what girls' names do the French middle classes turn their noses up at?

[NatureAbhorsAHoover]

What would the haute bourgeoisie think of as a tacky/trashy name for a baby girl? I speak french but have no idea what sounds déclassé to a French ear.

Not looking to vilify; am interested in the tonal sounds, themes and signifiers that surely exist just as much in France as here?

Oooo this thread is so interesting! Apart from the names, so interesting to hear about French society and the different groups!! Bobo etc!!

Totally agree @heateallthebuns. It's something you just never think about!

Blodwen - Blod rhymes with Plod
Wen - rhymes with When
Stress on the first syllable.
It's the name of an 80+ year old woman and a bit frumpy.

don't know about Bleuenn. The Breton names I know are Gwenaelle (dieresis on the 2nd e) pron. Gwenna Elle and Nolwenn ( sounds like the welsh Olwen but means holy one from Noyal).

Thanks Mike. Those Breton names are lovely.

There are some beautiful Breton names.
I'm not sure if Morgane is Breton (it sounds and looks it) but I think it's rather lovely.

Morgane is Celtic in derivation so it may well be a Breton name.

I do love Marianne, which pp mentioned. Is it considered very dull in France?

Isabeau: très posh, medieval chic as upthread

Bernadette: yes it's used, Jacques Chirac's wife is called Bernadette, but it's really old and frumpy.

Luna is prime bobo territory.

I came across an Isabeau in Cardiff a few years back. I'm surprised to have not heard of more by now.

Has Iseult been mentioned yet? I really like it!

It is pretty isn't it pimmsy? My favourite girl's name is Xavière which earned much (understandable) scoffing from DH.

Agree, this thread is fascinating. Basically it sounds as though you'll achieve all the correct posh credentials if you pick a name from just about any opera by Lully or Rameau

Love the 'medieval chic' names

Is Thibault the same as Tybalt (from Romeo & Juliet!)?

Yes it is Nature.

Marianne is pretty but not a massively exciting choice. A bit safe.

Yseult is one of my favourite names.

GaucheCaviar were you in France during the Tibéri scandal? I think it has tainted the name Xavière for at least a few more decades.

Yep, hence it being unusable. One of the prosecuting magistrates was also called Xavière, which is quite a coincidence given what a rare name it is.

What about my cats name Daphne? Is she as common as muck?

@GaucheCaviar @NotBurpeesAgain

So true re Xavière - the first time I ever voted was in the 5eme !

I work in the 5e and saw Jean Tibéri in the street a year or two ago. The old crook.

Worry not each your cat has a purrfectly respectable name.

What is the tiberi affair? Wd love a briefing.

My name is French Adele middle name Marie very particularly common name though prefer Adeline

I thought Daphne was Greek?

Naw, she wus frae Glasga'
(Daphne Broon)

I named her after Daphne Moon