Blythe?

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-08-2004
Blythe?
22
Sun, 07-18-2004 - 10:59am
Thoughts on this older name? I've seen it spelled both Blythe and Blithe. Which do you think is the original spelling? Like? Dislike? It's a name I've always been attracted to, but most people in my area have either never heard of it, or make a face. So just curious!
Amy, mom to Nate (9), Calvin (7), and Tobias (4). You can find me at my blogs:

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-14-2003
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Sun, 07-18-2004 - 7:10pm
DH's cousin named her dd Blythe several years ago & I don't care for it. It's been the 1st & only time I've heard that name. When I hear Blythe I think of "blight" which isn't a positive connotation. Sorry. Wish I could say something good about that name!
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-04-2003
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 1:02am
I think of Bill Clinton because it was his father's last name. When he was adopted by his stepfather his last name was changed to Clinton.
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-16-2003
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 6:48am
It is a lovely, lovely name! I prefer the "Y" spelling, but both are good. I think, but am not positive, that Blythe is the most common spelling.

Don't pay any attention to those face-making people. Blythe is a wonderful name! Sophisticated and pretty. One way to prevent the negativity is to NOT tell anyone what names you are considering. Most people won't say (or do) anything negative once you've actually named your baby, but everyone feels that it's fine to do beforehand. Tell everyone that the name is going to be a surprise. That'll teach 'em to make faces at your name selections!

Good luck!

Cara

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 9:16am
I like it, spelled Blythe. Makes me think of Gilbert Blythe from Anne of Green Gables...
iVillage Member
Registered: 05-06-2003
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 12:44pm
Like it!

I like that it is uncommon and easy to pronounce (my faves when picking a baby name). Lately I've been looking at old old old names. Have you considered a variation from the old south - Blythena? Bylthe and Blythena are both very pretty.

Good luck.

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-04-2004
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 5:02pm

I would think the original spelling is Blythe. I kind of like it, but I'm not sure. I mean, it reminds me of Blythe Danner, which in a way makes it seem like a classy name to me....


But it also sounds like the word "blight" to me, so that brings about negative connotations. And for some reason, it also makes me think of cheese (Brie). So between cheese and famine, that's what comes to mind when I LOOK at the name. When I HEAR the name, the connotations change, and I feel that the name is classy. It's still not something I would pick, but I would definitely consider it as a mn.


Best of luck to you!

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-15-2004
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 7:02pm
I know what you mean - this name has attracted me too, and you probably have heard of Blythe, California. It's a dusty town near the border of Arizona. I'd prefer the spelling Blythe ... I think it's a graceful, uncommon name. It somehow reminds me of the color blue. But yes, I found the same reception you did (frowns, "WHAT?", inability to pronounce). However, if you love this name, follow your instincts. If you are unsure, perhaps you can give your child a middle name that she can use if she doesn't like Blythe.

Best wishes to you!

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2004
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Mon, 07-19-2004 - 8:43pm
It fits perfectly on Blythe Danner. I think everyone will need some time to get used to it.
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-29-2004
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Tue, 07-20-2004 - 4:25pm
I prefer the Blythe spelling like Blythe Danner, that and Blithe makes my mind take a leap to the word blight not a pleasant word for a child. It's funny how the mind does things like that since I have no problem with Blythe at all. I think it's a fine name.

Lillie and baby 2/7/05

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-29-2003
In reply to: wrldpossibility
Tue, 07-20-2004 - 8:16pm
I'll add my two cents and say that I like Blythe a lot. I definitely prefer the spelling Blythe, which is the only spelling I've actually seen.

I, too, of course think of Blythe Danner. Until recently, the only person I knew with the name was a lawyer in her mid-30s... blonde, very smart. So I have a good association with the name.

Also, as a point of interest, I live in NYC, and someone I work with recently named her daughter Blythe Emilia.