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Baby names

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

Original poster

Rae or Wren?

79 replies

Marrilou · 28/01/2021 15:09

Hi all, I have a baby due in April and my two top girls' names are Rae and Wren. Just wondering which people prefer? Thanks!

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VenusClapTrap · 29/01/2021 23:44

I like Wren a lot.

calimommy · 29/01/2021 19:05

I think using the spelling Rei as short for Reiltin is a much preferable idea 👍

AuntieStella · 29/01/2021 14:15

Or perhaps Kylo, Padme or Yoda?

micc · 29/01/2021 11:45

Wren, lovely name

Original poster
Marrilou · 29/01/2021 10:14

Seems like Rae isn't as popular but I still really like the sound of it... though this thread has made me think it might be better as a shortening for something else. Have come across the Irish name Réiltín (pronounced Ray-l-teen) which means little star; my current baby's name is an unusual Irish one so am thinking Réiltín could work well and have Rei as the shortened version?! Have started another thread about it if anyone has an opinion about this! Smile

OP posts:
Aelfrid · 29/01/2021 09:37

Another one who thinks Wren looks pretty but Ren sounds harsh.

LudoTrouble · 29/01/2021 08:41

I have an irrational hatred of the 'ae' spelling in any name. I truly dislike it, it looks just awful to me. Rae, Mae, Maeve, Jae..

Wren is lovely, though!

SkeletorAttack · 29/01/2021 08:33

I do think Wren is a bit of a "wet" name - it's very sweet and pretty, but a bit frail too?

LaTomatina · 29/01/2021 08:28

I love Wren. I met an adorable toddler called Wren about 20 years ago and have loved the name ever since.

Not keen on Rae.

Whatsyourflava · 29/01/2021 08:25

I absolutely LOVE Wren and now I've read it's meaning to you too- you have to pick Wren

Teakind · 29/01/2021 08:21

I like both too but I think Wren is a stronger first name

DramaAlpaca · 29/01/2021 03:13

I'm afraid I see Rae as being a bit downmarket, sorry.

I don't like Wren at all, I can't see it as a name, but it's heaps better than Rae.

Tavannach · 29/01/2021 02:20

Wren

PerveenMistry · 29/01/2021 02:15

@partyatthepalace

Neither really, I find Wren just nothing-y - because the w is silent I just think of ren. Rae I think is just a naff filler middle name.

Robin is quite nice...

Good point.

In the US where I am, Rae is a hillbilly name.

PerveenMistry · 29/01/2021 02:13

They're ok for nicknames but give your children the gift of a dignified adult moniker.

SmeleanorSmellstrop · 29/01/2021 02:08

Wren is pretty. I really dont like Rae, it seems to be the new Mae and seems quite downmarket.

daisypond · 28/01/2021 23:19

Oh dear, I really, really dislike both. If I had to choose, I’d go for Wren, through gritted teeth.

bruisedbutnotbeaten · 28/01/2021 23:03

Wren is my new favourite name. It's really lovely.

Original poster
Marrilou · 28/01/2021 22:58

Interesting to hear people's thoughts! Personally not keen on Robyn, Rachel or May but thanks for the suggestions.
@AuntieStella yes my Granny was in the Wrens during WW2 and actually met my Grandpa (who was in the navy) during that time which is def part of the reason that I like the name Smile

OP posts:
IamnotwhouthinkIam · 28/01/2021 22:19

Of the two I prefer Wren I think. Rae is pretty but it feels a bit like more of a nn to me (for Rachel or Aurelia).

However I really love the similar, more classic May (which is underused as a first name but is a nature name like Wren), if you'd consider that?

AuntieStella · 28/01/2021 22:17

Rae

Wren is still too naval for me - I know it's been disbanded quite a while, but it's a very strong and historic association. Though of course perhaps you like itn ecause you do want to honour seafaring parts of your family tree

Bluesername · 28/01/2021 22:13

Wren

FatkinsDiet · 28/01/2021 21:57

I don't imagine you'll go for this, but I personally love Rachel, which can be shortened to Rae?

Sausagedog1 · 28/01/2021 21:10

Love Wren. For me Rae feels a bit unfinished.
I love Raya or Rayna/Raina with the nickname Rae.

Chilldonaldchill · 28/01/2021 20:44

Wren.
I know too many girls with Rae as the second part of a double barreled name eg Ella-Rae.