.

KittyMcKitty · 26/12/2019 18:47

all with a French parent (no idea where aren’t came from) ^

BillywilliamV · 26/12/2019 18:46

It’s the name of a monkey

KittyMcKitty · 26/12/2019 18:45

I know a couple of Capucine’s all with a French aren’t.

I think it’s a beautiful name.

MopsRUs · 26/12/2019 18:44

I speak more Italian than French, despite not being an idiot, so yes, my first thought would be Cappuccino...

Ardnassa · 26/12/2019 18:44

Makes me think of the Capuchin monks (which I think was the original source for Capuchin monkeys and cappuccinos?).

I am half Italian and my mum gave us all a number of complicated Italian middle (and in some case first) names which my sisterd and I are forever having to spell/explain... it is irritating, so I would be wary if your children will be brought up in the UK.

daisypond · 26/12/2019 18:42

I know how to pronounce it and know what it means but I still automatically think monkey.

BertieBotts · 26/12/2019 18:42

Er, yep, defo an idiot just because I've never heard of every name in the world Confused

IHaveBrilloHair · 26/12/2019 18:41

Isn't that a type of Monkey?Xmas Confused

BertieBotts · 26/12/2019 18:41

I've never heard it before. I would probably try to pronounce it like cappuccino without the o Xmas Blush

PenOrPencil · 26/12/2019 18:40

Write it down and let a few English people you know read it out aloud. If you are prepared to keep correcting people, go for it.
I think idiots people might comment on how close it is to Cappuccino...

Our dc’s names have to work in several languages and we had to ditch quite a few names for more international, easier to pronounce ones.

PestoFestivimuss · 26/12/2019 18:38

To be honest it reminds me of capuchin monkeys
🐒