Ismay?

[Beluga2019]

What do you think of Ismay for a girl? I used to know a girl called this and think it’s really pretty, but I’ve never heard it anywhere else. Has anyone else ever met an Ismay?

Think of the word dismay

Like Esme?

No
I’ve met Esmes

Do you mean Esme?

It’s a surname with a negative link to the Titanic. Not really something I would choose.

Dismay it is not Esme.

I don’t think this is the name for you

The one I knew definitely had this spelling, pronunciation IZ-may. I wish I’d asked her where it was from!

There’s something quite literal about that pronounciation that I’m not keen on.

Just feels like saying your name ‘Is - May’ or ‘Is - Trevor’ etc

The spelling is just not aesthetically pleasing. Go for Esme, sounds the same, looks nicer and will be less people misspelling.

I don't like it. I prefer Esme but people would get used to it after a while so if you really like it you should use it.

Titanic connotations.
Esme is nice though.

It's not a great looking name and literal pronunciation wise it would be a right pain for your daughter. Can you imagine her friends asking is "is may" coming outside. I also admit to my first thought being the titanic surname link.

Dismay

Sounds like pig Latin to me. Sorry!

I don't like it, there's a word a want to use but won't. I'm just not keen on names which look like a child spelt them.

Your child will spend its life correcting people and spelling of her name

It is a French girls name

I like it, it's pretty, it has a nice meaning, but will be confused with Esmé often as it is here & unfortunately you'll likely hit similar ignorance, but if you love it, sod everyone else & go for it anyway

That’s a no then!

Glad I asked though. The Titanic link is not something I knew about and having Googled, not a good connection. Thank you

Yup just looks like the word ‘dismay’

A strong yes from me! This is one of my favourite names. Used in the middle ages, a version of Esme, and as you can tell from these reactions very rare today. I just think it's gorgeous though. I'd say from the reactions that it's only for someone who doesn't mind being different to the mainstream, and perhaps a history or language lover! I'd happily use it. (I have one of the most common names out there, spelt in the usual way, and I have to spell it out and correct people all the time, so the idea that you have to spell it or correct people doesn't phase me at all.)

Reminds me of Bruce Ismay who had the idea of water tight bulkheads but didn't make them high enough.

E once had a receptionist at work called Ismay. I thought it was lovely.

Hope your surname isn't Green.

I like the sound of it but don't like the look of it written down. Would you consider Esme or do you not like that name?