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Baby names

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Original poster

Concerns with Francesca

33 replies

TomTheTalkingClock · 18/09/2020 10:03

So Francesca sounds really nice for our upcoming DD, and DW likes it too - however I concern she will be nicknamed Frankie, something I think is too masculine for a girl/a bit tomboy (kinda like Alex, Sam or Chris). Then I don’t really like Chessie, Chesca etc either as well, the board game chess. Should I go back to the drawing board or not? Cheers

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daisypond · 19/09/2020 22:46

[quote FieryFrances]@WiserOlder I think Frances is a bit masculine as it’s pronounced the same as Francis. Hence why I like Francesca more as there’s something to distinguish between the two.[/quote]
Francis and Frances are not pronounced the same.

Charleyhorses · 19/09/2020 22:07

I had a lovely colleague Francescha. Known as Fran at work and Frankie everywhere else.

FieryFrances · 19/09/2020 22:01

@WiserOlder I think Frances is a bit masculine as it’s pronounced the same as Francis. Hence why I like Francesca more as there’s something to distinguish between the two.

FluffyEggsontoast · 19/09/2020 14:49

Franny sounds to much like f*nny to me but all the Francescas I know are called Franny day to day

ElizabethinherGermanGarden · 19/09/2020 09:44

Fran and Frannie are both feminine. We use Frangipane (like the cake) or Frangipani (like the flower) as a nickname.

FizzingWhizzbee123 · 19/09/2020 09:42

I knew one who went by Checky

WiserOlder · 19/09/2020 09:10

This is one of the few names where the English version is softer and prettier (imo)

I think Frances would be a pretty nn

elfran · 19/09/2020 09:08

The only Francesca I know irl is called French- not typical but suits her well! I don't love Frankie either, but think Fran and Franny are cute.

Pangwin · 19/09/2020 08:58

I know one Francesca who is known as Franca, and I know two Frankies, one a child and one an adult, and the name doesn't appear masculine for either of them. It's more of a cool nickname rather than a masculine one.

The adult Frankie I know was Fran as a child, then Franny in tweens and teen years and Frankie when she was 18 and changed her name by deed poll.

I also know a Victoria and a Rebecca whose parents hated Vicky and Becky so insisted that everyone use their full names rather than shortened versions. As adults these women are still known by their full name and are vocal when people try to shorten their names. So it's possible to keep your DD's name as Francesca if you set the tone earlier on.

But I agree with a pp who said don't choose a name based on what nickname may or may not be used later on. Choose a name because you love it now.

daisypond · 19/09/2020 08:46

It’s a nice name. I know one who goes by Franca.

AriettyHomily · 19/09/2020 08:38

Frances in my family and Francesca. Both are Fran as much as the parents tried for it no to be.

SeanCailleach · 19/09/2020 08:35

Lovely name. The Francis in my life is known as Branco in some circles. The feminine would be Branca and my phone insists there is a name Brança also.

Weareboatsremember · 19/09/2020 08:27

I have a Francesca. She is 100% not a frankie, and on the odd occasion that a teacher has called it her she corrects them back to Francesca.
At home we call her chessy, but she doesn’t let anyone else call her that. She’s very particular!

Firebird83 · 18/09/2020 14:03

I’m not keen on it. I prefer Frances.

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 18/09/2020 12:28

Don’t use it then or Have it as a middle name, If you don’t like what it can be shortened to.
You can only control nick names for so long. She may opt be go by Frankie.

Lemming20 · 18/09/2020 10:51

Hi @SpunBodgeSquarepants it’s my name too! I love it. I’m Fran to friends and Francesca professionally. I’ve heard others called Chessy, Franny and Francha (Italian girl).

peachescariad · 18/09/2020 10:47

Francesca is lovely but yes, it will get shortened to Frankie (most likely IME by school/peers) and Cesca, but only if that's what you refer to her by.

Flittingaboutagain · 18/09/2020 10:46

Whatever name you pick is really only 'yours' for your child's childhood because they can then change it, or use a middle name, or shorten it. So, I wouldn't worry about nicknames too much, just choose a name you want to call your child, you can't control what others (including your child) will do.

zigaziga · 18/09/2020 10:40

I love the name Francesca and I like most of the nicknames.

If you don’t like any of the nicknames I think you should find another name. It’s a long name and is very, very likely to be shortened at some point.

Notsurewhatsgoingon · 18/09/2020 10:31

@SerenityNowwwww Grin

Auto · 18/09/2020 10:31

I'm not a fan of Francesca, Fran or Chesca. I do like Frances, if that would be an option? I also like Frankie, it reminds me of frankincense.

willitbetonight · 18/09/2020 10:30

I know of a little girl called Frankie. Not masculine in the slightest. Bit like Charlie for Charlotte. It doesn't turn your little girl into a boy. I think it's cute.

monkeyonthetable · 18/09/2020 10:29

FWIW I like Frankie. And Chesca. I can't stand Fran or Frannie. She might also get called Francie (like France with an ee on the end.)

SerenityNowwwww · 18/09/2020 10:20

Hi Franchescas...mum?

Notsurewhatsgoingon · 18/09/2020 10:19

Francesca is the most beautiful name in the whole world.
Fran is also lovely.
Its not common yet not out there either.
Yes all the above nicknames will get used by different people but this happens with any name and you can't police it.
You won't regret using it because of possible nick names.
Do it.
I'm not biased or anything Grin