Ok, so…I’m going insane with the task of naming daughter #4, due in [name_u]January[/name_u]–I’m getting mixed opinions from friends and family so I’m taking it to the professionals . This is our fifth and last child and our fourth daughter. We have:
[name_f]Clementine[/name_f] (no nn) [name_f]Jane[/name_f] (age 9)
[name_u]Jude[/name_u] (no nn) [name_u]Harper[/name_u] (7)
[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] ([name_f]Bea[/name_f]) [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] (5)
[name_f]Rose[/name_f] ([name_f]Rosie[/name_f]) [name_f]Betty[/name_f] (3)
our last name is very Dutch and has a long i sound and ends in an -ah sound.
I’ve settled on [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] as a backup name. I love the name [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] and [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] has special meaning to me (all of their middles are family names). I think [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] goes really well with all of the names but it feels…anticlimactic? I don’t know-I just don’t feel excited about it. But maybe exciting isn’t what I should be going for? I’d love a name that feels classic, retro, spunky, strong…and isn’t in the top 100. I’m currently having a moment with [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] (after [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] [name_m]Quimby[/name_m] character-beloved by both myself and my eldest). My concerns with [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] are that I have a [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] (though the character’s sister was [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] nn Beezus but still), and that I have an R initial already-though I do love [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] and [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] together. Other favorites include [name_f]Zelda[/name_f] (but I feel it’s too connected to the video games), [name_f]Fern[/name_f], and [name_f]Margot[/name_f] - which was almost [name_f]Rose[/name_f]'s name.
[name_u]Jo[/name_u] or [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] is another family inspired middle I’m tossing around. [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] [name_u]Jo[/name_u]? [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f]? [name_f]Margot[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f]? None of the above? Help! Open to any and all suggestions!
[name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] is a more than worthy back up name - it’s elegant but playful and goes well, if a little more classic.
I love the name [name_f]Margot[/name_f]. It doesn’t flow as well when saying the kid list of names in a row but that’s going to happen rarely. [name_f]Margot[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] might be too much “o” close together but it still works as a nice rhythm. You could go [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] with mn [name_f]Margot[/name_f]/[name_f]Lucy[/name_f]/[name_f]Margaret[/name_f] nn Phina ([name_f]Posey[/name_f] or [name_f]Poppy[/name_f] after [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] might not work!). I like [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] as it mirrors [name_f]Clementine[/name_f], and rounds off the set without being too much like a reverse pyramid that [name_f]Fern[/name_f] would mean (save [name_f]Fern[/name_f] for a potential middle name). A long name means you’ve moved out then in then out then in then out again (in length).
I really like [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] incl with nn [name_u]Romy[/name_u] but wonder if it’s too close to [name_f]Rosie[/name_f], and if a double letter at end of a big family - almost as if they’re twins - when littlest suspected favourites, just something to avoid, I don’t know, might be projecting from own big family experiences!
So in keeping with longer names, what about:
[name_f]Josephine[/name_f] [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]/[name_f]Margaret[/name_f]/[name_f]Margot[/name_f] (as above)
[name_f]Margaret[/name_f] [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Margot[/name_f])
Other names (with as mn [name_u]Jo[/name_u]/[name_f]Lucy[/name_f]/[name_f]Fern[/name_f] or some other short name like the others: [name_f]Plum[/name_f], [name_f]Hazel[/name_f]):
[name_f]Adelaide[/name_f]
[name_f]Constance[/name_f]
[name_f]Harriet[/name_f]
[name_f]Celestine[/name_f]
[name_f]Francine[/name_f]
[name_f]Lucinda[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Lucy[/name_f])
[name_f]Imogen[/name_f] ([name_f]Immy[/name_f]!)
I think [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] is adorable, but you don’t need to just settle with a name. [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] with [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] might have a bit of a connotation, but I wouldn’t put it off of your list, especially if you feel like it’s the name. And I don’t think rose and [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] is a problem at all. I also think [name_f]Margot[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] is very nice together, even though the oh sound is repetitive I think it works in this case.
Some names you might like:
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_u]Jo[/name_u]/[name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f]Penelope[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f]
Since you like [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] but want something more, maybe you could choose a name where the nickname is [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]? Something like [name_f]Lucretia[/name_f] (which I think is classic enough but also spunky enough to fit your subset well), [name_f]Lucia[/name_f], [name_f]Lucille[/name_f], or [name_f]Lucinda[/name_f].
no idea if Im responding to this correctly, but I really like your point about name length–you’re right that I have 3 (1)/1(2)/3(1)/1(2) syllables–Somehow the exact pattern of this escaped me until now! So [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] [name_u]Jo[/name_u] (I’m temped to use [name_u]Jo[/name_u], though this horrifies certain members of my family, as it was the full legal name of my husband’s grandmother AND the preferred name of [name_u]Jo[/name_u] [name_u]March[/name_u]-another one of my fave literary ladies) fits this template, but you’re right that [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] as a first would work nicely as well. If I did go with [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] I would use her full name (people told me this was impossible with [name_f]Clementine[/name_f]–not so!), so I don’t think I’m too worried about the [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] and [name_u]Romy[/name_u] confusion? Of course, [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] or another 2 syll. name could also finish up the sib set nicely I think. For your other suggestions, I’ve loved [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] forever, but can’t seem to find a personal connection to it -and I love [name_f]Francine[/name_f]! Thanks so much for your input.
I totally forgot about [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]! adding it to the list! and I like the [name_f]Lucinda[/name_f]/longer form of [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] suggestion-lots to think about. I’m still totally thinking [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] is the one (today-ha!) so I’m happy to hear your thoughts on the double R and [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] and [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] issues- Thanks!
[name_f]Margot[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] jumped out at me as particularly beautiful.
I think [name_f]Margot[/name_f] sounds perfect with your other kids’ names, and has a classic yet wow factor.
I love both [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] and [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] - both longterm favourites of mine. I think [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] goes beautifully and I wouldn’t see it as anticlimactic. I love [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] with the sibs but not straight after [name_f]Rosie[/name_f]. It is doable, but just not ideal. Pp’s idea of [name_f]Mona[/name_f] nn does help though. [name_f]Margot[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] would work, but I’m not a big fan of the names. [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] for me!
Yes, that’s what I meant thought I was thinking a three syllable name might be the go, for absolute first name balance (3-1-3-1-3). But that needs to be second to you loving the first name and it not taking away from any other name.
I really like [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] — it’s somehow youthful & old-soul at same time. But I’d still keep [name_f]Lucy[/name_f], [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Margot[/name_f]) & [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] and a couple of wild cards as firsts on your final list. (I like [name_u]Jo[/name_u] as a middle name on its own, but as a first, I would go with [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] and I’d personally go with Phina, but [name_u]Jo[/name_u] has that extra meaning for you and I love the [name_m]Little[/name_m] Women connection.)
Good luck! You’ve picked wonderfully before so I’m sure it’ll be perfect.
[name_f]Ramona[/name_f] might not work for two reasons:
As you’ve said it’s the same first initial as the youngest girl… it could be hard enough to accept a new same-gender sibling without having to share an initial letter. And I agree with a PP that [name_f]Rose[/name_f] and [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] could sound like twins.
The -ah sound ending might be too sing-songy with your surname ending in -ah (hard to know without knowing the exact surname, though)
I really like [name_f]Margot[/name_f] and [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] with this sibset.
A few other three-syllable choices:
[name_f]Francesca[/name_f] (similar to [name_f]Francine[/name_f])
[name_f]Louisa[/name_f]
[name_f]Lucinda[/name_f] (as pointed out, could shorten to [name_f]Lucy[/name_f])
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]
[name_f]Susannah[/name_f] (has a similar feel to [name_f]Clementine[/name_f])
I was coming to suggest [name_f]Lucinda[/name_f], which I see has already been suggested. I think it is very underused–and great with your sibset. I like the suggestions of [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] and [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] too. If you like literary connections, [name_f]Harriet[/name_f] and [name_u]Eloise[/name_u] might also be nice options, or maybe even [name_f]Virginia[/name_f] or [name_f]Clarissa[/name_f].
I have an aunt [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] who never goes by a nickname. I really think you love [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] and should go for it. However I like the combo [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] as apose to just [name_u]Jo[/name_u] but that’s personal preference.
[name_f]Ramona[/name_f] is a perfect stylistic fit for your sibset- familiar, playful, and fun. I don’t think it’s too similar to [name_f]Rose[/name_f]/[name_f]Rosie[/name_f] at all, they have different numbers of syllables and different endings. I would notice the [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f]/[name_f]Ramona[/name_f] connection but it’s not a bad one to have, and they will be individuals rather than siblings in most areas of their lives especially when older anyways. I think it’s more important to choose the name you love best rather than one you like less that goes better with the siblings’ names.
If the [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f]/[name_f]Ramona[/name_f] connection bothers you, what about [name_f]Romola[/name_f] or [name_f]Romina[/name_f]?
[name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] is a great combination! When you say you want something classic, retro, spunky, and strong- [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] is all those things to me. Maybe if you liven it up with a less expected middle name, it’ll feel more exciting? [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margot[/name_f] or [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Margaux[/name_f] would be lovely. Or you could use [name_f]Lucille[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], nn [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]. That feels like the epitome of midcentury glamour to me, with the [name_f]Lucille[/name_f] Ball association.
[name_f]Zelda[/name_f] doesn’t feel particularly classic to me, and in fact stands out a bit from your other kids’ names which have a vintage touch to them. (I know, I said sibsets don’t matter in the end, but if it’s a deciding factor between two equally loved names…) Whereas [name_f]Margot[/name_f] goes almost the other way and feels a bit old-lady-chic, which goes well with your girls’ names but feels a bit old-fashioned with [name_u]Jude[/name_u]. I’m not a fan of [name_f]Fern[/name_f], sorry.
I love [name_f]Ramona[/name_f], [name_f]Lucy[/name_f], [name_f]Josephine[/name_f], and [name_f]Margot[/name_f]. I especially love [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] [name_u]Jo[/name_u]! I would love to see [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] as an option.
I love the name [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]. It’s the name I have chosen for myself, though I use the spelling [name_f]Lucie[/name_f]. [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] is a nice enough name but it’s not my favourite.
I am not a fan of [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] myself. My main reason I wouldn’t use it with your sibset though is I don’t like repeating initials with siblings.
I really like [name_f]Margot[/name_f]. It means pearl like [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] does. Would it bother you that [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f]'s middle name is [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] and both [name_f]Margot[/name_f] and [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] mean pearl?
I agree [name_f]Zelda[/name_f] is to much video game and doesn’t match your other children’s names very well. [name_f]Fern[/name_f] isn’t my cup of tea. Sorry.
I love [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] as a first or middle name. I love the nickname [name_u]Josie[/name_u]. [name_u]Josie[/name_u] is probably to close to [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] though so I would use [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] as a middle in your case.
Some names you may like… [name_f]Lucia[/name_f], [name_f]Lucille[/name_f], [name_f]Luciana[/name_f]/Lucianna, [name_f]Marguerite[/name_f], [name_f]Elisabeth[/name_f], [name_f]Isabel[/name_f]/[name_f]Isabelle[/name_f], [name_f]Isabella[/name_f], [name_f]Vivienne[/name_f], [name_f]Felicity[/name_f], [name_f]Verity[/name_f], [name_f]Grace[/name_f], [name_f]Sofie[/name_f]/[name_f]Sophie[/name_f], [name_u]Meredith[/name_u], [name_f]Harriet[/name_f], [name_f]Sofia[/name_f]/[name_f]Sophia[/name_f], [name_f]Emilia[/name_f], [name_f]Iris[/name_f], [name_f]Violet[/name_f], [name_f]Victoria[/name_f], [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f]/[name_f]Elinor[/name_f], [name_f]Katherine[/name_f].
I actually used [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] for [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] because of the shared meaning between [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] (great aunt) and [name_f]Marjorie[/name_f] (grandmother). I love margaret on it’s own and my Great Aunt meant the world to me so I don’t mind this connection! I’m still stuck on the repeating initials, too! Thanks so much for your input
Oh my goodness, thank you to everyone who replied! I like all these votes for [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]. It’s been a favorite of mine for so many years that maybe that’s why it feels anticlimactic? I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] but and having trouble getting over the double R initial! I couldn’t use [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] as a first for this reason either. Someone upthread suggested [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] which is another beloved lit. girl AND could double as a tribute to my Husband’s grandfather [name_m]Matthew[/name_m] (though I know they don’t share the same origin or meaning). So I guess If I let go of [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] (and [name_f]Zelda[/name_f] and [name_f]Fern[/name_f]-my son’s favorites lol!), I’ve got:
…and I also forgot to add that I’ve thrown [name_f]Ursula[/name_f] around during each pregnancy-can’t think of a middle I love with it at the moment, though.
I really like [name_f]Ramona[/name_f] and [name_f]Ursula[/name_f]. [name_f]Ursula[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] would be smashing. Have you considered [name_f]Tabitha[/name_f] or [name_f]Georgia[/name_f]/[name_f]Georgiana[/name_f]? For some reason I like them for you.
