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Baby names

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

Original poster

How do you feel about Guinevere?

54 replies

Lauraloh · 31/03/2021 10:48

As a first name? As a middle name? Honest as you like :)

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HeadlessGummyBears · 31/03/2021 18:38

I love it! It’s up to you if you want it as a first or middle name. Do you have a family name you’d also like to add? That could help you decide in which order to have the names.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 31/03/2021 18:10

Guinevere is an absolutely gorgeous name imo. I'm not sure if I'm brave enough to use it as a first name because it's so associated with the legendary figure (unlike Arthur which is widely used), but I wish I was because Guinevere has a really romantic/poetic feeling, elegant sound to me. I also love that it has very different style nn's so she could pick what suits her - Gwen or Eve/Neve (pronounced with a short e).

bridgetreilly · 31/03/2021 17:46

I think it is possibly the most pretentious name you could pick.

Smallonesaremorejuicy · 31/03/2021 14:36

I don’t like it .

ILoveShula · 31/03/2021 14:15

@Violetlavenders

Geneviève is French and sounds beautiful in French, but it sounds awful in English imo.

Guinevere works better in the English speaking world.

This.

I know a Guinevere nn Guin. I also know a Gwenhwyfar nn Gwen. Both are fine, but Gwenhwyfar is the nicer of the two. The 'wy' sounds like the 'ui' in Guinevere.

partyatthepalace · 31/03/2021 13:43

Lovely - it is quite a big name, but she has the option of Gwen or Gwin if she wants.

BilboBercow · 31/03/2021 13:38

Not for me.

Violetlavenders · 31/03/2021 13:34

Geneviève is French and sounds beautiful in French, but it sounds awful in English imo.

Guinevere works better in the English speaking world.

TatianaBis · 31/03/2021 13:23

Genevieve is awful.

Yiayoula · 31/03/2021 13:15

Love Genevieve !

Or what about Genevere, as a compromise ?

Agree that Guinevere would be shortened, and personally not keen on any of the diminutives .

huuuuunnnndderrricks · 31/03/2021 13:04

What about Genevieve ? Lots of better nicknames out of that and it's a much nicer name especially said the trench way !🤩

Bagelsandbrie · 31/03/2021 12:54

It’s just going to be shortened to Gwen.

Cindie943811A · 31/03/2021 12:52

I prefer Genevieve but this is just personal as not keen on the guin sound.

TatianaBis · 31/03/2021 12:50

If Christopher says tells me he is Chris for short, I wouldn't call him Cress.

Thedogscollar · 31/03/2021 12:29

Nope it's too much. It will get shortened as all names do to Gwen, Gwin or heaven forbid Gwinny. I'd rethink.

jessstan2 · 31/03/2021 12:23

It's a name of Welsh origin and means 'fair one'. Not a bad name but a bit fancy for my taste and there will obviously be comments about Lancelot.

RuthW · 31/03/2021 12:16

I don't like it but it's s perfectly reasonable name. Go for it.

Kanaloa · 31/03/2021 12:06

It’s a big name, but I quite like Gwen/Gwin for a nickname. I think the Guinevere in BBC Merlin was called Gwen.

Violetlavenders · 31/03/2021 11:43

I like it. It's the French form of the Welsh name Gwenhwyfar.

Bouledeneige · 31/03/2021 11:29

Sorry to buck the trend. Not too keen myself.

Libertybells1 · 31/03/2021 11:11

@TatianaBis

Guin would be the dim not Gwen.
I agree that it should be, but not so sure that it would.
Estasala · 31/03/2021 11:09

Oh! Love it!

Estasala · 31/03/2021 11:09

Live it!

therestissilence · 31/03/2021 11:03

@TatianaBis

Guin would be the dim not Gwen.
Ooh, 'Guin' is pretty cool!
TatianaBis · 31/03/2021 11:01

Guin would be the dim not Gwen.