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Original poster

Thoughts on the name Austen - U.K. VIEWPOINT

68 replies

Mintygrey · 05/07/2024 05:07

Hello, I’m having triplets and slightly undecided on the name Austen. Personally we both love it. We also love it spelt ‘en’ as a literacy reference. I don’t know any Austen’s (or Austin’s) either but understand from the tracking charts that it’s been popular.

Has this name has its heyday and could it be ageing to call a Baby that now or is it one of those names that stays relevant?

Interested just from a U.K. perspective.

Thank you xx

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ChildrenOfTheQuorn · 05/07/2024 13:08

Starseeking · 05/07/2024 12:27

I've only ever heard Austen as a surname e.g. Jane, and the boys version in the UK is usually Austin.

If you're having a girl, I wouldn't give her a surname as first name.

If you're having a boy, I'd stick to the conventional spelling or he will be forever having to correct people for something that is really quite unnecessary (switching the usual i for e).

This. Austin for a boy - yes. Austen - not under any circumstances. HTH

elp30 · 05/07/2024 12:59

I'm American and from Texas and I haven't encountered an Austin here. Which is interesting that my son knows an Austin from Ohio.

However, I know two Austin's and they are both English. One is 57 and the other around 30.

I do like it as a first name but I'm not sure how I feel about Austen. But, if you like it OP, do it.

KirstenBlest · 05/07/2024 12:38

Austin is fine as a first name for a boy. Austen will be a lot of correcting the spelling. Austen for a girl is awful.

Austene looks like a typo for Austere, and looks like a plastic or ointment brand name.

KnitnNatterAuntie · 05/07/2024 12:29

Parrotseatthemall · 05/07/2024 12:27

How about adding another e for a girl Austene

NO!!!!!

It will get pronounced Awst-een which sounds awful. Also, it looks like the name of a cleaning product or something 😂

Parrotseatthemall · 05/07/2024 12:27

How about adding another e for a girl Austene

Starseeking · 05/07/2024 12:27

I've only ever heard Austen as a surname e.g. Jane, and the boys version in the UK is usually Austin.

If you're having a girl, I wouldn't give her a surname as first name.

If you're having a boy, I'd stick to the conventional spelling or he will be forever having to correct people for something that is really quite unnecessary (switching the usual i for e).

Batgin · 05/07/2024 12:15

It would make me think of Austin Powers tbh

CosFuckThatGuy · 05/07/2024 12:12

Pinkywoo · 05/07/2024 11:33

If you mean for a boy, their mates will call them Jane from the age of 14-97!

Oh please 🤣

Pinkywoo · 05/07/2024 11:51

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 05/07/2024 11:43

Do you know any 14 year old boys?

Show quote history

Yes, and maybe my school was weird but 90% of the boys had stupid nicknames, many with far more tenuous links than that.

PolkadotsAndMoonbeams · 05/07/2024 11:47

I pronounce Austin and Austen slightly differently.

I agree with other comments that it might be a bit confusing with Austin being the standard spelling for boys, yet Austen being strongly associated with a woman.

HMTheQueenMuffin · 05/07/2024 11:44

DS1 is aged 14 and there are three Austins in his class of 16. (Independent school with SEN annex so tiny classes) Never made the 'Jane' reference myself at all. Or indeed the car. To me it is another surname that has become popular as a first name.

I think people would default to the 'in' spelling though.

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 05/07/2024 11:43

Pinkywoo · 05/07/2024 11:33

If you mean for a boy, their mates will call them Jane from the age of 14-97!

Do you know any 14 year old boys?

Absolutelyfractious · 05/07/2024 11:42

We know an Austin aged 5. I thought it was one of the cool, slightly unusual names, not dated at all.

Agree with others to go for Austin for a boy instead of Austen. Jane Austen reference is very female and everyone will mispell anyway.

KnitnNatterAuntie · 05/07/2024 11:40

Pinkywoo · 05/07/2024 11:33

If you mean for a boy, their mates will call them Jane from the age of 14-97!

Really?!!!

I don't think so! Most of the guys in my family wouldn't make that connection even though all of us ladies are Janeite's!!!

I think it's more likely he'll be nicknamed 'Ford' . . . . .

Katiesaidthat · 05/07/2024 11:37

I would consider Austin a boy and Austen a girl. Use Austin.

Pinkywoo · 05/07/2024 11:33

If you mean for a boy, their mates will call them Jane from the age of 14-97!

mikado1 · 05/07/2024 11:29

KnitnNatterAuntie · 05/07/2024 05:59

I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with it but it reminds me of cars

Also, as other PP's have said, an alternative spelling is going to cause issues for your child

Just wondering what other names you have chosen?

Same I just think of a car. I knew an Austin growing up and I still think 'car' if I ever see him.

longdistanceclaraclara · 05/07/2024 11:27

Austin Healey. I've always liked it. Not Austen though.

moonshinepoursthroughmywindow · 05/07/2024 11:25

I think a lot of people will assume it's spelt Austin but if you don't mind correcting them, that's not a deal breaker. It doesn't say girl to me because it's clearly a "surnamey" sort of name, and in the UK they are still more common for boys.

Twoshoesnewshoes · 05/07/2024 11:22

I like Austin, specifically with middle name Danger
and Austen for a girl
both good, solid names

EthanofAthos · 05/07/2024 11:20

I know 4 Austins, aged from 10 to 3, so I think it’s a pretty mainstream boys name. But why are you spelling it differently? Just leads to a lifetime of confusion.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 05/07/2024 11:05

To me the Austen spelling would be feminine as it’s so associated with Jane Austen. I wouldn’t be that surprised to meet a girl Austen but I would a boy.

I understand you can’t tell by the sound but if it’s for a boy I would stick with Austin (if it’s definitely the name you like best). I think it would be unfair to him to always have to spell his name as well - Austin is gaining in popularity so it will be the default for most people.

Lifeinlists · 05/07/2024 10:02

Attictroll · 05/07/2024 08:31

Go for it - favour literature led spelling as people in the uk will get it...

I think you're overestimating people in the UK.

Honestly OP, there are so many lovely names but this isnt one imo. You're obviously unsure yourself if you're asking.

Firsttimebabymummy · 05/07/2024 09:44

I like it but would presume girl with that spelling

ZoyaTheDestroyer · 05/07/2024 09:00

Honestly impossible to say without knowing if you are naming a girl or a boy. Austin (that spelling) is a moderately unusual but long-established boys’ name in the UK.

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