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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

to find the name Amelie really cringy?

83 replies

ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 24/10/2009 08:39

I know people get inspired by films for baby names but isn't it just...trying too hard, to be whimsical and bohemian and classy when in fact hundreds of sturdy English girls are now lumbered with the name Amelie...

It's not about the name, it's a very pretty name, more about the 'try hard' aspect, I actually heard a girl called by 'Amelie Mello' yesterday (like in the film)

Ok flame me now, you know lots of elfin dainty pixie like Amelies and it isn't the slightest bit pretentious...

OP posts:
overmydeadbody · 24/10/2009 08:41

YANBU

I feel the same way.

piscesmoon · 24/10/2009 08:44

I much prefer Amelia or Emily-both lovely names.

Original poster
ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 24/10/2009 08:46

Oh Phew I was expecting a load of vitriol...I'm sure that will come later but if at least one person agrees with me I can stand my ground!

OP posts:
Original poster
ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 24/10/2009 08:47

Oh and the accent clinches the name for me - said in a parisian accent it's sexy and classy, in an english accent...sounds like 'emily' gone wrong.

OP posts:
thedollshouse · 24/10/2009 08:48

I think it is pretty, not try hard at all.

Amelia is lovely but very popular, most people already have an Emily in their family so Amelie is a pretty alternative.

sprogger · 24/10/2009 08:51

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

SCARYspicemonster · 24/10/2009 08:51

I know an Amalie who is 42

Lonicera · 24/10/2009 08:55

What film?

I don't get out much

Original poster
ObsidianBlackbirdMcNight · 24/10/2009 08:59

Oh no sprogger it's nothing to do with national superiority [baffled] I'm english. It's a beautiful french film that came out 6/7 (?) years ago with a beautiful, ethereal, dreamy lead character called Amelie. Hence an infux of english girls called amelie.

Of course the name existed before the film but was more rare in the UK!

I don't think I feel superior (at least no more than I do to anyone who gives their child a name I don't like )

OP posts:
preggersslaysandchops · 24/10/2009 08:59

YABU

Perhaps people also heard the name via the film and thought it was pretty. It doesn't mean they are trying to demonstrate to everyone else they watch foreign films and therefore 'ooh, aren't we cool'. People find names they like from all different sources, doesn't mean they are trying to prove anything to anyone else.

VerityBrulee · 24/10/2009 09:01

YABU to offend all the mums of Amelies so early in the morning - not a good way to start the weekend.

MadameDuBain · 24/10/2009 09:01

I can see how it had an exotic appeal at first but yes, now it's all over the UK it has become a bit twee. Audrey Tautou is of course fab but the film and the character were both a bit annoyingly fluffy really.

(Audrey though, now there is a classy name)

sprogger · 24/10/2009 09:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

anonymous85 · 24/10/2009 09:07

What does it sound like

CybilAviationAuthority · 24/10/2009 09:08

I love the film but the name is slightly twee

diddl · 24/10/2009 09:08

I think it´s a lovely name and don´t see it as "try hard".

That to me is a made up or differently wrongly spelt name.

Frrrightattendant · 24/10/2009 09:10

Well, I wouldn't start a thread about it but i do have an aversion to children being named after recent films. Not sure why. I don't really like 'fashion' I suppose, it seems a bit embarrassing to do something everyone else is doing.

again I don't understand why I find it such.

yojojo · 24/10/2009 09:10

YABU, I have an Amelie, wouldn't have heard of the name if it wasn't for the film but certainly isn't an attempt to be 'whimsical and bohemian'. I chose it because its a pretty name.
Also,lots of people use films as inspiration for their childs name.I don't get why you choose Amelie in particular

Frrrightattendant · 24/10/2009 09:11

I don't like the name though in itself - reminds me of Anerley, suburb of Bromley

TheFoosa · 24/10/2009 09:12

I know an Amélie but she is french

Frrrightattendant · 24/10/2009 09:12

No offence Yojojo, you would almost assuredly hate my kids' names, most people do!!

yojojo · 24/10/2009 09:19

nah i wouldn't hate them,unless you have completely made them up inspired by various family members names and the brand names of your favourite trackies/alcopop/handbag etc

EyeballsintheSky · 24/10/2009 09:24

I think YABU really. The name itself is a bit floaty for me but people have always used names that are in fashion at the time. What's different? Fictional characters are often used as inspiration. DD is named after my favourite ever fictional character, difference is that my favourite book was televised in the 70's and not now. No big deal, happens all the time.

MaggieBruja · 24/10/2009 09:27

I don't really hate it or anything, but around the time of that audrey tatou film there was an absolute spate of Amelies.

I prefer just Emily. It may be more popular, but it's less, oooooh I'm a fan of a French film doncha know?

Just pick Emily.

MaggieBruja · 24/10/2009 09:30

Madison is the name that sets my teeth on edge though. I wouldn't say an Amelie was "lumbered" with the name Amelie. That's a hard line you're taking there!