Eliza or Esmée?

[Anametolove]

Just that, really, DD2 due in a few weeks and we were set on Esmée (spelt this way as half our family is French), but DH threw Eliza in the mix, and I really like it too.

Both would go well with our simple surname of one syllable.

So coming here for a quick poll. Would love to hear your opinion on which name is your favourite and why :)

Thanks!

I much prefer Eliza, personally. I find Esmée a bit wishy-washy. Although at least your child would have the right herritage for it.

Eliza is much sparkier though.

Eliza for sure otherwise you're committing your DD to a lifetime of correcting her name spelling

Eliza. I think it’s a nicer name, it’s not as popular as Esme/ Esmee, and there isn’t the issue of the two possible spellings - imagine always having to say ‘It’s got two E’s at the end’.

I love Eliza

Eliza is beautiful. I think it works at all stages of life. Perfect!

I think a lot of people and forms would struggle with the accent on Esmée. I’ve seen it spelt other ways too which will also be annoying.

Eliza is a safer choice for that reason

Eliza, without a doubt!

So many Esmes around. I don’t like the name at all!

Eliza is a great name.

Not keen on Esmee.
Quite like Edith, Esther, Endiva.

I vote for Esmee! I love how simple and pretty it is, and great for all ages! The extra e will mean some
spelling errors but not a major drawback, in my opinion, and well worth it to reflect your French heritage. It’s not too overused but it’s familiar.

I like Eliza too, it’s just if I imagine which name I’d feel more comfortable introducing myself as, I’d personally much prefer to be called Esmee.

Eliza as it only has one spelling and pronunciation.

Eliza, definitely. Easy to spell and pronounce, not too common, suits all ages, really nice name.

I think Esmeè is nicer considering having some family being French x

My son went to school with an Esme. Such a lovely name.

Eliza will likely be Lizzie or Liz.

Eliza

I don't think Lizzie or Liz are natural nicknames for Eliza, as it's a different sound.

This is a good example of why not to choose Esmée.

Eliza is much better.

Thank you everyone for your opinion!

I have a name that has different spellings and mine is unusual, always had to spell it for people but it didn't bother me.

I am French so DD will be half French, half British.

So far is seems Eliza gets the most votes, does it get routinely shortened? I like the full name, not keen on Ellie, Liz etc.

Esmée would honor my French heritage more, although I wonder if I wouldn't shoot myself in the foot with the spelling, with people ommitting the accent and therefore pronouncing it "me" instead of my preferred pronunciation "meh". Which the accent would enforce, for French people.

I know an Eliza. She is lovely!

No, Eliza doesn't get shortened to Liz or Lizzie. That sound comes from Elizabeth not Eliza.

I love them both but special characters are a total PITA for the modern world. Everything is input and stored online and I guarantee she will be 'lost' in some systems.

Very good point @MrsTerryPratchett

Other options were Isabella and Alice.

ooh I can't seem to be able to make a decision!

i might have the wait for the birth

Eliza and I also love Eloise.

Love Eloise too! And I would have 100% picked it if it wasn't my first degree cousin's name :( @MissRheingold

They are both beautiful names! If you can live with Esmée sometimes being pronounced Es-me, then go for it.
Will Eliza morph into Elise or Elisa in France?