I’m due in two weeks and, after lots of discussion, my husband and I have finally narrowed our list down to two names: [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] and [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f].
If we go with [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], the middle name will be [name_f]Mae[/name_f] (or possibly [name_f]May[/name_f]). We still haven’t settled on a middle for [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] and are open to suggestions. I particularly like middle names that honor family, but I’m not 100% sold on any of the ones on our list:
The last name is a single syllable, beginning with T.
I really like both first name options, but also have my hesitations with each.
I think [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] is a pretty name and I like that it is unusual without being unheard of or tough to pronounce. I also like that it doesn’t have any really obvious nicknames/diminutives. However, it seems like it really doesn’t resonate with a lot of people and I don’t want to saddle my child with a widely disliked name. I also wonder if it is just a little too frilly. The [name_m]Hamlet[/name_m] connection doesn’t bother me at all. (Honestly, I think few people are well-read enough to put it together.)
I also love the name [name_f]Adeline[/name_f], which we would pronounce [name_m]Add[/name_m]-a-line, but I do worry that others might pronounce it [name_m]Add[/name_m]-uh-lyn instead. I also don’t really care for the overused nickname [name_f]Addy[/name_f], but wonder if it will be tough to avoid. [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] just seems like the kind of name that people will automatically want to truncate. I do really like that it is a feminine name that ends in a consonant sound, which I think helps to ground it a bit. We’re having trouble finding a great middle name for this one.
I would love feedback on either name, as well as middle name suggestions for [name_f]Adeline[/name_f]. It has taken us forever to agree on two finalist first names and, despite having some hesitations with each name, I’m not really interested in reopening the search for another first name. I think we have two firm contenders and would just like to hear what others think about our choices. Thanks!
I like [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] more. When I think of [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], I always think of the ‘[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] complex’ from psychology, which is a daughter who has romantic interest in her father…
Both names are lovely in different ways. I would go with [name_f]Adeline[/name_f]. When I hear [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], I always think “I feel ya”. However, it’s a pretty name. [name_f]Olympia[/name_f] and [name_f]Octavia[/name_f] are other O names you might like.
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] is cute . I know only an older person with this name and her nn is Ophi.
[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] I like it though it’s a bit too romantic for my taste. Maybe [name_f]Adelia[/name_f]? or I would prefer [name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] over [name_f]Adeline[/name_f]…
As a middle name I like [name_f]Mae[/name_f] a lot! for both choices that is.
Thanks to you all. At the moment, I’m leaning a little bit towards [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], but I swing back and forth a lot. I did not know about the [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] complex, which is not really something I want my kid associated with, but if I ruled out all names with any negative associations I’d never find one….
Does anyone out there know an [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] who is not called [name_f]Addy[/name_f] or [name_f]Addie[/name_f]? I really like the name [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] but the shortened form of the name is holding me back.
I prefer [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] as well. I, too, thought of the [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] Complex initially when I read that name. Although I really don’t know that the majority of people would.
I have an acquaintance whose daughter’s name is [name_f]Adeline[/name_f], and she only goes by [name_f]Adeline[/name_f], no nickname. She is only 3 though, so I’m not sure what will happen as she gets older. You might be able to encourage the nickname [name_f]Adele[/name_f] if you like it, or maybe no nickname at all (at least for family and close friends).
From your list of middle names, I like [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Mae[/name_f]/[name_f]May[/name_f] the best. Other considerations might be [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Grace[/name_f], [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Faith[/name_f]. I also like [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Marie[/name_f] and [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Claire[/name_f], which are variations of names on your list. And, I might be going out on a limb here, but I actually like [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]. With a one syllable last name I think it could be rather stunning. Best of luck!
I have the same reservations about the name [name_f]Adeline[/name_f]. I really dislike the nickname [name_f]Addie[/name_f]. I’d either correct people or use a nickname that you do like (in my case I like [name_f]Delle[/name_f] or [name_f]Elle[/name_f]).
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] has really grown on me. It’s a beautiful name that fits in well with current popular names but isn’t popular itself.
