Baby Sister Name

Hello!
I’m expecting my third child, a girl, in the spring.

I have a daughter named [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] [name_f]Katherine[/name_f](born 2011) and a son named [name_m]Caspian[/name_m] [name_u]Michael/name_u. Their middle names are family namesakes. [name_f]Katherine[/name_f] is for my mother and I. Our middle names are both [name_u]Kay[/name_u], and my mom’s first name is [name_f]Karin[/name_f], both of which are derivatives of [name_f]Katherine[/name_f]. [name_u]Michael[/name_u] is my dad’s name.

I’m having another girl and I plan to honor my grandmother with the middle name. Her name is [name_f]Melva[/name_f], and I’d like to use that as the middle name. I’m also considering [name_f]Mae[/name_f] as an alternative.

There’s a funny story about how my grandmother, [name_f]Melva[/name_f], got her name. After she was born, her mom said “Well, what shall we call her?”
Her dad said “I always liked the name [name_f]Melva[/name_f].”
Her mom had never heard of the name, but she said “Okay.” And for the first couple weeks, she kept forgetting her name because it had the same letters as [name_f]Velma[/name_f].

Since this is a name community, I thought some people would enjoy that story. I always thought it was so funny, and loved the way my great grandmother would tell it.

I am a bit of a name enthusiast. I prefer literary names. [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] is of course from Arthurian legend, and I liked that it is the root of all the “[name_f]Gwen[/name_f]” and “[name_f]Jennifer[/name_f]” names. [name_m]Caspian[/name_m] is named after [name_m]King[/name_m] [name_m]Caspian[/name_m] X in the Chronicles of [name_f]Narnia[/name_f], as well as being the name of a sea.

I had said that my theme was literary kings and queens, but I may have to loosen that a bit. My old favorite second girl name was [name_f]Lucy[/name_f], again after the Chronicles of [name_f]Narnia[/name_f], but it’s shot way, way up in popularity since I last charted it. Plus, then two out of three kids would have [name_f]Narnia[/name_f] names and [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] would be left out. Plus, people keep naming their dogs [name_f]Lucy[/name_f].

Here is my current “short list”

[name_f]Helena[/name_f] - I was a theatre major, and one of my favorite Shakespearean plays is A Midsummer [name_m]Night[/name_m]'s [name_u]Dream[/name_u]. When I thought of Literary queens, [name_f]Titania[/name_f] came to mind, which made me think of other characters in that play and other Shakespearean names I might consider. I noticed that it is greek for “light”, like [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] is latin for light. I thought it would be problematic with [name_f]Melva[/name_f], since they both end in the “a” sound, but I actually love the sound of [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f], and I think it’s because of the assonance with the el sound.

[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] - I came upon this one in a name suggestions search. I looked at the names and this one interested me. It means “she who brings happiness” and there’s [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] as a literary connection. My husband is a game developer, and said that there is a [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] in Final [name_f]Fantasy[/name_f] IX, and she even has her own music. A downside would be that her initials would be B.M. with [name_f]Melva[/name_f] or [name_f]Mae[/name_f], which in my mind means Bowel Movement. I also don’t hate nicknames “[name_f]Bea[/name_f]” or “[name_f]Trix[/name_f]/[name_f]Trixie[/name_f]”. I live in fear of nicknames people will use with my kids.

[name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] - a Tolkien name. Fits in with my literary royals theme. A character I love. I think it sounds pretty good with [name_f]Melva[/name_f]. Downside is that I think it would be a little harder for people to say/spell/read.

[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] - I saw this one and immediately thought of the wonderful [name_m]Roald[/name_m] Dahl book, which I loved. It means “battle-mighty” or “powerful in battle”. It would have some alliteration with [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] or [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f]. I don’t mind [name_f]Tilly[/name_f] or [name_f]Tilda[/name_f] for nicknames, but would be concerned people would call her [name_u]Mattie[/name_u], very similar to the super common right now “[name_f]Maddy[/name_f]/[name_f]Addy[/name_f]” nicknames.

Galadriel - Another Tolkien name. It means “maiden crowned with a radiant garland”, so another light name, and again goes with the theme of literary royals. Galadriel is so powerful in the books that her name is damaging to enemies! Downsides are that I already have a G name with [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f], and that it’s so long there’s no way someone won’t come up with a nickname that I will probably not like. And that I won’t be able to predict.

Your feedback is appreciated!

On the nicknames - I thought there would be no nicknames for [name_m]Caspian[/name_m], but I have an aunt who keeps calling him “[name_m]Cas[/name_m]”, which I find super annoying.

I love your children’s names! [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] [name_f]Katherine[/name_f] in particular is stunning.

[name_f]Helena[/name_f] - [name_m]How[/name_m] are you pronouncing this name? [name_f]HELEN[/name_f]-uh [name_f]Melva[/name_f] almost rhymes, so I’m not sure that I like the rhythm. Hel-[name_m]LAY[/name_m]-nuh [name_f]Melva[/name_f] works a bit better. I do like it with [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] and [name_m]Caspian[/name_m]. Of all your options, this seems most natural in the set.

[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] - I love [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f], but she seems out of place in your set. [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] and [name_m]Caspian[/name_m] are adventurous, romantic, and regal names. [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] is spunky and homespun. [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] would work better, I think, and would give you a [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m] connection.

[name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] - I love the character, and the name is pretty, but I think you’re right about the spelling and pronunciation being harder. [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] is also a more “obvious” literary name than either [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] or [name_m]Caspian[/name_m], which might be a drawback.

[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] - Not a fictional queen, but a historical one! And of course [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] Wormwood is a wonderful namesake. I like this in your set, but it feels a little less fantastical than [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] and [name_m]Caspian[/name_m].

Galadriel - Firmly in guilty pleasure territory for me, I’m afraid. Too much name.

Of your current options, I vote for [name_f]Helena[/name_f]. [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] and [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] would be runner-ups.

Other ideas:
[name_f]Maeve[/name_f]
Eilonwy (arguably even harder than [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f], but what a pretty sound!)
[name_f]Rhiannon[/name_f]
[name_f]Elaine[/name_f]
[name_f]Endellion[/name_f]
[name_f]Bronwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Ariadne[/name_f]
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]
[name_f]Penelope[/name_f]
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f]
[name_f]Lucia[/name_f] (more distinctive than [name_f]Lucy[/name_f])
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]
Cerridwen
[name_f]Hermione[/name_f]

[name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f], [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f], or [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f] would make a fantastic addition to your sibset

I like [name_f]Helena[/name_f] the best! I also love the nn [name_f]Leni[/name_f] or [name_f]Lainey[/name_f]. Second, [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] nn [name_f]Tilda[/name_f] (grander than [name_f]Tilly[/name_f] so holds up to the other two).

Otherwise, [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] as pp said or maybe [name_f]Calliope[/name_f], [name_f]Ianthe[/name_f] or [name_f]Hermione[/name_f].

[name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] and [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] are my faves for you

Some others
Josephine [name_f]Melva[/name_f]
[name_f]Lydia[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f]/[name_f]Mae[/name_f]
[name_f]Estella[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f]

[name_f]Hermione[/name_f]? [name_f]Lyra[/name_f] (Belacqua)? [name_f]Wendy[/name_f]? [name_f]Cosette[/name_f]? [name_f]Dorothy[/name_f]?

Thank you everyone for your feedback, compliments on my children’s names, and additional suggestions.

[name_f]Helena[/name_f] - I pronounce it like [name_f]Helen[/name_f]-uh. I feel like Hel-[name_m]LAY[/name_m]-nuh makes it a different name.

I didn’t think of [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f], but of course it is a Shakespearean name from Much [name_f]Ado[/name_f] About Nothing.

I do love that you came up with an even harder fictional royal name with Eilonwy :slight_smile:

[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] is, of course, the name that [name_f]Anne[/name_f] asked to be called in [name_f]Anne[/name_f] of [name_u]Green[/name_u] Gables, one of my most beloved book series. And her bestie then named a daughter “[name_f]Anne[/name_f] [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]” in her honor. Perhaps I should put it into consideration. I would, then, have two C names though.

I like [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]. It’s another Shakespearean choice with As You Like It. The potential nicknames do concern me.

Thank you. I’m adding some new options to my “long” list.

From your list, I like [name_f]Helena[/name_f] the best. I think [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f] sounds better than [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f]; it’s too rhyme-y. And in general, I think [name_f]Mae[/name_f] will go with more than [name_f]Melva[/name_f]. It’s lovely that you want to honor your grandmother.

I like the previous posters’ suggestions of the following:

[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Josephine[/name_f]
[name_f]Hermione[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]

I will also add:

[name_f]Briony[/name_f] - from Atonement
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f] - from [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m] ([name_f]Melva[/name_f] goes best with this one, I think)
[name_f]Primrose[/name_f] - from Hunger Games
[name_f]Yvaine[/name_f] - from Stardust
[name_f]Arwen[/name_f] - from LOTR (a Tolkien name that is much more approachable than [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] or Galadriel)
[name_f]Lavinia[/name_f] - from [name_m]Titus[/name_m] Andronicus
[name_f]Esme[/name_f] - from Twilight

I’m another who loves your children’s names, and your namelist!

[name_f]Helena[/name_f] is lovely and would work very well with the siblings. [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] is strong and unexpected.
[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] is another great choice and [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] works well.
[name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] is one I’m unfamiliar with. I had to look up the pronunciation, but still think it’s quite delightful.
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] - another great name. The downside to this one is its popularity. It’s been in the top 20 in Australia for many years, and is at 27 in the UK. Not so popular in the US but I expect it soon will be. Not a problem if popularity doesn’t matter to you as it is a great name. I don’t think [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] works as well, but [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f] is nice.

I think my favourite is [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f], followed closely be [name_f]Helena[/name_f].

Oh goodness I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f]!!! It is one of my favorite names but sounds ridiculous with my surname! This is by far my favorite from your list! :slight_smile: [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] is delightful!!!

My second choice would be [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f] I think! But it makes me a little sad to lose the fullness of [name_f]Melva[/name_f]! But as pps have said, [name_f]Helena[/name_f] “fits best” with [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]!

I also really like the suggestions of Eilonwy and [name_f]Arwen[/name_f]! I love both of those names as well!!

Still I think my vote has to go with [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f]!!! Its just amazing!!! :smiley: Bonus is there aren’t really any forthcoming nicknames! :wink: Best of luck! All your choices are lovely!

[name_u]LOVE[/name_u] your kids names. [name_u]Love[/name_u] the literary influence- I, too, am a sucker for those.

And LOL at that story. I bet great-grandad had an ex-girlfriend named [name_f]Melva[/name_f] :wink:

[name_f]Helena[/name_f]: very pretty name. [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] does have a singsongy-ness to it, but it’s a pleasant rolling and I don’t mind it. (Have you considered the name [name_f]Viola[/name_f], also from [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m]? Or [name_f]Rosaline[/name_f]/[name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]?)

[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f]: I personally did not think of the initials BM as having any particular meaning. I like the name but don’t love it, especially compared to other names on your list. It’s more of a cat name than a person name to me.

[name_f]Eowyn[/name_f]: [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] IT. All the love for this one. I think most people know how to read and spell this one (or maybe I just spend way too much time reading Tolkien). Heads up since you’re concerned about nicknames: she may acquire the nickname [name_f]Winnie[/name_f], which personally I like.

[name_f]Matilda[/name_f]: I like [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] but not the nicknames.

Galadriel: Unfortunately, while [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] seems usable, Galadriel is wayyy too grandiose for a real person [name_f]IMO[/name_f]. I cannot envision this on a ten-year-old.

Other suggestions:

[name_f]Amoret[/name_f]: she’s a character in [name_m]Edmund[/name_m] [name_u]Spencer[/name_u]'s The Faerie Queene!

[name_f]Harriet[/name_f]: the Spy! Or [name_f]Harriet[/name_f] Tubman, or the author [name_f]Harriet[/name_f] [name_m]Beecher[/name_m] [name_m]Stowe[/name_m].

[name_f]Lyra[/name_f]: from [name_m]Phillip[/name_m] Pullman’s His Dark Materials series. Brilliant.

[name_f]Arwen[/name_f]: since we’re talking Tolkien

Luthien: ditto! Luthien Tinuviel is just such a gorgeous name.

Belphoebe: like [name_f]Amoret[/name_f], from [name_u]Spencer[/name_u]'s 1590 book The Faerie Queene.

Britomart: a female heroic knight in the same epic poem.

Florimell: another character

Caelia: a queen also from the poem.

[name_f]Una[/name_f]: another queen in that same poem! He had awesome names.

[name_u]Valentine[/name_u]: from Ender’s Game

[name_f]Esme[/name_f]: from JD [name_m]Salinger[/name_m]'s story

With your other two children my vote is for [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f]. In second place would be [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Maeve[/name_f].

I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] and [name_m]Caspian[/name_m]. Your taste is awesome. :smiley:

From current list, my favourite is [name_f]Eowyn[/name_f]. She’s one of my favourite characters in the series and it’s so nice to see this underused beauty being considered. Also liking [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], [name_f]Helena[/name_f] and [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f].

Seconding anyone who suggested [name_f]Hermione[/name_f]. That’s my first thought. Other ideas:
[name_f]Persephone[/name_f]
[name_f]Anneliese[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f]
[name_f]Lyra[/name_f]
[name_f]Ariadne[/name_f]

[name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] works well. It is my favorite for you, given the significance. My second favorite is [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f], which is also pretty awesome and stands up well to the sibling names.

I do like [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melvine[/name_f]
[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f]. I think [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f] sounds kind of plsin next to her siblinhs names.
You may want to try these on for size;
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f]
[name_f]Agatha[/name_f] Melvania
[name_f]Cressida[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f]
Desmondia [name_f]Mae[/name_f]
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] Melvana
Theisa [name_f]Melvine[/name_f]
Lucianda [name_f]Mae[/name_f]

I keep trying to reply to everyone, but the multi quote thing is just not working for some reason.

Thank you for the suggestions.

I like that [name_f]Maeve[/name_f] has many of the same letters as [name_f]Melva[/name_f], but I’m not sure about the meaning, “she who intoxicates” or “intoxicating”. But I see that it’s also the name of a fairy queen from Irish mythology, so I would need to research that.

I wouldn’t use [name_f]Marie[/name_f] because that’s the middle name of my aunt and her daughter.

I actually had Arwen on my initial list, and I agree that it is a bit more approachable and easier. But, I ended up removing it because I liked the characters of Eowyn and Galadriel better. Arwen doesn’t do that much in the books.

Thank you. I actually like [name_f]Helena[/name_f] [name_f]Melva[/name_f] a lot and think it would be my middle name combo for that name. It’s not a rhyme, but an assonance. But I do have a lyrical, sing-songy sort of voice and perhaps it wouldn’t sound as good to me in another person’s voice. Maybe I should try to get some other people to say it out loud and see what I think.

I didn’t consider [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] to be a popular name, since it is not popular here in the US with a rank of 521 in 2017. But I see that it’s very popular in Australia as well as being more popular in England and some other English speaking countries. On the Australia note, one slight complication is that I’ve had “Waltzing Matilda” going in and out of my head since I noticed it on the list of pop culture references for the name. Not a deal breaker, but worth noting.