Rae or Wren?

[Marrilou]

Hi all, I have a baby due in April and my two top girls' names are Rae and Wren. Just wondering which people prefer? Thanks!

I've only ever known one Rae (who is lovely) but I think the name is coming back into vogue after the singer.
Prefer it to Wren as a name, perhaps because of the kitchen association...
Do you like the name Robyn?

Rae for me.

Sorry don't like either- both sound like you are trying too hard to be different. If you pinned me down and held a gun to my head I would pick wren because at least it's not a grandad's name.

Rae too masculine and granddaddy

Wren.
I know too many girls with Rae as the second part of a double barreled name eg Ella-Rae.

Love Wren. For me Rae feels a bit unfinished.
I love Raya or Rayna/Raina with the nickname Rae.

I don't imagine you'll go for this, but I personally love Rachel, which can be shortened to Rae?

Wren

Rae

Wren is still too naval for me - I know it's been disbanded quite a while, but it's a very strong and historic association. Though of course perhaps you like itn ecause you do want to honour seafaring parts of your family tree

Of the two I prefer Wren I think. Rae is pretty but it feels a bit like more of a nn to me (for Rachel or Aurelia).

However I really love the similar, more classic May (which is underused as a first name but is a nature name like Wren), if you'd consider that?

Interesting to hear people's thoughts! Personally not keen on Robyn, Rachel or May but thanks for the suggestions.
@AuntieStella yes my Granny was in the Wrens during WW2 and actually met my Grandpa (who was in the navy) during that time which is def part of the reason that I like the name

Wren is my new favourite name. It's really lovely.

Oh dear, I really, really dislike both. If I had to choose, I’d go for Wren, through gritted teeth.

Wren is pretty. I really dont like Rae, it seems to be the new Mae and seems quite downmarket.

They're ok for nicknames but give your children the gift of a dignified adult moniker.

@partyatthepalace

Neither really, I find Wren just nothing-y - because the w is silent I just think of ren. Rae I think is just a naff filler middle name.

Robin is quite nice...

Good point.

In the US where I am, Rae is a hillbilly name.

Wren

I'm afraid I see Rae as being a bit downmarket, sorry.

I don't like Wren at all, I can't see it as a name, but it's heaps better than Rae.

I like both too but I think Wren is a stronger first name

I absolutely LOVE Wren and now I've read it's meaning to you too- you have to pick Wren

I love Wren. I met an adorable toddler called Wren about 20 years ago and have loved the name ever since.

Not keen on Rae.

I do think Wren is a bit of a "wet" name - it's very sweet and pretty, but a bit frail too?

I have an irrational hatred of the 'ae' spelling in any name. I truly dislike it, it looks just awful to me. Rae, Mae, Maeve, Jae..

Wren is lovely, though!

Another one who thinks Wren looks pretty but Ren sounds harsh.

Seems like Rae isn't as popular but I still really like the sound of it... though this thread has made me think it might be better as a shortening for something else. Have come across the Irish name Réiltín (pronounced Ray-l-teen) which means little star; my current baby's name is an unusual Irish one so am thinking Réiltín could work well and have Rei as the shortened version?! Have started another thread about it if anyone has an opinion about this!