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Baby names

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

Original poster

Spelling of name

58 replies

essexmuma · 09/10/2021 09:01

We've decided to call our daughter, due soon, Esmèe. We're decided on the name & love it so please no hate, but we can't seem to decide / agree on the spelling. We want it to be pronounced Ez-may not Ez-mee hence the accent use. Whilst I agree Esmè looks a bit neater, I can't shift the thought that I know Esmèe is the correct feminine spelling of the name and Esmè is masculine ( I speak French although am not French ) & thought if we're going to use it we should it properly but now I feel unsure. Thoughts?

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HettieHelvetica · 09/10/2021 09:28

Appologies, I really should learn to proof read. One E would equal Ez-MAY, two would equal Ez-MEE.

HettieHelvetica · 09/10/2021 09:21

I know what the accents SHOULD mean, but my instincts (and I suspect those of a lot of Brits) is to pronounce one E as "Ez-ME" and EE as "Ez-MAY". You will always be correct, but unfortunately that won't stop the wrong pronunciations.

RiaOverTheRainbow · 09/10/2021 09:20

Esme/Esmé is the more common spelling, but Esmée is fine too. Definitely not Esmèe (ez-meh) though Wink

KingsleyShacklebolt · 09/10/2021 09:17

I had a friend at school whose name involved an acute accent. It caused her a total nightmare and still does, many digital forms don't allow you to add the accent too.

Esme or Esmee is fine as it is, I think.

Whinge · 09/10/2021 09:17

We want it to be pronounced Ez-may not Ez-mee hence the accent use.

I wouldnt worry too much about the spelling. I think it's one of those names that regardless of which you choose it will be pronounced both ways.

Original poster
essexmuma · 09/10/2021 09:14

@Mustangsallyis

I think it should be an acute accent rather than a grave
You are totally right! I meant Esmée ( I've spelt it wrong already- not a great sign Shock )
OP posts:
Mustangsallyis · 09/10/2021 09:10

I think it should be an acute accent rather than a grave

RussianSpy101 · 09/10/2021 09:02

I would stick with Esmèe. Beautiful name, good luck OP.

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