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Baby names

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

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!

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ApolloandDaphne · 27/11/2022 15:09

She sounds like someone me or my mum might have as a friend but I am 60 and she is 82. I think it is dreadfully dreary and old fashioned.

toastofthetown · 27/11/2022 15:09

I think it's truly dreadful. I can't find much appealing at all for it. But as @SummaLuvin says, names are subjective. No name is universally popular, and when naming a baby all you can do is pick a name which you like and hope that your child will agree with your choice when they're old enough to have an opinion. Irene is dated (and not in a cute vintage way), and doesn't fit into the flowy, vowel heavy names which are common to most of the popular names for girls now, which is probably why many people don't like it.

KnickerlessParsons · 27/11/2022 15:06

I love Irene pronounced Eye-reen.

Some people say Eye-ree-nee, which I don't like.

Tartifletti · 27/11/2022 15:04

Irena is slightly better if you like the general sound. But with a universe of prettier names out there it seems like an odd one.

IsadoraQuagmire · 27/11/2022 15:02

RaraRachael · 27/11/2022 15:01

How can it have 3 syllables? Eye-reen (never heard it pronounced otherwise)

If you like it, choose it and don't bother about what others think.

It's often pronounced Eye-Ree-Nee

RaraRachael · 27/11/2022 15:01

How can it have 3 syllables? Eye-reen (never heard it pronounced otherwise)

If you like it, choose it and don't bother about what others think.

Danni675 · 27/11/2022 14:57

It’s a beautiful name pronounced with three syllables. I think the people comparing it to Maureen etc are probably pronouncing it with two syllables (as lots of people do).

KittensNotMittens · 27/11/2022 14:55

I know a couple of lovely Irene’s (and not little old ladies). It’s like Eleanor - I know lovely Eleanor’s too.

if you like it, use it!

romdowa · 27/11/2022 14:54

I loved the name ursula. So many people hated it but if I'd have had a dd then I'd have used it. If you love it, then use it. Who gives a shit what other people think.

DillDanding · 27/11/2022 14:53

I think it's awful. A really ugly name like Maureen or Doris.

DeeCeeCherry · 27/11/2022 14:52

Dreadful for what?

You are by far too caught up with what "people" think and what "people" say.

Just choose preferred names and have done with it.

HowzAboutIt · 27/11/2022 14:52

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

heldinadream · 27/11/2022 14:50

Perfectly lovely name OP.

SummaLuvin · 27/11/2022 14:50

I find it completely unappealing. It genuinely confuses me when I see comments saying how beautiful it is. But that's why names are so interesting, they can spark such different reactions in people. I'm sure you might think some of my top names are horrid, wouldn't stop me using them.

userxx · 27/11/2022 14:47

Who gives a shit what others think, I personally like it, as it's my mums name.