[name]Nancy[/name] to me is one of those baby boomer names, like [name]Linda[/name] or [name]Debbie[/name]. It’s hard for me to picture it on a little girl though I guess the [name]Fancy[/name] [name]Nancy[/name] books might help to modernize it.
Not sure I like [name]Nancy[/name]. Still a little too dated for my tastes. [name]Love[/name] [name]Flora[/name] [name]Beatrix[/name] from your signature though!!
I love the name personally and dislike [name]Pearl[/name]…but I think most people find [name]Pearl[/name] more appealing is because they’ve never known a [name]Pearl[/name] meanwhile [name]Nancy[/name] is my dad’s chainsmoking ex, the fat office manager at my doctor’s office ect. I think that it’s former popularity is it’s downfall.
most people can’t get into [name]Linda[/name] or [name]Joan[/name] or [name]Theresa[/name] for the ‘dated’ thing too, yet [name]Mabel[/name], [name]Hazel[/name] & [name]Eloise[/name] are well-loved!
The name [name]Nancy[/name] isn’t the worst name out there and it’s probably rising in the UK due to the fact that the British Prime Minister has a little girl with this name. The first person that comes to mind is First Lady [name]Nancy[/name] [name]Reagan[/name]. The biggest issue for me: “a nancy” is a derogatory slang word for “an effeminate male” (eg. gay man). I think for that reason it’s probably better in the middle spot.
You know mischa I didn’t know that [name]David[/name] [name]Cameron[/name] had a daughter called [name]Nancy[/name]! Could be associated with that, though I doubt anyone would admit it as he’s not exactly popular. I personally don’t see an issue with the ’ a nancy’ association, not really much of a problem for a girl [name]IMO[/name], would be different if it was a boys name
[name]Nancy[/name], to me, is one of a semi-large class of names ([name]Barbara[/name], [name]Deborah[/name], and [name]Susan[/name], among others) that have both very appealing, vintage and historical connotations that would be excellent for a child’s name, and also very unappealing, Boomerish connotations that I’d want to run as far away from as possible. I wish it were possible to harness only the good connotations of these names and be free of the bad ones, but it doesn’t seem to be. Which is a shame, because these names are quite pretty and some of the historical/literary associations they have are really excellent. So I’d consider these names risky–yes, the positives about them are good, but why risk having the negatives when there are so many great names out there that don’t make you think “all of my mom’s uncoolest friends” before you think of anything else?
It’s a weird set of names, because most names I either like or don’t, and pretty much all of the names I like I would hope to be considered usable in at least some circumstances–but these names are in a strange netherworld, for me.
Really interesting topic.
I think that the general vibe of the family steers my mind towards whichever reference.
It’s funny cause I remember when dusty/flowery/old lady names were a rarity and my best friend chose [name]Violet[/name] for her daughter. She had to weigh to gorgeous flower/nature name/spunky V name/not popular against the geriatric image. She took the risk and not to long after [name]Ben[/name] Affleck did too & now [name]Violet[/name] is rather common.
I won’t be surprised when it’s [name]Karen[/name], [name]Nancy[/name], [name]Susan[/name] & [name]Joan[/name] that fashionable parents are choosing. It will seem weird for a bit than celebs will do it, then everyone else will do it. It’s really a generation of strong names & I like them better than [name]Emma[/name] & [name]Violet[/name] personally.
I like [name]Nancy[/name] and think like others have pointed out, I think it’s very useable and ahead of the Lindas etc in making a comeback. That said, I do consider it a nickname. Most of the Nancys/Nans I know of were [name]Ann/name and in one case [name]Agnes[/name].
I love [name]Nancy[/name]! I’m so glad you’re using it.