Opinions on a strange Dutch name...
Floor
I'm from the Netherlands and it's a common name here. I'd just like to hear what your opinions are.
I'm from the Netherlands and it's a common name here. I'd just like to hear what your opinions are.
Replies
Well...in Swedish it doesn't mean anything, but obviously I know the English meaning.
But I know it's a totally normal name in the Netherlands, just like Joke and other names that may sound strange in English.
But I know it's a totally normal name in the Netherlands, just like Joke and other names that may sound strange in English.
I'm from the Netherlands as well. :)
Hmmm, the name is not my taste, as I personally don't like the same vowel twice in a name (meaning, no: -aa-, -ee- -ii-, -oo-, -uu-, -yy-). Apart from that, for some reason, the -loor part (as well as its pronunciation) has always reminded me of the Dutch word 'chloor' (= 'chlorine' in English), so I personally wouldn't consider using this name myself.
However, there are far worse names out there, so a little Floor could definitely be proud of her name. It's short and no-nonsense at least, so that's something. She'd easily blend in, hardly (if ever) get teased with her name and shouldn't have difficulties when applying for a job once she is an adult.
It's also worth thinking about where a Floor would grow up, though. I mean, if your plan is to spend a few years of your life abroad someday (*with* a kid, I mean), then Floor possibly isn't the best name for that kind of scenario. At least, not as a first name - only as a middle name. As you have already seen here, on this English-speaking board where the majority of users come from English-speaking countries, the association with the 'floor' (where one walks on) is unshakeable. So if you're ever going to live in an English-speaking country, even if it's just for a few years, Floor would not be a good idea. Instead, a more international name would be a better option.
Usually I don't think of such things, but after I recently read an interesting article from expat parents about how their child's name gets mangled or is misinterpreted abroad, I've begun looking at typical Dutch names in a bit of a different light. I am now of the mind that expectant parents - in this increasingly international world, thanks to e.g. the Internet - should pay more attention to what ramifications a name might have when abroad. If you see what I mean. :) For example, the names Joke and Freek would be perfectly normal here in the Netherlands, but abroad, a child with those names would unfortunately be subject to ridicule. :(
Hmmm, the name is not my taste, as I personally don't like the same vowel twice in a name (meaning, no: -aa-, -ee- -ii-, -oo-, -uu-, -yy-). Apart from that, for some reason, the -loor part (as well as its pronunciation) has always reminded me of the Dutch word 'chloor' (= 'chlorine' in English), so I personally wouldn't consider using this name myself.
However, there are far worse names out there, so a little Floor could definitely be proud of her name. It's short and no-nonsense at least, so that's something. She'd easily blend in, hardly (if ever) get teased with her name and shouldn't have difficulties when applying for a job once she is an adult.
It's also worth thinking about where a Floor would grow up, though. I mean, if your plan is to spend a few years of your life abroad someday (*with* a kid, I mean), then Floor possibly isn't the best name for that kind of scenario. At least, not as a first name - only as a middle name. As you have already seen here, on this English-speaking board where the majority of users come from English-speaking countries, the association with the 'floor' (where one walks on) is unshakeable. So if you're ever going to live in an English-speaking country, even if it's just for a few years, Floor would not be a good idea. Instead, a more international name would be a better option.
Usually I don't think of such things, but after I recently read an interesting article from expat parents about how their child's name gets mangled or is misinterpreted abroad, I've begun looking at typical Dutch names in a bit of a different light. I am now of the mind that expectant parents - in this increasingly international world, thanks to e.g. the Internet - should pay more attention to what ramifications a name might have when abroad. If you see what I mean. :) For example, the names Joke and Freek would be perfectly normal here in the Netherlands, but abroad, a child with those names would unfortunately be subject to ridicule. :(
This message was edited 6/23/2013, 1:05 AM
Oh, thanks for that last article!
I laughed so hard as Margot as “Mar-rhfhghghhfh-o”. Lol, so true! To be honest, I'd even avoid names with a G, because of the sound 'above the rivers'. Being from the south, it's not even pleasant to hear to my ears. In speech it's okay, but I wouldn't want to have a name with a G here...
It also reminds me of when my brother went on an exchange with Germany. He's Stijn, but there they were baffled, thinking he was called 'stein' (= 'stone' in German).
I've had hell with Marjolijn in New Zealand as well. I got so annoyed at being called Moylin and Marilyn.
I laughed so hard as Margot as “Mar-rhfhghghhfh-o”. Lol, so true! To be honest, I'd even avoid names with a G, because of the sound 'above the rivers'. Being from the south, it's not even pleasant to hear to my ears. In speech it's okay, but I wouldn't want to have a name with a G here...
It also reminds me of when my brother went on an exchange with Germany. He's Stijn, but there they were baffled, thinking he was called 'stein' (= 'stone' in German).
I've had hell with Marjolijn in New Zealand as well. I got so annoyed at being called Moylin and Marilyn.
Well, it's not as bad as using Pippa if you're Swedish.
But it wouldn't work in English speaking countries.
But it wouldn't work in English speaking countries.
What does Pippa mean in Swedish, then?
LOL
It mean "to f*ck"!
It mean "to f*ck"!
While it's definitely a bad idea in English, I like it for a Dutch baby. I also know a Flor, so I'm used to it I guess.
Seems silly to me, because it's a word. Flora is pretty though.
I love this name. It reminds me of Fleur.
It's something you walk on, not a name.
Same here. I don't think it would work in an English speaking country.
I know a little Spanish and am familiar with the name Flor, so Floor doesn't seem so strange to me.
I think it's a nice name and a great alternative to Flora.