Etienne for a girl?

[thetxbelle]

Not trying to beat a dead horse now but maybe it would help you make your decision if you understood that France has naming traditions steeped in Catholicism, that's why it's not as much as a naming free for all like it is here and if you plan on returning there on a regular basis you might want to choose a name that culturally speaking "goe with the flow" even though the laws have now changed. You might want to choose something fashionable as well if you split your time between the two countries.

[sodallas3]

I think everyone is getting a bit carried away.
I truly think is pretty and I think depending on where you live would define on whether you could use it. A lot of people take names out of context and make them their own. From the names gender orientation to the meaning. For me, Taylor has the same definition as Amy, beloved friend. Because it was the name of my childhood friend who was really lovely. So in the end, it depends on what you like, and what best suits the child.

[emrys]

Well, I'm a bit biased since I adore Étienne. It's one of my all time favorite boy names.

Putting that aside, I do agree with the others that said it seems culturally ignorant. Especially since you will visit France, I don't think it's a good idea.

[beebear]

It's the culture thing, for sure. For me, this is the equivalent of ignorantly naming your child a 'pretty-sounding' word from another language, without thinking about whether or not it's appropriate. Just because it sounds feminine does not mean you should manipulate it into a female name.

Say someone from France (or wherever) named their little girl Robert because they thought it sounded pretty and feminine (even though it's clearly not). If they came to America and you met that little girl, tell me you wouldn't be just a little appalled.

Before I even came on nameberry and I knew nothing about names, I knew Etienne was a boy's name. Don't underestimate the people around you, they're probably not as ignorant as they seem.

[jersey_gray]

Although I never would have guessed this is a boys name I say no. Boys names should be left to the boys!

[shaymin2]

No it's common knowledge in the US too
I know nothing about France, never taken a French class, but I know it's a man's name. America is a country of immigrants, France used to own part of it. I know Haitains, French Creoles, and Cajuns

Etienne is also a last name so you might get away with it if you say it's a namesake

This exactly. I think it is pretty common knowledge in the U.S. due to all the above reasons, but if you love the name that much, then use it. I just still think it is nicer for a boy

[josephine_on_4th]

Sure. As long as you understand you're naming your daughter "Steve." Not Stephanie or a cute, unisex "Stevie". Steve. Or Steven. If you would just as surely name your daughter Steven, then go for it.

[sarajoy]

I think it could be used for a girl. The only time I've seen it used here was in the book "The Invention of Hugo Cabret." It had a male character named Etienne. Pardon my ignorance, but how is it pronounced?

[margaux]

I think everyone is getting a bit carried away.
I truly think is pretty and I think depending on where you live would define on whether you could use it. A lot of people take names out of context and make them their own. From the names gender orientation to the meaning. For me, Taylor has the same definition as Amy, beloved friend. Because it was the name of my childhood friend who was really lovely. So in the end, it depends on what you like, and what best suits the child.

Yeah I agree. OK so its not useable in many people's opinions... but I don't really see it as culturally ignorant or such a huge offense when we have so many boy names that people use as girl names, or are only used as girl names now.

[lyricmom]

Yeah I agree. OK so its not useable in many people's opinions... but I don't really see it as culturally ignorant or such a huge offense when we have so many boy names that people use as girl names, or are only used as girl names now.

I don't think it's a cultural offense in the U.S. where appropriating boy names for girls is common practice, but as one poster noted, it's just not done in France. I'm not sure someone from France would take offense necessarily, but I am certain they would think it strange (and perhaps culturally ignorant).