I’ve been running into a name rut with my husband after falling in love with names like [name]Georgia[/name], [name]India[/name], and [name]Charlotte[/name] (all of which he rejected). So, after trying to simplify my taste to match his I came up with a choice I filed away long ago: [name]Maria[/name]. Now, I’m Italian so this seems like a perfect fit…however, it is also the name of an estranged aunt and I don’t want family to think I named my baby after her – I just love the name! Any advice berries?
That’s a hard one. Ultimately, this is something only you can decide. [name]Maria[/name] is a lovely name, but if your family will associated it with an estranged member of the family, it might be best to avoid it. Below are some similar alternatives - good luck!!!
Names that kind of sound like [name]Maria[/name]:
[name]Miriam[/name]
[name]Marianne[/name]
[name]Marietta[/name]
[name]Marian[/name]
[name]Marcella[/name]
[name]Aria[/name]
Other names based off the list of names you like:
[name]Fiona[/name]
[name]Gabriella[/name]
[name]Gianna[/name]
[name]Norah[/name]
[name]Nadia[/name]
[name]Violetta[/name]
Also, if you husband seems to veto everything, you may want to have him compile a list of 15 or so names and see if you like anything off of that list.
I have a somewhat similar situation. I’m not pregnant but I am constantly coming up with sib sets and dreaming of naming my future children. Anyway, I love the name [name]Cassandra[/name] nn [name]Sandy[/name] or even [name]Cass[/name] - however, I have a much older, half-sister, who I’ve only met once, her name is [name]Cassandra[/name]. She lives in another state and we do not keep in contact. I am not opposed to using the name, but I don’t want my family to think my daughter is named after her. I guess it wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing if they thought that, it’s just not why I chose the name. I’m sorry I’m not much help!!
I do love the name [name]Gianna[/name], its definitely one I’m considering. [name]Gabriella[/name] is also one of the only names my husband has suggested to me … Then again he also suggested [name]Becky[/name]. [name]Becky[/name]? Really? Who knows, but I do enjoy the sounds in [name]Gabriella[/name].
Thank you for your suggestions, I’m being patient with my husband and letting him try to find his own footing in the girl-name-world. Ill keep you posted 
I feel like no matter what we name our children it will remind SOMEONE SOMEWHERE of a person they know by that same name. I guess its not being associated with that family member so much that bothers me, just that I might be seen as “copying” in some sense, her name. I think eventually when push comes to shove if she comes out and looks like a [name]Maria[/name], that’s what ill name her!