I’m that girl who has had a list of baby names since she was 16 years old. Now, it’s time to actually name my baby and it’s like I’m back at square one. I was on the verge of tears last night.
I always said my future daughter’s name would be [name_f]Audrey[/name_f], but now it’s too popular for me. Then, I loved [name_u]Blair[/name_u]/[name_u]Blaire[/name_u], but the feedback I’ve gotten leaves me unsettled. I typically like names that give a preppy/sophisticated vibe (those names do to me). Now I’m questioning my style. Maybe I like names more like [name_f]Kinley[/name_f] and [name_u]Hadley[/name_u]…? Right now nothing sounds like I could actually use it to name my daughter. I don’t want anything popular, but I don’t want anything too different. And here’s the impossible part… I want everyone to like the name! I know that’s not going to happen.
I’m 21 weeks, so obviously I have some time, but I just feel so much pressure, like this is her name forever! Am I overreacting? Has anyone else felt this way? It’s supposed to be fun, right?!
If [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] has been your favorite for that long, there’s a reason. Plus, in 2017 only 2.5%of babies born were given that name. Could she potentially have another [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] in her class at school? Sure, but not likely
[name_f]Audrey[/name_f] is not as common as she may appear on the popularity charts. About 1 in 400 girls born in 2017 were named [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] which means, depending on how big her school is, odds are she’ll be the only one in her graduating class. I’m someone who cares a lot (probably too much) about popularity, and it wouldn’t bother me. [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] is a gorgeous name, with a timeless feel, and as the PP said, if [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] has been your favorite name for that long, clearly she means a lot to you.
There is no universal name that everyone will like. I’m afraid that’s just the reality. I can safely assume though that your friends and family will love your daughter no matter what you name her, and it’s also possible they’ll start to like the name after seeing it on a little girl they love.
Going off of the list in your signature, you have some lovely options. [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] and [name_f]Sadie[/name_f] are my favorites, followed by [name_u]Hadley[/name_u], [name_f]Jade[/name_f], and [name_u]Blair[/name_u]. [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] is my absolute favorite though. I think you’re putting too much pressure on yourself. When it comes down to it, you have a great list with wonderful names, and you’re clearly putting a lot of thought into this decision. Your baby girl will have a beautiful name
It’s great that you figured out you want a name that everyone will like (and also that you know such a name doesn’t exist)! Yes, having a real baby to name does come with all that pressure. I considered so many criteria, from popularity to pronunciation to pop culture references, etc…
I think if you’ve always loved [name_f]Audrey[/name_f], that’s a sign that it might be the right name. I don’t think it’s overly popular at all; I see it as a modern classic, it has a timeless feel to me.
Popularity changes very quickly too, which is why I wouldn’t want to make that my main criterion. When we named our son [name_u]Sage[/name_u] a few years ago, his name was considered uncommon and a bit unusual for a boy. Now, I recently heard some consider it “trendy”. So you see. Go with what you love
Thanks so much ladies. You’re right. I have some attachment to the name and I may regret not using it. You really helped put it into perspective for me.
I totally get it. For much of this pregnancy I wasn’t sure I could actually pick just one name! I think name nerds are harder on themselves when it comes to this process, but don’t worry, you have time and the name will come to you!
The others made great points about [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] not being all that popular. I think [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] is a great choice for you–you might also be questioning it because you’ve loved it for so long.
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you have someone to help you pick the name? My SO definitely helped me with it all and we played a lot of process of elimination games with our top faves.
Im definitely stressed out too. With our 2nd her name was literally our favorite from the very beginning. and this time around so far I dont have a girls name thats in the forefront so it makes me nervous. For a boy we already know it’ll be [name_m]Cecil[/name_m] [name_m]John[/name_m] no matter what (an honor name) so it helps that we have that down… but it would be nice if we found a favorite for this time around.
[name_f]Do[/name_f] what feels right, but if your unsure you can always give the baby a middle name or middle names that they can go by if they don’t like your choice. I know several people who go by their middle names so it doesn’t have to be a big deal. What does big sister [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] think?
[name_f]Audrey[/name_f] is gorgeous classy and vintage. It reminds me of [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] Hepburn and its honestly not that popular. I think i’ve met two in my life, both would be around 14-15 years old now. If you’ve loved it this long, you should use it!
