Please be honest!

[Ihateironinganything]

Hello,

Growing up I’ve had to deal with people’s preconceptions of me because of my name. Upon just hearing my name people just assume I’m a “chav”, which infuriates me. However when they meet me they are surprised to see that I don’t fit their mental description.

My name is a well-known French name, but unfortunately here it has negative connotations. My name has given me such grief in my life that I’ve even thought of changing it. But now as I’m older it’s just too much paperwork.

I’m pregnant now, and will do anything to avoid giving my child the same fate. I could select a typical classic name like Sarah/Jane etc. Though at the same time I don’t really like those names.

Please could you tell me if any of my shortlist are even a tiny bit “chavvy”?

And trust me I hate this whole concept of “chav” but I don’t know how else to phrase it.

My shortlist:

Florence
Jasmine
Harriet
Lara
Flora
Clara
Madeleine
Anabelle
Lola

Thanks

Lola and Jasmine. Pretty names but have a bit of a chav association sadly.

Sorry I won’t say it for fear of outing myself.

But I’m sure you can all guess. I think there’s at least one in every reality TV programme... unfortunately.

I’m very surprised about Harriet!

I have met some very posh Lola’s (in their twenties and thirties) and it is a popular name at not at all posh schools I have taught at. Therefore I think it used to be unusual and now obviously isn’t, but doesn’t mean it has to be seen as tacky now, I still think it’s a pretty name. I personally find Jasmine a bit more hmmm but that may be as I associate it purely with Aladdin princess. (Says more about me?!)
I love Thalia! Teach a very bright and sweet one. Have also taught a fantastically awesome Lara. All your names are fine OP :)

Oh, and Lily too... How about Faith OP? Or Rosalind?

Avoid Jasmine and Lola - the rest are lovely

From your list I would avoid Madeleine
Anabelle
Lola
Flora
The rest are lovely :)

Love your list. None I would avoid.

I know you don't want to say but I'd guess your name is Chantal, which my French DH informs me isn't "chavvy" in the slightest in France but doesn't have the best connotations here.

Harriet is a lovely old name, not in the slightest chav’ish’!!!! Definitely avoid Lola, Jasmine and Anabelle!!!

I thought your name was Chanelle too. Now I think it is Chloe. I like all your names. My DN is Matilda (Tilly).

Florence is my favourite.

And I know 2 Anabelles

I like a those names, esp Florence (ds2's name if he had been a girl!) and Harriet. Not chavvy at all (I also hate that word but know what you mean). Good luck!

Is it Chantelle? I have a lovely friend with that name and I never see it as Chavvy but I thinknin pop culture it is.

My job means I get to experience lots of children's names in the posher areas near me: From your list I see a number of Florences, Harriets, Floras, Claras, Matildas and Madeleines. Fewer Talia's but some. Any of those should give your little one the name security your seeking. They're all lovely.

These names are lovely, agree with the the post about Lola Grace etc. , once you double up it becomes chavvy but ok on its own. Wait and see what the new royal baby is called and either steer clear or follow suit! What on earth is your name?

OP - Germany. French and also English names (but not ones of our generation - things like Kevin and Eileen) have a bad rep.

And Chantal is indeed the name I mean. Another is Jacqueline.

I'd avoid Lola and Lara personally, the others are lovely.

From my experience the only one you are safe with is Clara (and possibly Flora) but it obviously depends on where you live.

Chardonnay?

Do you like Gabrielle? continues on the French theme I think and may change peoples perception of your name.

I love Annabelle

The rest are lovely except Lola or Jasmine which lean towards Chavvy

@MrsL2016 no not Chloe Don't ruin it!!

My name has already been guessed on this thread, which goes to show how it’s such a well known “chav” name.

Even though I am of French descent I am definitely more brotish having been born and raised in the Uk, and my French is poor. I don’t want to name her something like Amelie or Elodie for fear it may backfire. I don’t think my name was initially thought of as “chavvy” when I was named.

I don’t want to give an overly posh name like Octavia or Antigone because it might seem pretentious especially when they find out her mother’s name!

I’m very shocked that Anabelle. Harriet , Thalia are being axed! But I guess name perceptions change overtime.

*british