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Baby names

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Original poster

Baby girl name - too old ladyish?

112 replies

andres42 · 26/01/2026 13:31

Hi all,

currently pregnant with my second, and I originally really loved the name Sylvie. I thought it was quite unique and sweet. Everyone now keeps telling me it's an old lady name... which is starting to put me off a bit!

My daughter has now absolutely decided that the baby is called Sylvie, even if we offer alternatives. So I guess it's stuck now? I just don't want to name my baby something that people will think is awful! Especially as the middle names will be quite old fashioned too (both the babies Great Grandmothers names).

The other name I really loved was Josie.

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LilyEmmeline · 27/01/2026 00:22

Adore Sylvie. Very pretty with a chic vibe to me. Not at all “Old Lady” unless you live in France, where admittedly it is dated - probably the equivalent something like Susan would be here. Sylvie is the opposite of dated in the UK, it’s actually a bit trendy (but luckily hasn’t made the Top 100 yet). People are looking for the new Evie and Sylvie has a similar vibe so it’s very much on the up.

If you aren’t in France, I’m assuming your relatives are thinking of SylviA, which admittedly is more usually heard on very elderly women. In another decade or so I think it will make a huge comeback though and be the new Ada, Elsie or Mabel. Sylvia is a pretty name with interesting namesakes that will come around again.

ETA: Josie sounds very “cute” in comparison to Sylvie or Sylvia, so is not my taste as a given name. It’s pretty enough but doesn’t have their elegance imo- Josephine does much more, if you’d consider the longer version.

AngelaBB · 26/01/2026 23:29

Sylvia is gorgeous.

LadyGAgain · 26/01/2026 23:24

Beautiful

Pettenell · 26/01/2026 23:19

Sylvie is gorgeous! It's not an 'old lady' name, but a current one. Stop telling other people your name choices and stop listening to other peoples' opinions (she says, giving her opinion... I mean not in real life).

I much prefer Sylvie over Josie.

Vixenlover · 26/01/2026 22:50

Sylvie is not old lady-ish at all.

canonlydoblue · 26/01/2026 22:21

I think Sylvie is really lovely, not a name I've heard in my nearly two decades teaching. I had a few Josie friends who would be the same age as me (40) so to me its one of those Sharon, Sally, Samantha type names. I have taught a Josie though who would be about 14 now. Funnily enough, my daughter is Josephine but we don't ever shorten it to Josie.

AleynEivlys · 26/01/2026 22:05

I've got one! She's 8. Best name ever.

It was generally well received when she was a baby. Lots of compliments.

deste · 26/01/2026 21:48

I love that name. I dont like Sylvia but love Silvie.

illsendansostotheworld · 26/01/2026 21:48

Love it! Work inna school and don't know of any little Sylvies. Loads of Margots coming through the system and that is an old lady name imo.

Nezukokamado · 26/01/2026 21:43

i despise old names for babies but I think Sylvie is quite sweet! Not Sylvia though

Ophy83 · 26/01/2026 21:20

Sylvie is a lovely name

Josie unfortunately reminds me of the Drew Barrymore "Josie Grossie" character in Never Been Kissed

Silverbirchleaf · 26/01/2026 21:16

I know a baby Sylvie and it’s quite a popular suggestion on mn. It’s a name on the rise.

Makingpeace · 26/01/2026 21:15

There are 4 baby Sylvie's amongst my friendship groups, all under age 3! It has vintage vibes but not old lady vibes. I like it, but I much prefer Josephine - beautiful name and so under used.

Conniebygaslight · 26/01/2026 21:14

Sylvie is beautiful and one of my favourite names, although I’m well past having children. Don’t go for Josie, it’s nowhere near as nice.

Spookyspaghetti · 26/01/2026 21:14

I have a friend who recently named their baby Sylvia and called her Sylvie as a nickname/pet name. I think it’s absolutely beautiful. We are from a specific region of the U.K. so maybe the accent gives the name a softer, lilting sound whereas I can imagine in some parts of the South with very received English it might sound a bit more serious and matronly.

My DD is named after my grandmother so has a very ‘old lady’ name but some of the older names sound more modern and fresh these days than the many American names doing the rounds.

mdinbc · 26/01/2026 21:11

That's why you should make your choice with your partner and not tell others until the baby is born. It would be considered rude for them to make negative remarks then. BTW, I think it is a lovely name.

ThisAgileScroller · 26/01/2026 21:10

I love it x

RosesAndHellebores · 26/01/2026 21:02

We all have the vote due in part to a Sylvia. It should be more widely used than it is.

I prefer Sylvia, nn Sylvie.

Perhaps Shirley will come back too - a very pretty name. Also: Patricia, Marion, Barbara, Joy(ce), Anita, Joan (all friends of my mother who is now 89).

NotTonightDeidre · 26/01/2026 20:55

I know a 15 year old Sylvie! She is strong, independent, beautiful & fierce. No other kids around her have ever said anything mean about her name. It's a gorgeous name.

RachTheAlpaca · 26/01/2026 20:54

Lovely name
There's a little girl at my baby group with the same name and I've only ever heard the Mum get compliments

Sonny36 · 26/01/2026 20:54

I love Sylvie, lovely French name and it’s growing in popularity. You’ll always find someone who doesn’t like your choice. Just make sure you love it and that’s all that matters xxx

TiredMummma · 26/01/2026 20:51

Beautiful name!

avalanchecoverssoul · 26/01/2026 20:50

The two coolest people I know called their little girl Sylvie Grin (she's about 3 now I think)

mathanxiety · 26/01/2026 20:48

Josephine with nn Josie would be nice too.

mathanxiety · 26/01/2026 20:46

Sylvie and Sylvia are both very fashionable right now.

Old lady names are very much in vogue. Sylvia is more granny chic than Sylvie.

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