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Baby names

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

Original poster

Madeline or Florence

42 replies

Isanna · 02/07/2024 18:57

DD1 is Isabelle Alexandra, expecting DD2 next month. We can't decide between Madeline Elisabeth and Florence Elisabeth, thoughts?

Madeline said Mad-uh-line (like wine)
I don't like the Madeleine spelling.

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thefarrierswife · 03/07/2024 09:44

Florence

FayCarew · 02/07/2024 22:00

I don't think many would say mad-uh-lyne so she/you would be correcting a lot.
Florence seems both prettier and easier.

Madeleine is nice.

Pemba · 02/07/2024 21:34

Madeline is much more beautiful than Florence imo, as is Isabelle. I like the pronunciation you prefer, like the little girl in the books and the cartoon series, who lived in the 'old house in Paris all covered in vines'. I remember it fondly.

I would only point out that you have chosen the French spelling, Isabelle, for your elder daughter's name, but the traditional English spelling and pronunciation, Madeline rather than Madeleine, for your new daughter's name. I guess they don't have to match up exactly though. Lovely names!

Lovinglifeand · 02/07/2024 21:27

Florence! Agree that it goes beautifully with Isabelle

Applepencilplant · 02/07/2024 21:23

Madeleine or Florence. But spell it Madeleine.

sparrowling · 02/07/2024 21:23

Isabelle is lovely!! I'd go with Florence, think they go really well together

Oreoqueen87 · 02/07/2024 21:13

If you have a Madeleine, be prepared for her to be Maddi, and for people to think it’s short for Maddison. Well at least where I live.

I prefer Florence

Firsttimebabymummy · 02/07/2024 21:10

Florence xx

MrsStottlemeyer · 02/07/2024 19:49

Florence is lovely and goes well with Isabelle.

junerella · 02/07/2024 19:41

They're both lovely names, I would choose Madeline but I'm biased as I used that name for one of mine.

Jennalong · 02/07/2024 19:39

Love Florence. Not keen on Madeline.

TheCultureHusks · 02/07/2024 19:37

Not Madeline if you want a less common pronunciation! It won’t stick and it will drive you mad.

NuffSaidSam · 02/07/2024 19:35

Florence is nice, but too popular for me.

I like Mad-uh-lyn not keen on Mad-uh-line and you'll have people mispronouncing/misspelling it all the time.

Elisabeth would be my choice. Demote one of the other two to a middle name.

shoopshoopdedoo · 02/07/2024 19:27

Love Florence! Not keen on Madeline.

Nicebloomers · 02/07/2024 19:05

Florence

GoodVibesHere · 02/07/2024 18:59

Both names are lovely, I can understand that you are torn! I think Florence goes very nicely with Isabelle (maybe you can save Madeline for your third!).

Moreteaandchocolate · 02/07/2024 18:59

Florence is my favourite! Both lovely names though! (I think you might need to correct people saying Mad-uh-Lynn)

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