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Baby names

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

Original poster

Esme or Esmé spelling?

58 replies

Namingtrends · 11/02/2021 20:39

Hi dear MN,

I think we are set on the name of our DD due in a month. It’s been a favourite of mine forever because of Salinger.

I know there is some pronunciation debate, and as a French national living in the UK, I would pronounce it Es-may (more meh even) and would prefer to spell it Esmé.

Does the spelling Esmé work well in the UK? I don’t want to set her up for a lifetime of administrative struggle because of the accent, but maybe I’m overthinking it and it’s completely fine?

Very keen to hear from you all :) I think you would know better than I do on the question. Thanks!

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Original poster
Namingtrends · 11/02/2021 21:04

Ah ok @Tibtab and @HelloDulling that’s good to know, maybe better spelt Esme then if it’s not on passport and other official documentation. Thanks!

OP posts:
Tibtab · 11/02/2021 21:02

You can have an accent on the birth certificate but not on a British passport, assume it is the same for Driving licenses etc.

HelloDulling · 11/02/2021 21:01

You can use it, but it will mostly be left off on documents/records etc etc. And using it is not going to make any difference to the way your average Brit pronounces it.

AnneKipanki · 11/02/2021 20:57

I would pronounce both Es-may.

Original poster
Namingtrends · 11/02/2021 20:54

@partyatthepalace thanks for your answer! I don’t mind too much if it gets pronounced es-mee, both are nice but wondered about the feasibility of the accent on a name in the Uk.
Thanks for

OP posts:
partyatthepalace · 11/02/2021 20:46

I think you are going to get it pronounced Es-mee a lot, because that seems to be more common here, so yeah the accent might help, and she can always drop it later if she wants.

Original poster
Namingtrends · 11/02/2021 20:45

Thanks @Ninkanink :)

OP posts:
Ninkanink · 11/02/2021 20:41

Yes the French spelling would work fine imo. I love the name btw.

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