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Baby names

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

Original poster

DH hates the name I want - Esme

81 replies

kerala · 11/05/2008 08:22

He says it is pretentious and disputes it is a real name . He doesnt like my second choice either. He is a lovely man and usually gives in but he is sticking on this. He wants no. 3 below, I want 1 or 2, although I like 3 too.

Current choices are:

  1. Esme Anna
  2. Sylvia Mary
  3. Elspeth Anna

Any thoughts?!

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Twinkie1 · 11/05/2008 08:33

I know an Esme and she is beautiful and soooo cute!

Elspeth on the other hand is one of those unfashioned names that just sounds old fashioned and not pretty at all.

And Sylvia - she will be called Sylv and round here it sounds awful in a broad Essex Twang!

AHLH · 11/05/2008 08:33

Esme is a real name, ~I was at school with one 20 years ago. Also, there's a novel "For Esme - With Love and Squalor" by JD Sallinger (he of Catcher in the Rye fame) written in the 1950s-ish.

But besides all that, shouldn't names have mutual agreement?

belgo · 11/05/2008 08:27

Esme is a real name, I remember having a friend Esme more then 20 years ago. But if he doesn't like it, then you have to take it off your list! You can't choose a name he hates - how would you feel if he chose a name you hate?

Elspeth is fine.

MaloryTowers · 11/05/2008 08:26

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Thomcat · 11/05/2008 08:26

Well it has to be a joint decision really, doesn't it. If he really dislikes your first 2 options then unless you can gently persuade him then imo you have to discount them. We drew up a list of all the names we BOTH liked and then chose.

So if you both like name no 3 then go for that.

artichokes · 11/05/2008 08:25

I think you have to find a name you both like. Would you really want him to "give in" and name is child a name he did not like? Would you "give in" in such circumstances?

There must be a name you both like. I love Anna and Sylvia is sweet.

My own personal opinion of Esme is similar to your DH's. But that is irrelevant, it is what you both feel that is important.