[Opinions] Re: French double names, anyone? (and Hilary)
in reply to a message by Dot
I like the names themselves, but the hyphenated, accented names strike me as kind of pretentious unless there is family history.
I worry about that with Hilary as well. I have liked the name for a while -- pleasant sound, nice meaning -- but I do tend to think of Clinton, and so do most people I know. Granted, her immediate media presence is probably a factor, and if she loses the election, the association will go down in coming years. But, then, if she wins... I won't be having kids for a little while yet, so I would just wait it out.
I worry about that with Hilary as well. I have liked the name for a while -- pleasant sound, nice meaning -- but I do tend to think of Clinton, and so do most people I know. Granted, her immediate media presence is probably a factor, and if she loses the election, the association will go down in coming years. But, then, if she wins... I won't be having kids for a little while yet, so I would just wait it out.
Replies
If it's not hyponated, but is still accented, would it still seem pretentious? Like, if I used Marie Léonide or Marie Thérèse, with those being the middle names? I don't think I could use Leonide or Therese, it would just look so wrong, since accents are part of the spelling. (Also, isn't Therese a German name pronounced ter-EES-uh?) There's no family history, unless you count my French stepgrandmother.
Edith I can totally leave the accent off, because it's correct spelled Edith. The others might drive me a little batty, though.
Edith I can totally leave the accent off, because it's correct spelled Edith. The others might drive me a little batty, though.