Thoughts on the name Austen - U.K. VIEWPOINT

[Mintygrey]

Hello, I’m having triplets and slightly undecided on the name Austen. Personally we both love it. We also love it spelt ‘en’ as a literacy reference. I don’t know any Austen’s (or Austin’s) either but understand from the tracking charts that it’s been popular.

Has this name has its heyday and could it be ageing to call a Baby that now or is it one of those names that stays relevant?

Interested just from a U.K. perspective.

Thank you xx

Nothing wrong with your choices and I like Austin.

However, with Austen, I think you're setting your child up for a lifetime of misspellings. Also, Austin is a boy's name but Jane Austen is associated with the other spelling, which jars.

I'd think Austen for a girl and Austin for a boy.
You don't specify which you are naming?

I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with it but it reminds me of cars

Also, as other PP's have said, an alternative spelling is going to cause issues for your child

Just wondering what other names you have chosen?

Honestly? I've only ever heard of it as a surname. I'd think it was like an upgraded version of calling a child Smith or Jones. I'd notice and think that, but I wouldn't actually care.

With an 'in' ending it's a perfectly normal boys name. It often gets shortened to Austy which I'm less keen on.

Austen has been and is the middle name through the male line in my family for quite a few generations.

I’d go for the Austin spelling for a first name. I really like it though.

Not keen. It’s an awful American trend to use surnames for first names that we seem to have picked up.

Not keen personally, I'd assume it was a girl because of the en spelling.

I’d assume girl in the same vein as Brontë

I know one boy called Austin. He's about 12 now. I've yet to meet another.
I like the name though I agree with PPs that the 'en' spelling would lead me to assume it was a girl.

It's lovely. I knew the coolest guy called Austin when I was a teenager.

Surnames as first names is also a thing here in Scotland, not just an Americanism.

It's a very American name, are the other two also going to have classic American names? Your spelling will always have to be explained, the name is spelt Austin, although I know most names now seem to have a variation on a unique spelling, but Austen, as in the surname, will never be the default and your child will be spelling their name for the rest if their life to everyone.

What's the point of spelling it with en at the end. Your child will spend their life telling people how to spell it. Choose another name.

I know 2 x Austins under 5 (boys). Lovely name imo,

Do not use Austen, it doesn't sound any different but will be constantly mis-spelled. Even if he says "Austen with an e, he will get Austine etc". My name is constantly spelled wrong (it's not english) - dont cause unnecessary trouble!!

Go for it - favour literature led spelling as people in the uk will get it...

It’s not a modern Americanisation. My grandfather who was born in 1911 was called Austin.

Sorry but I dislike it a lot. I know an Austin, he’s about 18. I don’t know why his parents picked it. His sisters have beautiful names. I hate the sound of it, the look of it. It’s just old man. But if you really like it then go for it but please don’t use the ‘e’ spelling.

Honestly impossible to say without knowing if you are naming a girl or a boy. Austin (that spelling) is a moderately unusual but long-established boys’ name in the UK.

I like it but would presume girl with that spelling

I think you're overestimating people in the UK.

Honestly OP, there are so many lovely names but this isnt one imo. You're obviously unsure yourself if you're asking.

To me the Austen spelling would be feminine as it’s so associated with Jane Austen. I wouldn’t be that surprised to meet a girl Austen but I would a boy.

I understand you can’t tell by the sound but if it’s for a boy I would stick with Austin (if it’s definitely the name you like best). I think it would be unfair to him to always have to spell his name as well - Austin is gaining in popularity so it will be the default for most people.

I know 4 Austins, aged from 10 to 3, so I think it’s a pretty mainstream boys name. But why are you spelling it differently? Just leads to a lifetime of confusion.

I like Austin, specifically with middle name Danger
and Austen for a girl
both good, solid names

I think a lot of people will assume it's spelt Austin but if you don't mind correcting them, that's not a deal breaker. It doesn't say girl to me because it's clearly a "surnamey" sort of name, and in the UK they are still more common for boys.