We are expecting our fourth child. The gender is still unknown. If it is a boy, we’ve decided on [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] for the name. A girl name is where we’re having trouble. For years we have had the name [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] ([name_f]Libby[/name_f]) picked out. We want to use [name_f]Louise[/name_f] as a middle name (after Gma) but only like it with [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] ([name_f]Libby[/name_f] [name_f]Lulu[/name_f]). Our friends had a girl last year and named her [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] [name_f]Ann[/name_f] but call her [name_f]Lizzy[/name_f]. Both of us have had the name on our lists for years, and since it’s such a popular/common name, is it really that big of a deal to still use it? I also suggested to my husband that maybe we should just wait to use it until later, that way our girls so close in age wouldn’t have the same name? My other question is about my alternate name choice… [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] ([name_u]Noli[/name_u]). I love it, but am so nervous to use it! I’m terrible with worrying too much of what others think. Siblings are [name_m]Christopher[/name_m], [name_f]Kiera[/name_f], and [name_m]Solomon[/name_m].
Well, I think [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] is both common enough and has enough NN variety to use even if friends used it. [name_m]How[/name_m] often do you see them? [name_m]Will[/name_m] the children attend school together? [name_m]How[/name_m] would your friends feel if you used it? [name_m]How[/name_m] many more children do you plan on having, and if you don’t get to use [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], will you be eternally disappointed?
I’d likely use it, unless my friends very expressly told me they’d be very upset about it. Or if I planned on having a few more kids and could likely use it later.
That said, [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] is a gorgeous name and it’s unlikely you’ll eber run into the issue of her sharing a name with someone close! I don’t think many people would think negative things about it - no more than might dislike [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] for being too common, old fashioned, or boring (certainly not my opinion). You can’t please everyone, and I don’t think [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] is out-there or weird enough that many would criticize you! If you and DH like it that’s all that matters.
Thank you! Our friends really aren’t the type to be bothered by it. I know it’s more me than anyone else. We do see each other frequently but with the nn difference, it wouldn’t be too confusing. Any chance you have a good idea for a MN for [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]? 
[name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] is definitely popular enough that I think it wouldn’t be an issue. Plus as it’s been pointed out, there are many nicknames for [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], and you’re planning on using a different one than your friends anyways. You could always wait to use it on your next child, but if you really love [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], I’d say just go for it since you may not end up having a second girl.
That being said, [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] is a lovely choice also, and definitely more distinctive than [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]. I don’t think it’s weird at all- to me [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] hits the right note of being unusual but having lots of mainstream appeal. [name_f]Maggie[/name_f], [name_f]Nola[/name_f], [name_f]Lia[/name_f] or your choice [name_u]Noli[/name_u] would be nice nicknames.
I don’t think you’d go wrong with either [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] or [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] Congrats and good luck!
Pertaining to [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]:
I don’t think it is an issue at all providing how long the name is (nickname) as another poster mentioned.
I love [name_f]Libby[/name_f] too.
You can also choose a varient: [name_f]Elspeth[/name_f], [name_f]Elsbeth[/name_f], [name_f]Lisbeth[/name_f], [name_f]Lizbeth[/name_f], [name_f]Lisabeth[/name_f], [name_f]Lizabeth[/name_f], or just [name_f]Libby[/name_f] could work.
I also really like Libba.
mn suggestions for Elizabeth:
Elizabeth Honora
Elizabeth Grace
Elizabeth Claire
Elizabeth Margot
Elizabeth Lydia
Elizabeth Emmeline
Elizabeth Rosalyn / Rosaline / Rosalind
Elizabeth Laurel
Elizabeth Pearl
Elizabeth Ivy
Elizabeth Juliet
Elizabeth Hope
Elizabeth Violet
Elizabeth Rose
Elizabeth Faith
mn suggestions for [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]:
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Blythe[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Gwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_u]Quinn[/name_u]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_u]Harper[/name_u]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Tess[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Belle[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Neve[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Claire[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_u]Wren[/name_u]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Faith[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Hope[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] [name_f]Patience[/name_f]
I think you should use a mn that’s more biblical, as that seems to be a slight trend to your children’s names, if you don’t intend to use [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f].
Have you tried asking your friend how she feels about it? I would recommend running it by her, I would think she would be fine with it especially as you have both loved the name for so long, and are using different nicknames. It could really sweet for them to grow up as friends with the same name!
Good luck!
[name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] [name_f]Louise[/name_f] is great. Not my style, I dont see the hype over [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] but obviously this is your baby. Have you spoken to your friend about it? I guess the only similarities between [name_f]Lizzy[/name_f] and [name_f]Libby[/name_f] is that they rhyme, in my opinion they give off very different vibes.
I dislike [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f], its too out there for me and I can see your reasons for worrying about it.
[name_m]Alexander[/name_m] is a lovely boys choice by the way!
[name_f]Edit[/name_f]: It may be a complete different name to you, but I think [name_f]Elspeth[/name_f] is a nice change to [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] (or [name_f]Elsbeth[/name_f]!)