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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Deon ok for a baby boy??

41 replies

LouisaB1990 · 09/05/2015 16:36

I love this name I really want to use it but I'm worried its silly.
He will be biracial & we are thinking Deon James

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DuncanQuagmire · 09/05/2015 16:37

if you really like it, then go for it.
I know a young Deon, its a fine name.

HermioneWeasley · 09/05/2015 16:38

Ok in what sense?

Notso · 09/05/2015 16:55

One of my first boyfriends was called Dion. He was gorgeous.

Guin1 · 09/05/2015 16:55

I like it. Why would you think it's silly? It's a standard variation of Dion, which comes from ancient Greek. (Personally I prefer it spelt Deon too.)

Original poster
LouisaB1990 · 09/05/2015 16:57

Everyone has said its a girls names so I'm worried about using it

OP posts:
Notso · 09/05/2015 16:57

Meant to say James is a lovely middle name but it's the boy equivalent of May or Rose. I can think of at least 7 little boys with James as a middle name.

Original poster
LouisaB1990 · 09/05/2015 16:59

Everyone has said its a girls name so I'm worried about using it & I live in England its not very popular here x

OP posts:
Lewaney3 · 09/05/2015 17:02

I think it's a lovely name. I've only come across a little girl named it (I'm in the uk) but it doesn't strike me as being particularly feminine :)

DuncanQuagmire · 09/05/2015 17:04

Dionne is the girls' version I think
Dion and Dionne AFAIK.
If you like it, go for it.

Lovelydiscusfish · 09/05/2015 17:04

I like it. I've only known it spelt Dion, not Deon, but I like both. And have only ever known it as a male name!

Lovelydiscusfish · 09/05/2015 17:05

I've known two men in the UK called Dion (though one was half American I think).

Notso · 09/05/2015 17:06

It's unisex isn't it? It doesn't sound especially feminine.

Sophronia · 09/05/2015 17:06

I prefer it spelled Dion

GlitzAndGigglesx · 09/05/2015 17:06

I like it but prefer the spelling of Dion. I've known both genders with the name (London)

Original poster
LouisaB1990 · 09/05/2015 17:13

That's good to know I'm from northern England I haven't heard the name up here I'm just concerned he will get picked on

OP posts:
nooka · 09/05/2015 17:22

Sorry OP, it looks just a bit made up to me. Dion looks more 'real', although if it's originally a Greek name then both would be perfectly legitimate. I do think that it might be misspelled a lot though.

I suspect Dionne is more widely used so yes there would probably be some initial girl/boy confusion. That may or may not be an issue for you. If it's a really uncommon name in your region then I think it much less likely to happen, as your boy will be the only one around, so it will just be his name IYSWIM. I see that there are a few famous (male) Deon's on Googling too.

icklekid · 09/05/2015 17:23

I know a gorgeous little boy called Deon and prefer that spelling. go for it!

Original poster
LouisaB1990 · 09/05/2015 17:25

Can I ask where you are from?

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SkodaLabia · 09/05/2015 17:25

I think us old gimmers may be thinking Dionne Warwick. Wasn't there also Dion Dublin, a football player?

I like either spelling if neither are made up! I love Leon, and Dante. I know you didn't ask for suggestions. Grin

Original poster
LouisaB1990 · 09/05/2015 17:30

Lol I was thinking Dione warick too lol I'm only 27 though but it keeps popping in my head I adore the name Dante. My OH doesn't like it but I think it's very strong & masculine. I might try again on him haha

OP posts:
badtime · 09/05/2015 18:01

If you do go for Dante, please pronounce it 'Dan-tay' rather than 'Don-tay'!

Deon is fine (although I prefer the Dion spelling), and it looks like a boys name.

nooka · 09/05/2015 18:18

Dante is a very cool name.

IvoryMadonna · 09/05/2015 18:43

There was a (male) pop singer called Dion in the 1950s/60s. Dion and the Belmonts.

I think it's a very cool name, and unusual too. The only other one I can think of is Dion Dublin (and possibly another footballer with the Deon spelling? not sure).

I wouldn't worry about Dionne, the spellings make it clear whether male or female. Dionne is not a very common name either. Besides DW, I can only think of Dionne Bromfield.

MaraThonbar · 09/05/2015 19:57

I've encountered a couple of teenage Deons whilst teaching on London.

spiderlight · 09/05/2015 20:36

I like Deon - I might suspect that Dion was a girl but with an 'e' it's more masculine, and Deon James flows really well.