Would this masculine name with a feminine feel be a good alternative to [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]?
I actually knew a female Charlemagne (I think she spelled it differently though). It’s never read as exclusively masculine to me, so I think it could work.
Hmm, I think [name_f]Charmaine[/name_f] or [name_f]Charmian[/name_f] is a better alternative than Charlemagne. It’s a “pretty” sound but too out there for me. I like medieval history and can’t imagine it as a personal name, on a girl or boy.
Charlemagne is one of the most incredibly important historical figures in European history and the name is strictly connected to him. It’s impossible for me to imagine anyone being able to successful carry the name (which literally translates to “[name_m]Charles[/name_m] the Great”), gender aside. I wouldn’t even recommend it for a boy. It feels like naming a child/daughter “Emperor [name_u]Constantine[/name_u]” or “[name_m]King[/name_m] [name_m]George[/name_m]”. My feelings are strong about this because I specialized in medieval European history in school and particularly love the Frankish kingdom, but it really has one strong association and is more of a title than a name.
I think it could work. It just depends. I think there are names like Charlemagne that will always be associated with one person - [name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f], for instance. But as somebody toying with the idea of Ozymandias, which feels much more out there than Charlemagne, I could see the appeal. [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] is, after all, just a form of [name_m]Charles[/name_m]. And I see what you mean about Charlemagne not striking you as exclusively or particularly masculine.
I think it’s too fussy for a real-life person.
I agree with @tanaquil–I think [name_f]Charmaine[/name_f] would be a lovely alternative to [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] and extremely similar in sound to Charlemagne. I don’t think I’d go with Charlemagne, though, just because it has such a strong connection to a male historical figure, regardless of whether it sounds particularly masculine or not.
I think that Charlemagne is excessive for a boy or a girl.
Why does Charlemagne have a feminine feel?
[name_m]Just[/name_m] no… It’s super masculine… and I will not even give it to a boy, to be honest. Everybody knows about Charlemagne. It’s ridiculous in my opinion, sorry.
Thank you all! Your feedback is much appreciated!