Deirdre or Daphne, can't decide which. Deirdre Ann, or Daphne Helen.

[Sylviet]

These are the front runners at the moment, would appreciate your thoughts.

I have a friend Daphne, who has never had her name shortened. She is stunning so the name is pretty cool to me.

It's less granny chic and more nosy neighbour who'd tell your mum if she saw you talking to a boy.

Yep!

I really like Daphne. It sounds a bit retro to me. Deirdre is not good. I don't like it at all.

It's not just Corrie, it's the Dear Deirdre agony column. In the uk i think all would say deer-dree

How about Dervla?

Or Della?

I don't think anyone here at all likes the name Deirdrie. It's not often you get a consensus!

I've never heard of the agony column, where is that?

I met an adorable Daphne the other week, hadn't ever considered it but loved it.

Deirdre is just awful, dreary Deirdre I'm afraid.

Deirdre is awful - harsh sounding, and indelibly associated with Corrie for me (even though I don't watch it!)

Daphne on the other hand is really nice. Agree it's quite a lot to live up to, but I like the mythological link and it sounds quite cool and retro.

Daphne Helena is lovely (although personally I'd be tempted to reverse them, as I prefer Helena).

Deirdre would be cruel!

Daphne is alright :)

Della is lovely.

When did Deirdre become so unpopular!

Della, I dont like at all. Sounds like a cream cheese product.

Another vote for Daphne - I love it, has anyone mentioned Du Maurier yet?

You can be as cool and hipster as you like OP but Deirdre is a step too far

Daphne Helen

I went to school (18 years ago) with two Deirdre's (actually, both Deirdre Ann!) and neither liked their name even then. It's just not a very pretty name IMO, especially nowadays when children have way funkier names than we ever did!

Daphne would also be laughed at where I live but acceot it could be quite cool in some circles.

What about Nyree or Dana?

Deirdre is just awful, it's clunking, plain and beige. Like Bridget, Una and Brenda.

Daphne you might just get away with if DD has a long neck, incredible poise and a habit of driving open topped sports cars about whilst wearing a chiffon scarf round her head. Otherwise you may as well name her Evadne or Enid.

Love Daphne du Maurier! Evadne is an interesting name.

Enid, I just straight away think 'Blyton"!

Can I ask, how do you think people got called Deirdre at all, ever, if it is, as suggested here, just objectively an awful name?

Nyree is a sweet name. Dana sounds like a brand of bacon.

I like Evadne.

Deirdre just hasn't "come back" IMO, neither has Mavis, say, but Matilda has.

Darla? Drusilla?

Daphne I LOVE it..

I'm afraid I have to agree with PP that if it has to be one of those two names then Daphne is much, much better than Deirdre. Sorry.
Deirdre sounds like dreary too.

Daphne Helena does sound nice Temps.

Gosh, my name is Deirdre. You can all feel free to blush . Didn't realise I was saddled with one of the worst names ever! It has served me well so far OP and it was nice not to have the same name as half the class when I was in school.

Do you like the names Serena or Venetia?

I was looking for a name with 'ee' after the initial consonant, ending in 'ah'.

(Hence Deer - dra!)

Though of course Daphne isn't fitting this mould at all.

(Looking for sounds that complement our surname.)

Lol @ Askance

I've only ever known one Deirdre the same age as me and she always called herself Dee.

I far prefer Serena.

Yes, like both of those.

Nita? Rita? Nina?