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

Ismay?

41 replies

Beluga2019 · 01/03/2019 06:33

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?

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
MamaDane · 01/03/2019 06:39

Think of the word dismay

FleeceDetective · 01/03/2019 06:40

Like Esme?

insancerre · 01/03/2019 06:41

No
I’ve met Esmes

Falafel19 · 01/03/2019 06:42

Do you mean Esme?

AwakeAfterMidnight · 01/03/2019 06:43

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

PersonaNonGarter · 01/03/2019 06:43

Dismay it is not Esme.

I don’t think this is the name for you

Original poster
Beluga2019 · 01/03/2019 06:44

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

OP posts:
FleeceDetective · 01/03/2019 06:50

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

YepImafraidIchangeditagain · 01/03/2019 06:55

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

Smileymoon · 01/03/2019 07:02

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.

FriendOrFaux · 01/03/2019 07:04

Titanic connotations.
Esme is nice though.

HeadsDownThumbsUpEveryone · 01/03/2019 07:06

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.

Veterinari · 01/03/2019 07:07

Dismay

mimibunz · 01/03/2019 07:07

Sounds like pig Latin to me. Sorry!

BusterGonad · 01/03/2019 07:22

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.

greendale17 · 01/03/2019 07:24

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

RockinHippy · 01/03/2019 07:33

It is a French girls name Confused

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

Original poster
Beluga2019 · 01/03/2019 07:34

That’s a no then!

OP posts:
Original poster
Beluga2019 · 01/03/2019 07:34

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

OP posts:
BendydickCuminsnatch · 01/03/2019 07:35

Yup just looks like the word ‘dismay’

MercyBodle · 01/03/2019 07:39

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.)

ThePollutedShadesOfPemberley · 01/03/2019 07:41

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

BikeRunSki · 01/03/2019 07:42

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

paisho · 01/03/2019 07:47

Hope your surname isn't Green.

DerbyRacer · 01/03/2019 07:50

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?