Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Elaine

108 replies

trueblueari · 17/06/2018 22:48

Opinions on Elaine?

Too old fashioned or due a comeback?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
MarthasGinYard · 17/06/2018 22:49

Awful

Takfujuimoto · 17/06/2018 22:50

☝️ Nope, not yet, sorry.

BubblesBuddy · 17/06/2018 22:50

Who knows? All the Elaine’s I know are in their 50s. If you like it, go for it. Start the trend!

PotteryGirl · 17/06/2018 22:51

No. Sorry, you did ask.

Icklepup · 17/06/2018 22:52

Too old fashioned!

Moonkissedlegs · 17/06/2018 22:53

Will she come out of the womb as a 52 year old GP receptionist? If not, then no.

Moonkissedlegs · 17/06/2018 22:54

Thinking about it though, it is actually quite a nice name!

Still no though.

intheloop12 · 17/06/2018 22:56

Oh no, sorry OP. I know two, both in their 50s and both horrible women. Is it on the endangered list like Kevin etc?

bridgetreilly · 17/06/2018 22:58

It's not so much 'old-fashioned' as 'of its time'. Which is about 50-60 years ago, not now.

Mayhemmumma · 17/06/2018 22:58

Ooh i think it's quite cute! I was thinking same thing when I read about a baby Susie today too. Not old enough to be 'chic' but it has a charm!

IVflytrap · 17/06/2018 23:13

I think it's lovely, with a pretty sound. It's the name of multiple magical women from Arthurian legend originally - Elaine of Astolat, the Lady of Shalott, Elaine of Corbenic the grail-bearer and Elaine the sister of Morgan Le Fay. If it wasn't a name associated with women in their 60s (which is apparently what is offputting to most people Hmm) I think it would be very "in" right now, alongside all the other E names, the Evies, Ellies, Ediths and Esmes.

It'll probably be back in fashion in 15-20 odd years, once the currently-middle aged Elaines are old enough for people to be fond of them again...

JacintaJones · 17/06/2018 23:18

I like it.

All the Elaines I know are aged 70-85 so its due a comeback.

Chocolatecoffeeaddict · 17/06/2018 23:20

Reminds me of Elaine off Tracy Beaker.

Sophronia · 17/06/2018 23:22

Probably not ready for a comeback yet, maybe in another 10-15 years!

ell22 · 17/06/2018 23:29

My headteacher was called Elaine..

But actually looking at it and saying it a few times, I bizarrely like it!

Elkcuhc56 · 17/06/2018 23:33

The pain

ReadytoTalk · 17/06/2018 23:35

I think its ok. I know an Alaine which i think is very pretty.

SoftBallSophie · 17/06/2018 23:48

I know 1 Elaine (she IS a pain) and almost 60 years old

DashingRed · 17/06/2018 23:54

No, please don't.

catsofa · 18/06/2018 00:02

I know an Elaine who is a toddler!

Jasmina456 · 18/06/2018 00:23

Know, only suits 60/70 year old women.

I love Elaina/Alaina though.

Jasmina456 · 18/06/2018 00:23

*No (not sure what happened there!)

DramaAlpaca · 18/06/2018 00:24

It's a nice name on a 50 something. I don't think it's ready for a revival just yet.

Ruleof4 · 18/06/2018 00:30

You could change the spelling?
Ie. 'Elayne'

SpacePenguin · 18/06/2018 00:46

Lovely. Know lots of young Elaine's (20s & 30s), but no babies. Would love to meet one.