Our first daughter’s name is [name_f]Sabine[/name_f], which is a family name. We like that it’s unique (in the US) and sophisticated without being too esoteric or hard to pronounce. We have a new girl arriving in a month, and we’ve looked at thousands of names. We have a shortlist, but one of us has an issue with each of them. We’d like to see how many people agree or disagree with our ‘issues’. We’d also love to get some suggestions from the Berries based on this list.
[name_f]Alice[/name_f] – too common
[name_f]Imogen[/name_f] – too trendy/Nameberry, too English (like ‘[name_f]Pippa[/name_f]’)
[name_f]Vera[/name_f] – too ‘diner waitress’ (no offense to anyone – we’ve both been waiters and we love diners)
[name_f]Estelle[/name_f] – too ‘old lady’
[name_f]Celeste[/name_f] – too ‘frozen pizza’
[name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] – obvious nickname is “[name_f]Bea[/name_f]” and current kid’s (self-coined) nickname is “[name_f]Bibi[/name_f]”
[name_f]Elise[/name_f] – we don’t really have a problem with this, we just like [name_f]Alice[/name_f] a bit better
Are these issues legit? Or are we overthinking it? Or both? Any better suggestions? Our last name is 2 syllables and the ending rhymes with “me” so our only restriction is we can’t use anything with a “y” ending.
I think most of your concerns are right on. I love [name_f]Elise[/name_f]. I think [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is common but [name_f]Elise[/name_f] isn’t. Also, maybe [name_u]Allison[/name_u].
[name_f]Alice[/name_f] - I don’t know one [name_f]Alice[/name_f] under the age of 70, lol. I don’t think it’ll be a problem, but it’s definitely more common than [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] is.
[name_f]Imogen[/name_f] - I’m not sure that is a bad thing? I don’t mind [name_f]Imogen[/name_f]; it’s not terribly exciting for me, but I think [name_f]Immy[/name_f] and [name_f]Ginny[/name_f] are adorable nns. And [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] are really lovely together.
[name_f]Vera[/name_f] - I don’t even get the association with this?! Is [name_f]Vera[/name_f] a stereotypical diner waitress name? I think of an adorable little old Russian lady.
[name_f]Estelle[/name_f] - definitely don’t think too old-lady! I think of a chic [name_m]French[/name_m] girl in the 1910s (although that would make her a very old lady right now, I think of her in her twenties, so it feels very young and yet full of history. And it has a ton of lovely nns! [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] are perfect.
[name_f]Celeste[/name_f] - frozen pizza?! What association am I missing here? You must be from a very, very different part of the US than me. :] I think of the [name_m]French[/name_m] language and the heavens, which are lovely associations, imo.
[name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] - yeah, if [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] goes by [name_f]Bibi[/name_f], then this might not be the best. There’s always [name_f]Betty[/name_f]/[name_f]Betsy[/name_f], [name_u]Tris[/name_u], [name_f]Trixie[/name_f], or even [name_f]Tess[/name_f] as a HUGE stretch, though.
[name_f]Elise[/name_f] - I like [name_f]Elise[/name_f] a lot, but I feel like [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is much more unusual than [name_f]Elise[/name_f] is. What about [name_f]Lisette[/name_f]? It’s a more unusual [name_m]French[/name_m] variation of [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], and I think [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and [name_f]Lisette[/name_f] would be lovely together. I think [name_f]Etta[/name_f]/[name_f]Lizzie[/name_f]/[name_u]Issy[/name_u] would be adorable nns for it, too.
It seems like you lean toward very strongly unusual (in a familiar sort of way), especially with a [name_m]French[/name_m] bent. [name_m]How[/name_m] about any of these?
[name_f]Severine[/name_f] (I feel like this is too close to [name_f]Sabine[/name_f], but otherwise, I could see it easily fitting)
[name_f]Genevieve[/name_f]
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f] (too popular?)
[name_f]Aurelie[/name_f]/[name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] (in [name_m]French[/name_m], prn. oh-[name_u]RAY[/name_u]-lee)
[name_f]Odette[/name_f]/[name_f]Odile[/name_f]/[name_f]Odilia[/name_f] (och, love them! I think [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and [name_f]Odette[/name_f] would especially be awesome, but I like [name_f]Odile[/name_f] a lot, too, and I am very smitten with [name_f]Odilia[/name_f] atm!)
[name_f]Cecile[/name_f] (in [name_m]French[/name_m], say-[name_m]SEEL[/name_m]. I think [name_f]Cecily[/name_f] or [name_f]Cecilia[/name_f] would also be beautiful with [name_f]Sabine[/name_f])
[name_f]Cosima[/name_f]
Madelief (too unusual? I adore it, though–it means “daisy” in Dutch!–and I think [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and Madelief are pretty stinkin cool together)
[name_f]Saskia[/name_f] (are you trying to stay away from “S” names? I still think [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and [name_f]Saskia[/name_f] are awesome)
[name_f]Rosamund[/name_f]
[name_f]Adalia[/name_f] (a coworker of mine has a daughter with a very similar name–but pronounced differently–and [name_f]Adalia[/name_f] has really grown on me! I think it’s gorgeous. [name_f]Adelia[/name_f] is lovely, as well.)
[name_f]Isaline[/name_f]/Ysaline (ee-sah-leen)
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Leona[/name_f]
[name_f]Lenora[/name_f]/[name_f]Lenore[/name_f]
I don’t think [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is THAT common. I prefer [name_f]Elise[/name_f] but both are pretty. Those two are my favourites from your list. I don’t hear diner waitress when I hear [name_f]Vera[/name_f] but if it makes you think of something you’re not crazy about, avoid the name.
[name_f]Vada[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Vera[/name_f]? It’s one of my favourites. Also spelt [name_f]Veda[/name_f] if you prefer. I think it’s a nice underused alternative to [name_f]Ava[/name_f]/[name_f]Isla[/name_f]/etc.
[name_f]Callista[/name_f], [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] or [name_f]Cadence[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Celeste[/name_f]?
[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] as an alternative to [name_f]Alice[/name_f] or [name_f]Elise[/name_f]? It sounds beautiful and french (and therefore sounds great with [name_f]Sabine[/name_f]).
[name_f]Esme[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Estelle[/name_f]? [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Estelle[/name_f]? You might like [name_f]Lenora[/name_f]/[name_f]Leonora[/name_f].
Over-thinking is necessary I believe, I mean your saddling this kid with a name for life! If they’re issues to you, they’re legit and whether others say they aren’t is kind of irrelevant - it’s your kid, your location and your life experience and only you can be the judge of what names do and don’t work for you. You don’t want to use a name that you’re not entirely sure about and then regret it after the kid’s named.
My opinions:
[name_f]Alice[/name_f] – In my country, [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is (apparently) somewhat common (I think it’s around 50 on the charts) but in my particular area it isn’t common at all. It’s such a sweet classic with a beautifully imaginative and whimsical literary association. [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] & [name_f]Alice[/name_f] sound divine together.
[name_f]Imogen[/name_f] – I don’t see this as too trendy at all - I think it works well on people of many different ages as it feels both classy and modern.
[name_f]Estelle[/name_f] – I see what you mean by ‘old lady’, but ‘old lady’ names seem to be coming back in with force lately…though perhaps that brings with it the idea of soon becoming a noticeable trend?
[name_f]Celeste[/name_f] – I don’t get the ‘frozen pizza’ reference at all… [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] is lovely, but perhaps a bit ‘hissy’ with [name_f]Sabine[/name_f]?
[name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] – The similar sounds and potentially similar nicknames might not be your best bet.
[name_f]Elise[/name_f] – This seems to be the only name here you didn’t seem to feel negative about, so it might be your best bet. I’m with you with not liking it near as much as [name_f]Alice[/name_f], but if that’s your only issue, it could be overcome if you really do decide against [name_f]Alice[/name_f]. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you like [name_f]Eloise[/name_f] at all, because [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] & [name_f]Eloise[/name_f] would work beautifully together?
[name_f]Alice[/name_f] – my favorite, never met one and I work in childcare so I don’t feel its very common although is rising up the charts
[name_f]Vera[/name_f] – love it, makes me think of [name_f]Vera[/name_f] Wang and that brings elegance to the name
[name_f]Estelle[/name_f] – vintage but not old lady, cute nicknames
[name_f]Celeste[/name_f] – etheral
[name_f]Elise[/name_f] – short and sweet, sophisticated
Its funny you consider some names on your list old lady names and others not, as they all have a vintage feel. Maybe you would like…
[name_f]Alice[/name_f] – I really like [name_f]Alice[/name_f] - it’s strong, classic, pretty, feminine - and I only know two.
[name_f]Imogen[/name_f] – Nameberry is not reflective of the real world. It’s barely used in [name_u]America[/name_u]. I know no one with this name.
[name_f]Vera[/name_f] – I really like [name_f]Vera[/name_f], and I think if anything it would remind people of designers ([name_f]Vera[/name_f] Wang, [name_f]Vera[/name_f] [name_u]Bradley[/name_u])
[name_f]Estelle[/name_f] – a lot of old names are coming back, and [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] is pretty enough to reinvent itself. You could try the even prettier [name_f]Estella[/name_f].
[name_f]Celeste[/name_f] – I don’t think many people will make this association, but if you’re worried [name_f]Celestia[/name_f] and [name_f]Celestina[/name_f] are options.
[name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] – I see where you’re coming from here
[name_f]Elise[/name_f] – then use [name_f]Alice[/name_f]
I honestly think a lot of these are overthought. All names have associations - there’s no avoiding that.
So many great responses already - we really appreciate it! A lot of the suggestions have been on our long list, and seem to come up over and over in threads that contain our favorite names. It’s so interesting how we all share an ear for certain names!
[name_m]Just[/name_m] to clarify a couple of our “issues.” When we have floated “[name_f]Celeste[/name_f]” to friends many have mentioned that the first thing they think of is “Mama [name_f]Celeste[/name_f]” frozen pizza. I personally think of Babar, but there you have it…
And I think the old lady association with “[name_f]Estelle[/name_f]” largely comes from “[name_u]Golden[/name_u] Girl” [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] Getty. But I completely agree with “ashthedreamer” on that one - it’s ripe for renewal.
Looking forward to hearing what more people think…
[name_f]Sabine[/name_f] is a great name and you’ve got a lot of good choices on your list. If you love the names, I don’t think any of the concerns should prevent you from using them-- I don’t think they are show stoppers. Some other possibilities:
I like [name_f]Alice[/name_f] the best on your list, and I don’t think it is too popular. I’ve actually met 2 girls named [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] who were under 5, but I’ve never met a little [name_f]Alice[/name_f]. The only [name_f]Alice[/name_f] that I know is in her 90s. I also really like [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] from your list. [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and [name_f]Alice[/name_f] or [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] and [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] would be fabulous as sisters.
I do think [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is getting more common although look at the popularity chart to see how quickly it is ascending to give you a better idea. Also check how it is doing in your state on the ssa website. [name_f]Imogene[/name_f] is very English to me too and while I love many English names I am not find of this sound. [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] just seems like a reason to call a girl [name_f]Stella[/name_f], which IS very common.
I second the suggestions of [name_f]Daphne[/name_f] and [name_f]Helena[/name_f]! They seem like great companions to the lovely [name_f]Sabine[/name_f].
Instead of [name_f]Alice[/name_f] or [name_f]Elise[/name_f], what about [name_f]Alyse[/name_f] or [name_f]Elisa[/name_f]?
[name_f]Vera[/name_f] and [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] are too blue-haired for me to get past, and [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] is pretty but definitely conjures up the elephant. I’m not feeling [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] either, although i know it’s big in [name_f]England[/name_f]. If you’re going to cross the pond, i like [name_f]Freya[/name_f] or [name_f]Bronwyn[/name_f] much better!
Otherwise, i think these have that old lady appeal without being unattractive.
[name_f]Lucille[/name_f] (mostly b/c i love [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] as a nn)
[name_f]Eleanor[/name_f]
[name_u]Vivian[/name_u]
[name_f]Lydia[/name_f]
[name_f]Constance[/name_f]
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f]
[name_f]Esme[/name_f]
[name_f]Camille[/name_f]
I love [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] and [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] with [name_f]Sabine[/name_f]. When I think of [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] I do not think of frozen pizza at all. [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] might be a little old lady but I think that image is changing fast thanks to the pop singer. I agree that [name_f]Alice[/name_f] sounds too common to be paired with your first daughter’s name.
[name_f]Alice[/name_f] – too common- I know [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is rising in popularity, but I’ve never met an [name_f]Alice[/name_f]. I don’t think it is common at all. I have it on my own list.
[name_f]Imogen[/name_f] – too trendy/Nameberry, too English (like ‘[name_f]Pippa[/name_f]’)- I agree. It is very trendy and Nameberry style, and is very English. I’ve never really cared for [name_f]Imogen[/name_f].
[name_f]Vera[/name_f] – too ‘diner waitress’- I don’t think that [name_f]Vera[/name_f] is “diner waitress” sounding, but I do think it sounds old and not ready for a comeback so I guess I agree.
[name_f]Estelle[/name_f] – too ‘old lady’- I think that [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] is the right balance of old and trendy. I think it totally works now.
[name_f]Celeste[/name_f] – too ‘frozen pizza’- Not sure why it reminds you of frozen pizza. But pizza is heaven! I think [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] is beautiful and is rarely heard.
[name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] – obvious nickname is “[name_f]Bea[/name_f]” and current kid’s (self-coined) nickname is “[name_f]Bibi[/name_f]”- You could use a different nn for [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f], like [name_u]Tris[/name_u] or [name_f]Trixie[/name_f], but I agree with you. I’ve never really cared for the name, so I’m very biased.
[name_f]Elise[/name_f] – we don’t really have a problem with this, we just like [name_f]Alice[/name_f] a bit better- I agree. [name_f]Alice[/name_f] is amazing, [name_f]Elise[/name_f] is just eh.
Hey, I know how you feel. I’m also due in a month with a second daughter and have an issue with every name on our list…
But! I think [name_f]Sabine[/name_f] (which I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u], but is too [name_m]French[/name_m] for us) and [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] make a beautiful pairing, with each still being able to stand alone. I don’t think it’s too old lady, especially because old lady, or vintage, names are having a major moment.
Aside from those, possibly [name_f]Sylvie[/name_f], [name_f]Amelie[/name_f], or [name_f]Colette[/name_f]?
