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Can any French-English MNers help me name DD3?

106 replies

Zaziedanslemetro · 19/11/2013 19:36

We are a French/English family currently living in Germany, and have just found out I'm expecting a 3rd DD! We are having trouble finding another girl's name which "works" in both French and English, and is at least pronouncable for Germans.
DDs 1 and 2 are Esther and Madeleine, and we would like to continue with these sort of classic/traditional/not-massively-overused names.

We both really like Constance, but there is a dilemma re. our surname. It sounds like "No". Just that, one syllable. If you say "Constance No" out loud, does it sound silly in English? I think it's fine in French, and we are unlikely to go and live in England, but still... Would be interested to know what people think!

Also, I love Josephine, but French DH thinks it's a bit to "cutesy" with the -ine ending. Any other suggestions would be very welcome.
Thanks for any help!

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MaybeIAmJustLikeMyMother · 19/11/2013 19:38

Elena?
Sophie?

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blueberrycupcake · 19/11/2013 19:41

Elodie?

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Caip · 19/11/2013 19:42

I like Fabienne

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tumbletumble · 19/11/2013 19:44

Elizabeth

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Zaziedanslemetro · 19/11/2013 19:44

Thanks for the suggestions.

Sophie is perhaps a bit dated in France? The Sophies I know are all in their 30s.
We have friends with an Eléonore, and DH isn't keen on Elena, as isn't French enough ;) However, have put Aliénor on the list!

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MortifiedAnyFuckerAdams · 19/11/2013 19:45

Oh I just came on to suggest Fabienne! Beaten to it

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BearPear · 19/11/2013 19:45

My French buddy is called Laure. She's nuts, but don't let that put you off!

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OlyRoller · 19/11/2013 19:45

Anouk
Anais
Henriette
Helene

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Zaziedanslemetro · 19/11/2013 19:45

Elizabeth is lovely but is one of DD2's middle names!
Not so keen on Elodie or Fabienne, but always grateful for ideas!

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timmyinatizzy · 19/11/2013 19:47

I know a French/English family with a Camille. Nn Cammy.

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Zaziedanslemetro · 19/11/2013 19:48

Yes, quite like these, OlyRoller. Funnily enough Henriette is one of DD1's middle names... See, we've used all the good ones already!

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Aethelfleda · 19/11/2013 19:48

Otilie? Amelie? Bridgitte? Juliette? Alicia?

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BikeRunSki · 19/11/2013 19:48

Stella
Alice
Rose
Anna
Anya
Louise/a
Juliette

Josephine is one of my favourite names

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Zaziedanslemetro · 19/11/2013 19:49

Yes, had thought of Camille, but it's so popular at the moment! DD1 knows at least 3

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MaybeIAmJustLikeMyMother · 19/11/2013 19:50

I love the short surname, but as 'no' has an English meaning it would make good sense to not-so-popular name so she will mainly be known by her first name.
How about Florence, Clementine? Constance is good too.

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AbiRoad · 19/11/2013 19:50

Juliette
Sylvie
Delphine

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ProfondoRosso · 19/11/2013 19:50

I'm a big fan of Lucienne/Lucie Smile

The French girls I know are named: Marion, Clemence, Emeline, Zoe, Margaux, Chloe, Lise, Jennifer, Josee and Fanny (maybe scrap that last one Grin) and they're all in their 20s. Sorry for missing accents, cannot figure them out on this phone.

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Zaziedanslemetro · 19/11/2013 19:50

More good suggestions, can't keep up! Louise and Juliette are possibilities. Hope Louise not too dated in th UK though.

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MortifiedAnyFuckerAdams · 19/11/2013 19:52

Emmanuelle

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Zaziedanslemetro · 19/11/2013 19:53

Thanks for all this help. Will go through them all later with DH too. Can anyone hear the "Constance No" problem though? I'm worried it sounds like "Contant snow"...

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Xmasbaby11 · 19/11/2013 19:54

Amelie

Amelia v popular in the UK.

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UriGeller · 19/11/2013 19:55

Marcelle?

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Xmasbaby11 · 19/11/2013 19:55

Agree about Constance - avoid with your surname!

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mathanxiety · 19/11/2013 19:55

Some French names that are currently in the top 25 in Germany (approximately as I don't think there is an official publication on this as there is in some other countries):
Leonie
Marie
Lea
Charlotte
Amelie
Emilie
Sophie

Names that are popular in Germany (top 100) and probably wouldn't flummox a French or English person:
Mia
Pia
Zoe
Emma
Frida
Isabelle
Eva
Romy
Annabelle/ Annabel

These would all work well in English too.

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mathanxiety · 19/11/2013 19:56

Maybe not Pia No Grin

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