Explain your combos

[EKC]

It’s interesting to hear the stories behind everyone’s favorite name combos!

[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] [name_f]Eliane[/name_f]: [name_f]Cora[/name_f] was my great grandmother, [name_u]Lee[/name_u] is a family surname, [name_f]Ellie[/name_f] was the dog who got me through losing my mom. The full meaning of both names is ‘[name_f]Coral[/name_f] [name_f]Sun[/name_f],’ and my mother’s name was [name_f]Dawn[/name_f]. I really love this name combo.

[name_f]Ondine[/name_f] [name_u]Merise[/name_u]: I love the gentle sound of [name_f]Ondine[/name_f]. I also love the combined meaning. [name_f]Ondine[/name_f]=[name_m]Little[/name_m] Wave. [name_u]Merise[/name_u]= Of the Sea. I have good memories and strong associations of comfort with the ocean and beach,so this name is a current fave.

[name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] [name_f]Claire[/name_f]: I just love the sound of this one. ‘The [name_u]Bright[/name_u] [name_u]Golden[/name_u] One.’

[name_f]Seraphine[/name_f] [name_f]Margarethe[/name_f]: I love [name_f]Seraphine[/name_f], and the nickname ‘Raph.’ The middle is ever-changing.

[name_f]Josette[/name_f] [name_f]Lenore[/name_f]: I love the name [name_f]Etta[/name_f], and it’s my grandma’s middle name. [name_f]Josette[/name_f] gets to NNs [name_u]Jo[/name_u] and [name_f]Etta[/name_f]. The MN changes, but I like [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] currently.

[name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] [name_u]Wade[/name_u]: I love the name [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m], and the NN [name_u]Van[/name_u]. The combo means ‘[name_m]Forest[/name_m] at the [name_u]River[/name_u] Crossing.’

[name_m]Milas[/name_m] [name_u]James[/name_u]: I just like the sound of these together. [name_u]James[/name_u] is a variant of my Dad’s name.

[name_m]Ezra[/name_m] [name_m]Heron[/name_m]: I love the soft, unusual sound of [name_m]Ezra[/name_m]. It just intrigues me. [name_m]Heron[/name_m] is a nod to the multiple avian/bird names( at least 5) in my family.

[name_m]Mateo[/name_m] [name_m]Martin[/name_m]: I love the rhythm of [name_m]Mateo[/name_m], and the NN ‘[name_u]Mattie[/name_u].’ [name_m]Martin[/name_m] is an avian name, and honors an uncle.

[name_m]Lowell[/name_m] [name_m]Wilder[/name_m]: I have a deep connection and love for canines(I am studying to be a vet), and like that [name_m]Lowell[/name_m] means ‘[name_m]Wolf[/name_m].’ [name_m]Wilder[/name_m] helps freshen up the older sounding [name_m]Lowell[/name_m], while still being nature related.

[Malloryknox]

I try to think of family name combinations all the time but I always get worried about leaving someone out and hurting their feelings. Family means a lot to me and I find it hard to pick just one member or name. Is that silly?

Family names I like are:
[name_u]Brinley[/name_u] [name_u]Robin[/name_u] for both fathers (boyfriend’s and my own)
[name_f]Tatiana[/name_f] [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] for my boyfriend’s mother and granny. [name_f]Tatiana[/name_f] is also the name my mother wanted for me but my dad vetoed. I adore the name [name_f]Tatiana[/name_f] so it’s disappointing it isn’t mine. Haha.
[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_u]James[/name_u] for my mother but also great aunt and grandfather, who have both passed and meant so much to me. [name_u]James[/name_u] is problematic because it is also the name of my ex so I would prefer a variation. I thought of [name_f]Jemima[/name_f], playing off the nn [name_m]Jim[/name_m] but [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Jemima[/name_f] might be a bit too much puddle duck author [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_m]Potter[/name_m].

I struggle more with boy’s names.
[name_m]Odin[/name_m] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] is the only combo I have and it isn’t a family name. [name_m]Odin[/name_m] came from watching Vikings with my boyfriend. It’s our favourite TV show and at first got me into the name [name_m]Bjorn[/name_m]. My boyfriend has been into mythology since a child though so I asked about [name_m]Odin[/name_m] and it’s stuck. [name_m]Odin[/name_m] is God of [name_u]Magic[/name_u] (amongst other things) which plays to our own interests and he had such a passion for knowledge. [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] might not stick but my boyfriend also likes [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] the Great. I like that it means defender of men.

[name_f]Mallory[/name_f] [name_f]Eris[/name_f] is THE name. I can’t imagine having a daughter and not calling her [name_f]Mallory[/name_f]. My favourite film is Natural [name_m]Born[/name_m] Killers which I know is a bit violent to be naming a baby after but the character [name_f]Mallory[/name_f] is so strong and knows her own will. She doesn’t let the men in the film own or degrade her. She never gives up. She also inspired some of my favourite lyrics from my favourite band My Chemical Romance. Plus I really like [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] [name_m]Lewis[/name_m] who plays her. [name_f]Mallory[/name_f] also means unlucky which strikes a cord with me because I’m so clumsy and often dropping things or tripping over nothing. I also just like the double ll and [name_u]Mal[/name_u] nn because it rhymes with my boyfriend’s nn.
[name_f]Eris[/name_f] I think flows so well with [name_f]Mallory[/name_f]. [name_f]Eris[/name_f] is the [name_f]Goddess[/name_f] of discord which is again a bit of a negative meaning but it goes with unlucky. I like the idea of my daughter being named after a [name_f]Goddess[/name_f] and I love Greek mythology and names. [name_f]Eris[/name_f] is also similar to [name_f]Erin[/name_f], a friend who helped me through a difficult time in my life.

[name_f]Athena[/name_f] [name_f]Lily[/name_f] [name_f]Celeste[/name_f]. My boyfriend suggested [name_f]Athena[/name_f], again because he loves mythology. [name_f]Athena[/name_f] is [name_f]Goddess[/name_f] of [name_f]Wisdom[/name_f] and War which suits us both a bit. [name_f]Athena[/name_f] was a really strong female figure which is important to me. Intelligence is really important so it’s also nice to name a girl after the trait. I think it goes well with [name_f]Mallory[/name_f] too as a sister name. They’re both strong names in their own way. [name_f]Atia[/name_f] is the nn I have for [name_f]Athena[/name_f] because whilst I like [name_f]Attie[/name_f] my boyfriend didn’t. [name_f]Atia[/name_f] was mother of [name_m]Octavian[/name_m] (Emperor [name_m]Augustus[/name_m]) so I like the extra historical aspect and we both really liked the TV show [name_m]Rome[/name_m]. It has a nice story behind us watching it together. I can’t decide on a middle for [name_f]Athena[/name_f] at the moment. My boyfriend suggested [name_f]Lily[/name_f] and whilst I love the delicate nature meaning and having four letters the same as [name_f]Mallory[/name_f]'s middle name I worry it isn’t special enough for [name_f]Athena[/name_f]. I don’t like super common names. [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] is my suggestion. I like star or astrology names and [name_f]Celeste[/name_f] means of the heavens which is adorable. I do think maybe it’s a bit too much with [name_f]Athena[/name_f] though as they are the sameish length. But then I also think perhaps I’ll have two middles for [name_f]Athena[/name_f] which is even longer!

[eireann]

I only have two right now that I am strongly considering.

[name_f]Lily[/name_f] [name_f]Reverie[/name_f]: [name_f]Lily[/name_f] has been my favourite name for as long as I can remember, although I do go through periods of thinking I should use it and then thinking it’s too common. However, I am gonna use it. I love lilies; they’re so pretty. And for [name_f]Reverie[/name_f], I came across Girl’s Gone Child’s blog a few weeks ago and she has a little [name_f]Reverie[/name_f], and the name intrigued me so I did some research on it and fell in love with it. [name_f]Reverie[/name_f] means “a state of being pleasantly lost in one’s thoughts; a daydream” - how perfect?! A pretty, delicate daydream.

[name_u]Jude[/name_u] [name_u]August[/name_u]/[name_m]Augustus[/name_m]: [name_u]Jude[/name_u] has also been my favourite name for as long as I can remember, so these two names ([name_u]Jude[/name_u] and [name_f]Lily[/name_f]) are my long-time favourites. My mum told me she liked the name [name_u]Jude[/name_u] when she was pregnant with me and my sisters, and since then I have really grown to love and adore it. I am also a big fan of the Hey [name_u]Jude[/name_u] song by The Beatles, so I think this is a double winner. With [name_u]August[/name_u]/[name_m]Augustus[/name_m], it’s the birth month I am honouring which is my mum’s birth month and a lovely month overall. It’s a month where everyone seems to be relaxed and chilled. I got [name_m]Augustus[/name_m] from [name_m]Augustus[/name_m] Waters in The Fault In Our Stars, a great film/book. [name_u]August[/name_u] also means “great” and [name_m]Augustus[/name_m] means “majestic”, I love them meanings. I also thought of [name_m]Augustine[/name_m] (to honour my mum x2, her birth month is [name_u]August[/name_u] and her name is [name_f]Tina[/name_f]), but I’m not too sure on that.

[mother_dragons]

90% of the names in my signnture are just names that I like and think sound good together. However, I try to make sure the meanings sound good together

[name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] [name_f]Cecily[/name_f]: it’d mean something like “shines so bright it blinds you”. [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] is also a variation of [name_f]Elena[/name_f], my mom’s middle name
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f] [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f]: “flower that resurrects”. It has quite a personal meaning for me
[name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Elowen[/name_f]: “light of the elm”. I just like it
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] [name_u]Drew[/name_u]: “strong little rose”. Similar to [name_f]Fleur[/name_f] [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f]
[name_f]Willa[/name_f] [name_f]Evangeline[/name_f]: “protector and bearer of good news”

[name_u]August[/name_u] [name_m]Henry[/name_m]: “venerable ruler”
[name_m]Caspian[/name_m] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m]: “brother from the [name_m]Caspian[/name_m] sea”
[name_m]Donovan[/name_m] [name_m]Leo[/name_m]: “dark haired lion”. My mother’s family comes from a place in Spain called [name_m]Le[/name_m]ón and they all have dark hair, so it’s a sublte way of honouring my roots
[name_m]Julian[/name_m] [name_m]Frederick[/name_m]: “young, peaceful ruler”
[name_m]Lysander[/name_m] [name_m]George[/name_m]: “farmer thet frees men”. [name_m]Lysander[/name_m] is the name of one of my greatest friends and my famyli traditionally owned a farm

[greenypots]

[name_m]Fletcher[/name_m] [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] - [name_m]Fletcher[/name_m] honours someone who has always helped me get through difficult times in my life and [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] is just a name I like.

[name_m]Conrad[/name_m] [name_m]Anthony[/name_m] - [name_m]Conrad[/name_m] is a name I have loved forever for no discernible reason and it’s also the title of one of my favourite songs. [name_m]Anthony[/name_m] is my father’s name.

[name_u]Sullivan[/name_u] [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] - [name_u]Sullivan[/name_u] is a family last name and [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] the Tank Engine was mine and my brother’s favourite TV show growing up

[name_f]Maxine[/name_f] [name_f]Rebecca[/name_f] - [name_f]Maxine[/name_f] is a name I really love, and I would shorten it to [name_f]May[/name_f] which is the month my paternal grandparents were both born. [name_f]Rebecca[/name_f] is a really close friend of mine.

[name_f]Francesca[/name_f] [name_f]Louise[/name_f] - My very first teddy bear was from my granddad who I unfortunately never really knew and he was called [name_u]Frankie[/name_u], hence [name_f]Francesca[/name_f]. [name_f]Louise[/name_f] is my mother’s middle name too.

[name_f]Arabella[/name_f] [name_u]June[/name_u] - [name_f]Arabella[/name_f] is a name that I really love and so is [name_u]June[/name_u]. [name_u]June[/name_u] also honours [name_u]June[/name_u] Mottershead whose father [name_m]George[/name_m] Mottershead came up with the idea for [name_m]Chester[/name_m] Zoo, a place that holds a very special place in my heart. It was [name_u]June[/name_u]'s biography that really gripped me and spiked my interest in zoos and how they operate.

[sarahdoodle]

[name_f]Catherine[/name_f] [name_f]Zelie[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Rin[/name_f]): This is far and beyond my favorite of all my combos. [name_f]Catherine[/name_f] is actually my middle name–I want to use it as a first name because that’s what my mom really wanted for me, but she couldn’t get my dad on board with it. [name_f]Zelie[/name_f] is for Bl. [name_f]Zelie[/name_f] [name_m]Martin[/name_m], the mother of St. [name_f]Therese[/name_f], and soon to be St. [name_f]Zelie[/name_f]! I just really like the way the uncommon [name_f]Zelie[/name_f] pairs with the classical [name_f]Catherine[/name_f], and I’ve been crushing on [name_f]Rin[/name_f] as a nickname for quite some time.

[name_f]Elanor[/name_f] [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f]: [name_f]Elanor[/name_f] (spelled this way) means star-sun, and is a little star-shaped golden flower in Tolkien’s The [name_m]Lord[/name_m] of the Rings. [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f] is for St. [name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_f]Magdalene[/name_f], one of my favorite saints.

[name_f]Rosemary[/name_f] [name_f]Lark[/name_f]: [name_f]Rosemary[/name_f] honors the Blessed Virgin, and [name_f]Lark[/name_f] is just a name that I really like–it makes me think of the beautiful line from The Sound of [name_f]Music[/name_f]. (“My heart wants…to sing through the night, like a lark who is learning to pray.”)

[name_f]Agnes[/name_f] [name_u]Valentine[/name_u]: This combo I’m less sure about. I am currently crushing on [name_f]Agnes[/name_f], but just can’t find a middle name that seems perfect with it (same goes for [name_f]Genevieve[/name_f]).

[name_u]Jude[/name_u] [name_u]Francis[/name_u]: I just really love the way these two names sound together ([name_u]Francis[/name_u] is a recent addition to my love-it list), and they’re both awesome saint name-sakes.

[name_u]Calder[/name_u] [name_m]Timothy[/name_m]: My boys combos have a lot less to do with personal meaning, and more with just names I really like. [name_u]Calder[/name_u] is one of those, so is [name_m]Timothy[/name_m].

[name_m]William[/name_m] [name_m]Augustine[/name_m]: This is my favorite boys’ combo. [name_m]William[/name_m] has been my favorite boy name since I was twelve, and I love St. [name_m]Augustine[/name_m]. I think the names just pair really handsomely together.

[name_m]Harrison[/name_m] [name_m]Peter[/name_m]: My second-fav boys’ name. [name_m]Peter[/name_m] is a nod to C.S. [name_m]Lewis[/name_m] ([name_m]Peter[/name_m] Pevensie), one of my favorite authors, and of course for St. [name_m]Peter[/name_m]. [name_m]Harrison[/name_m] is just a name I really like, probably (I have to admit) at least partly inspired by my love for Han Solo and [name_u]Indiana[/name_u] [name_m]Jones[/name_m].

[CarysMarie]

Most of mine have a certain pattern to them. I really love short, one syllable middle names, especially four letter names. I also like short names with long middle names, for example, [name_m]Leo[/name_m] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m].

I havent used any family names. There are some people it would be nice to honour but I dont see the point looking for a variation of a name when there are tonnes out there that I love. Plus, knowing my family, they wouldn’t let me use their names anyway! (My nan once told me she hated her name, and that I was not to bare a child with it!)

[OpheliaFlora]

I’m currently revising my list, so it’s a bit of a mess and some names are first/middle name less, so let’s see:
[name_f]Flora[/name_f] [name_f]Penelope[/name_f]: I simply love both names.
[name_f]Alice[/name_f] [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]/[name_f]Georgiana[/name_f]/[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] - [name_f]Alice[/name_f] has always been a name I liked and I’ve come to love it in the past years, it’s [name_m]German[/name_m]/ic, which is always nice, and I like the meaning “noble”. [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] is a name I absolutely love, [name_f]Georgiana[/name_f] is one that I really like the imagery of (and georg is a name also found on my family tree but that’s just a nice extra), [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] is my sister’s name and I absolutely love the [name_m]Ronald[/name_m] Dahl story.
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] [name_f]Mary[/name_f]?:
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] because I love it and it’s also a nod to my grandmother as her name means gift of the sea and [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] might mean daughter of the sea (it is only a nod though, I wouldn’t count it as an honour name). [name_f]Mary[/name_f] because of my great-grandmothers who were both “[name_f]Maria[/name_f]” (one was Spanish and she went by the name following [name_f]Maria[/name_f] but I expect many more Marias on my Spanish side of the family).
[name_f]Lavinia[/name_f] [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]:
[name_f]Lavinia[/name_f] because I love it, [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] was my great-grandmother’s name.
[name_f]Rose[/name_f] [name_f]Lavinia[/name_f]/[name_f]Wilhelmina[/name_f]:
[name_f]Rose[/name_f] because I simply adore it, [name_f]Wilhelmina[/name_f] would be for my grandfather, [name_f]Lavinia[/name_f] because I like it.
[name_f]Ada[/name_f] [name_f]Leonor[/name_f]/[name_f]Penelope[/name_f]:
[name_f]Ada[/name_f] because I like it, [name_f]Leonor[/name_f] [name_u]Asa[/name_u] nod to my Spanish heritage, [name_f]Penelope[/name_f] because I like it
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f] [name_f]Clara[/name_f]:
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] for the main character in my favourite movie pan’s labyrinth, [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f] because I like it an [name_f]Clara[/name_f] because it has been one of my absolute favourites for ever.
Like I said, it’s a bit of a mess, nothing is really certain and I might rely on berries help for figuring it out in the near future

[southern.maple]

Now I feel like a weirdo because I don’t make combos. Here are a few I like.

[name_m]Samuel[/name_m] my surname - I adore [name_u]Sam[/name_u]. It’s one of the friendliest, sweetest, most approachable names a boy can have. It makes me think of evening sunlight and misty mornings in the country. And I’ve always loved Samwise Gamgee. My surname is a nature name, and I absolutely love the way it sounds with [name_m]Samuel[/name_m].

[name_m]Edward[/name_m] [name_m]Jasper[/name_m] - My grandmother’s maiden name is Edwards, and I think [name_m]Edward[/name_m] is very dashing. I like the idea of it paired with a middle name that starts with S or Z to get the sound of Edwards in there. Unless my husband has a gem on his family tree that starts with S or Z I’ll probably go with something else. My mom and I share a love of the name [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], and I do love [name_m]Edward[/name_m] [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], so here it is.

[name_m]George[/name_m] [name_m]Callaway[/name_m] - I adore [name_m]George[/name_m]. It’s stately and handsome and spunky. I love the connections to the earth and farming, as I come from a very long line of farmers and am a pretty “earthy” person myself. [name_m]Callaway[/name_m] is my great-grandmother’s maiden name. It’s a name I’ve always loved because it’s packed with personality. I think [name_m]Callaway[/name_m] gives [name_m]George[/name_m] a very light, fun energy.

My relationship with girl’s names is complicated.

[AshleyG]

I’m just going to explain a few of mine, the ones I am seriously considering:

[name_f]Brynn[/name_f] [name_u]Aspen[/name_u]: This is my daughter’s name. We loved [name_u]Aspen[/name_u] for it’s nature-y connections and wanted to use it as a first, but couldn’t get past the a** nickname so we used it as a middle. [name_f]Brynn[/name_f] was perfect for us: short, sweet, and a perfect middle ground between feminine and flexible.

[name_u]Everly[/name_u] [name_f]Maple[/name_f]- [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] the name [name_u]Everly[/name_u] and it’s nickname possibilities: [name_f]Evie[/name_f], [name_f]Eve[/name_f], Eves, [name_u]Ever[/name_u]… etc. It suits my style to a T and would go so well with my daughter’s name. I love [name_f]Maple[/name_f] for a middle because I love nature and maples are my favourite trees. Also goes with my daughter’s name

[name_u]Eden[/name_u] Avonlea- [name_u]Eden[/name_u] is a name I have always loved, and again, I like the nickname possibilities. Avonlea is I think my favourite name choice of all! I love [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] [name_f]Maud[/name_f] [name_m]Montgomery[/name_m]'s writing, especially the [name_f]Anne[/name_f] of [name_u]Green[/name_u] Gables series. Avonlea is the name of the town where [name_f]Anne[/name_f] lives. I love the femininity of the name!

[name_m]Caleb[/name_m] [name_m]Leif[/name_m]- I still haven’t found a boys’ name that I’ve fallen head over heels for (other than [name_m]Eli[/name_m], but I can’t use it), but [name_m]Caleb[/name_m] is a strong contender. It is a strong, solid, Biblical name, and would suit a son of mine perfectly! [name_m]Leif[/name_m] I love, again for the nature-y connections, but for a multitude of reasons: My husband loves Scandinavia, so BOOM, there’s Scandinavia for you. I also love that “lief” is Dutch (my heritage) for “love”. [name_u]Win[/name_u]-win.

[name_m]Isaac[/name_m] [name_m]Wilder[/name_m]: [name_m]Isaac[/name_m] is reminiscent of [name_m]Caleb[/name_m] as a solid, strong, Biblical name. I love [name_m]Wilder[/name_m] as a middle because it evokes a sense of adventure without being too “out there”.

And there you have it!

[gmdx]

[name_f]Jane[/name_f] [name_f]Valentina[/name_f]: I’m not sure when I started liking [name_f]Jane[/name_f] specifically, but I’ve always had a fondness for long A’s. I also love the meaning: “God’s gracious gift”. I’m even more confused by [name_f]Valentina[/name_f]. For a long time, I just wasn’t a fan, but now I adore it! EDIT: It wasn’t until after I started liking it (but before I made this post), that Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman in space, which is a pretty awesome namesake.

[name_f]Mary[/name_f] [name_f]Odilia[/name_f]: I think [name_f]Mary[/name_f] came from my love for [name_f]Marigold[/name_f]. I really struggled to find a middle for it. I wanted something along the lines of [name_f]Valentina[/name_f], but everything I tried felt too Catholic. I think it was @ashthedreamer’s signature that led me to [name_f]Odilia[/name_f]. “I will praise the [name_m]Lord[/name_m]” is another GORGEOUS meaning, even if there was a St. [name_f]Odilia[/name_f].

[name_f]Susannah[/name_f] [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]: Originally, [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] was just a path to the nickname [name_u]Sunny[/name_u], but now I like [name_f]Annie[/name_f] a bit more. Either way, it feels bright and cheerful. I know a [name_f]Miriam[/name_f] whose parents named her because they knew she was going to be a big sister like the Biblical [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]. I really loved that story and [name_f]Miriam[/name_f]'s younger siblings also have beautiful names, so I was probably inspired by that a bit. Again, meaning was a factor.[name_f]Miriam[/name_f] means “Wished-for-child”.

[name_m]David[/name_m] [name_m]Benedict[/name_m]: I’ve always joked about naming my kids after [name_m]Doctor[/name_m] Who characters/actors. Some of the names stick. For example, [name_m]Peter[/name_m] [name_m]David[/name_m]. Eventually,I did some rearranging on my list, and ended up with [name_m]David[/name_m] [name_m]Benedict[/name_m] so that everyone will know I watch [name_m]Sherlock[/name_m] too! But seriously, it’s another case of meaning being so important to me. I want my son to know that he is “beloved” and “blessed”. I also love that the Biblical [name_m]David[/name_m] was so close to God, and I want that for all of my children.

[name_m]Peter[/name_m] [name_m]Malachi[/name_m]: This is probably my favorite combination, even though sound-wise [name_m]Peter[/name_m] doesn’t really appeal to me as much. [name_m]Peter[/name_m] was probably the first name that I fell in love with based solely on meaning, before I was even a name nerd. For those unaware, [name_m]Peter[/name_m] means “rock” and [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] changed [name_m]Simon[/name_m]'s name to [name_m]Peter[/name_m], because he was the rock on which He would build His church, and I’ve always loved that. I also have felt a connection to the story of [name_m]Peter[/name_m] denying [name_m]Jesus[/name_m]. It has always given me such a sense of comfort, that even though I’ve committed the worst sin, denying my [name_m]Lord[/name_m] and faith, there is STILL forgiveness.
Anyway, I think I just like the sound of [name_m]Malachi[/name_m]. I’m not really into Biblical names for the sake of the fact that they’re in the Bible, but [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] is the last book of the Old Testament, which I guess is pretty exciting, because it means that [name_m]Jesus[/name_m] comes next!!! I think [name_m]Peter[/name_m] [name_m]Malachi[/name_m] might go by his middle name. I’ve got awhile to decide though!

[HarderToBreathe]

I’ll do my top 5 for each gender.
[name_f]Zoe[/name_f] [name_f]Helena[/name_f]- [name_f]Zoe[/name_f] is for my favorite grandmother. She and I are not biologically related, and since she has no biological grandchildren herself and has always treated me as her grandchild and has always been my favorite person in the world, I feel like it is important for me to honor her. She is the epitome of class, kindness, and generosity in my eyes, and those are qualities I hope my daughter to have. [name_f]Helena[/name_f] is a family name, my name ([name_f]Eleni[/name_f]) being a variation, I was named for my deceased aunt [name_f]Ellen[/name_f], my cousin also has the middle [name_f]Ellen[/name_f], and [name_f]Ellen[/name_f] was named after my great-grandmother (her grandmother) [name_f]Eleni[/name_f]. So I feel with so much family history I want to carry on some version of the name [name_f]Helen[/name_f]/[name_f]Eleni[/name_f]/[name_f]Ellen[/name_f]/[name_f]Eleanor[/name_f]/[name_f]Helena[/name_f] etc.
[name_f]Jane[/name_f] [name_f]Calliope[/name_f]- [name_f]Jane[/name_f] is just so timeless and classic. I love that about it. I’m also using [name_f]Jane[/name_f] as a way to honor my father ([name_u]James[/name_u]) because the names are similar in sound. I really just like the flow of [name_f]Calliope[/name_f] with [name_f]Jane[/name_f], but I also like how it honors my Greek heritage, and the musical connection to [name_f]Calliope[/name_f] (the instrument) as most of my family is very musical and I really respect music since I do not have the talent (and hope my children do), and the saint reference.
[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] [name_f]Jane[/name_f]- I just really adore [name_f]Cecily[/name_f]. I know my family will probably hate it because it doesn’t scream Greek like most of my names, but I love how dainty and elegant it is. [name_f]Cecily[/name_f] also honors saint [name_f]Cecilia[/name_f], the patron saint of music. I also really like the nns Ceci & [name_f]Cissy[/name_f] & [name_f]Cece[/name_f]. See [name_f]Jane[/name_f] above.
[name_f]Marta[/name_f] [name_f]Florence[/name_f]- I like how [name_f]Marta[/name_f] is international and works in different cultures. [name_f]Marta[/name_f] also reminds me of The Sound of [name_f]Music[/name_f], one of the adorable children of [name_m]Captain[/name_m] [name_m]Von[/name_m] Trapp. This is significant to me because it is my mom’s favorite movie (having been the first movie she saw in a movie theater) and one of my favorites as well. [name_f]Florence[/name_f] is for flow and is a family name. Although I am not naming after an aunt [name_f]Florence[/name_f], she carries the name from her grandmother, who came over from [name_f]Italy[/name_f] (I like the family history). I like the tie to the city as well, because I love to travel and hope one day to go to the city.
[name_f]Ariadne[/name_f] [name_f]Helena[/name_f]- I love the meaning of [name_f]Ariadne[/name_f]: most holy. I love that it is Greek, but not overly/obnoxiously (like Paraskevi or Spyridoula). It is one of the names that both my mom and I love (always a bonus). The nicknames are great: [name_u]Ari[/name_u], [name_f]Aria[/name_f], [name_f]Addie[/name_f], Nini. The mythology connection is a bonus since I love Greek history & mythology. It also reminds me of my trip to Greece, where I spent a lot of time hunting for icons of my favorite saints, including saint [name_f]Ariadne[/name_f], and I found one in this beautiful church. It was one of the highlights of my trip. And the saint reference is awesome. See [name_f]Helena[/name_f] above.
[name_m]Dimitri[/name_m] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m]- [name_m]Dimitri[/name_m] is just awesome. I love the sound and the connection to the Greek church. It is also for my dad, as [name_m]Dimitri[/name_m] is his baptismal name. I love [name_m]Alexander[/name_m], but I find it too popular for a first. My only female cousin close in age is [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f], and so I guess it could side honor her, but I mostly have it for flow and sound. I’m also considering changing [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] to [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] here. I like [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] because it is classic and never goes out of style, is international and strong. [name_m]Thomas[/name_m] is also I family name, being my cousin’s middle and a great uncle’s name (it probably goes back farther on the family tree too).
[name_m]Linus[/name_m] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m]- [name_m]Linus[/name_m] I got from one of my favorite movies: [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]. I love [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] Hepburn movies and [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] is one of my favorites. I love the character [name_m]Linus[/name_m] in the movie. The Peanuts reference doesn’t bother me. [name_m]Linus[/name_m] is also a saint name, which is always good. I love the sound and the fact that it isn’t popular. It has a strong yet sensitive sound, which is what I like for a boy. See [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] above.
[name_u]Gus[/name_u] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m]: I like [name_u]Gus[/name_u] because it is short and sweet. It ages well and isn’t too stuffy or popular. [name_u]Gus[/name_u] could also side honor me and my [name_f]Helen[/name_f] connections ([name_u]Gus[/name_u] is used as a translation of the Greek name [name_m]Costa[/name_m], a nickname for [name_u]Constantine[/name_u], and saints [name_u]Constantine[/name_u] & [name_f]Helen[/name_f] just go together always). It also reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding, which I find hilarious and reminds me of my culture. See [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] above. [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] just flows well with all my names.
[name_m]Augustus[/name_m] [name_m]Paul[/name_m]- I don’t even know why I like [name_m]Augustus[/name_m] so much. I think it is the strong sound to it. And I originally liked it with the nn [name_u]Gus[/name_u], but now I enjoy [name_u]Gus[/name_u] as a stand alone too. I like the historical reference. [name_m]Paul[/name_m] is a family name, it was my grandfather’s name and is my dad’s middle and could’ve been my name if I was a boy. I like the religious connection that [name_m]Paul[/name_m] has more than the family connection though (my dad and his dad didn’t get along. It’s also why I don’t consider [name_f]Florence[/name_f] a name after name, because my aunt [name_f]Florence[/name_f] isn’t really a part of my life even though I like her name).
[name_u]Jude[/name_u] [name_m]Augustus[/name_m]- [name_u]Jude[/name_u] happens to be one of the names my mom and I agree on. I like how [name_u]Jude[/name_u] is short and to the point. It highlights my love for the Beatles. I also love the connection to St. [name_u]Jude[/name_u]. [name_u]Jude[/name_u] is masculine, yet sensitive, like [name_u]Gus[/name_u] & [name_m]Linus[/name_m], which I like. [name_m]Augustus[/name_m] is for flow and sound here.

[Myosotis]

In general I love the sound and flow of my top combos, and all the names in them. A lot of the middles have awesome and significant associations for me, but they’re names I really love too. So there’s:

[name_f]Pandora[/name_f] [name_f]Amy[/name_f] [name_f]Valencia[/name_f] [name_f]Fae[/name_f]:
I love the meaning, sound, look, and strength behind [name_f]Pandora[/name_f]. It’s been my favourite girls’ name for years, and I always end up coming back to it. [name_f]Amy[/name_f] I had to add, because of the association with [name_f]Amy[/name_f] Pond from [name_m]Doctor[/name_m] Who; one of my favourite characters on my fave show, and [name_f]Amy[/name_f] just fits perfectly in there. I also really love The Big Bang [name_m]Theory[/name_m], so there’s another character association with [name_f]Amy[/name_f]. [name_f]Valencia[/name_f] and [name_f]Fae[/name_f] are there for meaning, so the whole combo means All gifted [name_f]Beloved[/name_f] Strong Faerie. My dad gave me a first and middle name with a combined meaning, so this Is my way of honouring him.

[name_f]Demelza[/name_f] [name_f]Georgiana[/name_f] [name_f]Clio[/name_f]:
I completely fell in love with [name_f]Demelza[/name_f] after watching a series (based on a book- I also love literary names), where the character made me really start to like the name. It’s unusual, feisty, and the sound is gorgeous. [name_f]Georgiana[/name_f] is another literary name (from Pride and Prejudice) that I think is a beautiful, vintage name. It also honours my mum, whose middle name is [name_f]Ann[/name_f], and my paternal grandma, [name_f]Georgina[/name_f]. [name_m]History[/name_m] is one of my favourite subjects, and is a huge interest to me, and I love Greek mythology too, so [name_f]Clio[/name_f] is perfect.

[name_f]Evanthe[/name_f] [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]:
[name_f]Evanthe[/name_f] I just love. It has a soft sound, great meaning, and I adore Greek names. [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] is after [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] Pankhurst. Another tie to my love of history (we studied the suffrage movement and women in history and I loved it) and to the important values behind the suffrage movement. Then [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f] is after [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f] [name_m]Franklin[/name_m], who is another woman who really inspires me, especially as I’m hoping to going into science, and she was so under appreciated.

[name_f]Artemis[/name_f] [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Hermione[/name_f]:
[name_f]Artemis[/name_f] is another strong, “girl power!” name haha :). I love the link to Greek mythology and the moon, since I’m interested in astronomy too. [name_f]Clara[/name_f] is after the [name_m]Doctor[/name_m] Who character, has a great meaning, and vintage feel. [name_f]Hermione[/name_f] is (of course) for [name_f]Hermione[/name_f] [name_m]Granger[/name_m]; I loved the HP books and think she’s an awesome character with a gorgeous name.

[name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Hermione[/name_f] (honourable mention since I still love [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] despite having the less popular [name_f]Artemis[/name_f])
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] and [name_f]Hermione[/name_f] for the reasons above. [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] is for the meaning, and connection to [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] [name_m]Potter[/name_m]. There’s also a character I love called [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] nn [name_f]Trixie[/name_f], so it’s after her too (and why I’m one of the few to actually like [name_f]Trixie[/name_f] :P)

[name_m]Caspian[/name_m] [name_m]Sherlock[/name_m] [name_m]Walter[/name_m]:
This is my literary combo :). I absolutely love, love, love [name_m]Caspian[/name_m]; probably more than any other name. I love that it reminds me of [name_f]Narnia[/name_f], and the time I spent when I was little watching old BBC episodes with my mum. I’m obsessed with anything [name_m]Sherlock[/name_m], and it’s one of the biggest, most recognisable literary names out there, so of course I had to have it as a middle. Especially as the flow with [name_m]Caspian[/name_m] is (in my opinion) to die for, I just couldn’t ignore it. [name_m]Walter[/name_m] is the name of a character I really like from my absolute favourite book (who happens to also be a detective haha).

[name_m]Phoenix[/name_m] [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] [name_m]Blaise[/name_m]:
[name_m]Phoenix[/name_m] is one of my longest name loves. I think the whole idea of rebirth and renewal that comes with it is beautiful, and I find the myth side of it fascinating and intriguing too. [name_m]Arthur[/name_m] links to Arthurian legend, knights, and castles, which is something else I’m interested in. [name_m]Blaise[/name_m] is after [name_m]Blaise[/name_m] [name_m]Pascal[/name_m], and honours both my parents who are mathematicians.

[name_m]Ptolemy[/name_m] [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] [name_m]Hamish[/name_m]:
[name_m]Ptolemy[/name_m] is another name I simply love. It has an ancient feel that really appeals to me, but still sounds energetic and lively. [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] I really like, but as a first I think is too prone to being shortened to [name_u]Alex[/name_u] or one of its many other nns. As a middle though, there’s no chance of shortening, and it has a similar strong, ancient vibe as [name_m]Ptolemy[/name_m]. [name_m]Hamish[/name_m] is actually a favourite of mine ([name_m]Sherlock[/name_m] reference again), but I couldn’t use it in this sibset, so I put it as a middle.

[name_m]Horatio[/name_m] [name_m]Albert[/name_m] [name_m]Louis[/name_m] or [name_m]Horatio[/name_m] [name_m]Albert[/name_m] [name_m]Darcy[/name_m]:
I love the adventurous, daring, and historical feel I get from [name_m]Horatio[/name_m]. I love that it’s such an underused vintage name, with not only a sense of adventure, and fun, but also bravery and valour. [name_m]Albert[/name_m] reminds me of the Victorian era (history again!) and one of my favourite love stories ([name_f]Queen[/name_f] [name_f]Victoria[/name_f] & [name_m]Prince[/name_m] [name_m]Albert[/name_m]). Plus it’s (kind of) an amalgamation of my grandfathers’ names. [name_m]Louis[/name_m] I think just flows well with the rest of the combo, and I like the regal sound. [name_m]Darcy[/name_m] I like because of P&P again, though it might sound too much like a surname in the 2nd middle spot.

Sorry they’re so long, I’m a real rambler :p.

[PrincessShannon]

Wow I love this thread!

[name_f]Aurora[/name_f] [name_f]Jocelyn[/name_f]- [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] is one of my favorite names of all time. Its been on my list for almost 10 years now. Its not my BF’s fave, but he knows I love it, and can deal with it. [name_f]Jocelyn[/name_f] in a combination of a few peoples names. My mom really want me to start a tradition of the first daughters middle name to be [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] as mine and her middle is [name_u]Lynn[/name_u]. While I don’t hate that idea I don’t love the idea of [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] with my SO’s surname. My sisters name is [name_u]Bobbie[/name_u] [name_u]Jo[/name_u] and his sister is [name_f]Jennifer[/name_f] [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] so [name_f]Jocelyn[/name_f] I feel is a perfect mix honoring both sides of the family.

[name_f]Anna[/name_f]-[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] [name_f]Louise[/name_f]-My other half said this may be his favorite, which was a pleasant surprise I came up with [name_f]Anna[/name_f]-[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] the other day. I was looking for a middle name for [name_f]Lilia[/name_f]/ [name_f]Liliana[/name_f] the other day and came up with [name_f]Liliana[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]. I heard the [name_f]Anna[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] part and fell in love. My sister has a double barrel name so I think [name_f]Anna[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] having a double barrel is a tribute to her as well. (I’m still highly debating whether to put the hyphen in or not. I think it looks prettier with out the hyphen but I want her to be called both names). [name_f]Louise[/name_f] is my SO’s 'middle name

[name_f]Juliet[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f]- This has been his favorite for a long time until he mentioned [name_f]Anna[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] may be his new fave. This one isn’t really to honor anyone though my one grandmothers middle name is [name_f]Nicholette[/name_f] so she may assume its for her. I just felt both names sound beautiful together. My SO slightly prefers [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] but I wouldn’t want to hide [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] in the middle.

[name_f]Lilia[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f]- This is another one I just like the sound of. My boyfriend actually prefers [name_f]Lilia[/name_f] [name_f]Louise[/name_f] which I don’t hate but I like [name_f]Anna[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] [name_f]Louise[/name_f] better.

[name_u]Hudson[/name_u] [name_m]Christopher[/name_m]- this is by far our top boy combo and one of the only ones we wholeheartedly agree on. [name_u]Hudson[/name_u] is a boys name I’ve always loved. I also live near [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]York[/name_m] City and I’m probably moving very soon so [name_u]Hudson[/name_u] will be a tribute to the [name_u]Hudson[/name_u] [name_f]Valley[/name_f]/[name_u]Hudson[/name_u] [name_u]River[/name_u] and just the general area I grew up. [name_m]Christopher[/name_m] was my moms favorite boys name, but she never had a boy to name it so its a tribute to her.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_m]Joseph[/name_m]- My BF likes [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m] better but I’m not sure. [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is a name I love and I love the meaning of little red-head. [name_m]Joseph[/name_m] is for my grandfather and [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m] is a play on words for my maiden name.

[name_m]Wesley[/name_m]/[name_m]Westley[/name_m] [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m]- BF likes [name_m]Westley[/name_m] but I think it sounds a bit made up and prefer [name_m]Wesley[/name_m] or [name_m]Weston[/name_m]. [name_m]Benjamin[/name_m] again is for my future maiden name

[name_u]Finn[/name_u] [name_u]Parker[/name_u]- We just like [name_u]Finn[/name_u] but my sister and mom made a comment the other day they hate it and made fun of it using Finding [name_m]Nemo[/name_m] references which was a turn off so this combo is probably changing. [name_u]Parker[/name_u] is a family surname which may be moved to the front stop very soon.

The other combos I have, [name_u]Beck[/name_u] [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] and [name_m]Weston[/name_m] [name_m]Nathaniel[/name_m] are just names we like, though I would love to change my list around and put a family name I like. I don’t have many male family members so finding enough honor names I don’t hate is very difficult.

[Daphodil]

Boys:
[name_m]Valentin[/name_m] [name_m]Sigurd[/name_m] Tawan – I guess this is my most complete boy combo, though I’m not sure we’ll ever use it. I originally had [name_m]Valentino[/name_m] on my list (I also love [name_f]Valentina[/name_f], but SO doesn’t), but my SO didn’t like it at all. He still doesn’t love [name_m]Valentin[/name_m] (vah-len-teen), but he thinks it’s alright. It also subtly honours my sister whose birthday is February 14th. [name_m]Sigurd[/name_m] (SEE-guhr) was chosen because it’s a family name on my side and just very close to my heart. Its association to Norse Mythology is a huge plus, especially for my SO who adores everything Norse. The meaning is lovely as well, “victorious guardian”, and it reminds me of one of the strongest men I’ve ever known. Also, all the Sigurds I’ve ever known were awesome, so it’s a name packed with positive associations for me. Lastly, Tawan (ตะวัน) is a Thai word meaning “sun; light of day”. It was the original name of my beautiful baby sister and I would like to use it in honour of her. Her mother told me it was unisex, and I just thought it sounded great together with the aforementioned names.

[name_m]Theodore[/name_m] [name_u]Salem[/name_u] / [name_m]Kipling[/name_m] – I’m still not sure whether I prefer [name_u]Salem[/name_u] or [name_m]Kipling[/name_m] as the middle. [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] has been my favourite boy name for a long time and I always thought I’d have a son named [name_m]Theodore[/name_m]. Unfortunately, life (in shape of my SO :P) intervened and I’ve given up convincing him. I guess, as a name nerd, I know how much it would hurt if I had to name my baby something I didn’t love, so I don’t want to push him. When I was younger there was a boy in my school called [name_m]Theodor[/name_m], and he was the only one I’ve ever met. He was the kind of geeky type and he had a stutter, so I remember people were making fun of him. However, in one of his last years he joined a lot of student organisations and became really popular. He ended up hanging with the cool guys, but still devoted his spare time to tutor others and to make the student environment better. As an introverted, bullied girl who preferred to hide in the library, I always appreciated his efforts. Anyways, he’s given me a nice association to the name and I love the nn’s [name_u]Teddy[/name_u] and [name_u]Theo[/name_u]. [name_u]Salem[/name_u] is there because I like that it’s a biblical name with a rich history. [name_m]Kipling[/name_m] is there because of the literature tie, and because I love the nn [name_m]Kip[/name_m]. The complete name is not as meaningful as the previous one, but I still love it!

[name_m]Moses[/name_m] [name_u]Lee[/name_u] – I was on my way to uni one day when the soundtrack to “The [name_m]Prince[/name_m] of [name_u]Egypt[/name_u]” started playing on my iPad. Suddenly, the name “[name_m]Moses[/name_m]” got stuck in my head and I remember making a thread for it the moment I arrived home. I mentioned it to my SO, who (surprisingly!!) said he loved it. Wut?! I don’t know if I was more shocked that I loved it or that he did. The only thing that makes me doubt it is that it’s an extremely rare name in my country (actually I did a quick search and there’s approx. 100 men with the name?! I’m surprised because I’ve never heard of/seen/read about anyone with the name here); and of course, its strong ties to religion. I know a catholic guy named Jesús that hates his name and actually changed it once he turned 18. He much preferred to go by his (way more common) middle name. Therefore, it worries me that I might bestow my child with a name he’ll be bullied for… SO and I had a long discussion about this when I was pregnant, but we didn’t decide what to do. Oh well. I love that [name_m]Moses[/name_m] has such a soft, serene sound, and that it conjures images of rivers and peace. [name_u]Lee[/name_u] is actually (a variation of) my father’s middle name, and I thought it sounded great with [name_m]Moses[/name_m]. I’m also considering to add something else, but so far nothing beats it

Girls:
[name_f]Signe[/name_f] [name_f]Liliana[/name_f] – We like [name_f]Signe[/name_f] (sing-nuh) for the same reasons we like [name_m]Sigurd[/name_m]. I also like that it means “bless” in my mother tongue. [name_f]Liliana[/name_f] is there because it’s one my SO’s favourite names. He had stars in his eyes one day when he saw me and exclaimed “Isn’t [name_f]Liliana[/name_f] the perfect name for us?”. Apparently he dreamt of us having a daughter named [name_f]Lily[/name_f] (for short). The “Li” part honours my father’s middle name ([name_u]Lee[/name_u]) and “[name_f]Ana[/name_f]” (and Li, when I think of it) honours my mother [name_f]Anneliese[/name_f]. We might turn this combo around, too.

[name_f]Rose[/name_f] [name_f]Augusta[/name_f] – I find this combo a bit plain, but it’s very meaningful. [name_f]Augusta[/name_f] “[name_u]Gus[/name_u]” (ow-GOOS-tah) is the name of my youngest sister whom I’m very close to, and [name_f]Rose[/name_f] is her favourite name (and flower). My OH heavily dislikes all [name_f]Rose[/name_f]-names, so this would most likely be a middle name combo.

[name_f]Alma[/name_f] [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] – [name_f]Alma[/name_f] was the name of my wonderful great-grandaunt and it means “soul” in Spanish, which is SO’s mother tongue. [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] is there because I like it and think it compliments [name_f]Alma[/name_f] well.

[name_f]Edit[/name_f]: There are many other names that I like more than these, but I don’t have any combos for them

[vicioustrollop9]

Oh gosh! I love this question.

[name_f]Caroline[/name_f] [name_f]Frances[/name_f] [name_f]Luna[/name_f]: I’ve really just been in love with [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] for a while, I think I could probably date my first crushing on it to whatever year The Vampire Diaries came on TV, lol. I just love the sound of it. [name_f]Frances[/name_f] is a family name, [name_f]Luna[/name_f] is for [name_f]Luna[/name_f] Lovegood from [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m].

[name_f]Clarity[/name_f] [name_f]Anneliese[/name_f] [name_f]Kate[/name_f]: [name_f]Clarity[/name_f] is another I just like because I love [name_f]Claire[/name_f]/[name_u]Clare[/name_u], but it is too popular, so I went looking for something with a bit more zip that was similar. [name_f]Anneliese[/name_f] is for the multitudes of [name_f]Anne[/name_f]/Anns in my family, plus [name_f]Anne[/name_f] [name_m]Frank[/name_m] (both Annelies) was the impetus for my wanting to become a writer. [name_f]Kate[/name_f] is for the multitudes of [name_f]Catherine[/name_f]/Katherines in my and my SO’s families.

[name_f]Josephine[/name_f] [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] [name_f]Danielle[/name_f]: [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] after my favorite female literary character, [name_u]Jo[/name_u] [name_u]March[/name_u], from [name_m]Little[/name_m] Women. [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] for the writer of saif book, [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] [name_f]May[/name_f] [name_u]Alcott[/name_u], and [name_f]Danielle[/name_f] for my SO’s younger brother, [name_m]Daniel[/name_m], who died at about 5 days old.

[name_f]Marilyn[/name_f] [name_f]Lucille[/name_f]: Maternal grandma, paternal grandma

[name_f]Rosemary[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] [name_f]Jayne[/name_f]: [name_f]Rosemary[/name_f] was a long-time friend of my family. She was a feisty old broad, and I want to be as open and loving and active as she was at 70+ years old. She and her husband, [name_m]Roger[/name_m], passed away together in a car accident in the early 2000s. [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] for SO’s gma, [name_f]Margarita[/name_f]. Another fiesty broad. One of the first things she asked me when I met her was if I planned to get married in a church, haha. [name_f]Jayne[/name_f] is my sister’s middle name, and was chosen for her because my dad goes by [name_u]Jay[/name_u].

[name_m]David[/name_m] [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] [name_m]John[/name_m]: The only boys name SO and I have set in stone. [name_m]David[/name_m] is his BFF - they made a pact to name their first-born sons after one another. [name_m]David[/name_m] held up his end, so we have to hold up ours. I conceded to this (though I don’t care for the name) on the condition that we could use [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] in the middle and call him [name_u]Teddy[/name_u]. [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] is my absolute favorite name of all time. It has the same meaning as my mother’s name, my favorite NFL player is Tedy Bruschi, my favorite president is [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] [name_m]Roosevelt[/name_m], and my favorite male literary character of all time is [name_m]Theodore[/name_m] [name_u]Laurence[/name_u], from [name_m]Little[/name_m] Women. I adore this name. [name_m]John[/name_m] is for SO’s grandfather.

All my other boy combos are pretty much just names I like with a couple family names sprinkled in. SO and I do not agree on many boys names… lol.

[sexysugarmuffin]

[name_u]Riley[/name_u] [name_m]Oliver[/name_m] - [name_u]Riley[/name_u] was chosen because my husband and I both have Irish roots. We liked the meaning, and it has been one of my favorite names since I was young (I heard it on an old tv show). Honestly, [name_m]Oliver[/name_m] was simply picked because it sounded good with [name_u]Riley[/name_u] and our last name.

[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] - my husband and I both love the name [name_f]Cora[/name_f]. It reminds me of the little girl that [name_m]Jack[/name_m] dances with in the movie Titanic. It means maiden, which is adorable and feminine… sadly it sounds awful with our last name, so we decided on [name_f]Coralie[/name_f] with a nn of [name_f]Cora[/name_f]. [name_f]Coralie[/name_f] is perfect sinice my husband grew up on the water. [name_f]Rose[/name_f] was my late mother’s middle name. She paseed away when I was 18.

[name_u]Bellamy[/name_u] [name_u]James[/name_u] - I picked [name_u]Bellamy[/name_u] because I like the flow (and how it matches with [name_u]Riley[/name_u]). I think it has a nice meaning, and it ties in with my heritage since my maiden name is french. Also my husband likes it because it ties in with pirates. [name_u]James[/name_u] is my FIL 's middle name.

[bellerose]

My new combo is Proserpina [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] Aspasia.

I think its my most meaningful combo yet. The flow might be a bit off but Proserpina is firstly after [name_m]Dante[/name_m] [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] Rossetti. I just love everything about paintings & artists & [name_m]Dante[/name_m] [name_m]Gabriel[/name_m] Rossetti. Proserpina will have two nicknames, either [name_f]Rosa[/name_f] in honor of my favorites flowers roses & [name_u]Poe[/name_u] after [name_m]Edgar[/name_m] [name_m]Allan[/name_m] [name_u]Poe[/name_u] who is my favorite. Secondly Prosepina is in honor of my favorite Greek myth Hades & [name_f]Persephone[/name_f]. [name_f]Lenore[/name_f] is also after [name_m]Edgar[/name_m] [name_m]Allan[/name_m] [name_u]Poe[/name_u] & its also one of my favorites poems. Aspasia is not really a name I love but it honors severals family members and most importantily my mother. Also ασπάζομαι in Greek means to hug, to welcome, embrase which I love.

[horsegal]

Girls:

[name_f]Iselle[/name_f] [name_f]Antonia[/name_f] - [name_u]Ever[/name_u] since I heard the nn [name_u]Izzy[/name_u], I have fallen in love with it. Although I love the name [name_f]Isabel[/name_f] and its many variations, I was looking for a name less commonly used. [name_f]Iselle[/name_f], variation of the name Izel meaning unique, fit the bill perfectly. Also helps it is a similar name to another name I like, [name_f]Giselle[/name_f]. [name_f]Antonia[/name_f] is in honor of my deceased Aunt. The meaning of the name is very precious to me, meaning “priceless one”.

[name_f]Karis[/name_f] [name_f]Shaylyn[/name_f] - [name_f]Karis[/name_f] is a variation of the welsh name [name_f]Carys[/name_f], meaning love. I chose this variation instead of the original because of it having the lettering [name_u]Kari[/name_u] in it. The name [name_u]Kari[/name_u], or [name_f]Carrie[/name_f], is a family name on my mother’s side that has been used several times in the last 50 years. I love the name [name_f]Karis[/name_f] combined with [name_f]Shaylyn[/name_f] because the whole name is a family name. [name_f]Shaylyn[/name_f] is a combination of my mother’s name ([name_f]Marilyn[/name_f]) and future dh’s mother’s name ([name_f]Sheila[/name_f]). Being able to honor so many people in one name while keeping it original is amazing and hard to do in my family.

[name_f]Arabel[/name_f] [name_f]Guinivere[/name_f] - [name_f]Arabel[/name_f] is another variation of the name [name_f]Isabel[/name_f], which I love. Any name with the nn of [name_f]Belle[/name_f] is an instant love for me because of it hinting of the main character in my favorite fairytale Beauty and the Beast. I absolutely love Arthurian legends and [name_f]Gwenivere[/name_f] has always been a favorite character for me. I love the less likely used variation of [name_f]Guinivere[/name_f], which just so happens to be a variation of the name [name_f]Jennifer[/name_f]. I have two important women in my life by that name and I wanted to honor the both of them as well. [name_f]Guinivere[/name_f] allows me to honor my love of legends and important people in my life.

[name_f]Delphine[/name_f] [name_f]Brisa[/name_f] - [name_f]Delphine[/name_f] honors my love of mythology and love of unique names. It refers to the site of [name_f]Delphi[/name_f], where the priestess of [name_m]Apollo[/name_m] would tell all about the God’s wishes and desires. [name_f]Brisa[/name_f] means breeze in spanish, allowing me to honor my latina heritage on my father’s side. It has such a pretty sound to it that I couldn’t resist.

Boys:

[name_m]Alexander[/name_m] [name_m]Julien[/name_m] - [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] has been my favorite name for a boy since I was a little girl. It was the name of my closest childhood friend’s younger brother. It also just happens to be the original variation of my brother [name_m]Alixander[/name_m]'s name. If there is a name that you can love too much, this is it for me. [name_m]Julien[/name_m] is honoring all of the men in my family and future dh’s family with names that start with J. There are more [name_m]Joe[/name_m] and [name_m]Jon[/name_m] variation names in both our families then I can keep count. This name also honors my latina heritage, which I love.

[name_u]Rhys[/name_u] [name_m]Greyson[/name_m] - [name_u]Rhys[/name_u] is a Gaelic name that I love. It means enthusiam. [name_u]Rhys[/name_u] is also the name of one of my favorite literary characters in my favorite fantasy series. It is such a strong, solid name that I can’t find much fault in loving it. When paired with [name_m]Greyson[/name_m], it gives a very strong vibe.

Caelum [name_m]Erik[/name_m] - Caelum is a strong name that comes from astronomy. It is a fun name, not often used and very rarely heard where I am from. Paired with the name [name_m]Erik[/name_m], it is an interesting name I believe. [name_m]Erik[/name_m] honors my mother’s swedish heritage and my future dh’s family.

[name_u]Lennox[/name_u] [name_m]Samuel[/name_m] - The name [name_u]Lennox[/name_u] I find to be a very noble and almost aristocratic name. With its Scottish and Gaelic origins, it honors my love of more unusual and unique names not often heard. [name_m]Samuel[/name_m] comes from future dh’s family with him wanting to honor his favorite aunt. It is a like name of mine but a love name of his. It is a name that make change with the years.

[ornella]

[name_m]Kelyn[/name_m] -found this on a Celtic name site. Callun/m & [name_f]Calla[/name_f] to [name_f]Calliope[/name_f], are favorites but never seem exactly right. One line of our family over 6 generations that I know of, named a daughter to have the initials C/K. A. L. My aunt [name_f]Carolyn[/name_f] is [name_u]Cal[/name_u] -so [name_m]Kelyn[/name_m] seemed to incorporate all these sounds nicely. Padriga only as a 2nd -I love [name_m]Pagan[/name_m]/ [name_f]Pegeen[/name_f] but ending in ‘n’, I felt Padriga worked for me instead.

[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]-I cannot lose the love of this name ( hope you are reading along @ opheliaflora!) and happened to pair it with [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]. The clean sounds of [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] seemed to enhance [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] and vice verse. G.G.Gmother was [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] and remebered down the generations because her initials, CLM [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] (bn Germany) which were on her luggage, 'kerchiefs …

[name_f]Caoimhe[/name_f]- I am probably quite wrong but a few seem attracted to this name but not to Keef/va its anglicized translation. I am determined to keep using it as [name_f]Caoimhe[/name_f] until I get sick of it, or people start saying something like Ka-oh em -ee - O’[name_f]Hara[/name_f] I wish I had as a middle but could not initiate -seems too pretentious.

[name_f]Antigone[/name_f] -love the sounds, even [name_f]Andromache[/name_f] - Greek mythology was taught by a family member and is etched in my brain. [name_f]Athena[/name_f] is always lovely and I find [name_m]Yorke[/name_m] a good 2nd like [name_u]Gray[/name_u]. There is a real [name_f]Antigone[/name_f] somewhere in our background-when I recall I may change my mind on the name.

Boys. What can I say [name_m]Yves[/name_m] [name_m]Rainier[/name_m] is my Gfather, [name_u]Jules[/name_u]- [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] my aunt, the names I’ve loved forever.
[name_u]Tristan[/name_u] -I loved but hated it meant -sad-as I first learned it, and then my favorite teacher named her 1st son [name_u]Tristan[/name_u] and it has stayed ever since.
Thank you for your indulgence.

This was a more rewarding exercise than I first thought @opheliaflora. Its indulgent and perhaps very boring to others, but I found it consolidated or strengthened some of my choices. Nice.