See the results of this poll: Which combo?
Respondents: 101 (This poll is closed)
- Arden Caroline : 67 (66%)
- Holland Caroline : 32 (32%)
- Holland ______: 2 (2%)
While I don’t dislike [name_u]Holland[/name_u], I much prefer [name_u]Arden[/name_u]. [name_u]Arden[/name_u] has a magical quality to it that I enjoy. Makes me think of walking through a beautiful green forest, one with very old trees and ferns. It’s fresh and light sounding. [name_u]Holland[/name_u] feels more… preppy? I’d say, and gives me a slightly nautical vibe.
It’s hard to say how to compromise when you both seem to have clear frontrunners that are different. It’s possible you may change your mind when you meet her after she is born. She may seem more like one name than the other, which could make the decision for you.
For what it’s worth, I don’t actually mind the flow of [name_u]Holland[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f].
Agree with all of this. You might just need to take both to the hospital. Two good choices!
[name_u]Arden[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] and [name_u]Holland[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] both work quite well as combos. I wouldn’t change such a seemingly perfect honor middle name for flow reasons. Luckily, you have a few months before you have to decide on the name. I would sit with each of these first names and see how they grow on you and your partner. Try out some other names as well. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t force an immediate decision. Use different names at coffee shops and when trying on clothes. [name_f]Imagine[/name_f] your daughter at a variety of ages and in different places; think about saying the name over the phone when you make a doctor’s appointment. In a few months, you may find that you are closer to agreement. In the end, if neither of you wants to give in, you may have to both give up your favorite names and start from scratch.
Is there any way you’d compromise on the middle name to get the first name you want? I agree [name_u]Arden[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] sounds lovely, but if you really love [name_u]Arden[/name_u] and your husband doesn’t so much, could you let him pick a middle that is really significant to him?
Or take both names to hospital and see which one fits her better when she’s born?
I love the name [name_u]Holland[/name_u]! I voted [name_u]Holland[/name_u] but after reading your post I would definitely vote [name_u]Holland[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] 
I think I like [name_u]Holland[/name_u] better because you could get the nn [name_f]Holly[/name_f] which is pretty cute. I cant think of a cute nn for [name_u]Arden[/name_u]. “Ardy” doesnt sound that cute to me. Although with [name_u]Holland[/name_u] you might end up getting questions about if you conceived her there, which could become annoying.
I love [name_u]Arden[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]! 
She’s gorgeous.
[name_u]Holland[/name_u] is fine, and I agree I wouldn’t change [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] just for minor flow issues; I just never grew to love [name_u]Holland[/name_u] quite so much as [name_u]Arden[/name_u].
I think other berries have given really helpful advice; I really just came on here to praise [name_u]Arden[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] a bit. 
I like [name_u]Holland[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]… also totally unrelated but I think [name_u]Holland[/name_u] [name_f]Fern[/name_f] is nice
To me, [name_u]Arden[/name_u] is an older male name (since i know someone in his 60’s with this name.) Not being a fan of place names, I can’t vote for [name_u]Holland[/name_u]. But I love [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]! Good luck!
[name_u]Arden[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] is lovely!
[name_u]Arden[/name_u] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] is just so beautiful! I really love it!
I agree that both these combinations are stunning!! While I’m not such a fan of [name_u]Holland[/name_u] as a name there’s no denying it works beautifully with [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], as does [name_u]Arden[/name_u]… you might just have to take both to the hospital with you.
One thing I would consider is how both your choices work with your surname- as you’ve said it sounds like “hands” there’s a chance it starts with H? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you both like the alliteration with [name_u]Holland[/name_u] if that’s the case? Some are massively for alliterative names (I am!) But some aren’t as keen, so if there is alliteration here it might be something worth discussing.
Other than that, if you really can’t compromise, [name_u]Arden[/name_u] and [name_u]Holland[/name_u] sound like great sister names to me, so maybe it’ll work out for both of you eventually?
I voted [name_u]Arden[/name_u] to several reasons. 1. I like it better. Haha. 2. It goes better with the middle name that you both agree is the most meaningful. 3. Assuming she’s getting your husband’s last name, I think you should get the trump card. I don’t feel this way when husband’s don’t even like the name their wife has their heart set on… but, you both seem to agree you want one of these names. So I think it’s fair to let the wife, who is carrying the baby and not passing on her own surname or maiden name to get the final say. Then next time, if a similar situation occurs, he can get the final say. Good luck deciding.
I think a great compromise would be [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] as the first name as it is an important family name and one you both like.
Thanks so much everyone!
Thinking that we’ll bring both with us when the time comes… in the meantime, I’ll continue to plead my case for [name_u]Arden[/name_u]!