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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is name this too out-there or strange?

108 replies

Katypop2 · 08/10/2022 13:20

My baby girl is due on the 22nd and I still haven’t chosen a name for her. The other day I was looking at baby names and came across the name Braelynn. I really like it and I think it is very pretty. It can also be spelled with one N but I prefer the spelling with two as I think it looks more complete. She could be Brae for short. The only problem is, it happens to be a very unusual name and I think people would struggle to spell it. Also which spelling do you prefer, Braelynn or Braelyn? Should I stay away from uncommon names that are hard to spell? My backup names are Ava, Lexi, Lily and Amelia (ik very basic/common but I don’t care about the popularity that much).

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Anniefrenchfry · 08/10/2022 16:42

I’m sorry, as a woman I don’t believe being called bray like a donkey is remotely pretty and I find lynn quite dated. I would not name my daughter this as I would not wish to be called it and would feel sorry for any one who was/

Amblesidebadger · 08/10/2022 16:40

It's a little out-there / awkward to spell. I'd go with Lexi as it's less popular than Ava / Lily if you're after something a little different.

Permanentterriblehairday · 08/10/2022 16:38

Not too keen on the ae part of braelyn.

What about Avalyn?

JaNaJanice · 08/10/2022 16:36

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Underhisi · 08/10/2022 16:28

It's not to my taste but it is ok. I don't like the Brae shortening. Perhaps have a look at other 'lyn' names.

ChocolateSpreadOnToast · 08/10/2022 16:08

It’s very American.

Your back ups are nice but massively overused. She would be the 17th Ava/Amelia/Lily in her year. Especially if you pair with the filler names of Rose/Grace/May. Can’t stand Lexi.

pimlicoanna · 08/10/2022 16:06

Not out there I'd just assume you were American

PumpkinPiexX · 08/10/2022 15:59

Mischance · 08/10/2022 13:25

I like it - it means primrose.

So what does Primrose mean?

RedRobyn2021 · 08/10/2022 15:55

I think it's pretty

mynewname25 · 08/10/2022 15:54

I think its pretty. Its not common but its not what id call silly or made up.

I also dont agree that its like calling your child 'woof ' and i quite like the nickname Brae.

No matter what name you choose someone won't like it so if you love it, go for it.

I chose an uncommon name for my DD and i guarantee people dont like it, but i love it and so glad I went with it.

Good luck with the birth OP

SuperCamp · 08/10/2022 15:42

I much prefer your back up names.

’Bray’ for short is horrible.

HighlandPony · 08/10/2022 15:41

Choopi · 08/10/2022 13:42

Is it pronounced Bray-lynn? So you'd call her Bray, like a donkey for short? I don't think there's great associations with braying tbh so it wouldn't be for me.

Brae is Scottish for hill. As in I bide up the brae. Braemar isn’t too far from me either

NormalForNuneaton · 08/10/2022 15:37

No, sorry, I think it sounds like a cough medicine

user375242 · 08/10/2022 15:33

I think it sounds very teen mum. (I say that as someone who has a child with a teen mum name and I regret it). What about Aubrey, Bryony, Briar, Caitlin, Marilyn. They have similar sounds.

Pemba · 08/10/2022 15:27

Sorry I don't really like it and I don't see how it's pretty, although that's subjective of course. Sounds like a very modern invented name, which generally I don't like.

TheWayTheLightFalls · 08/10/2022 15:23

Awful.

FlorettaB · 08/10/2022 15:22

It makes me think of the tv show Justified.

reelcat · 08/10/2022 15:20

I prefer it to your other choices as they are all so common (nice names but just so many of them!). It does feel very American but I think people in real life will like it better than people on here! I would also keep looking and see if anything else jumps out at you!

Trez1510 · 08/10/2022 15:19

I have a name that was, when I was born, seemingly unique i.e. I have never encountered anyone older than me with the name even through many, many Google searches! lol

It's a pain when people don't get it right, and use a more 'usual' form of my name either verbally or in writing. Mostly because the 'usual' form sounds really harsh, whereas my name is softer.

I'm used to it now, of course, but as a child it really did dent my confidence that very few cared enough to get it right!

Also, even now, it's infuriating when I write to someone and they respond, in writing, with the 'usual' form of my name.

I blame the parents!! 😛

Tlolljs · 08/10/2022 14:58

Sounds like she’s go on Jerry Springer for a fight with her exes latest girlfriend.

SE13Mummy · 08/10/2022 14:53

A post a few months ago asked about this name too, here

TooMuchToDoTooLittleInclination · 08/10/2022 14:48

Braelyn (one n is nicer, I think, looks more balanced & delicate)

I don't think many people in real life would think Braelyn Brae Bray Donkey.

I prefer Amelié to Amelia. The others are ok, as you don't mind the name being over used.

whatever you choose, she'll make it lovely!!

Number73 · 08/10/2022 14:41

I prefer the Welsh version. It looks and sounds so pretty, and the meaning is lovely.

Braelynn feels very American to me. Like Brooklyn or Caitlin (which is also an Americanisation of an Irish name, pronounced completely differently).
I’m not saying that’s a bad thing, but that’s the vibe I get.

Iamclearlyamug · 08/10/2022 14:40

I like it but prefer it spelt with one 'n'

NannyR · 08/10/2022 14:39

My first thought was a donkey noise too, I much prefer your back up names, especially Lily and Ava.