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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is this name due a comeback?

59 replies

CarolVordermansBum · 19/10/2020 14:21

Irene.

What do you think?

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DisgruntledGuineaPig · 19/10/2020 17:42

It was my grandmothers name too - she was a difficult northern woman of house coat and set hair type, judging other woman on her street who didn't have clean front steps.

She was fabulous.

We didn't consider it for DD, but it doesn't sound too old lady compared to the Ivy/Iris/Daisy types.

I also think Rita needs a come back.

Thymeout · 19/10/2020 17:41

You could spell it Eirene, ancient Greek for peace, if you wanted to get rid of the frumpy old lady associations.

SilenceOfTheEmu · 19/10/2020 17:32

I think it’s cute. It was my grandma’s name and she was nicknamed ‘rene’ (pronounced ree-knee)

lazylockdowner · 19/10/2020 17:30

Hope not it's my ex mother in laws name and she a awful woman

BoggiesBonnieBelle · 19/10/2020 17:29

I know a teenager who has Irene as her middle name.

Standrewsschool · 19/10/2020 16:38

@maddiemookins16mum

No, it reminds me of older women in housecoats and curlers.
This
EhUp · 19/10/2020 16:38

I'm not a fan but agree it is probably due a come back as its same era as many other names which are increasing in popularity (Elsie, Edith, Ada, Nancy etc)

TheVanguardSix · 19/10/2020 16:34

I love EE-ray-nuh. Not Eye-reen though.

CarolVordermansArse · 19/10/2020 16:31

Looks like my name got a comeback whether deserved or not.

SlopesOff · 19/10/2020 15:29

It's an ugly name unless pronounced Irina or eeRen.

Eyereen is not a pleasant sound, neither is Eyereenee.
Also Vera.

Much prefer Gertrude.

WillYouShutUpMan · 19/10/2020 15:17

I really like it, considered it for my 2nd baby but he was a boy. Considering how many baby Maudes/Agnes/Winifred/Mabels there are around here I think Irene would fit in just fine with them.

StitchInTimeSavesNine · 19/10/2020 15:17

I know two. One 16 in dd's year at school and one about six.

maddiemookins16mum · 19/10/2020 15:12

No, it reminds me of older women in housecoats and curlers.

MillicentMartha · 19/10/2020 15:08

Three syllables is I ree Knee like Irene Handl.

redfoxlab · 19/10/2020 14:59

I love the French pronunciation ee rEn

Not so much the English version but I think all names come into style again eventually. What matters is if you like it

meow1989 · 19/10/2020 14:58

Im not sure it is.

Also how do you pronounce it with 3 syllables? Can't for the life of me work it out.

ZoeCM · 19/10/2020 14:55

First association is Irene (Selina's mum) from Home & Away back in the 90s. Which is not good.

MJMG2015 · 19/10/2020 14:55

I think maybe your thoughts about it depend on how old you are!

51 & I really hope not! They were always 'older women' who were 'difficult' 🤣

I can't imagine a baby/toddler/child 'Irene'

BeingATwatItsABingThing · 19/10/2020 14:55

Not one I’d choose.

Flappingflamingo · 19/10/2020 14:53

It was my grandma's name 😊

wishing3 · 19/10/2020 14:53

Like it! Also think the same about Vera.

SardineJam · 19/10/2020 14:52

Very pretty name

VirginiaWolverine · 19/10/2020 14:52

Yes.

AfterSchoolWorry · 19/10/2020 14:51

Love it.

Choice4567 · 19/10/2020 14:50

Oo it’s lovely. Bit sad I never thought of it!