Just FYI: Manon is also a common Welsh name so if they both have Welsh ancestry, perhaps that’s why they chose it.

Chiara – Thanks, I think I have a better idea now.

I did see (and read) Manon des sources a few years ago, however it was in French so it doesn’t help much with the English pronounciation of the name…

Here in Quebec, Manon isn’t given much anymore, most Manons are well into their 40s now.

NL

Because the Roundup was written earlier in the week – we just set them to post live to the site on Sundays. It will be in next week’s.

Why aren’t they mentioned in the “It’s a Girl/It’s a Boy Weekly Roundup” entry ?

NL — it’s hard to explain in writing as you’re right, the sound doesn’t exactly translate in English. The best I can do is say that it’s close to “man-ahn” or “man-ohn” but the last “n” is inflected, not said as a hard “n” (the sound is at the top of the mouth and kind of nasally, but the tongue doesn’t touch the roof as it does with a hard “n”). It’s a beautiful name and getting less common in France these days.

There is a great old French movie called Manon des sources (Manon of the Spring) which you could watch to hear the pronounciation. It is the sequel to Jean de Florette.

Helen and Damian both have Welsh heritage. I haven’t heard of a French heritage. Perhaps their fansites will provide information about the name choice. Congratulations, Helen and Damian!

How is the name pronounced in English? I don’t think the French “on” sound exists in English.

One of my favorite names. I wonder if either of them has French heritage or if they just liked the name.