Sainte-Claire as a MN

[AineJane]

I have always loved the idea of using Saint-Claire as a middle name. However, would it be weird to use this if it's not a family name? My grandmother's name is Claire but Sainte-Claire is not a family surname.

First names we're considering are Audrey, Lilly and Lauren.

People don't generally give two hoots about surnames so do what you like!

If I heard it I'd assume it was a family name or you were very Catholic.

I’d think you were a Hollyoaks fan

Go for it.

I wouldn’t, because it’s a deeply religious name style and I would feel uncomfortable using that if it didn’t mean anything to me.

But I spose you could spell it saint Clair and say it’s after the place...

Claire is lovely. I'd assume Saint-Claire was a family surname, place name or that you were very religious - but I've heard weirder middle names (and its not as if you are using it for a first).

Audrey and Lily are pretty (I'd use the one L as it's less likely to be misspelt), and Lauren is okay (although I personally prefer Laura).

I think it’s lovely with Audrey and Lilly.

Do you mean Saint-Claire or Sinclair, since you mention the word 'surname'?

(My grandmother's name is Claire but Sainte-Claire is not a family surname. )

I'm not sure if religious people would favour saint as a given name as it is given to very special people, by the pope, after they're dead - I think (as a non religious person) it wouldn't be seen as right to be honest

Go for it if you like it. Most people don't know each other's middle names anyway.

@custardbear

I'm not sure if religious people would favour saint as a given name as it is given to very special people, by the pope, after they're dead - I think (as a non religious person) it wouldn't be seen as right to be honest

We're Catholic and think it sounds like a totally normal thing to do. You're naming your child after St Claire (of Assisi, OP? I think she's well cool), not asserting that she IS a saint.

Go nuts, OP! It's a lovely middle name. People will definitely assume you're Catholic, though, so up to you if that would bother you.

I'd assume it had some family connection. If you told me it didn't I'd think it a slightly Hyacinth Bucketish choice, but I think you can go a bit bonkers with a middle name if you see fit.

Fine. Nobody really cares about middle names, so a perfect opportunity to do whatever you want.

@PerspicaciousGreen - fair enough - like i said I'm not religious but I know some religious people can be judgmental and a bit jazz hands at anything religious being used incorrectly

I’m Catholic and have never heard of this as a name. I’d just use Clare or Claire on its own personally. Saint Claire sounds very odd to me.

Same here, cresside