Hello! Your children have wonderful names, and I adore their vintage-cool nicknames. From your list, my favorite for a girl is [name_f]Julia[/name_f]. If you aren’t bothered by repeated initials, I think it is just about perfect: Classic, feminine, and it splits the syllable count between [name_m]John[/name_m] and [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], if you’re worried about length. Plus, it comes with a plethora of potential nicknames: ([name_u]Julie[/name_u], [name_f]Lia[/name_f], [name_u]Jules[/name_u], [name_f]Gia[/name_f], etc.) For boys, my favorite is [name_m]Walter[/name_m] nn [name_m]Walt[/name_m]. I love how strong and vintage it is, and the nickname [name_m]Walt[/name_m] is simply fantastic.
Boys Suggestions:
[name_m]Colin[/name_m]: I must admit that I am a bit biased, as this is my brother’s name, but it could be perfect for you. It’s very traditional, with long-ago origins, and has a great sound. I like the subtle connections between the “o” sound in [name_m]John[/name_m] and [name_m]Colin[/name_m] and the “l” sound in [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] and [name_m]Colin[/name_m].
[name_m]Grant[/name_m]: This name is just as solid as [name_m]John[/name_m] and [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], and is only one syllable long. It is a tailored, classic choice.
[name_m]Philip[/name_m] nn [name_u]Phil[/name_u]/[name_m]Peter[/name_m] nn [name_m]Pete[/name_m]: Both of these names are long-loved classics, and for good reason: They have strong consonant sounds and are mature, steady choices.
[name_m]Joseph[/name_m] nn [name_m]Joe[/name_m] or [name_u]Joey[/name_u]: Both of your children have firm, serious names with fun, cool nicknames, and this is a perfect way to continue that trend. [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is professional and classic, while [name_m]Joe[/name_m] and [name_u]Joey[/name_u] are perfect laid-back nicknames.
[name_m]Ralph[/name_m]: One syllable, somewhat unexpected, and with great sounds: It reminds me of [name_m]Walter[/name_m] and [name_m]Clark[/name_m] from your list.
[name_m]Hugh[/name_m]: At only one syllable, this name is the definition of tailored strength. It has the adventurous connotations of [name_m]Clark[/name_m] but is very traditional, like [name_m]John[/name_m].
[name_m]Frederick[/name_m] nn [name_m]Fred[/name_m]: A longer name, but with one of the coolest retro nicknames ever. I love the strong consonant sounds and the distinguished, classic feel.
Other ideas: [name_m]Calvin[/name_m] nn [name_u]Cal[/name_u], [name_m]Daniel[/name_m] nn [name_m]Dan[/name_m], [name_m]Henry[/name_m], [name_m]Oliver[/name_m] nn [name_u]Ollie[/name_u], [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] nn [name_u]Theo[/name_u] (one of my favorites!), and [name_m]Miles[/name_m].
Girls:
[name_f]Ivy[/name_f]: If you like [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] and [name_u]Vivian[/name_u], what about [name_f]Ivy[/name_f]? It’s short, sweet, classic, and tailored, with a “y” ending, just like [name_f]Lucy[/name_f], and shares the “v” sound with [name_u]Vivian[/name_u]. All of this is packed into just three short letters. Two other short, classic, stunning “I” names are [name_f]Irene[/name_f] and [name_f]Iris[/name_f]. A similar name: [name_f]Adele[/name_f].
[name_f]Catherine[/name_f] nn [name_f]Cate[/name_f] or [name_f]Cat[/name_f]/[name_f]Katherine[/name_f] nn [name_f]Kate[/name_f] or [name_f]Katie[/name_f]: Whenever I see [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], I am immediately reminded of this regal, elegant classic. It has a plethora of short, spunky nickname options, and suits your style so well. It combines many of the sounds of [name_f]Clara[/name_f] with the feel of [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]. Another thought: [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] nn [name_f]Carrie[/name_f] or [name_f]Carol[/name_f].
[name_u]Marian[/name_u] nn [name_f]Annie[/name_f] or [name_f]Ann[/name_f]: If you like [name_f]Mary[/name_f] but cannot use it, what about [name_u]Marian[/name_u]? It has that sophisticated, classic feel like [name_f]Julia[/name_f], and the nickname [name_f]Annie[/name_f] reminds me of the spunky [name_f]Julia[/name_f]. Another thought: [name_f]Anna[/name_f]!
[name_f]Jane[/name_f]: This could possibly be my favorite to you. Like [name_f]Mary[/name_f], it is the epitome of tailored, simple, feminine sophistication. It is a one-syllable classic. It has the shortness and “n” of [name_f]Gwen[/name_f], and the “J” of [name_f]Julia[/name_f]. [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], [name_m]John[/name_m], and [name_f]Jane[/name_f] sound exactly like siblings without being too matchy.
[name_f]Ruth[/name_f]: This name is such a gem, and I would love to see it used for a little girl. It’s very vintage, with lots of history and weight, just like [name_f]Mary[/name_f]. At only one syllable, it certainly fits the short criteria. [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], [name_m]John[/name_m], and [name_f]Ruth[/name_f] make a stunning sibset.
[name_f]Vera[/name_f]: The names you like tend to have a lot of tradition and weight, and [name_f]Vera[/name_f] certainly qualifies. It has a great meaning, classic status, and never goes out of style. It has the “v” of [name_u]Vivian[/name_u] and the “a” ending of [name_f]Julia[/name_f], but is more tailored than both.
[name_f]Margaret[/name_f] nn [name_f]Margo[/name_f], [name_f]Greta[/name_f], [name_f]Mara[/name_f], [name_f]Maggie[/name_f]…: [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] is just as feminine and refined as [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], with a treasure trove of nickname options. It’s a sophisticated, meaningful choice. [name_f]Margot[/name_f] could also make a great given name.
[name_f]Sarah[/name_f] nn [name_f]Sadie[/name_f]: If you can’t use [name_f]Clara[/name_f], what about the similar-sounding, equally classic [name_f]Sarah[/name_f]?
[name_f]Helen[/name_f] nn [name_f]Elle[/name_f] or [name_f]Ellie[/name_f]: I think [name_f]Helen[/name_f] is tailored enough that it doesn’t necessarily need a nickname, but you certainly have options. [name_f]Helen[/name_f] is one of the most beautiful, vibrant classic names out there, and shares the “n” ending with several of your favorites. [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], [name_m]John[/name_m], and [name_f]Helen[/name_f] is one of my favorite combos.
[name_f]Rachel[/name_f] Rach or [name_u]Rae[/name_u]: [name_f]Rachel[/name_f] is such a gorgeous name, and it has the “l” from many of your favorite names. Classic and refined.
[name_f]Josephine[/name_f] nn [name_u]Josie[/name_u]: I recommended [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] for a boy, and now I must recommend its equally classic, stylish counterpart for a girl. [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] is elegant, long, and feminine, like [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], but has the “J” sound as well. [name_f]Betsy[/name_f] and [name_u]Josie[/name_u] are spunky, lively sisters.
Other ideas: [name_f]Alice[/name_f], [name_f]Norah[/name_f], [name_f]Lydia[/name_f], [name_f]Audrey[/name_f], [name_f]Eve[/name_f].