[name_m]Hi[/name_m]
I’ve often heard one of my favourite names referred to as ‘spunky’. To me, when I hear spunky I think of a bit of a loud mouth brat who is overly opinionated 
This is not really what I’d call a desirable quality. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think I’m right in my interpretation and should I look for more demure and soft names?
Btw, the name I’m referring to is [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] 
Thanks for your input. I love discussing names with like minded people!
I always mean “spunky” as a compliment. To me, it implies someone is free-spirited, maybe a bit mischievous, but not bratty. [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is a great name, classic and energetic.
When I think spunky, I think of someone who is courageous, determined, spirited, energized, fun to be around.
[name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is spunky; but to me that means fun and confident.
I looked up spunky and the definition is: courageous and determined.
So, definitely keep [name_f]Eliza[/name_f]!
I agree with pp’s. Spunky to me means full of energy, in a good way. [name_u]Love[/name_u] [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] for that reason.
Same as pp’s, although I tend to use feisty instead, since spunk(y) has another definition where I come from :p. But in a name context I interpret it as energetic, adventurous, full of personality, and cool, like a good character in a novel, show or film. In terms of names it’s a plus, and [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] definitely has it.
My thoughts exactly. It’s a good thing.
To me it means it has a bit of ‘oomph.’ Fiesty, maybe a little quirky. I wouldn’t exactly describe [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] as spunky though. I would say shes more elegant, classical, and timeless.
Like the PPs, when people on here say a name is spunky, they mean it sounds upbeat and feisty. If people think the name sounds bratty or fussy, they’ll most likely tell you in plain terms. All in all, even if you have a negative view of the word spunky, I still wouldn’t let other peoples’ opinions corner you into finding new names you think are the antithesis of the negative name. Names don’t exist in a vacuum, and people are going to have all sorts of negative and positive associations no matter what name you pick. [name_m]Just[/name_m] use what you like. I think [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is a beautiful name; classic, but definitely feisty and “spunky” 
I think “spunky” is a great attribute when it really means courageous and spirited, especially when given to a beautiful name like [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] or [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] or . However, I’ve heard some people describe what I think of as ditzy, overly sexy, not-very-clever girl names as “spunky” names, which I would NEVER describe as spunky (such as: [name_f]Brandi[/name_f], [name_f]Candy[/name_f], [name_f]Kaylee[/name_f], [name_f]Karly[/name_f]). Sorry for the very judgemental opinions!
To me, spunky means quirky, full of life, free spirited and maybe a bit cheeky. Someone who has a mischievous streak, speaks their mind but a heart of gold. I think [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] fits that perfectly!
I love spunky names. 
I consider “spunky” a good thing - to me, it means interesting, catchy, not flat… vivacious and rebelliously charming.
I love names that are spunky! To me it means someone who is confident and able to stand up for themselves.
I agree with the all of the pp’s…I think spunky is a great quality to have. I always think of someone who is full of life and just has a certain “sparkle” to her.
Speaking personally, I had an [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] in my class the first year I taught Kindergarten…and she was one of my favorite kids I’ve ever taught (and also the reason [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] went on my name list)
For me spunky is great! Spunky has character! I love that! And [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is perfect! [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is elegant, classy but different, short and sweet and spunky! I love it, it’s one of my favorites!
Haha [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] IS spunky. Confident, fun, spirited and assertive! My daughters best friend is named [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] and that is exactly who she is! Terrific girl that I am glad is my daughters best friend♡
Honestly, I have the same connotations of the word “spunky” (bratty, out-mouthed). Also, “spunky” also has a rather unsavory definition in my neck of the woods…That’s why I try to be very careful about the adjectives I use to describe names.
To me it means quirky and fun, a name can be classic yet still be more upbeat than others which are calmer.
For example, [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f], [name_f]Georgia[/name_f], [name_f]Sophie[/name_f], [name_f]Clementine[/name_f], [name_f]Ivy[/name_f], [name_m]Oscar[/name_m], [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], [name_m]Leo[/name_m], [name_m]Milo[/name_m], [name_u]Theo[/name_u], etc. are all quirky (spunky) to me while [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], [name_f]Catherine[/name_f], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Edmund[/name_m], [name_m]Charles[/name_m], [name_m]Arthur[/name_m], [name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f], etc. are all on the more elegant side. I don’t think that one is better than the other and I do think that [name_f]Sophie[/name_f] and [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] or [name_f]Clara[/name_f] and [name_m]Oscar[/name_m], [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] and [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f],… would still make beautiful sibsets as they have enough in common (the classic feel) to work together while still being slightly different from one another.
Feisty, spirited, determined, confident, and persevering are not bad descriptions, you just have a slightly warped idea of the word “spunky” itself, and your interpretation is incorrect. It seems like you just have a bad association with the specific word, but “spunky” should be taken as a compliment. [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is a lovely, grounded, but spirited name. I think of [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] Thornberry and [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] Doolittle.
Also, I don’t think bestowing a “demure and soft” name necessarily means your child will be so. You never know what you’re gonna get! I think [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] could fit a quiet, patient child or a loud, confident one; it’s very versatile.
[name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is so cute! Also Spunky is a really good thing. Fun loving , free spirited , Funny all things that come to mind with spunky. I prefer it to pretty (which is probably why I’m in deep with the boys names on girls trend and girls names on boys trend.)