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choosing baby names, classic names, flower names, middle names, nature names, nicknames, plant names, popular names, retro names, sibsets, The Baby Name Wizard, vintage names
Anya and Tom are expecting their second child in about three or four weeks, and although they have dutifully compiled a little list of names for each gender, they don’t have strong feelings about any of the names, which is making it hard for them to decide.
Girls List
- Elsie
- Belle
- Lily
- Rose
- Anya likes the names Pearl and Mabel
- Tom likes the name Josie
Boys List
- Stanley
- Reggie
- Jack
- Anya likes Monty, Billy and Eddie
- They have also considered Albie, Archie and Alfie
Anya and Tom’s Preferences
- Vintage names
- Nicknames, and names that can be shortened to a nickname
- Short names
- Not too fussed about popularity, and would prefer a popular name to something obscure
- Something which is a good match with their daughter, who is named Is**la
Anya and Tom would love suggestions of other names that fit their naming style, and their surname begins with E and ends with S eg Eadens. They don’t mind alliterative names, such as Elsie Eadens. They are also looking for middle names.
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Congratulations, Anya and Tom – you’re well-prepared, second-time-around parents-to-be who have done all their homework! You’ve drawn up your name lists, you know what you like, yet you are open to thinking of new names. Best of all, you have a positive, relaxed attitude to finding a baby name, and willing to have some fun in the process.
It sounds like you’ve already received some criticism for your name choices, and although I’m sure you handled it diplomatically, you do need to be able to make your decision without being swayed by others (including me!).
Because none of the names you’ve picked seems to have won your heart, I think it’s a good idea to keep looking, but don’t think that a name you don’t “love” should be crossed off. Sometimes we find the perfect name right away, but it takes a while for us to get emotionally attached to it. It’s amazing how many parents will end up going with a name they didn’t warm up to at first.
Even though you only have a few weeks to go, you don’t need to choose the name right now. I’d suggest that you finalise your name lists, and keep all your options open until after the birth. Once your new son or daughter is born, don’t be afraid to follow your heart, because chances are the right name will come to you intuitively if you’re patient and don’t try to force it.
(Middle names: I’ve written a short guide to middle names that might interest you).
GIRLS NAMES
It’s interesting you’re looking for a vintage name to match your daughter’s, because your little girl has quite a modern name, in that it’s only become popular quite recently. Because of that, I’d suggest that you might want to go with a classic or retro name that’s already popular or gaining rapidly in popularity.
Elsie and Lily are quite similar in sound to your daughter’s name – Elsie also has a vowel-L-S-vowel pattern, while three of Lily’s letters can be found in I’s name, and they both end in vowels. That makes me wonder if you would like a sister-name match that sounds a lot like your daughter’s? I actually think you and your daughter have quite similar names, so another one like that could make a “family set”. I notice you seem to like girl’s names with a strong L sound in them, so I’ve tried to find names that fit that pattern.
Rose and Belle are both really pretty, feminine names. I think classic Rose is my favourite of your names under consideration – sounds lovely with your surname, makes a good sibling match, and has a nice level of popularity. The Baby Name Wizard actually has Belle listed as a sister for Is**la! The two names together make me think of Belle Isle, a popular place name; they seem to make the phrase beautiful island. If you don’t end up using them, either name could become a middle name.
Suggestions
- Alice (sweet popular classic name, sounds similar to Elsie)
- Violet (elegant popular vintage flower name, same long I sound as her sister)
- Millie (vintage name rising rapidly in popularity, similar to Mabel and Lily)
- Molly (popular vintage name, similar to Mabel and Lily)
- Daisy (cute vintage flower name as an alternative to Lily and Rose)
- Tilly/Tillie (nickname alternative to Lily)
- Eva or Eve (pretty popular names that bring the nickname Evie, similar to Elsie)
- Lola (everything you asked for, but may seem too similar as a sibling name match)
BOYS NAMES
You seem to have considered quite a few boy’s names that got rejected, although I’m not sure if Albie/Alfie/Archie has been eliminated or is still in the running. Stanley and Jack are both classics, while Reggie is just coming in to fashion as a fresh alternative to Archie. I’m finding it hard to pick a front-runner, as they are all subtly different and have their points to offer.
Stanley has never gone out of use, and yet isn’t popular, although he is on the rise and pretty hip; while Jack and Reggie are laddish, Stanley nn Stan is sturdy and manly. Reggie is cute, and makes quite a daring choice – he seems like he has the potential to become the new Archie. Perennial favourite Jack never goes out of fashion, even though his popularity is currently slipping. I think Jack probably sounds best with your surname and as a brother to your little girl, but as you well know, he will be one of many Jacks (not that there’s anything wrong with that). I might be leaning slightly towards Stanley, but I think any of these names would make a fine choice.
Suggestions
- Will (a softer alternative to Billy; I think it would sound nice with his sister)
- Fred or Freddie (a cute but more surname-friendly alternative to Eddie)
- Percy (seems similar to Reggie)
- Gus (very hip old-style nicknamey name)
- Lenny (similar to both Stanley and Reggie, becoming very fashionable)
- Rex (short, strong vintage name; similar to both Reggie and Jack)
- Kit (similar to Jack, but with a touch of the west)
- Barnaby nn “Barney” (seems similar in feel to Monty)
NOTE: The baby’s name was Jack!
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Maybe Billie for a girl since they considered it for a boy and it is a lot less popular then Lily/ Tillie/Millie with the same “feel”
Billie would be cute, and also right on trend, with Wilhelmina being a new celebrity baby, daughter of Taylor Hanson.
I’m partial to Elsie or Archie/Albie/Alfie for these two. Of course, it might make them feel so inclined to do another vowel for a possible third kid, but they also seem like names that meet this couple in the middle. Elsie is a bit like Josie, just more old-fashioned to suit mum, and the A names are a nice complement to the first daughter’s name, too.
I like the idea of an all-vowel sibset! It gives you quite a few options.
I think Gus is a great suggestion. My 6yr old is named Gus and I am named Isabella and they always sound lovely together, so may work with your daughters name. I came to Gus after being convinced I was going to name him Albie.
I am 6 months pregnant now and also considering Rex.
You’ve got some great names here 🙂
Oh wow, that’s rather a coincidence … Gus and Rex would be very handsome as brothers. Congratulations on your soon-to-be baby! 🙂
Posey and Poppy would be great options – Lou did a good post about Poppy and her alternatives recently at Mer De Noms which got me thinking about Posey 🙂
Poppy and Posey are both sweet!
Girls: Lottie, Lou, Albi (I know it’s on the boys list but I met a girl albertine and she rocked it), Francis, Annelise, Ruby, Beatrice, Hazel, Georgie, Amberly
Boys: Hugo, Perry, Ari, Eric, Rowen, Arthur
Great suggestions, thanks Lauren! 🙂