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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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JoyintheMorning · 26/01/2026 14:57

So many of the 'old' names have become fashionable.

ChuffingNoraah · 26/01/2026 14:57

user2848502016 · 26/01/2026 14:48

Sylvie is lovely, not old lady ish
Much nicer than Josie

Exactly this.

I also know of quite a surprising number of child Josies (I’m talking at least 4 off the top of my head) so I think it’s perhaps on the up if that’s something that matters to you.

Also makes me think of the main character being called ‘Gross-y Josie’ in Never Been Kissed…

loislovesstewie · 26/01/2026 14:54

To me it is an old lady's name, along with Mabel, Audrey, Florence etc. Sorry it's probably a generational thing.

user2848502016 · 26/01/2026 14:48

Sylvie is lovely, not old lady ish
Much nicer than Josie

MamaagainJuly2026 · 26/01/2026 14:47

If you’re after unique then don’t choose Sylvie, it’s becoming more popular at the moment and I know of a couple small children with the name.

It’s a pretty name though, reminds me of the other “old lady” names that are coming back to trend, Sylvia, sylvie, Elsie, Mabel, Nora etc x

Purplecatshopaholic · 26/01/2026 14:44

I know a Sylvie, she’s three. It’s a beautiful name.

ThatMintMember · 26/01/2026 14:41

I think it's cute. Some old lady names are popular again like Dorothy and Betty! If you do pick a different name keep it to yourself until they're born. People aren't going to say they don't like it once they're here but will try to influence you before they arrive!

WMW · 26/01/2026 14:32

So. Many. Mabels.

Calliopespa · 26/01/2026 14:27

MotherJessAndKittens · 26/01/2026 13:36

I think Sylvie is lovely. Makes me think of a fairy like child. I don’t think it’s old fashioned though Sylvia is.

It makes me think of fairies too - little wood sprites or similar after sylvan.

Inevitably there will be older ladies with the name, but it has definitely been revived in recent years and to me is deserving of it as it is a pretty sound with nice associations of woodlands. Much nicer than a lot of the Daphne and Mabel type names that are also popular "old lady" names at the moment.

I don't mind Sylvia either.

WMW · 26/01/2026 14:23

It's lovely. Lots of "old lady" names come back. Look at Ruby and Isabelle! They're all the rage now.

I met a Nora recently. To me that really is an "old lady" name, but apparently it's becoming more popular!

BarnacleBeasley · 26/01/2026 14:22

I think it's an old lady name in France, but fine in the UK.

sunnyhoneybumblebee · 26/01/2026 14:18

Josie is much nicer in my opinion xx

Monty34 · 26/01/2026 14:17

Choose a name you like. Not one that pleases other people.

Nonbio46 · 26/01/2026 14:16

I have a niece called Sylvie who’s 14, I’ve never thought of it as an old lady name as I think it’s beautiful.

Emanwenym · 26/01/2026 14:09

I'm not keen on Sylvie but it's popular on here. I dislike Sylvia.

Delphiniumandlupins · 26/01/2026 14:04

Don't think Sylvie is an old lady name and even if it was I would still use it if I loved it. I know one baby Sylvie. If you think rationally, your child will be an old lady for many years (hopefully) and a baby for around one.

Don't tell people your planned name in advance.

unpcplod · 26/01/2026 13:58

I love the name Sylvie and I’m not a fan of the old fashioned names like Emmeline and Connie

Shedeboodinia · 26/01/2026 13:57

There are some absolutely outlandish girl names at my sons primary school.
Sylvie is lovely and noone will bat an eyelid.

Badacrowe · 26/01/2026 13:56

ObladiObladah · 26/01/2026 13:39

All the Sylvie’s I’ve known are French - it is a beautiful name when spoken with a french accent and not too much emphasis on the first syllable

I also “hear” Sylvie in a french accent eg Sylvie Vartan (was very famous along with husband Johnny Hallyday) in the 1960s!

Ducksbehindthesofa · 26/01/2026 13:53

I love it.

A friend had a daughter last year and named her Cynthia. No reason or historical family connection etc., she just likes the name!

bells456 · 26/01/2026 13:52

love Sylvie. Definitely not too old lady ish.

TenuousTed · 26/01/2026 13:51

Sylvie is lovely.

Applecup · 26/01/2026 13:50

We have a little Sylvie in our family and I love the name. All names were old lady names at one stage - Mabel, Maud, Edie, Esme, - they are all pretty and popular now. My advice is don’t tell people until you name her.

HelenaWilson · 26/01/2026 13:50

I'd be surprised if it started being used in any numbers in the UK long enough ago for those baby girls to be old yet.

I knew a lady called Sylvia who would be in her 90s now if she was still alive. I think it was popular in the 1920s and 1930s, but not one of the most popular names.I

Josie sounds like it's short for something.

Usually short for Josephine.

QuickPeachPoet · 26/01/2026 13:48

I hate 'ie' name but I love Sylvie. But I love all French names.
I know a Polish girl called Sylvie and it really suits her.