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While I know that it is legitimate, it holds similar air to that of 'kre8tiv' atrocities.
As for pronunciation... my first instinct is AB-ih-leen-- which is not correct.

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Ultimately, it is both sound-wise and visually too frilly and juvenile for my tastes; there is definitely no charming, bold professionalism about it.

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- Francesca

It has kind of a pretty sound to it, but is also kind of hillbilly, like something you might see on a farm girl during the Dust Bowl days.

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In Larry McMurtry's Last Picture Show series, there is a recurring character named Abilene. He is rich and arrogant and nobody likes him. It's never told whether Abilene is his first or last name or just a nickname from the town of Abilene.

It's not one that I would use myself, but I like it when it's pronounced AB-i-leen. It sounds warm and cheerful. ab-i-LEE-nee sounds too cutesy for my liking.

It makes me think of abalone. Also, bees, from the French word "abeille". I don't know, I just can't get behind it. It seems sort of whiny.

This message was edited 4/17/2012, 4:26 AM

I first saw this name in 'The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane' by Kate DiCamillo (which is a wonderful book) and I loved it. It suits the character really well. And plus, you can use Abby as a nickname!

Not bad for a city in Texas as a name. Far better than Houston.