Boys Name for Girl- Experience/Opinions?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Boys Name for Girl- Experience/Opinions?
18
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 11:33am

We're considering a traditionally male name for our daughter. It's not a macho-sounding name, by any stretch of the imagination, but historically it has been used for boys. I know that it is not uncommon to use a boys' name for a girl - I can tell from recent birth announcements and also from this board that names like Ryan, Evan, Grayson/Graysen, Austin/Austyn, and so on, are being used for girls. But before we make a decision, I'd love to hear from anyone who has used or considered a boys' name for a girl (or anyone who has a boys' name herself or knows someone who has one!) - any problems? regrets? advice?

Thanks!! ~Dee

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iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 12:48pm

I worked with a girl named Michaela who went by Mike.

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-15-2007
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 1:04pm
Thanks! That is very helpful.
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2006
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 2:22pm
For Ryan, i'd spell it Riane. That's how this girl spelled it in my humanities class!
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-09-2007
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 2:48pm

I think it totally depends on the name and the child. I've known a Sam (Samantha), Joey (Josephine), Chris (Christine) and Alex (Alexis)... and then there are names like Renee or Campbell that could be either gender, really.

I don't know if it causes problems, per se, but it is really dependent upon the name.

gavin.gif mini pooper from tara picture by caulyne
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-07-2004
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 3:48pm

Hi Dee -

I have what is considered a 'boy' name - Blair. Now its not a very common name like Ryan or Sam, etc, but it is/was listed as a boy name for many years in baby name books. I have always loved my name. I did/do run into trouble with companies assuming i am a boy and are sometimes surprised to hear my voice and know i'm female. As a young girl - i wrote a letter to the president and got a letter back addressing Mr. Blair ____. I was SO mad! I have a very female mn which i could have used...but i liked the originality of my fn. And to have an uncommon name as well - i did have trouble with personalized things. So like pp have said - would depend on the name you decide to go with.

I will say that if i had a common male name...i probably would have had a different experience. There was 1 other boy (and 1 girl) in High School with Blair - so it wasn't like i was surrounded by many males or even girls w/my name.

I hope that helps -

good luck

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-02-2005
Tue, 06-19-2007 - 5:30pm
I knew a girl who spelled it Ryanne (even though, technically, the spelling would have made the pronunciation "ry-ANN"). She pronounced it the same as Ryan, though. I think it's fine just Ryan, but either way, it's a cute name.
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 8:59pm

Hi - I just had to add to this post...my name is Timmie (when I was younger I actually spelled it Timmy) - my parents named me Timothy. They didn't want boys - they just liked the name. I must say that growing up I HATED when we would have substitute teachers - they would always assume I was Tim - and I always had to correct them - but for the most part I loved having a name that was "unique" to me. I had so many friends named Amy or Jennifer - it was kind of special to be different. I always get asked about my name - and yes - alot of times I have to repeat or spell it for people but I would NOT shy away from a boys name for a girl. I truly love my name now (I'm 36) and my sister who has a terribly popular girly name (Katie) has always been jealous! AND...I have to be honest - when I hear "Timmy" for a boy it kind of makes me chuckle!

BTW...My daughter is named Kendall and I'm surprised at how many people thought I gave her a "boys" name because my name is boyish...I have never thought of Kendall as a boy's name.

Good luck with what ever you choose!

Timmie

iVillage Member
Registered: 07-31-2003
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 10:30pm
I tried to get DH to let me name this little girl Elliott. I love it but DH isn't comfortable with it being a boys name. I love Ryan, I'd spell it just like a boy would spell it, but probably give her a feminine middle name. Good luck.


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-12-2007
Sat, 06-23-2007 - 11:22pm

That is so funny - we are having another baby and if it had been a girl she would have probably been Elliott Claire. I LOVE Elliott for a girl but no such luck for us - this is baby #4 - our 3rd boy and LAST kiddo! :) Now I just need to name him...hehe

BTW I love Ryan for a girl as well - it was on MY girl list too!

Good luck to you too!

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-13-2006
Sun, 06-24-2007 - 3:22am

I have what is mostly considered a boys name(Rikki). Heck I also have what most people could call a boys name for a middle name(Dawn). I love my name I wouldn't change it. There where almost no other kids with my name growing up. I was named after my dad so that makes it even more special. I would give my DD a "boy" name if I liked it enough. Nobody has ever said anything about it and contray to popular belief no I in no way suffered social or career wise for having a "boy" name nor was I ever teased for it. I say go for it!


Good luck!

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