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Baby names

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

Original poster

Darcey?

38 replies

TwinklePants · 10/12/2010 13:03

I have a while to decide (only 14 weeks pregnant) but just pondering on names and LOVE Darcey but worried that some might find it a bit chavtastic - I don't btw. Does anyone know the origins or background of the name?

My last name is Smith, so pretty much got a blank canvas for forenames. Other names I like are:

Isabella
Pearl
Grace
Evelyn
Poppy

Boys names are a whole other thread!

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MarniesMummy · 10/12/2010 13:06

I think it's OK.
Why do you think it might be chavvy?

AllieW · 10/12/2010 13:08

Not keen on Darcey. If I heard it and didn't see the spelling, I'd instantly think Pride and Prejudice, though.

Of your others, I LOVE Pearl (it's a definite contender for hypothetical DD2)

fibernachi · 10/12/2010 13:08

TBH I prefer the other names you've listed.

I wanted to call my (future) DD Darcey when I was about 14 because of the girl in Smashing Pumpkins...

fibernachi · 10/12/2010 13:10

yy the Smashing Pumpkins one (had a masive girl crush) was D'arcy

Valinor · 10/12/2010 13:16

It's not a name I would personally choose but I don't dislike it. I'm glad you're spelling it with an e too.....Darcy is too masculine.

Edmundo · 10/12/2010 13:17

I like Isabella. Darcey is a surnamey name used on girls like Madison and Tracey.

Original poster
TwinklePants · 10/12/2010 13:51

MarniesMummy I don't think it's chavvy - but I am worried others might think it is, which is why I asked the question. I am just canvassing opinion at this stage! Xmas Smile

Thanks to all for your comments. Isabella is actually a joint contender, so I suppose I could have:

Isabella Darcey?
Or Isabella Pearl and do away with the Darcey altogether.

I thought Pearl as an option as baby is Due at the beginning of June and Pearl would be her (if she's a girl) birthstone.

OP posts:
MaryMungo · 10/12/2010 14:11

I like Darcey, personally. Also like Darzee, from Kipling, but know I could never get away with it....

reddaisy · 10/12/2010 14:15

I really like Darcey and I think it is quite sophisticated. There is nothing classier than Isabelle/Isabella in my opinion but it is very popular and safe. Charlotte is another gorgeous name that is similar to Isabella in the classy stakes I think.

I know three Poppy's and I love the name but it is very popular if that bothers you.

harvalp · 10/12/2010 14:26

Darcey? I think we all know what the nickname will be...

TheReturnoftheSmartArse · 10/12/2010 14:29

That was my maiden name! Without the "e", though. Not sure how I feel about it as a first name ... I know two little girls called Darcey, and I consider both families to be a little nouveau [big fat snob emoticon!]

TheReturnoftheSmartArse · 10/12/2010 14:30

I'm jealous, by the way. I wish I was nouveau riche rather than just poor!

MelinaM · 10/12/2010 22:36

I love Darcey! Bussell springs to mind for me, which isn't bad at all!
Darcey Isabella sounds divine! x

BelligerentGhoul · 10/12/2010 22:38

LOVE Isabella Darcy. Prefer Darcy without the 'e' tbh.

Lots of people on here hate it but I really like it and my fictional dd3 would be Marianne Darcy.

beijingaling · 11/12/2010 05:29

Darcey is the female spelling. It means "dark" which may suit a girl who pops out with lots of black hair.

I LOVE darcey. We're down to 2 girls names now and Darcey is one of them.

I also had a vague feeling that it was chavy but no one said it was when I asked on MN before. Lots of MNers hate it.

Really suggest you don't ask RL people their opinions on names though as people will pull a face no matter what you choose.

beijingaling · 11/12/2010 05:31

Also love evelyn but dislike Grace (knew an annoying one) and Pearl is very oriental to me but that's probably because lots of the local girls choose pearl as their English names.

Secretwishescometrue · 11/12/2010 11:59

Darcey is nice but I LOVE Isabella and Evelyn is really beautiful :)

DancingThroughLife · 11/12/2010 17:35

I have a Darcey, so you know what my answer will be Smile

Don't care if people think it's 'chavvy' - although there is a funny definition of 'chavvy' on MN. It doesn't matter as long as you like it.

Our other options were Georgia and Lucie. I like Pearl and Poppy off your list.

We thought Darcey looked right as the spelling, and is the female version of Darcy. As beijing says, it means Dark (lucky, as DD had lots of black hair when she was born, and has lovely olive-ish skin and brown eyes now)

Speaking of which, beijing I've just seen your other thread about DH & MIL. I had wobbles about Darcey before she arrived, but as soon as we saw her it was the perfect name. Our families weren't convinced on the name beforehand (cue catsbumface) but we didn't care, and they now agree it's perfect for her.

redgecko · 11/12/2010 19:09

I know 2 Darecys under 2. Both are beautiful girls from very middle-class families. I personally associate the name with Darcey Bussell, so see it as an elegant, if slightly unusual (although becoming more popular) name.

Prefer Isabella though. Isabella Darcey is lovely. Isabella Pearl also nice.

cupcakebakerer · 11/12/2010 22:20

I really like the name Darcey for a girl. Not chavvy at all. I would say it's less common than Isabella/Bella which is definitely a good thing.

flingingflangin · 11/12/2010 22:22

Isabella
Evelyn
Grace

Darcey...not so much.

alicatte · 11/12/2010 22:26

I work amongst the children of the rather well off. Darcey is well represented (as is Isabella) not chavvy at all in my opinion.

cat64 · 11/12/2010 22:35

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Sidge · 11/12/2010 22:54

I know a Darcie.

I don't think it's chavvy.

Isabella is pretty, and Evelyn is nice too but it was my granny's name so seems old fashioned to me!