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Baby names

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Original poster

Is Irene truly dreadful?

115 replies

spearmintbubble · 27/11/2022 14:46

I love the name Irene Elizabeth and I was wanting to use it. Majority of people I’ve asked like it, however there is a high percentage who don’t. Is it one of those names that you either love or hate? All opinions welcome!

OP posts:
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MrJollyLivesNextDoor · 27/11/2022 23:01

Like it with 3 syllables

Reminds me of the Forsyte Saga

TheBirdintheCave · 27/11/2022 22:59

Nothing wrong with Irene by the way OP.

TheBirdintheCave · 27/11/2022 22:58

Coolyule · 27/11/2022 18:51

I like it. But then I also think Elaine is a pretty name and not many agree with me on that! I bet it comes back in popularity though!

irene could be reenie as a nn which is cute

Oh I love Elaine <3 My husband isn't keen though.

Rockmehardplace · 27/11/2022 22:55

yes. would you seriously have wanted to go through school being called Irene?

Original poster
spearmintbubble · 27/11/2022 21:19

Thank you for all the replies! We are mainly looking at the eye-reen pronounciation, as that’s the way it’s pronounced in our families. We are actually thinking of adding on a second middle name, to make it Irene Elizabeth Alexandra. We love the sound of both.

OP posts:
Dogtooth · 27/11/2022 19:03

I like it. Reminds me of the good night Irene song tho, which was about Leadbelly fancying the prison warder's daughter I think?

formulatingAresponse · 27/11/2022 19:00

It's quite old fashioned and not in cool way like Brenda or Brian

Bingobangodrinkacanoftango · 27/11/2022 18:54

I work with children and know two Irene’s (in different years). It really suits both of them and I think it’s actually quite pretty - my initial reaction was as an “old lady” name but it definitely grew on me.

Coolyule · 27/11/2022 18:51

I like it. But then I also think Elaine is a pretty name and not many agree with me on that! I bet it comes back in popularity though!

irene could be reenie as a nn which is cute

Goodoldvera · 27/11/2022 18:48

Another in the yes camp. As others have said so many names associated with old women and old men have become popular. Why are they prettier just because there are other kids with the same name? It's just people get used to hearing them again and associate it with a cute toddler, all those Beryl's etc were cute kids once...how about Beryl, a gemstone? I know a Barbara in her early 20s, not English but very pretty, Kylie Minogue look alike! I don't like Kylie as a name but it hasn't done her any harm

Kellaher · 27/11/2022 18:36

I think that you have to decide if you like it on its own.

Is the “Elizabeth” important for you to pair it with - it’s a nice balance but once you’ve signed the birth certificate it’s rarely going to be spoken again.

I don’t think that you should care what others think though.

saltofcelery · 27/11/2022 18:24

It's a beautiful name.

ofwarren · 27/11/2022 18:23

I think it's really cute!

Movinghouseatlast · 27/11/2022 18:22

How about Irina?

DuchessDandelion · 27/11/2022 18:22

I love it! I think it's beautiful:)

FoxyLadyBOOtique · 27/11/2022 18:21

Irene is flaming great galah.

SheWoreARaspberryBeret123 · 27/11/2022 18:20

It's a lovely name.

TheQueensCousin · 27/11/2022 18:19

I have a Spanish friend called Irene but it's pronounced i-ren-aye. It's beautiful pronounced that way imho.

hattie43 · 27/11/2022 18:13

HowzAboutIt · 27/11/2022 14:52

Yes, it is dreadful. Unless you are giving birth to a 75 year old with a light perm

Absolutely this

Himawarigirl · 27/11/2022 18:12

I like it pronounced with three syllables very much. There is a wonderful character in the Forsyth Saga called that and I’d always think of her elegance and strength.

TrashyPanda · 27/11/2022 18:07

Love it if said with three syllables.

don’t like it with two.

Swissnotswiss · 27/11/2022 17:44

I like it as it has a strong family connection for me plus it works in Italian which we wanted. Sad I didn't use it but I was swayed by people not liking it.

Derrymum123 · 27/11/2022 17:43

Not mycup of tea, but if you like it...
David Mitchell has a daughter named Barbara. Now that name is awful, in my opinion, along with Brenda. Can't imagine giving birth and telling the midwife those names. However, your baby your choice.

EggsHamChips · 27/11/2022 17:40

I think it’s dreadful, sorry.

Bbq1 · 27/11/2022 17:37

Don't like Irene. However, I like It more pronounced Irenee. Same with Margaret, really not keen but love Margot.