Desperately need help with baby girl name!

Girl Names
1

My husband and I CANNOT agree on a name for our new daughter. We both have definite opinions and they are not even close to being on the same page. Its kind of to the point where name searching is no longer fun and I’m getting irritated…

We have a few names be both “like” but they’re not “the one” for various reasons (i.e. we both like [name_f]Stella[/name_f] but its too close to being overly popular for me and our family members have Streetcar Named Desire on the brain). I have a few criteria - prefer feminine sounding names (ending in -a), no more than three syllables, not in the top 50 nor trending that way, no obvious nicknames, and would like a nature related meaning if at all possible (like how [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] means “from the forest” not how [name_f]Meadow[/name_f] means literally a meadow). My husband wants something that “sounds pretty”, “is not weird”, and has “no immediate pop culture references”…which is very subjective!

My list consists of: [name_f]Serena[/name_f], [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f], [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f], [name_f]Lydia[/name_f], and [name_f]Tessa[/name_f]

His list consists of: [name_f]Audrey[/name_f], [name_u]Brooke[/name_u], [name_f]Savannah[/name_f], [name_f]Lyla[/name_f], [name_f]Elaina[/name_f]

He hates [name_f]Serena[/name_f], [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f], and [name_f]Lydia[/name_f] because they have pop culture references (apparently). He says [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] seems foreign? And [name_f]Tessa[/name_f] is a girl he didn’t like in high school…

I feel like [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] and [name_u]Brooke[/name_u] are just a little basic. [name_f]Savannah[/name_f] has the nickname potential for “[name_f]Vanna[/name_f]” and seems trendy to me. I want to like [name_f]Lyla[/name_f]/[name_f]Lila[/name_f] but it just seems a little too soft or delicate to me. I also want to like [name_f]Elaina[/name_f], but I worry its too much like [name_f]Elena[/name_f], which I think is more used in Spanish speaking cultures?

I would [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] some suggestions of names that fall in line with both our criteria. I am kind of digging my heels in that I don’t want to settle and it would be great if come [name_f]April[/name_f] we aren’t in an argument in the hospital because I am choosing to trump him on this…after all, we all have his last name right? :wink: Please help!

2

Not too popular, not too weird, ends in “a”, nature related… I tried to fit as many of the criteria as possible. Starred my favorites.

[name_f]Selena[/name_f] - moon goddess
[name_f]Nora[/name_f]
[name_f]Eliza[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f]* - heavenly
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] - light
[name_f]Leah[/name_f]
[name_f]Cora[/name_f]
[name_f]Isla[/name_f]* - island
[name_f]Lena[/name_f]*
[name_f]Lucia[/name_f] - light

Honestly, though, I think you may have already found the winner. I love [name_f]Stella[/name_f] for you, and I don’t think it’s unusably popular.

3

I think [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] sounds perfect. Maybe you can show him some famous Sylvias to make it seem more familiar? I also like [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] and [name_f]Elena[/name_f]/[name_f]Elaina[/name_f] ([name_f]Elena[/name_f] Kagan is a non-latina [name_f]Elena[/name_f]). [name_f]Lydia[/name_f] and [name_f]Serena[/name_f] are both bad characters in The Handmaid’s Tale unfortunately.

[name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] (golden)
[name_f]Aurora[/name_f] (dawn)
[name_f]Cora[/name_f] (sounds like coral)
[name_f]Diana[/name_f] (goddess of hunt/moon)
[name_f]Elise[/name_f]
[name_f]Leona[/name_f] (lion)
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]
[name_f]Marina[/name_f] (ocean)
[name_f]Roxana[/name_f] (dawn)
[name_f]Sienna[/name_f]
[name_f]Susannah[/name_f] (lily)
[name_f]Tabitha[/name_f] (gazelle)
[name_f]Willa[/name_f] (sounds like [name_f]Willow[/name_f])

4

My first thoughts were [name_f]Luna[/name_f] and [name_f]Zara[/name_f]! You may also like:

[name_f]Willa[/name_f]
[name_f]Zena[/name_f]
[name_f]Sahara[/name_f]
[name_f]Nova[/name_f]
[name_f]Cecilia[/name_f]
[name_f]Flora[/name_f]
[name_f]Maya[/name_f]

These may fit all the criteria think they are feminine and have a similar vibe to others you like:
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f]
[name_f]Adela[/name_f]
[name_u]Arden[/name_u]
[name_u]Shiloh[/name_u]
[name_f]Sienna[/name_f]
[name_f]Olive[/name_f]
[name_f]Olivet[/name_f]
[name_f]Willow[/name_f]
[name_u]Haven[/name_u]
[name_f]Naomi[/name_f]

5

My husband’s tendency was to say No to almost all my (girl) names but not offer any suggestions himself and then when I asked for some, they were names of male members of bands. That was a little testing! Funny most of the time, but it did mean I had to lose a lot of names I love because they were so far from his preferences — many of which, after we named our DD (Willa), he said he really liked - I think they sounded better once no pressure (though, fortunately, still not as much as he likes Willa, but for me these are names I like as much as Willa, so it was a slightly silly, suboptimal process!).

Anyway, hoping it gets better and to say, I really like Lydia, Serena and Audrey from both lists and Stella from the joint. Serena is especially pretty and appealing to me (to say, look at and “experience” - it’s almost onomatopoeic). I don’t think anyone in her age group would know or care about the Handmaid’s reference and besides, spoiler alert, she redeems herself! But Stella is beautiful and I actually only know one kid under 10 with the name (I know far more Madeleines, Lucys and Matildas).

Otherwise, I like the suggested Celia, Lucia (the Lu-see-a version), Aurelia, Diana (if wearable?), Susannah, Zara, Laurel, Flora and of course Willa (though Willa comes from the German feminine of William). Susannah is especially good as a Serena-Savannah combo, though it will likely be abbreviated (as would Sylvia).

Others that might land are:

Fleur
Brier - close to Brooke and Lydia meaning heather/purple flower
Autumn (close to Meadow but at least no obv nn’s)
Iris
Delphine
Briony
Rosetta
Hazel
Celeste

Some perhaps too directly nature-inspired among other shortfalls, but at the very least might reinforce Stella or push one of your names onto joint list!

Finally, I’d stay away from four letter L names: too popular and for me and in most cases too cute.

6

I think your criteria and shortlists are solid, and that you’re getting really close to The Name! A few suggestions:

[name_f]Lilia[/name_f]: This is the first name I thought of for you, because it reminded me of the [name_f]Lydia[/name_f], [name_f]Lyla[/name_f], [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] and [name_f]Elaina[/name_f] on you and your husbands’ respective lists. It is beautiful and distinctively feminine, but also strong and would wear well in the workplace. It also checks virtually all of your boxes: Ends in -a, is only three syllables, and most definitely not in the Top 50 nor moving that way, having barely been in the Top 1000 ever, including these latest few years. I have also known a few [name_f]Lilias[/name_f], and none have ever gone by anything other than their full name. I also don’t think that anyone would automatically shorten it. As for your husband’s preferences, this is to me one of the prettiest-sounding names, and evokes harmony and nature. It most certainly isn’t weird, and has been used for many, many years from Maui to Moscow, and I can’t think of a single [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] in pop culture. The only caveat is that it is a fairly obvious nature name, meaning [name_f]Lily[/name_f], and I know that more discreet nature options appeal to you.

[name_f]Gemma[/name_f]: Reminded me of [name_f]Serena[/name_f] and [name_f]Elaina[/name_f]. Two syllables, ends in-a, familiar-and-not-weird-but-also-not top 50, could be interpreted as a nature name because of the “gem,” beautiful and sparkling. I looked at the Nameberry pop culture references, and none seemed obvious to me. (I’d never heard of any before looking.)

[name_f]Acacia[/name_f]

[name_f]Cassia[/name_f]

[name_f]Cynthia[/name_f]

[name_f]Clarissa[/name_f]

[name_f]Marina[/name_f]

[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]- One of the not-so-obvious nature names, like [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f].

I almost said [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] but its position as Number 51 negates that option. I also love the previous suggestions of [name_f]Sienna[/name_f] and [name_f]Adela[/name_f]. Best of luck, and keep us updated if you can!

7

I love the name [name_f]Stella[/name_f] and if it’s a name you BOTH like it’s worth keeping on the list :slight_smile: There are already some great suggestions based on your criteria. I especially like these names for you:

[name_f]Sienna[/name_f]
[name_f]Cora[/name_f]
[name_f]Lucia[/name_f] nn [name_f]Lucy[/name_f]
[name_f]Nora[/name_f]
[name_f]Aria[/name_f]
[name_f]Lilia[/name_f]
[name_f]Willa[/name_f]
[name_f]Alessa[/name_f]
[name_f]Anisa[/name_f]
[name_f]Calla[/name_f]
[name_f]Alaia[/name_f]
[name_f]Phillipa[/name_f]
[name_f]Mila[/name_f]
[name_f]Lula[/name_f]

What about using [name_u]Brooke[/name_u] as a middle name…[name_f]Sienna[/name_f] [name_u]Brooke[/name_u] and [name_f]Aria[/name_f] [name_u]Brooke[/name_u] have a cute ring to them.

On a side note, my husband and I had fond memories of our vacation in Nosara, [name_m]Costa[/name_m] [name_f]Rica[/name_f] and almost used Nosara as a name. Perhaps fond memories together might help you find inspiration and agreement for your name list…funny, we ended up meeting a Nosara at a playground!

[name_f]Stella[/name_f]…under the stars :wink:

8

Names that come to my mind are …

[name_f]Blythe[/name_f]
[name_f]Elysia[/name_f]
[name_f]Freya[/name_f]
[name_f]Fearne[/name_f]
[name_f]Leila[/name_f] ([name_u]Lee[/name_u]-la)
[name_f]Marta[/name_f]
[name_f]Nola[/name_f]
[name_f]Nova[/name_f]
[name_f]Orla[/name_f]
[name_f]Sadie[/name_f]

X

9

Please forgive repeats. Some possible ideas that might appeal to both of you:

[name_f]Eliza[/name_f]
[name_f]Siena[/name_f]
[name_f]Vera[/name_f]
[name_f]Verona[/name_f]
[name_f]Ada[/name_f]
[name_f]Adela[/name_f]
[name_f]Helena[/name_f]
[name_f]Zelie[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f]
[name_f]Augusta[/name_f]
[name_f]Aurelia[/name_f]

10

The first name that came to my mind was [name_f]Silvana[/name_f]. It’s related to the [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] family of names, so it has a nature meaning. I have a friend named [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f], if you prefer a y in the name.

One of my nieces is named [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] & I’ve never met any other [name_f]Lilias[/name_f]. My niece does tend to go by [name_f]Lil[/name_f].

Some of these have been mentioned before; please excuse the repeats:

[name_f]Willow[/name_f]
[name_f]Bryony[/name_f]
[name_f]Cassia[/name_f]
[name_f]Sienna[/name_f]
[name_u]Sierra[/name_u]
[name_f]Ravenna[/name_f]
[name_f]Verona[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosana[/name_f]
[name_f]Roxana[/name_f]
[name_f]Tullia[/name_f]
[name_f]Larissa[/name_f]
[name_f]Estella[/name_f]/[name_f]Estrella[/name_f]
[name_f]Clarity[/name_f]/[name_f]Clarina[/name_f]/[name_f]Clarissa[/name_f]
[name_f]Marina[/name_f]
[name_f]Tabitha[/name_f]
[name_f]Linnea[/name_f]

This one may be too out there, but perhaps Laurelyn?

11

I love [name_f]Stella[/name_f], [name_f]Lydia[/name_f], and [name_f]Elaina[/name_f] (I have a cousin [name_f]Elaina[/name_f], of Greek and Italian background, so not Spanish).

[name_f]Aira[/name_f]
[name_f]Flora[/name_f]
[name_f]Gemma[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]
[name_f]Thora[/name_f]

Sorry, I’m not great with meanings of names. Others have given some great suggestions though, good luck!

12

Paxley
[name_u]Paisley[/name_u]
[name_f]Paityn[/name_f]

13

I think [name_f]Stella[/name_f] is perfect and far from overused (for the time being at least, who knows?). Some of the names suggested I also like but I guess some of them are even more popular then [name_f]Stella[/name_f] so I would just stick with [name_f]Stella[/name_f] since it is a name you both like. Otherwise I also like these suggestions:

[name_f]Nora[/name_f]
[name_f]Eliza[/name_f]
[name_f]Flora[/name_f]
[name_f]Nina[/name_f]
[name_f]Lucia[/name_f]
[name_f]Gemma[/name_f]

14

My first thought when reading your post was [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f], it has a similar vibe to both [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] and [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] and it is related to gold, so it does have something natural to it. My other suggestion would be considering [name_f]Silvia[/name_f] instead of [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f]. [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] does seem a bit more foreign, on the other hand [name_f]Silvia[/name_f] is a Shakespearean name.
Also, have you thought of [name_f]Selma[/name_f]? It’s unusual for babies these days but is similar to [name_f]Stella[/name_f] and really cute [name_f]IMO[/name_f]. Also its nn can be Sela which I personally don’t see as a full name but it can be a nn for Selma.
Some other names I thought of were [name_f]Zelda[/name_f], [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] and [name_f]Amalia[/name_f], but again they aren’t really similar to what you are looking for.
I would look into C names there are a whole lot that can work for you: Celeste, Celia, Cordelia, Clementine, Clematis, etc.

15

I agree with the [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] suggestion and think [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] [name_f]Stella[/name_f] would be beautiful together!

16

Thanks to everyone for the thoughtful replies! I know it was kind of a lot of specific requirements! We made another long list with some of the suggestions and went through it again. I appreciate the feedback that nearly everyone seems to like [name_f]Stella[/name_f]. So, we have added it back into consideration, and that is still the most easily agreed upon name (we both like it, I just wish it was a little more uncommon…my parents hate it but as someone said, they’ll get over their associations). I personally still prefer [name_f]Serena[/name_f] or [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] but I’m trying to see that there isn’t THAT much of a difference. [name_f]Sienna[/name_f] is a great alternative that was suggested also!

The current short list we’ve agreed to mull over for now is: [name_f]Cora[/name_f], [name_f]Stella[/name_f], [name_f]Elaina[/name_f], [name_f]Sienna[/name_f], and [name_f]Lydia[/name_f] (I was able to get him to agree to think about [name_f]Lydia[/name_f] some more b/c he thinks its “less ugly” than [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f], though he maintains that it sounds like chlamydia - ugh). We will see if anything stands out once we add middle names in.

Anyone have any thoughts on [name_f]Corinna[/name_f] (Pronounced: Core-inn-ah) as a more uncommon alt to [name_f]Cora[/name_f]? I’ve seen debate on pronouncing it Core-EE-na, which I’m not a fan of because it basically just sounds like [name_f]Carina[/name_f] to me. But I like the sound of the [name_f]Corinne[/name_f]-like pronunciation and the husband doesn’t dislike it. [name_m]Just[/name_m] wondering which pronunciation would dominate upon reading it?

17

What about [name_f]Zara[/name_f] (meaning to blossom) or [name_f]Flora[/name_f]?

I also cant really see people shorting [name_f]Savanah[/name_f] to [name_f]Vanna[/name_f] unless you introduced her as that, so if you like it that could be a good choice. I know couple Savannahs but they are all over the age of 12 so it would be familiar but not overused unless it is raising unpopularity again.

Other ideas are

[name_f]Poppy[/name_f]
[name_f]Maisy[/name_f]
[name_u]Wren[/name_u]
[name_f]Willa[/name_f]
[name_f]Marigold[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]
[name_u]Ruby[/name_u]