Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Spelling dilemma

85 replies

MissMoodyMoo · 27/04/2023 21:03

So we have agreed we like the name Fern, it fits well with our 1st child's name and our last name. However My husband prefers the spelling Fearne. I just don't like the A it makes no sense. So I've said we could compromise and do the Ferne spelling. I prefer Fern but could live with the E. What are people's opinions on this
Fern
Ferne
Fearne

I've told him the more we talk about the bloody spelling it will put me off the name all together lol

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
mintich · 30/04/2023 18:36

I prefer Fearne

SendARavenToRiverRun · 30/04/2023 18:33

Fern (my sdd middle name. We're in Yorkshire and never had an issue with the 'phone' thing)

Zola1 · 30/04/2023 18:16

Another vote for Fearne

Mimilamore · 30/04/2023 18:14

Fern... doesn't need any bells and whistles to make it more namey. Fern is beautiful

midnightblue12 · 29/04/2023 23:19

I like Fern! It sounds modern and sweet. Lovely name ☺️

niclw · 29/04/2023 22:28

Fern is the best option.

catsareme14 · 29/04/2023 22:23

I know a Phern . I quite like it

Honeyroar · 28/04/2023 18:09

Fern.

DanglingMod · 28/04/2023 18:07

Fern is beautiful - with that spelling! Nature names should always be spelled correctly, IMHO (Lily, Poppy, Daisy).

I think Fern sounds so nice in a Scottish accent.

suzettenoisette · 28/04/2023 18:05

I haven't seen Fearne. To me that's not established at all and looks odd. It also has "fear" in it.

Use Fern or Ferne.

RogerTheTodger · 28/04/2023 18:01

RenoDakota · 27/04/2023 22:37

Re the Yorkshire thing, I think the poster probably meant East Yorkshire / Hull. Think Lucy Beaumont.

I did mean 'Ull. I have a cousin there!

TrueScrumptious · 28/04/2023 17:57

Fern is the only reasonable spelling.

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 28/04/2023 17:53

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 16:08

I have never known anyone struggle with how to pronounce Fearne, or be unsettled that it starts with F-e-a-r

Well I would struggle and I do see Fear

If you would honestly struggle with how to pronounce Fearne then I stand corrected.

Equally, I can honestly say that in all my years of being close to someone with that name, they have never once had anyone mispronounce it.

knobheadex · 28/04/2023 16:35

Fearne for me. It was on my list for both dds but was vetoed. Interesting that everyone began with liking Fearne then decided Fern was the way to go. Fern to me is not as nice.

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 16:08

I have never known anyone struggle with how to pronounce Fearne, or be unsettled that it starts with F-e-a-r

Well I would struggle and I do see Fear

Hazelnuttella · 28/04/2023 15:09

Fern - much nicer.

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 28/04/2023 15:07

Fern is very much Charlotte's Webb, Deep South accent vibe.

Ferne is a last name.

I have never known anyone struggle with how to pronounce Fearne, or be unsettled that it starts with F-e-a-r

wrinkleintime · 28/04/2023 15:02

Fearne is better and more modern - Fern is a bit old fashioned.

Whatever you do, not Ferne!

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 14:53

Sorry I

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 14:52

Who came up with Fearne Confused? But just see Fear with an added n sound.

Fern 100%

FayCarew · 28/04/2023 14:04

@IWantToBeACat , Yorkshire covers a wide area. Pp probably meant Hull.

FayCarew · 28/04/2023 10:32

@DejaVoodoo , Fearne is a surname, Fern is a plant.

DejaVoodoo · 28/04/2023 10:01

I don't understand the "Fearne" spelling... is it still pertaining to the plant or does it have a different origin? If it is the plant, why change the spelling? You wouldn't name someone "Roaze"

So, unless Fearne is a completely different name "Fern" gets my vote.

YomAsalYomBasal · 28/04/2023 09:54

Fern for sure

FayCarew · 28/04/2023 09:22

Fern

Swipe left for the next trending thread