I absolutely love the name [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]. However, our first daughter’s name is [name_f]Maeby[/name_f] and [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] is just too popular for our sibset.
I have recently fallen in love with the name [name_f]Eliza[/name_f]. I love that it is similar to [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f], but spunkier and less popular (#225). My husband is still concerned that it is too popular. We are both middle school teachers. He has had 2 Elizas recently, I have had none. Another option is to shorten it to [name_f]Liza[/name_f], which is not in the top 1000, but he does not like the connection to [name_f]Liza[/name_f] Minelli.
So what do you think? [name_m]How[/name_m] popular is [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] really among younger children? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think this is a good match with [name_f]Maeby[/name_f] in a sibset? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think we should keep searching for something more unique?
At #225, I don’t think you have to worry. Here in Australia, I’ve only met one [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] who is my age (20) and no children called [name_f]Eliza[/name_f]. You never know what children will be named in your exact area who are the same age as your child. Those [name_f]Eliza[/name_f]'s in your husbands class may have been the only two in the area! I’ve heard of people not naming their child a name as it was too “popular” (though, I’m talking top 100/top 50) and then realizing when their child is school age that there are no other children named that (their original choice) and regretting not going for it.
I like [name_f]Eliza[/name_f], and although it’s not very common, it’s more classic and familiar than [name_f]Maeby[/name_f]… which I’ve never heard before, so I’m not sure how they go together. Though I know plenty of siblings who’s names are of different styles altogether.
I would check to see how popular [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is in your state. It could be more or less popular where you live, and you might be able to put your husband’s concerns to rest.
I’ve never known anyone under 30 named [name_f]Eliza[/name_f]. And the handful of Elizabeths I’ve known or met are all in their late 20s, early 30s and go by either the full name - never any nickname, ever - or use [name_f]Liz[/name_f] exclusively. (I did know a 60 something who always went by [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] - always! - and she wore it very regally.)
And I love [name_f]Maeby[/name_f]! She was such a great character on Arrested Development - I always thought it was such a unique and warm (if that makes sense) name.
Oh but to answer your questions: [name_f]Eliza[/name_f] is a wonderful name, it’s not too popular with the under 12 crowd, it sounds fine with [name_f]Maeby[/name_f], and I think your search is done.
