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Baby names

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

Original poster

Marion/Marian?

36 replies

BlueGreyApple · 02/03/2022 20:22

Can't decide if too old fashioned?

Would be in honour of a family member if used.

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Footle · 02/03/2022 21:43

John Wayne's real name was Marian.

Synchrony · 02/03/2022 21:42

I love Marion. I prefer that spelling. I think of Marion from The Music Man!

I pronounce it slightly differently to Marian.

Minniebojangles · 02/03/2022 21:41

I'm a Marion in real life and I love it. I'm in my 50s admittedly but you don't meet that many. It's very popular in France.

RuthW · 02/03/2022 21:38

Not keen on Marian/Marion but love Marianne.

toastofthetown · 02/03/2022 20:42

It's ok, it stands out in a good way from many popular girls names at the moment. I prefer the Marian spelling. I was going to mention that it's a boys name in Romania, but fine if you know that. I wouldn't not call a girl Andrea or Nicola because they are male names in Italy.

Original poster
BlueGreyApple · 02/03/2022 20:38

Thank you for the thoughts everyone.

Marianne is also a family name but I think it's too long.

I do like Maryam or Mariam but somehow can't imagine them being names for my baby. (I'm having this problem with nearly all names - my shortlist is very short)

OP posts:
Original poster
BlueGreyApple · 02/03/2022 20:31

@alexdgr8

i think marion is for a boy. is that why you chose it, suitable for either sex ? i wouldn't go for it as a first name. maybe as a second.
Would be for a girl. I know it's a boy's name in some cultures but in Scotland traditionally used for girls.
OP posts:
ofwarren · 02/03/2022 20:30

I prefer Marianne
Either are OK for a middle name though.

2bazookas · 02/03/2022 20:28

How about Maryam / Mariam. They are prettier and less dated, but still a nod do the family connection.

alexdgr8 · 02/03/2022 20:25

i think marion is for a boy.
is that why you chose it, suitable for either sex ?
i wouldn't go for it as a first name.
maybe as a second.

YisforWanky · 02/03/2022 20:23

It's a v good Sisters of Mercy song (Marian spelling) so gets my approval for that alone.