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Baby names

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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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TM1979 · 05/07/2024 08:40

Sorry but I dislike it a lot. I know an Austin, he’s about 18. I don’t know why his parents picked it. His sisters have beautiful names. I hate the sound of it, the look of it. It’s just old man. But if you really like it then go for it but please don’t use the ‘e’ spelling.

TimeforaGandT · 05/07/2024 08:35

It’s not a modern Americanisation. My grandfather who was born in 1911 was called Austin.

Attictroll · 05/07/2024 08:31

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

Namechanger385u4p · 05/07/2024 08:30

I know 2 x Austins under 5 (boys). Lovely name imo,

Do not use Austen, it doesn't sound any different but will be constantly mis-spelled. Even if he says "Austen with an e, he will get Austine etc". My name is constantly spelled wrong (it's not english) - dont cause unnecessary trouble!!

usernother · 05/07/2024 08:21

What's the point of spelling it with en at the end. Your child will spend their life telling people how to spell it. Choose another name.

SD1978 · 05/07/2024 08:11

It's a very American name, are the other two also going to have classic American names? Your spelling will always have to be explained, the name is spelt Austin, although I know most names now seem to have a variation on a unique spelling, but Austen, as in the surname, will never be the default and your child will be spelling their name for the rest if their life to everyone.

CosFuckThatGuy · 05/07/2024 08:01

It's lovely. I knew the coolest guy called Austin when I was a teenager.

Surnames as first names is also a thing here in Scotland, not just an Americanism.

ToffeenutLatte · 05/07/2024 07:56

I know one boy called Austin. He's about 12 now. I've yet to meet another.
I like the name though I agree with PPs that the 'en' spelling would lead me to assume it was a girl.

Nicebloomers · 05/07/2024 07:47

I’d assume girl in the same vein as Brontë

stickthewellyin · 05/07/2024 07:34

Not keen personally, I'd assume it was a girl because of the en spelling.

StormingNorman · 05/07/2024 07:25

Not keen. It’s an awful American trend to use surnames for first names that we seem to have picked up.

Babychewtoy · 05/07/2024 07:13

I’d go for the Austin spelling for a first name. I really like it though.

unsync · 05/07/2024 07:09

Austen has been and is the middle name through the male line in my family for quite a few generations.

foreverbasil · 05/07/2024 06:56

With an 'in' ending it's a perfectly normal boys name. It often gets shortened to Austy which I'm less keen on.

daretodenim · 05/07/2024 06:13

Honestly? I've only ever heard of it as a surname. I'd think it was like an upgraded version of calling a child Smith or Jones. I'd notice and think that, but I wouldn't actually care.

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?

MrsWimpy · 05/07/2024 05:38

I'd think Austen for a girl and Austin for a boy.
You don't specify which you are naming?

Zampa · 05/07/2024 05:10

Nothing wrong with your choices and I like Austin.

However, with Austen, I think you're setting your child up for a lifetime of misspellings. Also, Austin is a boy's name but Jane Austen is associated with the other spelling, which jars.

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