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Baby names

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

Original poster

Elsie vs Elise

111 replies

Foxesandcrosses · 03/06/2020 11:30

Morning all,

I really like both Elsie and Elise as girls names.
Could I please ask for your opinion, which one do you prefer as a name?

(we would pronounce Elise as EL-eese)

Thank you Smile

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MittensTheSerpent · 04/06/2020 09:44

Elise.

Elsie sounds like a consumptive Victorian child in a workhouse.

Lindy2 · 04/06/2020 08:47

DD's middle name is Elise.

My Nan was called Elsie. We wanted a name that was a tribute to her but I'm not keen on the old lady names really. We settled on Elise instead.

I think it's an elegant name - if spelt and pronounced correctly. We are very happy we chose it.

Made up versions like Alyeese, Elyse etc, if that's what some posters are referring to, are not the same.

peanutsandcream · 04/06/2020 08:34

I prefer Elise. I have only heard it pronounced the way you pronounce it.

CrystalMaisie · 04/06/2020 08:29

Elise, sophisticated and classy name. Elsie old lady name, as others have said.

arianwe · 04/06/2020 08:24

Absolutely LOVE Elsie

MrsHuntGeneNotJeremyObviously · 04/06/2020 08:24

Elise, definitely.
Elsie is an old lady! Also MN is weird in that it has a preference for old lady names and those that the rest of the population think of as a bit ugly and try hard.

PurBal · 04/06/2020 08:21

I know more people called Elise than Elsie. But Elsie was my granny's name so I'm very fond of it.

nannytothequeen · 04/06/2020 06:38

I like both but prefer Elise, based on the Beethoven piece. I have worked with a little girl called Elise.she gets called Lisi.

everythingbackbutyou · 04/06/2020 06:29

Elise, because it is the name of a gorgeous song by The Cure.

Lilysharp · 03/06/2020 21:46

I think you should have a couple of days using both when referencing the baby or your bump and see which one sits better. Sometimes it can surprise you that a name you thought you liked doesn't sound right when you say it out loud

123Dancewithme · 03/06/2020 21:32

Elise is lovely. Definitely not “chavvy”.

I’m surprised Elsie is so popular. It seems like such an old lady name and not in a chic, retro way. More like Ethel or Edna.

LilacSloth · 03/06/2020 18:05

I definitely prefer Elise - it's lovely. Also only ever heard it pronounced the way you suggested.

midsomermurderess · 03/06/2020 17:10

I think they have very different characters. Elsie sounds very English and, as some else has said, down to earth. Elise is a bit more formal and, well, aspirational. I'd not say 'sophisticated'. I prefer Elsie.

Pemba · 03/06/2020 16:34

Elise sounds pretty, European and sophisticated as a pp said.

Elsie still sounds too 'old lady' to me, and a bit frumpy. Though objectively, I suppose it could be cute.

Oliversmumsarmy · 03/06/2020 16:26

The Elsie’s I knew growing up were old battle axes with wrinkly stockings and tweed skirts or a crimplene skirt and jacket set (always in pink) that they brought out if they had to go to a wedding.

Elise sounds so much better

florascotia2 · 03/06/2020 15:43

Sorry - my previous message should course read:
I think people were suggesting Elspeth and Elsa because (together with Elsie and Elise) they are different and shorter versions of the same name, Elizabeth.

florascotia2 · 03/06/2020 15:37

I think people were suggesting Elspeth and Elizabeth because (together with Elsie and Elise) they are all different and shorter versions of the same name, Elizabeth.

Cindie943811A · 03/06/2020 14:27

Elise is great.
Elsie is a name for the maid.
What about Elsa? That has the European flavour and not the same connotations as Elsie.

bridgetreilly · 03/06/2020 13:38

Elsie is my favourite. Though I do like both, but I would pronounce Elise with the emphasis on the second syllable: el - EESS.

MinteeFresh · 03/06/2020 13:34

I think Elise is a great name and one I'd be happy to be called.

Original poster
Foxesandcrosses · 03/06/2020 13:23

Hello,

Really interesting reading ppls opinions. I agree the Elsie is a bit cutsey or may have connotations of an old lady. I also agree about Elise being more continental and grown up.

I suppose I must be a 'chav' Wink because I think I prefer Elise.
TBH anyone who uses that term I sorta automatically don't care for their opinion.

Thank you all x

OP posts:
wowfudge · 03/06/2020 13:22

Elise is a lovely name - there's a piece of classical music called Fur Elise. Elsie reminds me of little old ladies and it's overused these days.

sweetnosugar · 03/06/2020 13:22

Elsie for sure!

20viona · 03/06/2020 13:19

Definitely Elise, Elsie is becoming really common.

atilathehut · 03/06/2020 13:15

Elsie definitely