Thank you [name]Pam[/name]. Really think you’ve nailed this. [name]Both[/name] my husband’s family and mine (and to some degree my husband… though he’s found favor in some distinctive, older names) have a very traditional, mainstream naming pattern… [name]Emily[/name], [name]Ashley[/name], [name]Amy[/name], [name]Sara[/name], [name]Heather[/name], [name]Jessica[/name], [name]Julia[/name], [name]Eleanor[/name], [name]Lilly[/name], [name]Rebecca[/name], [name]Abigail[/name], [name]Bethany[/name], [name]Barbara[/name], [name]Sharon[/name], etc… Probably a result of that era as well, though. When I look at the top 100 names in the 60s, 70s, and 80s… I can understand why some of the older classics that are coming back in style produce such a shock factor. Problem is that I do like some of these names, and it’s not about just trying to pick a unique name! But just really care about approval for some reason, both from my family as well as my child’s peers down the road… life can already be hard enough for kids and don’t want to give kids a reason to tease my child, all b/c I liked a name that may have been a little more distinct. Provided some of these names do come back in style, then this won’t be a problem. but always a chance they won’t and my child will become the Gertude or [name]Mildred[/name] of the class.
On the issue of old-fashioned names: One of the things that [name]Cora[/name] has going for it – making it a safer choice than some – is that it is made up of all very pleasant, non-objectionable sounds. It rhymes with [name]Nora[/name]/ [name]Norah[/name], which is reportedly gaining popularity. If [name]Nora[/name] can be gaining in popularity, how can anyone find fault with [name]Cora[/name]? The letter C (k sound) is a strong, respectable sound. I consider [name]Cora[/name] to be a fresh, strong, yet feminine name. Thinking about my school-aged children’s peers, I don’t see how a [name]Cora[/name] among them would get teased. Kids are used to a wide variety of names these days.
You had other fine choices on your list, too, including [name]Juliette[/name] and [name]Ivy[/name]. In making your decision and considering options, see what feels right. In addition to loving the name, it’s important that you are comfortable with it.
Like your comments with [name]Cora[/name], does sound pleasant and feminine to me, too. The more I say the first/last name together, the more I think the sounds might actually be too close - - [name]Cora[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]. But still ranks up there as a favorite of ours, along with [name]Claire[/name].
When will the right name pop into my head! Any suggestions to help me think outside my box are welcomed! Not sure if any of you are like me, but so hard to add fresh new names onto the list! [name]Feel[/name] like I’m in a pattern, but am envious of so many of you that just knew your child’s name with no second thoughts!
This might not help at all, but here is a list of possibilities that are not too popular and are not vintage (so as to not scare off the relatives). It might not be necessary to leave off names ending in A, but I did on this list – except for one with similar sounds to [name]Claire[/name]. I still think it is hard to top [name]Claire[/name].
[name]April[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Amy[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Bridget[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Brooke[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Clarissa[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Corinne[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Iris[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Laurel[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Maureen[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Violet[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
Thank you for a fresh list. Many cute names! More I read this list, the more I know that I really do like the older, vintage, and/or classic names though… even if they haven’t been used or been very popular in a while. [name]Just[/name] something about that rich history!
So for any new readers out there… my husband and I really like [name]Claire[/name]. To understand my naming style more, some others we like are
[name]Lucy[/name]… only problem with this one is my best friend just said that if they have another girl (she’s not pregnant now), that they’d probably name her [name]Lucy[/name]. Since she mentioned this before I told her we were considering name, I don’t want to look like a name stealer 
[name]Alice[/name]… husband doesn’t really like 
[name]Emma[/name] & [name]Abigail[/name]… but way too popular for us.
[name]Cora[/name] & [name]Nora[/name]… [name]Nora[/name]'s pretty much out b/c we have a [name]Noah[/name] already, and [name]Cora[/name] doesn’t really sound right with our last name [name]Anderson[/name].
[name]Anna[/name] - [name]Love[/name] this one, but again - [name]Anna[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]???
Would love any fresh, new name suggestions that seem to follow this naming style pattern… still love [name]Claire[/name] but just not 100% on it yet and would love to have a small list to bring to hospital in a few weeks.
Thanks!!!
[name]Glad[/name] I provided some insight, and may I say it’s refreshing to hear someone who wants a more mainstream name, which yes, does really have a lot of advantages for a child.
With the last name [name]Anderson[/name], probably a name that DOESN’T end with an a (which blends in with the first A in your last name) and is NOT three syllables would work best. Probably why you’re stuck on [name]Claire[/name]!
You asked for some out of the box ideas, and given the issues with your last name, here are some one-syllable choices that end in a consonant sound and some -y ending names, which I think sounds good with [name]Anderson[/name].
[name]Hope[/name]
[name]Tess[/name]
[name]Brett[/name]
[name]Bea[/name] ([name]Beatrice[/name])
[name]Quinn[/name]
[name]Paige[/name]
[name]Kate[/name]
[name]Daisy[/name]
[name]Whitney[/name]
[name]Hi[/name] - just wanted to let you know how much I love the name [name]Claire[/name]…it is stylish and classy, and it goes so well with your last name. In fact, it is one of my favorite girl’s names. If you love the name, go with it! And [name]Claire[/name] [name]Elizabeth[/name] is just beautiful.
One other suggestion - instead of [name]Anna[/name], how about [name]Hannah[/name]?
I know [name]Hannah[/name] is very popular, but it goes well with [name]Anderson[/name].
Also how about:
[name]Charlotte[/name]
[name]Caroline[/name]
Now you’ve got me on your case! I was just about to suggest [name]Charlotte[/name], which sounds great with [name]Anderson[/name]. Also, [name]Penelope[/name].
[quote=“kyemsma”][name]Hi[/name] - just wanted to let you know how much I love the name [name]Claire[/name]…it is stylish and classy, and it goes so well with your last name. In fact, it is one of my favorite girl’s names. If you love the name, go with it! And [name]Claire[/name] [name]Elizabeth[/name] is just beautiful.
One other suggestion - instead of [name]Anna[/name], how about [name]Hannah[/name]?
I know [name]Hannah[/name] is very popular, but it goes well with [name]Anderson[/name].
There is an adorable clothing company called [name]Hanna[/name] Andersson. I’m used to that name because of the company. But I wonder if a lot of people have heard of [name]Hanna[/name] Andersson?
Here are some more ideas for you:
[name]Bryony[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Brynn[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Chloe[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] - very cute, [name]Chloe[/name] is so popular but fun to say and goes so well with your last name.
[name]Edith[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] nn [name]Edie[/name] - wonderful, I highly recommend [name]Edith[/name]. Coming back in style, hipster. If you don’t want to be on the edge, go with [name]Maisie[/name], [name]Phoebe[/name], or [name]Chloe[/name].
[name]Harper[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Hollis[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Ingrid[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] - distinctive
[name]Iris[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] - so pretty
[name]Maeve[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] - [name]Maeve[/name] is a strong one-syllable name like [name]Claire[/name]. I think of it as the Irish version of [name]Claire[/name].
[name]Maisie[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] - very cute
[name]Meredith[/name] nn [name]Edie[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Natalie[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] - but [name]Natalie[/name] has been overused
[name]Phoebe[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] - love! I think I would pick this one.
[name]Quinn[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Rose[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Rosemary[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] nn [name]Maisie[/name]
You are so lucky! You can chose names that end in “y” or “ie”. I can’t because my last name ends in a “y”.
[name]Nicole[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Ruth[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Jessica[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] nn [name]Jessie[/name]
[name]Jacqueline[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] nn [name]Jacqui[/name]
[name]Jodie[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Margot[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Elise[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Hazel[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Blythe[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Skye[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Iris[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Ivy[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Louise[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Stella[/name] [name]Anderson[/name], yes it has the a ending but it is such a strong name I think it overcomes the problem.
[name]Yvette[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Bridget[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Sadie[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
What about [name]Coralie[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]? I think it is a much prettier name than [name]Cora[/name] and it is a perfect match with [name]Anderson[/name].
[name]Pam[/name] - Funny, my own name is [name]Sara[/name] - but guess I married into the double ‘a’ sound 
Really like [name]Charlotte[/name]. [name]Penelope[/name] (but 3 syllables!) is cute, too, but not a huge nickname fan and this would probably get shortened to [name]Penny[/name] (I posted a comment on a different discussion board in response to your nn debate, i.e. why do so many people want distinct nn’s in place of formal names, which just really changes the name all together… I’m more on the side of sticking with the formal) But these two names are more of my style I would say than [name]Paige[/name], [name]Kate[/name], and [name]Whitney[/name]… [name]Do[/name] like [name]Tess[/name] and not a huge fan of virtue, nature, or unisex names ([name]Hope[/name], [name]Daisy[/name], [name]Brett[/name]). [name]Will[/name] run [name]Charlotte[/name] by my husband… Thanks, and haven’t gotten my case figured out yet, so I’m so thankful for yours and others’ time to crack this code!
kyemsma & susan - [name]LOVE[/name] [name]Hannah[/name]!!! Aways been a huge fan of [name]Anna[/name], and [name]Hannah[/name]'s a bit more varied from [name]Anderson[/name] than [name]Anna[/name]. BUT… not only have I heard of [name]Hanna[/name] Andersson clothing… I’m a huge buyer and believe they make the best clothing. European made and of much higher quality than clothes made from [name]China[/name] (almost everything else…) Completely on a tangent, but yes, I love their brand and would find it a little hard to name my child [name]Hannah[/name] b/c of my association with this adorable company!
[name]Susan[/name] - thanks for the great list, too! Here’s what stuck out: [name]Maisie[/name]. Does feel a bit like a nickname, though? Not sure what for… [name]Margaret[/name] maybe?
rollo - [name]Hazel[/name] and [name]Ivy[/name] have been some of my favorites! Probably why we’re still on [name]Claire[/name], though. My husband loves older, classic names but has a hard time going that far off the common path. Wish I could convince him otherwise 
Also, came across an earlier post of yours on how to pronounce [name]Coralie[/name]… you said the ‘o’ was like in the word coffee? Having a hard time saying this without it kind of sounding like ‘[name]Carly[/name]’ [name]How[/name] does your pronounciation sound different? My first thought would be ‘[name]Cora[/name] [name]Lee[/name]’ but you said it’s not pronounced that way… help!
[name]Maisie[/name] is a nn for [name]Mary[/name] or [name]Margaret[/name]. I love it as a nn for [name]Margaret[/name]. I think nn’s are fun. [name]Maisie[/name] could be a name on its own though.
[name]Hi[/name] there I am an Australian and I think the difference is that when you see [name]Coralie[/name] you do see [name]Cora[/name] [name]Lee[/name] you immediately see the ‘or’ in the name.
[name]Do[/name] not look at it and see Core ah [name]Lee[/name]
Co as in cough or coffee
[name]Ra[/name] or rah
Lie as in [name]Lee[/name]
Co ra lee or Co rah lee It is the short ‘o’ at the beginning that makes the difference.
[name]Hope[/name] that this helps.
PS [name]How[/name] do you say [name]Coral[/name]? It has the short ‘o’ too.
PS2 One of Mum’s friends was named Mais/ie and I think it was her full name. It is a sweet name.
PS3 [name]Carly[/name] is nothing like [name]Coral[/name]/ie. It has the long ‘are’ sound like [name]Charlie[/name]/es whereas [name]Coralie[/name] has the short sound with the ‘o’ vowel.
BTW Have you thought of [name]Jean[/name]/[name]Jeanette[/name]?
CO28448: [name]Glad[/name] you like [name]Charlotte[/name]!
After reading about your preferences, I just want to make a suggestion:
[name]Vivian[/name] [name]Claire[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
[name]Vivian[/name] is just such a beautiful name, and I thought it might work for you because it has an old-world charm to it, but I think it still feels more classic than vintage (probably because it’s a name that has never been overly popular). I just think it’s got a lot of the qualities you’re looking for, it might still please your family which is important to you, and it sounds great with your last name (and with middle name [name]Claire[/name]).
I have another suggestion [name]Lindsay[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]
I reallly like this suggestion.
Also like [name]Claire[/name], [name]Charlotte[/name], and [name]Coralie[/name].
[name]Do[/name] you have a MN already picked out? I think a double C name would be cute:
[name]Coralie[/name] [name]Claire[/name]
[name]Cora[/name] [name]Claire[/name]
[name]Charlotte[/name] [name]Claire[/name] – don’t like quite as much but cute, too
Also love [name]Lindsay[/name] [name]Claire[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]! Such a great balance of sounds.
I do love [name]Claire[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]-it just works! If you like [name]Cora[/name] like I do you may like [name]Orla[/name](same pn.=[name]Orlaith[/name]) [name]Anderson[/name].I really love [name]Orla[/name] [name]Anderson[/name].[name]Iris[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] also seems to work.best of luck but be assured [name]Claire[/name] [name]Anderson[/name] is a winner.
I reallly like this suggestion.
Also like [name]Claire[/name], [name]Charlotte[/name], and [name]Coralie[/name].
[name]Do[/name] you have a MN already picked out? I think a double C name would be cute:
[name]Coralie[/name] [name]Claire[/name]
[name]Cora[/name] [name]Claire[/name]
[name]Charlotte[/name] [name]Claire[/name] – don’t like quite as much but cute, too
Also love [name]Lindsay[/name] [name]Claire[/name] [name]Anderson[/name]! Such a great balance of sounds.[/quote]
If we go with [name]Claire[/name], then we like the mn [name]Elizabeth[/name]. Not set on that mn if we choose a different first name, though. Would like either the first or middle name to be of Biblical and/or Hebrew origin…
[name]Lindsay[/name] and [name]Vivian[/name] are cute, but neither are really sticking with me as the name. [name]Do[/name] like [name]Iris[/name] though.