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Original poster

Spelling dilemma

85 replies

MissMoodyMoo · 27/04/2023 21:03

So we have agreed we like the name Fern, it fits well with our 1st child's name and our last name. However My husband prefers the spelling Fearne. I just don't like the A it makes no sense. So I've said we could compromise and do the Ferne spelling. I prefer Fern but could live with the E. What are people's opinions on this
Fern
Ferne
Fearne

I've told him the more we talk about the bloody spelling it will put me off the name all together lol

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secondaryquandriesqq · 27/04/2023 21:06

Fern or Fearne (sorry!).

multivac · 27/04/2023 21:08

Again, sorry, but your compromise is the worst of both worlds. Either Fern or Fearne. And I think I prefer the latter....

FoggyDay58 · 27/04/2023 21:09

Personally I wouldn't choose any name that has a few different commonly accepted spellings. Your child will have to spell it for the whole of their life. Pick another name.

MichelleScarn · 27/04/2023 21:09

Also prefer Fearne!

shoopshoopdedoo · 27/04/2023 21:11

I think I prefer Fearne... Sorry!

SisSuffragette · 27/04/2023 21:11

Fearne for sure

Original poster
MissMoodyMoo · 27/04/2023 21:13

Hmm so I think he may be right lol OK. I'll consider fearne 🤣

OP posts:
kezziecakes · 27/04/2023 21:13

I prefer your spelling Fern, it seems simpler and more classic. Also I've heard Fearne Cotton say her name is with a few extra letters that don't do anything thrown in!

Gnoblin · 27/04/2023 21:14

Fern or Fearne are both established spellings and will not present a problem. The other one is a new/ misspelling so will be the one to cause issues. To be honest with the first two it’ll be 50/50 to which one most people will jump to, but no different to Stephen/ Steven and I’ve not come across anyone worried about using those because of spelling confusion.

IggyAce · 27/04/2023 21:14

I work in a school and I’d automatically spell it Fern.
To me Fearne is how I’d spell it as a surname.

GreenMarigold · 27/04/2023 21:14

Fern. I like the plant and I don’t like that Fearne has Fear in it!

RogerTheTodger · 27/04/2023 21:16

You couldn't use it in Yorkshire, as people there talk about being on the Fearne (when they mean 'phone'). It might have unwanted connotations.

I'd have a complete re-think.

Vintagecreamandcottagepie · 27/04/2023 21:16

I like Fern. Very pretty. Fearne not so much, sorry

Sandysandwich · 27/04/2023 21:17

I prefer Fern, its phonetic and I think it looks pretty.
Fearne is alright but makes me want to pronounce it Fear- nee, I know it isnt but it just looks odd to me.

I don't think Ferne is a name? And its more confusing to have a name that can be spelt different ways- but yours is not one of those spellings. I grew up with an Elisabethe and she hated that nobidy evwr got her name right.

ArmWrestlingWithChasNDave · 27/04/2023 21:20

RogerTheTodger · 27/04/2023 21:16

You couldn't use it in Yorkshire, as people there talk about being on the Fearne (when they mean 'phone'). It might have unwanted connotations.

I'd have a complete re-think.

People from Yorkshire are perfectly capable of understanding homophones in context. No reason to rethink.

Fern for sure.

SurvivingJust1 · 27/04/2023 21:21

Fern

It's a name and a name of a plant, too established to change I think

Original poster
MissMoodyMoo · 27/04/2023 21:22

I think what is throwing me off with fearne is I'm dyslexic and when reading it the fear really stands out for me. I just really prefer Fern. We've agreed to his granny's name for the middle name so i may get to sweet talk the Fern spelling lol

OP posts:
pancakesandpepsi · 27/04/2023 21:23

I’d go with Fern

NBLarsen · 27/04/2023 21:24

I agree with you. There's no point to the extra letters!
When I see Fearne the word "fear" sticks out to me.
I would use Fern, same as the beautiful plant.

Pjmasksonrepeat · 27/04/2023 21:25

Fern. My bestie is a Fern spelt like this and it's beautiful and so simple to out.

WinterCarlisle · 27/04/2023 21:26

Fern is so pretty. Fearne. Just no. I can’t explain it but one (Fern) works and the other doesn’t.

You’re right OP!

LulooLemon · 27/04/2023 21:28

Fern

GeorgiaGirl52 · 27/04/2023 21:30

Fern - like the plant, nice and natural.

Fearne - Fear (rhymes with year) - Knee Just, No.

Bergamotte · 27/04/2023 21:32

Fern is the best option- by a long way. It is the actual correct spelling!

Ferne I would try to pronounce something like "Ferny" or "Fur-nee." And autocorrect tries to change it, which would be annoying for her.

Fearne as you say has "fear" in it. And if I hadn't seen Fearne Cotton's name enough to recognise the spelling, I would probably try to pronounce it "Feer-nee" or "Fe-ar-nee."

If writing down the name on hearing it, I would always spell it "Fern," without considering that there could be other options. So I think that is easiest.
And ferns are so pretty and fresh and graceful- why would you want to lose the association with them!

IWantToBeACat · 27/04/2023 21:33

RogerTheTodger · 27/04/2023 21:16

You couldn't use it in Yorkshire, as people there talk about being on the Fearne (when they mean 'phone'). It might have unwanted connotations.

I'd have a complete re-think.

Eh? In Yorkshire, you're "On't phOHHne" nothing like "fearne"...

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