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Baby names

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

Original poster

Thoughts on Joan?

129 replies

WhiskyCollins · 10/08/2026 11:36

Stuggling to decide on a name for my week old baby girl!

Nothing on the pre-birth shortlist quite works.

Looking for something short - frilly or overly feminine girls names aren’t my taste and her surname will be double barrelled.

I like Niamh, Tess, Erin and Joan but there’s just something about Joan that is drawing me in. Interested to hear other thoughts and if people are seeing/meeting many baby Joans these days?

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Beachbeach · 10/08/2026 13:08

Really like it. Due a come back

PancakeCloud · 10/08/2026 13:08

ojhdddhjs76 · 10/08/2026 13:02

It’s a very bla name. There’s a reason Buffy chose it as her name when she lost her memories, she subconsciously wanted to be irrelevant, and Joan was the perfect name for that.

I disagree. I think Buffy subconsciously knew she was a warrior like Joan of Arc.

girljulian · 10/08/2026 13:08

I like it! Classic, strong, you could be anyone you wanted as a Joan.

Gowlett · 10/08/2026 13:08

I like Joan. It is in the “cool names” realm.

Snufkin88 · 10/08/2026 13:07

I quite like it . It’s simple and feminine and will not be common in her age group . It will definitely come back into fashion at some stage because it is pretty. Niamh was a very very common name in Ireland back when I was a child but it has gone out of fashion here in recent years also .

Cucurella · 10/08/2026 13:02

Joan is a great name.

VoteForCountBinface · 10/08/2026 13:02

How about Jill, @WhiskyCollins .

ojhdddhjs76 · 10/08/2026 13:02

It’s a very bla name. There’s a reason Buffy chose it as her name when she lost her memories, she subconsciously wanted to be irrelevant, and Joan was the perfect name for that.

ClaudiaWankleman · 10/08/2026 13:01

I think Joan is really lovely.

Justmadesourkraut · 10/08/2026 13:01

I'm a (younger) Joan. I hate it. Always have. It rhymes with Groan, and reminds people of their least favourite auntie. I ditched it as soon as I could.

Americans can get away with it, with Joan Baez and Armatrading and Joanie Mitchell as points of reference, but no one has ever raised them to me, in this country. It's better than Ethel, but
. .

PancakeCloud · 10/08/2026 12:56

Crikeyalmighty · 10/08/2026 11:46

How about Joni ( like Mitchell) much prettier

Because maybe pretty isn’t the priority?

I love Joan, it’s a wonderfully strong name and has nickname opportunities if your daughter does decide she would prefer to be a JoJo or Joanie.

VoteForCountBinface · 10/08/2026 12:56

I know 2 who are much younger than 90.I like it.

I don't like Erin.

MorningCoffeeAfternoonTea · 10/08/2026 12:55

Frumpy. Joanie is ok, marginally better. Joanna is nicer.

Aviarythebird · 10/08/2026 12:53

I think it’s a cool, indie name. Quite a few good Joans - Joan Cusack as well as others mentioned above. It’s strong and Joanie is cute for a child.

Whenwillitrainagain · 10/08/2026 12:51

I agree with the pp, it sounds dowdy. Erin is very pretty.

Armorlux · 10/08/2026 12:50

FunnyOrca · 10/08/2026 12:47

There are a few Joanie/Jonis knocking about but no critical mass if you look at baby name lists.

I think Joan is cute.

The last thing I'd want is a 'cute' name.
Joan is pretty dowdy anyway. But there are far worse tbf.

Blorengia · 10/08/2026 12:50

A perfectly nice name. All those saying it's a bit old-fashioned, or similar, are correct but such names come back in style and it just needs a few parents to start the ball rolling.
Go with it if you (and partner) like it.

Thiscantgoonlikethis · 10/08/2026 12:48

I love Joan. I can imagine a cool indie Joan

patooties · 10/08/2026 12:48

I love it (and Jean and Jane)

WellThatIsABitMad · 10/08/2026 12:48

I prefer Joanne, but if you love the name then go for it.

Mydogisagentleman · 10/08/2026 12:47

I'm a home carer.
Three of the old women I support are called Joan

FunnyOrca · 10/08/2026 12:47

There are a few Joanie/Jonis knocking about but no critical mass if you look at baby name lists.

I think Joan is cute.

RaraRachael · 10/08/2026 12:44

I have a relative whose name is spelled Joan, but pronounced Joanne.
It's caused her endless problems- no idea why her parents did that.

YourAmusedOpalBird · 10/08/2026 12:43

My daughter’s best friend at daycare is Joanie! They are both 4. I think it’s very cute

Glitterbiscuits · 10/08/2026 12:42

It’s gorgeous! Love it