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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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user1492757084 · 28/04/2023 00:43

Fern is lovely.
It is classic, straight forward and well known but not top 20.

I love the connection with Fern Arable the sweet child from the children's book, Charlotte's Webb.

Luredbyapomegranate · 28/04/2023 00:44

Fern

Anything else is daft

PassTheDuckie · 28/04/2023 00:45

I prefer Fawn! 🦌

I don’t like the Fear in Fearne. Nor do I like names where there isn’t one obvious spelling (and yes, that includes Stephen/Steven, and my own name too).

Kokeshi123 · 28/04/2023 01:06

Fern fern fern

Lovely simple name and nature association.
Fearne and Ferne are just awful.

NutellaNut · 28/04/2023 01:11

Fern. I also see the word ‘fear’ jumping out at me in Fearne.

EggInANest · 28/04/2023 01:42

Fern

EveryWitchWaybutLoose · 28/04/2023 02:05

Your DD will spend her life telling people how to spell it. Don’t do it to her.

If you have to use the name, stick to Fern.

mathanxiety · 28/04/2023 03:08

Fern is perfectly fine.

The Fearne spelling is a bit silly.

wandawaves · 28/04/2023 03:18

IMO Fearne is not pronounced the same as Fern. I'd pronounce Fearne as 'fear' with an n on the end.

wandawaves · 28/04/2023 03:19

And Ferne looks silly. Just spell it Fern.

FayCarew · 28/04/2023 09:22

Fern

YomAsalYomBasal · 28/04/2023 09:54

Fern for sure

DejaVoodoo · 28/04/2023 10:01

I don't understand the "Fearne" spelling... is it still pertaining to the plant or does it have a different origin? If it is the plant, why change the spelling? You wouldn't name someone "Roaze"

So, unless Fearne is a completely different name "Fern" gets my vote.

FayCarew · 28/04/2023 10:32

@DejaVoodoo , Fearne is a surname, Fern is a plant.

FayCarew · 28/04/2023 14:04

@IWantToBeACat , Yorkshire covers a wide area. Pp probably meant Hull.

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 14:52

Who came up with Fearne Confused? But just see Fear with an added n sound.

Fern 100%

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 14:53

Sorry I

wrinkleintime · 28/04/2023 15:02

Fearne is better and more modern - Fern is a bit old fashioned.

Whatever you do, not Ferne!

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 28/04/2023 15:07

Fern is very much Charlotte's Webb, Deep South accent vibe.

Ferne is a last name.

I have never known anyone struggle with how to pronounce Fearne, or be unsettled that it starts with F-e-a-r

Hazelnuttella · 28/04/2023 15:09

Fern - much nicer.

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 16:08

I have never known anyone struggle with how to pronounce Fearne, or be unsettled that it starts with F-e-a-r

Well I would struggle and I do see Fear

knobheadex · 28/04/2023 16:35

Fearne for me. It was on my list for both dds but was vetoed. Interesting that everyone began with liking Fearne then decided Fern was the way to go. Fern to me is not as nice.

aperolspritzbasicbitch · 28/04/2023 17:53

Buebananas · 28/04/2023 16:08

I have never known anyone struggle with how to pronounce Fearne, or be unsettled that it starts with F-e-a-r

Well I would struggle and I do see Fear

If you would honestly struggle with how to pronounce Fearne then I stand corrected.

Equally, I can honestly say that in all my years of being close to someone with that name, they have never once had anyone mispronounce it.

TrueScrumptious · 28/04/2023 17:57

Fern is the only reasonable spelling.

RogerTheTodger · 28/04/2023 18:01

RenoDakota · 27/04/2023 22:37

Re the Yorkshire thing, I think the poster probably meant East Yorkshire / Hull. Think Lucy Beaumont.

I did mean 'Ull. I have a cousin there!