New Post
Search
Help[Opinions] Smith/Smythe?
I was thinking this surname lately and thought it could be a really cool name for a girl. Maybe tag it with a more feminine middle name like Genevieve. What do you think: interesting choice or a little too unique?
Please rate my PNL- http://www.behindthename.com/pnl/160692/109550
Favorites:
Thaddeus Olivia
Gregory Margot
Ezekiel Gwendolyn
Please rate my PNL- http://www.behindthename.com/pnl/160692/109550
Favorites:
Thaddeus Olivia
Gregory Margot
Ezekiel Gwendolyn
Archived Thread - replies disabled
1
Replies
Total, terminal yuck.
1
I don't really like it for a girl (sounds similar to Seth imo).
I do really like it for a boy though.
Smythe (which is pronounced differently as far as I'm aware) is awful for both.
I do really like it for a boy though.
Smythe (which is pronounced differently as far as I'm aware) is awful for both.
This message was edited 8/14/2016, 7:41 PM
1
If I set aside all feelings about the surname Smith and consider it as a first name, the thing I immediately notice is the initial SM- sound. I don't like how it feels. I like -ith names for girls and Smith *should* seem interesting because of that, but I just would not want to hear/say the initial SM sound that often.
I also don't like how Smythe sounds. It has a slimy quality like Silas.
Something like Nesmith would sound nicer, imo.
I also don't like how Smythe sounds. It has a slimy quality like Silas.
Something like Nesmith would sound nicer, imo.
1
I kinda expected that the idea of Smith for a girl would have a negative reception. However, what bewilders me the most is that the majority of you kept bringing up that it would be bad for a boys name, let alone a girls name, when I never even mention Smith for a boy.
Plus the reason Smith sounds so boring is because a very common surname. Kinda strange to hate a surname cuz it's common...
Plus the reason Smith sounds so boring is because a very common surname. Kinda strange to hate a surname cuz it's common...
1
I brought it up as a boy name because while its bad enough on a boy, its worse on a girl. I also brought it up as a boy name because, well, the only person I know with the name Smith as a first name is the character on Sex and the City, who was a male.
Its not that we hate Smith as a surname, we hate Smith as a forename because its a common surname. Plus, because its so common, what happens if your daughter named Smith marries a guy named Smith? I guess she could keep her maiden name, but what if its always been her dream to take her husband's name?
Its not that we hate Smith as a surname, we hate Smith as a forename because its a common surname. Plus, because its so common, what happens if your daughter named Smith marries a guy named Smith? I guess she could keep her maiden name, but what if its always been her dream to take her husband's name?
1
I'm going to add to my answer because you brought up some fair points.
The problem with Smith isn't that it's popular as a surname; it's that it's the generic surname. That's why I think it falls so flat as a first name (on a boy or girl, and I brought up a boy because I met one). I agree with you that inherently hating a name just because it's popular or a surname doesn't necessarily make sense, and normally that's criticism I'd ignore, but Smith is a special case where it's beyond just "common", I think.
The problem with Smith isn't that it's popular as a surname; it's that it's the generic surname. That's why I think it falls so flat as a first name (on a boy or girl, and I brought up a boy because I met one). I agree with you that inherently hating a name just because it's popular or a surname doesn't necessarily make sense, and normally that's criticism I'd ignore, but Smith is a special case where it's beyond just "common", I think.
1
Actually, I think it does make sense to hate a name because its popular. Not in the sense that you would hate a band because everyone else likes it, but because its just boring and terribly "keeping up with the Jones'" to have the same name. Even that phrase brings up a valid point. It may as well be "keeping up with the Smiths" its so common.
1
No, Smith is a surname. Or an occupation. I don't think it makes a good middle name. Like naming a Welsh kid Jones.
This message was edited 8/14/2016, 12:55 PM
1
Terrible idea. It's not interesting or unique, just bad. I think it's awful for a boy and worse for a girl. I really dislike the sound of Smith as well.
1
Despite being unusual for a first, it's such a dull and common surname (in English speaking countries at least) that the novelty is cancelled out. I dislike it a lot for girls and boys.
1
I find this name unattractive for boys, let alone for girls.
1
It's the most boring surname ever. I really dislike it as a first name, boy or girl. I don't think a ultra-feminine middle name helps since Smith is what she would have to live with on a daily basis.
1
It's terrible as a first name for a girl, or a boy either.
1
The only time Smith/Smythe would be acceptable on any child is if it's the mother's maiden name and even then I'd side eye it unless it was in the middle.
This message was edited 8/14/2016, 8:09 AM
1
It's terrible. Not because it would be unique (which it probably wouldn't be), but just because surnames on girls are bad, IMO.
1
Its yuck enough on a boy. On a girl its even worse. There is nothing remotely feminine or smart about it. Not to mention its about thee most boring last name ever.
1