Etienne for a girl?

[cornwallsharon]

I think Etienne would make a lovely name for a girl but my husband isnt keen as its a boys name in France. What do you think?

Again?
No, don't do it. It will likely embarrass her when she gets older and people will assume you're thick or couldn't be bothered to check the meaning of your child's name.

OP and others, while you are thinking that Etienne 'sounds like a girl's name' you might like to bear in mind this wonderful cautionary tale from a Mumsnet poster on a previous names thread. (I'm very sorry, but I can't find her original post - it is her story, not mine, and I hope she won't mind me passing it on.) Anyway, she told how an older relative, whose first language was not English, had suggested that she name a baby 'Cauliflower' - "because it sounds so pretty".

Words have meanings and it's not always a good idea to ignore them.

Again?

No. Not unless appearing ignorant is something particularly appeals.

Only if you were prepared to call her John, or Steve, or David, or Edmund.

And for her to hate you for having to explain to everyone she meets that she is in fact a girl and not a boy.

I'd say no as well.

It's unequivocally a boys name.

I'm still cringing for all the girls called Nikita after the Elton John song. That is also a boy's name.

Etienne- eh-T -N- French boys name
Etain- eh-tayne- Irish girls name.
Very similar.

As I posted on the other recent thread, I know French women called Etaïnn (pronounced Etayeen) and Etienna, if that helps.

Its pretty, a pity its a boys name. Eponine? Sp might be wrong. Juliet? Evian...no wait. ..;)

It's a boys name. Not just in France but everywhere.
Just like Ivan isn't just a boys name in Russia and Olav isn't just a boys name in Norway. They are boys names.

However, if you have a son called Madeleine or Genevieve and are genuinely trying to make a point about names without gender bias, then go for it!

I'm still cringing for all the girls called Nikita after the Elton John song. That is also a boy's name.

And he probably meant it too. :)