Etienne… for a girl?

[hubbahubster]

Not sure if this is a crazy idea, but I do love the name! My own first name is actually a boy's name in Europe, although a girl's name in the UK, so not sure if it really matters… what do you think?

as an alternative, Etain is an irish girls name.

I actually really like it for a girl, it sounds more 'girly' to me anyway

My name is a boy's name in Europe too

I wouldn't name a girl Steven.

Is there a French version of Stephanie?

I thought it was a girls name as the only Etienne I know is a girl
Not helpful I know

"you could just say 'Fuck it, I like it', and use it anyway."

You could- if you are absolutely sure that little Etienne will feel the same way. Which you can't possibly be. And it's her that's going to have a boy's name for 90 years so that her mother could indulge her whim.

I have taught a female Etienne. When I saw it on the register I thought it was a bit daft but she was exotic looking and confident and it really suited her. Not sure I'd be brave enough to use it though!

I think it's nice. Etty for short. So what if it's a boys name in another language, you don't live in France!

"So what if it's a boys name in another language, you don't live in France!"

So nobody will notice because we're not French?

itsbetter

Does that work for girls names too?

Because I think Isabelle nn Izzy for a boy is well cute.

I'm thinking of Susannah for a boy. Just checking- nobody can see any problems for a boy named Sue, can they?

Well I think it's very pretty and if you both like it, then do it!

OP has indicated that she speaks French and presumably spends some time in France / with French speakers. Etain means tin / pewter in French.

Is there a French version of Stephanie?

Yes, Stéphanie . Stéphane can also be a girl's name, but it's rare.

I wouldn't. I agree it's pretty but Etienne is a boys name and plenty of English people will know that and will assume you are ignorant/made a mistake/wanted a boy.

What about

Fabienne
Gabrielle
Marianne
Vivienne
Madeleine
Eveline
Julienne
Evangeline
Carine
Corinne
Emmeline
Ariane
Lucienne
Adeline

There is an Irish girls name Etaine.
Eh-tain

I wouldn't.

There a lots of French speakers in the uk who will find your choice very odd.

There have been some good alternative suggestions.

Please choose a gender appropriate name for your dad otherwise she will think you wanted a boy, and will constantly be having to explain her name.

I know this thread is old but if someone is wondering about Etienne for a girl here is my two cents. My name is Etienne and I'm a female. I didn't like my name a lot when growing up (mostly because it's unusual in my country) but nowadays I'm ok with it. I've always received compliments and people say it's a cool name, and honestly, they all seemed to be genuine comments. I've met other female Etienne's in the past years, most of them are around my age (I'm 31), so I guess it's some sort of trend. I also dated a French guy years ago and he just thought it was a bit funny at first... my French work colleague thinks it's fine as well :) I believe that it would be much weirder if I was French, but in my case it's just considered "exotic". If you like it, go for it!

I actually know a girl called Etienne...she was introduced as 'this is Etienne, it's French for Stephen' lol. I don't think it's any worse than calling your daughter Andy or Finley...who decides what names can be unisex and what can't?

Oops...zombie.

Etienne is a very common male name in French-speaking Africa. If you call her Etienne, most of the world will automatically assume she is male when they see her name.

I like it for a girl. It's not like calling a girl Beau which is actively illiterate.

I have a unisex name, and the world assumes I'm male anyway, so it doesn't really make any odds.

Oh bloody hell - zombied.

Uh... 6 years old question. but want to go on record... speaking from experience... in the U.S., non-francophones (and that's pretty much most ppl) NEEEEEVER know Etienne is a boys name. Besides - gender is decreasing in relevance these days - I doubt anyone would really care if they did know.