[name_f]My[/name_f] husband and I are expecting a girl and would like to somehow honor my grandmothers, both of whom were really strong, positive role models in my life and both of whom were named [name_f]Frances[/name_f]! He’s not a big fan of the name [name_f]Frances[/name_f], so it would have to be a variant. It would also be nice to somehow tie into my husband’s hispanic background, although it’s not a deal-breaker, as she will have his hispanic last name. [name_f]Francisca[/name_f] seems like a natural choice, as the Spanish version of [name_f]Frances[/name_f], but neither of us love it. We like [name_f]Francesca[/name_f] better, although prefer the pronunciation “[name_u]Fran[/name_u]-sess-ka” vs. the more common “[name_u]Fran[/name_u]-ches-ka.” [name_f]Francina[/name_f] is also an option.
Thoughts? Suggestions on other [name_f]Frances[/name_f] options? [name_m]How[/name_m] much of an issue do you think it is to choose the less common (i.e., “[name_u]Fran[/name_u]-sess-ka”) pronunciation of a name? Are we dooming our daughter to a lifetime of correcting people? Does [name_f]Francesca[/name_f] read as overly Italian? Does [name_f]Francina[/name_f] read as overly [name_m]French[/name_m]? Neither of us has Italian or [name_m]French[/name_m] heritage, and while it certainly wouldn’t be an issue, we’re both curious for reactions.
Finally, our last name is 3 syllables and ends in “a,” and I’m wondering if it’s a bit “much” to have a first name that does the same.
[name_f]My[/name_f] grandmothers middle names were [name_f]Christine[/name_f] and [name_u]Jordan[/name_u] respectively, so we could potentially use a variant on those names, although part of the appeal with [name_f]Frances[/name_f] is that it honors both.
What about [name_u]Frankie[/name_u]? After [name_u]Drew[/name_u] Barrymore name her baby girl [name_u]Frankie[/name_u], after grandmother [name_f]Frances[/name_f], I am totally crushing on the name.
Personally I’ve never heard [name_f]Francesca[/name_f] pronounced the way you describe. Maybe alter the spelling to Fransesca?
I like [name_f]Francesca[/name_f], but to me the right pronunciation is the chess sound. I think the child/adult would have to correct people her whole life. Not the worst fate on earth, but not much fun either.
I love that you’re honoring both of your grandmas at once!
I wouldn’t worry about [name_f]Francesca[/name_f] or [name_f]Francina[/name_f] having Italian & [name_m]French[/name_m] heritage as they are both widely used.
I agree that you may have to correct people at times if you go with the ‘sess’ pronunciation for [name_f]Francesca[/name_f]. It’s a beautiful name though so maybe it’s worth it!
[name_f]Francisca[/name_f] is also lovely and perhaps more straight forward in terms of pronunciation?
Hmm I’m with you. I prefer the e in [name_f]Francesca[/name_f], but I like the siss-ka pronunciation of [name_f]Francisca[/name_f]. I think it’s fine to pronounce [name_f]Francesca[/name_f] with the ss sound–it is closer to [name_f]Frances[/name_f] and an honor name after all. The problem is whether you want to give your daughter with the type of name that will often be mispronounced. Lots of people have them and still love their names. But lots of others find it a burden.
As for [name_f]Christine[/name_f] and [name_u]Jordan[/name_u], you could do a fn/mn combo with [name_f]Christiane[/name_f] and [name_f]Jordana[/name_f]?
A 3 syllable first and last combo both ending in -a is going to be sing songy. ([name_f]My[/name_f] parents did that to me). I would go with [name_u]Frankie[/name_u] or [name_f]Francine[/name_f].
What about [name_f]Justine[/name_f]?
I’m not personally fond of any of the [name_f]Frances[/name_f] variations but [name_f]Justine[/name_f] seems like a good combo of [name_f]Christine[/name_f] and [name_u]Jordan[/name_u].
[name_f]Justine[/name_f] [name_f]Frances[/name_f], perhaps?
Or [name_f]Christan[/name_f]? Like [name_f]Kristen[/name_f]. [name_f]My[/name_f] cousin’s name is [name_f]Christan[/name_f].
[name_f]My[/name_f] favorite of the [name_f]Frances[/name_f] variations is [name_f]Francine[/name_f]. I love the softness mixed with the spunky vibe. Fresh with a vintage flair and just frilly enough to be feminine. I also love the nn’s [name_f]Francie[/name_f] and Cici. So adorable!
I have a great-great Aunt [name_f]Frances[/name_f]. I’ve always loved her name! I also love [name_f]Francesca[/name_f] and [name_f]Francine[/name_f]. They sound so exotic with with some sex appeal. [name_f]My[/name_f] mother always told me of some other options to think about with the [name_f]Frances[/name_f] twist. I have them on my list of lists. [name_f]Fanchon[/name_f], [name_f]Ziska[/name_f], [name_f]Chica[/name_f], [name_f]Paquita[/name_f], & [name_f]Fancette[/name_f]. Some other names I like that might have the [name_f]Frances[/name_f] feel are: [name_f]Cissy[/name_f], [name_f]Franci[/name_f], or [name_f]Freya[/name_f]. I also like [name_u]Fran[/name_u] or [name_f]Francene[/name_f]. There are many options out there but I think it depends on your style. Good [name_m]Luck[/name_m]!
