Girls That Glitter - Attempt No. 2

So husband made his list and we’ve managed to find some common ground. These are all names we can imagine on our baby if she’s a girl. The list is long-ish, but if you’ve got amazing suggestions, we welcome them with open arms. A few “rules” before I start:

  1. We don’t mind another A-name, we’re not big on initials anyway.
  2. We’re fine with another mythology name, we don’t want to let a gem pass because it might create a “theme”.
  3. I love names with O’s and U’s, so suggestions of names with these letters are very appreciated.
  4. Husband wants a “clear cut” name, meaning no PH or TH sounds.
  5. We would really like the name that would fit a strong and brave girl. Aphrodite wasn’t defined by men and their acts, and this is very important to me.

[name]Atalanta[/name] - it’s one of my favourite names, and myths, and as we’re in Europe I can’t see a lot of people thinking of the city. My only concern is the fact that her myth is linked to [name]Aphrodite[/name] ([name]Aphrodite[/name] provided the golden apples that slowed her down during the race).
Befana - the witchiness is alluring.
Bellicent - Arthurian romance, but would rule out…
Belphoebe - I love this name, but H is hesitant because it’s a “soft” name (ph-sound). We haven’t ruled it out completely though, as I am so in love with it. Beautiful amazing girl in The Faerie Queene who hid/lived in the forest…
Bradamante - Amazing, beautiful female knight/warrior in [name]Orlando[/name] Innamorato and [name]Orlando[/name] Furioso. I think the name is beautiful and strong.
[name]Ceridwen[/name] - [name]Major[/name] deity which we want to avoid, but the name is perfection. Husband isn’t too crazy about it, but is willing to leave it on here to see if it will “grow on him”.
[name]Circe[/name] - [name]One[/name] of my favourite names ever, maybe my favourite character in Greek mythology. [name]Odysseus[/name] described her as “the loveliest of all immortals” which I think can hold up well to Roo’s name.
[name]Cleopatra[/name] - Yeah, His idea, but I kind of like it. Would definitely be a bold choice, but so was [name]Aphrodite[/name].
Gwenllian - Amazing Welsh princess who led her people in battle.
[name]Hermione[/name] - This one was new, I never really thought about it, but H brought it up, so here it is. I like it, it’s cute.
[name]Hypatia[/name] - [name]One[/name] of the most admirable women in history.
[name]Isolde[/name] - I love this name, and she’s got the beauty thing [name]Aphrodite[/name]'s got. My only thing is… she was beautiful, but what else?
[name]Jezebel[/name] - I know there’s a lot of judgement around this name, but in my opinion, this is the best woman in the bible. Strong, brave, true to herself and beautiful.
Lyonesse - I think it sounds really cool, it’s got the Arthurian thing going on.
[name]Lysistrata[/name] - Teehee, the name of the heroine in the play by the same name by Aristophanes. I know it’s a little out there, but she was very very cool.
[name]Morgana[/name] - Another sorceress, and I love those. [name]Morgana[/name] is dark and velvety, and again the Arthurian thing.
Musidora - Gift of the muses. It’s not the name of a person (fictional or real) and that’s the only thing that bugs me.
Nimue - After much ado, we decided Niniane might be a minefield. So Nimue it is. Lady of the lake, guardian of the sword and it’s cute as a button.
[name]Olympia[/name] - Too much with the Olympian [name]Goddess[/name]?
[name]Ourania[/name] - Yes, I know, but I love this name. We were thinking of spelling it [name]Orania[/name] instead? Is it just a terrible idea?
Pandeia/Pandia - Daughter of [name]Zeus[/name] and [name]Selene[/name]: “…a daughter Pandeia, exceeding lovely amongst the deathless gods”. Means all brightness.
[name]Serafina[/name] - Husband’s suggestion. I like the meaning, and the witch in Northern Lights is cool.
[name]Sunniva[/name] - Would be a way to incorporate my Norwegian blood. But I know some little [name]Sunniva[/name]'s… not direct friends, but still.
Tinuviel - Tolkien name and character, means daughter of the starry twilight. She was a wonderful person as well.
[name]Xenia[/name] - An epithet instead of a [name]Goddess[/name]. husband is slightly worried about people confusing it with [name]Xena[/name] (the warrior queen).
[name]Zenobia[/name] - Awesome beautiful Syrian [name]Queen[/name].

Middle name options (we’re not looking for combos, just wanted to let you know in case you were wondering where some names went, or you planned on suggesting one of these) are:
Aradia, [name]Berenice[/name], [name]Brigid[/name], Chione, Cissea, [name]Clemency[/name], [name]Constance[/name], [name]Cressida[/name], Cyrene, [name]Daphne[/name], [name]Elaine[/name], Elbereth/Elentari, [name]Eos[/name], [name]Eowyn[/name], Faerydae, Flutterby, [name]Giselle[/name], Idunn, [name]Isis[/name], [name]Jasmine[/name], [name]Lamia[/name], Liriope, Loveday, Marzanna, [name]Nephele[/name], [name]Niamh[/name], [name]Noor[/name], Oenone, [name]Olwen[/name], [name]Ophelia[/name], Pareerou, [name]Phoebe[/name], [name]Psyche[/name], [name]Selene[/name], [name]Signe[/name], Silmarien, [name]Sybilla[/name], [name]Ursula[/name]/Ursaly, [name]Vanessa[/name], Villanelle, [name]Yvaine[/name] and [name]Zephyrine[/name].

Thanks for reading! xxx

1 Like

My favourites from your list are [name]Hermione[/name] and [name]Isolde[/name].

Suggestions…[name]Ariadne[/name]?

My favorites are [name]Circe[/name] and [name]Cleopatra[/name]. I love pp of [name]Ariadne[/name]

Other suggestions: [name]Antigone[/name], [name]Clio[/name], [name]Calliope[/name], [name]Ambrosia[/name], Hecate, [name]Nerissa[/name], [name]Phaedra[/name], [name]Perdita[/name], [name]Marina[/name]

I would just be careful with some of these names, as they will be very hard to spell/pronounce as a child.

I love [name]Serafina[/name]! Straight-forward, cool meaning, and absolutely beautiful sound!

[name]Love[/name] [name]Atalanta[/name] (such a fantastic myth), [name]Circe[/name], [name]Hermione[/name], and [name]Morgana[/name].

For some reason the curiosity associated with [name]Pandora[/name] seems like it might work for you.

[name]Love[/name] [name]Circe[/name] and [name]Seraphina[/name]! [name]Both[/name] are unique but very beautiful!

Round 2. Same as with the boys :slight_smile:

Likes:
Bellicent - Oooh, kind of like a whisper. Keep because it fits in well. Bellicent is magical and dainty.
Belphoebe - Really like next to [name]Aphrodite[/name]! The ‘ph’ sounds are clean and separate enough for me! And two ‘ph’ names would be a lovely connection for gals born so close together. Belphoebe is big, bright and bubbly!
[name]Ceridwen[/name] - [name]Lovely[/name] lovely lovely. Like [name]Romulus[/name] in the boys- it’s different from [name]Aphrodite[/name] but works so well. [name]Ceridwen[/name] is woodland rainfall.
[name]Circe[/name] - Despite looking small next to big sis [name]Aphrodite[/name], she’s all ‘Look here, [name]Dita[/name], move over! I’m just as strong and magic and beautiful as you’. Yes. I like her. [name]Circe[/name] is sassy.
[name]Cleopatra[/name] - You know, I can actually see it working with [name]Aphrodite[/name]. It’s not my favourite, but it works. [name]Cleopatra[/name] is milk.
Gwenllian - ditto [name]Ceridwen[/name]. These are some kick ass Welsh names! Gwenllian is mysterious damp forests.
[name]Hermione[/name] - [name]Love[/name] her with [name]Aphrodite[/name]. They totally compliment each other. Also has the same feel as [name]Algernon[/name]- aristocratic chic. And I know you’ll associate her with mythology but [name]Hermione[/name], to me, is still the heroine of HP who didn’t take sh!t from anyone. [name]Hermione[/name] is brave and loyal.
[name]Morgana[/name] - ditto the Welsh girls- different but good. [name]Morgana[/name] is dark, stormy seas.
Musidora - I quite like. She does fit well. Musidora is white cotton and babies.
[name]Serafina[/name] - More Fs with [name]Aphrodite[/name] but I reckon they go well together. [name]Serafina[/name] is fire.
[name]Sunniva[/name] - Like. It’s a little mismatched with [name]Aphrodite[/name] but I won’t shelve it. [name]Sunniva[/name] is sunshine!
Tinuviel - Yes, she works well. I love the mystical-ness of her. Very dark and interesting. Someone somewhere else once commented that it reminded them of Cornwall. I agree, but can’t pinpoint why. Tinuviel is sea shells.
[name]Zenobia[/name] - [name]Love[/name] it next to Roo! And in mediaeval [name]England[/name], [name]Zenobia[/name] named a Cornishwoman. For some reason it was massively popular here, so there’s a tenuous Cornish link for you! [name]Zenobia[/name] is citrus fresh.

Others:
[name]Atalanta[/name] - American. I know it’s not spelt the same, but I think of [name]Atlanta[/name]. So many As and Ts and I just don’t think it sits right with [name]Aphrodite[/name].
Befana - Kind of alluring, mostly baffling. A lot of ‘f’ with [name]Aphrodite[/name].
Bradamante - I can see the charm, but… [name]Adam[/name] Ant. [name]PRINCE[/name] CHARMING! Hehe :o
[name]Hypatia[/name] - Hyper impatient. I just don’t like her with Roo’s name.
[name]Isolde[/name] - Cold and clunky.
[name]Jezebel[/name] - But I thought you didn’t like anything biblical because you’re not [name]Christian[/name]? Anyhow, I don’t think she’s right with [name]Aphrodite[/name]. And the beginning is a little too close to ‘jis’ :confused:
Lyonesse - She’d make such a fantastic middle and I love the story (you can still hear the Lyonesse bells ringing on a stormy night!) but I still think of the female animal.
[name]Lysistrata[/name] - Yes, a little too out there unfortunately. Can’t imagine a little one trying to say or write this!
[name]Ourania[/name] - Is it just a terrible idea? Maybe just a bit. You have much more beautiful names on your list!
Nimue - Another one for the middles. She’s too soft and squidgy and demure next to [name]Aphrodite[/name].
[name]Olympia[/name] - Perhaps it’s too much, but I personally don’t think it’s very attractive, possibly because of the ‘limp’ in it.
Pandeia/Pandia - I think I preferred [name]Pandora[/name].
[name]Xenia[/name] - Very different from [name]Aphrodite[/name] in my eyes. And I have a bad pop association with [name]Xenia[/name].

Aaaaand my favourite little sisters for Roo would be Belphoebe, [name]Ceridwen[/name], Gwenllian, [name]Hermione[/name] and [name]Zenobia[/name]. 5 more babies please :wink:

Fabulous list! [name]Morgana[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name] [name]Olwen[/name] was my first thought, but I also love the idea of [name]Zenobia[/name] [name]Phoebe[/name] [name]Olwen[/name]. [name]Aphrodite[/name] and [name]Zenobia[/name]? What an awesome pair!

My suggestions: [name]Cliona[/name] (or its original mythological spelling, Cliodhna), [name]Rhiannon[/name], Bellona, [name]Ceres[/name], Pyrrha, Elpis (the personification of hope- the last spirit to remain in the jar after it was opened by [name]Pandora[/name]) and Terpsichore.

Our styles are totally different, but I can’t help loving [name]Aphrodite[/name]. Off of your list, I really love Hermoine with [name]Aphrodite[/name]. It’s strong and brave, and the sounds are complimentary without being super similar.
And even though you aren’t looking for combos, I couldn’t help but swooning at [name]Hermione[/name] [name]Eowyn[/name] [name]Sybilla[/name].

Belphoebe - I love this name, but H is hesitant because it’s a “soft” name (ph-sound). We haven’t ruled it out completely though, as I am so in love with it. Beautiful amazing girl in The Faerie Queene who hid/lived in the forest…
[name]Circe[/name] - [name]One[/name] of my favourite names ever, maybe my favourite character in Greek mythology. [name]Odysseus[/name] described her as “the loveliest of all immortals” which I think can hold up well to Roo’s name.
Gwenllian - Amazing Welsh princess who led her people in battle.
[name]Isolde[/name] - I love this name, and she’s got the beauty thing [name]Aphrodite[/name]'s got. My only thing is… she was beautiful, but what else?
Nimue - After much ado, we decided Niniane might be a minefield. So Nimue it is. Lady of the lake, guardian of the sword and it’s cute as a button.
[name]Serafina[/name] - Husband’s suggestion. I like the meaning, and the witch in Northern Lights is cool.
[name]Sunniva[/name] - Would be a way to incorporate my Norwegian blood. But I know some little [name]Sunniva[/name]'s… not direct friends, but still.

[name]Roxana[/name]
[name]Valeria[/name]
Isana (ih SAW nuh)
[name]Rosalia[/name]
Sirenee (sear renee) << like Cyrene?
Merida << I know this is a Disney princess but she is strong and brave and independent and it was actually the first name that came to mind when I saw that your other daughter is Aphrodite
Imogene
Lorelei
Esmeralda << see Merida but I love the nickname Esme
Acadia nn Cadie << close to Aradia
Vada
Galatea
Galilee
Marieken (muh REE kin)

[name]Atalanta[/name]: I like the myth, but would shy away from the connection of the names through the story. [name]One[/name] girl tricking the other into straying from success, and all over men/marriage/beauty?..Not the sisterly story I’d want to tell.
Befana: Not loving the sound…rather beefy to me.
Bellicent: I don’t get the nice imagery from this either. I see “belly” and “bellicose” first. And because…
Belphoebe: THIS NAME IS AMAZING. Between Bellicent and Belphoebe, how how how could you pick Bellicent? This goes so beautifully with [name]Aphrodite[/name]! I don’t think it is too soft at all; it’s energetic, bright, scintillating!
Bradamante: I think this is clunky, obscure, and masculine-looking ([name]Brad[/name], [name]Bradley[/name], etc) next to [name]Aphrodite[/name].
[name]Ceridwen[/name]: Fingers crossed this grows on your husband! I love this one! I like that it comes from a decidedly different mythology and origin from [name]Aphrodite[/name], but that it is longer and mixes hard and soft sounds like [name]Aphrodite[/name]. Beautiful, graceful, intelligent, proud.
[name]Circe[/name]: I’m afraid [name]Aphrodite[/name] and [name]Circe[/name] feel much too Greek-myth-stereotypically-matchy to me, since both were powerful, sometimes treacherous characters known (in some caricatures) for their sex appeal. I feel like the pairing of these names would overpower their individual beauty.
[name]Cleopatra[/name]: Ditto from [name]Circe[/name]. Lacks the subtlety and power; feels more like a contest of Who’s Who in Ancient Female Characters.
Gwenllian: I don’t think this is quite as approachable spelling-wise and it is definitely soft-sounding, but I love its sound, meaning, and all of the nicknames I can think to put with it. So while it isn’t as high on the [name]Love[/name] List as Belphoebe and [name]Ceridwen[/name], I think it has potential :slight_smile:
[name]Hermione[/name]: I like it. I think [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name] will rule its primary association for a while, but if you’re ok with that, I think it’s great.
[name]Hypatia[/name]: I like this, too! It strikes me as a bit formal compared to [name]Aphrodite[/name], but I think they’re lovely together.
[name]Isolde[/name]: I like the sound of this name, but your concerns about the name seem really valid to me. Plus, why make beauty the thing that connects the two sisters when it’s one of those over-valued, skewed qualities society sells all wrong. I feel like if there is only one quality to unite the two names, being fierce or independent or intelligent or resourceful or powerful, etc. are the ones to promote.
[name]Jezebel[/name]: I don’t mind the controversy, but the Biblical vs. Greek mythology thing strikes me as jarring, and once again, for me anyway, pairing [name]Aphrodite[/name] and [name]Jezebel[/name] puts the emphasis on their sex appeal and wiles rather than other qualities first. I’m not saying we shouldn’t embrace and harness those qualities, I suppose, but I have trouble squaring that with two little girls playing make-believe.
Lyonesse: I confess all I see is a tryndeeigh spelling of “lioness.”
[name]Lysistrata[/name]: Yes, too much. [name]Alas[/name].
[name]Morgana[/name]: [name]Love[/name] love love. Powerful, exciting heroine; equal to [name]Aphrodite[/name]. [name]Love[/name] love love.
Musidora: Can see it on a little girl, but seems cutesy for a grown-up.
Nimue: I agree with the pp who said this is “too soft and squidgy and demure next to [name]Aphrodite[/name]” but I like it in the middle.
[name]Olympia[/name]: Yes, too much with the Greek gods.
[name]Ourania[/name]: I actually like [name]Ourania[/name] and [name]Orania[/name]. Totally
Pandeia/Pandia: Like the association, but all I see is Panda [name]Bear[/name].
[name]Serafina[/name]: Hmm. I’m torn on this one. On one hand, I think it works exceptionally well with [name]Aphrodite[/name]. And in reality, it is rare. But it’s got some notoriety as [name]Ben[/name] Affleck and [name]Jennifer[/name] [name]Garner[/name]'s daughter’s name, and [name]Seraphine[/name] is a major character in the YA Beautiful Creatures series, which has been big (at least here in [name]America[/name]). That makes [name]Serafina[/name] feel a lot more commercial than [name]Aphrodite[/name] to me… So I don’t know.
[name]Sunniva[/name]: I like! Mixes and matches well with [name]Aphrodite[/name]! I like its nicknames and personal significance for you, too.
Tinuviel: I like it as a middle, but it feels too soft and floofy against powerful [name]Aphrodite[/name] [name]IMO[/name].
[name]Xenia[/name]: Eh. I like it. But I don’t think it pops like [name]Aphrodite[/name] or other choices.
[name]Zenobia[/name]: Yes, yes, yes. Awesome with [name]Aphrodite[/name]! Cool role model! I like the A and Z their names make, too. [name]Both[/name] have cool sounds and powerful women behind them!

In summary, I think Belphoebe, [name]Morgana[/name], [name]Zenobia[/name], and [name]Ceridwen[/name] are my faves with [name]Sunniva[/name] and [name]Ourania[/name]/[name]Orania[/name] close behind. If I were to scratch any options, I think Bradamante, Befana, Lyonesse, [name]Jezebel[/name], and [name]Cleopatra[/name] would go first.

Those are my long, mull-over-what-you-like-and-ignore-the-rest two cents. And congratulations!!

I adore [name]Zenobia[/name] (I see a deep purple), [name]Atalanta[/name] (I see scarlet), Gwenllian (sky blue) and Belphoebe (navy blue). I do love [name]Olympia[/name], but sadly it is too weird with [name]Aphrodite[/name].
I second [name]Ariadne[/name], and here are some other suggestions:

Murasaki (it’s the Japanese word for purple and Lady Murasaki was the first novelist in history)
[name]Calista[/name]/[name]Calixta[/name]/[name]Calixto[/name] (means most beautiful so could definitely stand up with Roo’s name)
[name]Calypso[/name]
[name]Alethea[/name]
[name]Andromeda[/name]
[name]Antigone[/name]
[name]Electra[/name]
[name]Phaedra[/name]
[name]Eris[/name]
Chione
Melinoe
[name]Asteria[/name]
[name]Angelia[/name]
[name]Eirene[/name]
[name]Macaria[/name]
Alectrona
Epione
Panacea
[name]Astraea[/name]
Eiresione
Marpesia

Bellicent - this is stunning. has some great sounds. i have never heard it before. may add to my GP list.
[name]Ceridwen[/name] - love this
[name]Circe[/name] - love the double s sounds
[name]Hermione[/name] - Have always loved this name.
[name]Isolde[/name] - [name]Love[/name] the name, love the story. Have it on my list paired as [name]Ariadne[/name] [name]Isolde[/name]
[name]Jezebel[/name] - always kind of liked this name. I had a best friend with this name so I don’t associate it with the negative. I do picture it on someone with olive skin and dark hair.
[name]Morgana[/name] - another one I have always loved, but Especially after [name]Katie[/name] McGrath’s portrayal in the tv series [name]Merlin[/name].
Nimue - again a name i have always loved.

from your list…

[name]Atalanta[/name] - I like it but your concerns are valid. I’d probably take it off the list in favor for “the one”
Befana - feels silly and insubstantial to me.
Bellicent - same.
Belphoebe - love it!
Bradamante - the opposite of Befane and Bellicent, this name feels too heavy.
[name]Ceridwen[/name] - I love it but if the husband’s not feeling it, then maybe this just isn’t it.
[name]Circe[/name] - also love.
[name]Cleopatra[/name] - definitely a bold choice, but so was [name]Aphrodite[/name]. It’s nms but nothing wrong with it.
Gwenllian - love!
[name]Hermione[/name] - it is cute and seems to fit your style. If you don’t mind the HP references, it sounds wonderful. My only concern (coming from my own childhood experiences and this could also go for [name]Hypatia[/name]) having one child named after a goddess of beauty and love and the other more commonly known as a plain brainy girl…it can cause resentment between sisters.
[name]Hypatia[/name] - Admirable indeed! [name]Love[/name] her.
[name]Isolde[/name] - [name]Isolde[/name] is pretty but there’s not a lot to her. Middle name potential.
[name]Jezebel[/name] - Honestly, I think of the website. Meh.
Lyonesse - I like the Arthurian connection but this feels more middle name to me.
[name]Lysistrata[/name] - I’m a fan of [name]Lysistrata[/name].
[name]Morgana[/name] - [name]LOVE[/name].
Musidora - It is cool but “[name]Muse[/name]” sounds better to my ears.
Nimue - [name]Love[/name]
[name]Olympia[/name] - Too much.
[name]Ourania[/name] - Nope.
Pandeia/Pandia - Nope.
[name]Serafina[/name] - This sounds nice with [name]Aphrodite[/name].
[name]Sunniva[/name] - I really like this one! But if you already know a little [name]Sunniva[/name]… :frowning:
Tinuviel - middle name.
[name]Xenia[/name] - There will be confusion.
[name]Zenobia[/name] - not my style.

My personal favorites: Belphoebe, [name]Ceridwen[/name], Gwenllian, [name]Lysistrata[/name], [name]Morgana[/name], Nimue and [name]Sunniva[/name].

My favourites are:

Belphoebe - however, she might constantly have to correct people that no, it’s not [name]Phoebe[/name]. Also, does this mean you would get stuck in the PH name pattern? I doubt it, but it’s worth a thought.
[name]Hermione[/name]
[name]Isolde[/name]
[name]Olympia[/name]
[name]Serafina[/name]
[name]Zenobia[/name]

I know someone named Alexzena. It’s probably not your style with the whole [name]Alex[/name] beginning, but I just thought I’d mention it as it’s similar to [name]Xenia[/name]/[name]Zenobia[/name]. Also, I love that you named your daughter [name]Aphrodite[/name]. It’s so brave and gives your daughter a wonderful namesake. I was just wondering how people react when they hear it? Have you gotten a lot of comments on it? I admire you for your courage in using names you truly love and stepping out of the boundaries!

You have such unique taste in names! [name]May[/name] I suggest Xylia? Also Greek, meaning wood dweller

For the niñas:

My favorites are
[name]Circe[/name]- I like this a lot. Spunky and cute but meaningful literary ties.

Nimue- I didn’t think I’d like this one, but I do. Holds her own with [name]Aphrodite[/name] too.

[name]Zenobia[/name]- hands down my favorite. Me and this name have come a long way. But I just love Z names and this one has become so beautiful to me. Paired with [name]Aphrodite[/name] I think it’s stunning. And stealing from your boys list, the idea of an [name]Aphrodite[/name], [name]Zenobia[/name], [name]Rainier[/name] sib set just thrills me to my toes.

[name]Morgana[/name]- ooooh. So lovely and smooth and decadent. It’s in a tight race with [name]Zenobia[/name].

Other likes
[name]Ceridwen[/name]
Tinuviel
[name]Hermione[/name]

  1. [name]Zenobia[/name]
  2. [name]Morgana[/name]
  3. Hermoine
  4. Belphoebe

These are my top favorites from your list – I [name]LOVE[/name] [name]Zenobia[/name] with [name]Aphrodite[/name]!!

Suggestions:
[name]Ingrid[/name]
[name]Adelaide[/name]
[name]Arianwyn[/name]
[name]Hannelore[/name] (?)
My faves from your list:
Befana
Gwenllian

I’m loving [name]Cleopatra[/name], [name]Hypatia[/name], and [name]Zenobia[/name]! Any of those would be beautiful alongside your daughter’s name. Honestly, I’m really itching for someone to be cool enough/brave enough to pull off [name]Cleopatra[/name]. (Im not it!) It’s such a fabulous name and I’d love to meet a [name]Cleopatra[/name]!