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HelpThe most stereotypical name for an English girl
So I was at an improvisation workshop and we were creating a story whose protagonist was supposed to have the most stereotypical name for an English girl. We’re not talking particular realism here, the character in question had been ostracized from her family because she preferred hot chocolate to tea.
I suggested the name Betty, which was accepted, I’m wondering what you guys think.
“Someone once said that it wasn’t so hard to do right; what was hard was to know what was right to do.”
William X. Kienzle
I suggested the name Betty, which was accepted, I’m wondering what you guys think.
“Someone once said that it wasn’t so hard to do right; what was hard was to know what was right to do.”
William X. Kienzle
Replies
The first name that jumped into my head was Beatrice.
That may not be very accurate. I'm not sure how common it currently is in the UK. But it's an English name that I'd associate more with the UK than other English-speaking places.
That may not be very accurate. I'm not sure how common it currently is in the UK. But it's an English name that I'd associate more with the UK than other English-speaking places.
I know an English Poppy who's about 8 or 10 by now. And I know two adult English sisters named Maryrose and Heather. Their parents wanted to name their first daughter Rosemary, but one of her grandmothers objected strenuously that it was too common, so they rearranged it.
Betty seems very dated to me, but I don't have any data!
Betty seems very dated to me, but I don't have any data!
Well, Betty's an English-language name, but it doesn't really say "England" or "British" to me at all.
I'd pick something like Poppy or Jemima or Matilda.
I'd pick something like Poppy or Jemima or Matilda.
If I’m thinking of stereotypical upper-crust-y British names, I’d have to say Philippa/Pippa. (I happen to love that name lol)
My mind goes straight to Anne and Rose, although those aren't stereotypically young sounding.
Other ones, hmm. Isla, Imogen, Jemima, Daisy, Harriet.
It looks like Betty has risen in popularity in the UK in recent years, so it's not unrealistic. It sounds older/retro to me (in contrast to comparable NNs like Ellie), but I'm American.
Other ones, hmm. Isla, Imogen, Jemima, Daisy, Harriet.
It looks like Betty has risen in popularity in the UK in recent years, so it's not unrealistic. It sounds older/retro to me (in contrast to comparable NNs like Ellie), but I'm American.
This message was edited 10/13/2024, 1:18 PM
Imogen 100%!
I would go with Poppy. Kind of silly, very English.
The only Poppy I know is American.
That doesn't change the fact that Poppy is much more popular in England.