Help me narrow down my MASSIVE list of names! (Part 3: O-Z)

I would keep: [name_f]Octavia[/name_f], [name_f]Oona[/name_f], [name_f]Orinthia[/name_f], [name_u]Phaedra[/name_u], [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f], [name_f]Rowena[/name_f], [name_f]Saffron[/name_f], [name_f]Serafina[/name_f], [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f], [name_f]Thalia[/name_f], [name_f]Vivienne[/name_f], [name_f]Wisteria[/name_f], and [name_f]Yvaine[/name_f]!

[name_f]My[/name_f] favorites for you are [name_f]Octavia[/name_f], [name_f]Oona[/name_f], [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f], [name_f]Rowena[/name_f], [name_f]Thalia[/name_f], [name_f]Wisteria[/name_f] and [name_f]Yvaine[/name_f]! (Iā€™m also a huge Stardust fan btw :blush:)

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Wow, this could be a name book! :joy: Iā€™d eliminate [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f] ā€” Look at how close it is to pedophilia.

another stunning list! Iā€™ll go through the same way I did the first.

name-by-name

Oceane ~
this is really elegant, and I think fits well with your style! Iā€™m not certain whether youā€™re pronouncing this one like [name_f]OcĆ©ane[/name_f] or like [name_u]Ocean[/name_u], but itā€™s lovely either way.
Octavia ~
you already seem plenty sold on this one, Iā€™m not sure thereā€™s a question.
Oleanna ~
pretty, but I think I prefer ā€˜justā€™ [name_u]Oleander[/name_u], which is a spunky and elegant gender-neutral name in itā€™s own right, and feels a little more individual among the many -anna names. Iā€™m nervous about the connection to the play, given the subject matter, and perhaps [name_u]Oleander[/name_u] is a way to sidestep that a little, but if its [name_f]Oleanna[/name_f] you like, itā€™s [name_f]Oleanna[/name_f] you like.
Olwen ~
I love this name already, and it sounds you really do as well. definitely a solid contender.
Oona ~
very pretty, and I do think it feels quite well matched to you.
Opal ~
I have plenty that I could say, but Iā€™m going to focus on the fact that you love the [name_u]Raven[/name_u] Cycle because this is very exciting for me. I think this is lovely, and would make a wonderful middle name.
Ophelia ~
by the very amount you wrote about this, I can tell itā€™s one of your favourites. Iā€™m in favour, and itā€™s certainly a beautiful, rich, and poetic choice.
Orian(d)e ~
Iā€™m going to assume you mean [name_f]Oriane[/name_f], and the d is a typo, because my only awareness is of [name_f]Oriane[/name_f], whereas the only think I can get for Oriande is voltron things. itā€™s beautiful, but doesnā€™t sparkle for me.
Orinthia ~
this is a personal favourite, and I think itā€™s absolutely beautiful. however you really donā€™t sound excited.
Pandora ~
I love [name_f]Pandora[/name_f], but I agree with the commercialisation, and with so many beautiful options on your list, I think you need to go for something youā€™re completely sold on.
Pearl ~
this is stunning, and I love the associations it has for you, but if the association is ā€œinescapableā€, I think it would probably continue to plague you. itā€™s sad, but I think you have to let her go.
Phaedra ~
Iā€™m as torn on this as you are - in fact, I let it go as one of my own top contenders for this reason (though Iā€™m working purely in the hypothetical for myself). you really do love it though, and the imagery it conjures is magical - perhaps Aphaea (a greek fertility and agriculture goddess later associated with [name_u]Artemis[/name_u]) could be an alternative?
Reverie ~
really beautiful (and I also love Debussy!), which seems wonderful for you. it seems a little lighter than some of your other names, but similarly magical.
River ~
I really like this, but it is on the slightly more popular (verging on trendy) end. it would be lovely as a middle name.
Rosalind ~
lovely, and rosalind is maybe my actual favourite shakespeare character. it seems a lovely choice, and works well for you. also, this does sound like the name of the daughter of a witch (or three!)
Rowena ~
it does sound perfectā€¦ but you canā€™t make yourself like a name. I think you have to let her go, because if you settle for all the reasons you should love her, youā€™ll always feel hesitant.
Rune ~
this is stunning as middle name, and I love how well it connects to your religion. I think it would be a wonderful choice, if a little on the nose.
Sabriel ~
Iā€™m always hesitant about names you like exclusively for a character. I think itā€™s lovely, but I would prefer the names that connect more deeply to your lives and spirituality. you would also inevitably end up with [name_u]Gabriel[/name_u] confusion.
Saffron ~
vibrant and bright - I love the look and sound as well. definitely a good option for a middle name.
Samara ~
pretty, yes, but you donā€™t sound excited, and thereā€™s a clear downside (although I must admit to being completely unaware of the negative association, being a complete horror avoider). another possible downside is how easily it blends in with [name_f]Sara[/name_f] and [name_f]Tara[/name_f] and [name_f]Tamara[/name_f] and [name_f]Samantha[/name_f] - perhaps less distinctive than it feels it should be.
Satia ~
I love the associations with this, and it feels like a really important connection to you. you donā€™t sound super excited, but I think itā€™s a wonderful choice, and I like to sound.
Senara ~
a lovely choice (Iā€™m personally partial to the variant [name_f]Azenor[/name_f], which might also be worth consideration). itā€™s lovely.
Serafina ~
lovely, and definitely a good choice - I love all the fire and power behind the sweet sound. as said previously, Iā€™m always skeptical of names chosen exclusively for characters, but given the connection to S - as well as how this is slightly more widely-used beyond the character - it doesnā€™t seem a problem.
Sereia ~
I like it, and like that you like it, but you really seem to have more exciting names on your list (ā€˜lovesā€™ rather than ā€˜likesā€™), especially those which you know more about.
Sinfai ~
not so much for me, but you really seem to like this option - itā€™s worth keeping on the list.
Sireli ~
like [name_f]Sereia[/name_f], except this time without the super magical meaning. itā€™s certainly pretty, but (obviously correct me if Iā€™m wrong), but it really doesnā€™t seem like your daughter.
Snow ~
this does seem perfect for you.
Soraya ~
lovely, though I must admit to being less enamoured with it myself than some of the others. it does seem special, and I like the connections you mentioned. good to keep, though not necessarily to go straight to the top of your list.
Starling ~
I love this, and the characterful associations, as well as the minor celestial connection (starling - itā€™s not deep, but sweet nonetheless). a lovely option.
Sylvana ~
with all the connections for you, I think this has to be in strong consideration. itā€™s a name that means things to you and your partners. I personally prefer [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f] or [name_f]Sylvaine[/name_f], as [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] just feels a bit more ā€œnormalā€, and less enchanting.
Sylvestra ~
you have to keep this one, obviously. itā€™s like [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f] but better. I would even sayā€¦ maybe itā€™s only worth having one Sylv- name on the shortlist? thatā€™s not a decision I can make, but it seems like youā€™d always opt for [name_f]Sylvestra[/name_f] over [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f] (and others), so I donā€™t see the point in keep both.
Taika ~
if you name your child this, you will be seeing and hearing it rather a lot. probably not the way to go (also might be quite strongly associated with director [name_f]Taika[/name_f] Waititi who is incredible but also probably not the vibe youā€™re going for).
Tanith ~
I love this as well, and I love the connection to Tiamat. Iā€™m not familiar with borderlands, so the negative connection never would have crossed my mind, but youā€™ll have to consider whether that would actually bother you, or if youā€™re only concerned about othersā€™ perceptions. are there any other deities connected to Tiamat whose names you could use?
Thalassa ~
I love this for you, but you sound super not-excited. a strong maybe.
Thalia ~
a personal favourite, but kind of ā€˜normalā€™ alongside many of your names, without any deep personal connections to explain it. also, a nightmare for pronunciation.
Thelema ~
obviously an important connection to you, but inevitably to be confused with [name_f]Thelma[/name_f]. itā€™s lovely, but doesnā€™t sing to me.
Titania ~
magical, and I love the shakespearean link - definitely worth consideration.
Vashti ~
if you canā€™t really imagine yourself using it, you probably shouldnā€™t.
Viola ~
a lovely name, and I like it a lot! on the ā€˜normalā€™ side, but its beautiful associations excuse it. you donā€™t seem that into it, though.
Vivendel ~
this seems a great option for you! I like the subtle tolkien connection.
Vivienne ~
objectively, reading all the reasons you have for it, it sounds perfect, but itā€™s just not for me. yea for you, but itā€™s never been my thing - Iā€™m also certain that the arthurian and fey connections would go very far over most peopleā€™s heads.
Willow ~
this has so many links to you, and I think you have to keep it. I donā€™t know whether itā€™s rapidly increasing popularity is a concern or not, but if so, I still think it makes a lovely middle.
Wisteria ~
this also seems absolutely perfect! I have wisterias covering the front of my house, so Iā€™m inclined towards it as well. Wish is a magical nickname choice. one single potential negative (I blame my mum for putting this thought into my head) is the teasing potential with hysteria.
Yesenia ~
sweet, but with so many absolutely perfect flower names on your list, it seems to fall a little short.
Yvaine ~
sounds a lovely choice, and perhaps a more ā€˜youā€™ alternative to [name_f]Eve[/name_f].
Zafiri ~
Iā€™m not sold on the sound, and you donā€™t sound sold on it either. thereā€™s nothing wrong with it, it just doesnā€™t sound like The Thing, so I donā€™t think it needs to stay on your list.
Zelda ~
if your partners insist on middle only, it sounds like theyā€™re not sold, but you obviously are. I do love the name, though, and I appreciate the sound very much.
Zorya ~
very interesting, with a fascinating sound and an exceptional story. I think this is certainly for consideration.

keep without a doubt ~
[name_f]Oceane[/name_f]
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f]
[name_f]Olwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Oona[/name_f]
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Reverie[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]
[name_u]Rune[/name_u]
Satia
[name_f]Serafina[/name_f]
Sinfai
[name_f]Senara[/name_f]
([name_f]Azenor[/name_f]!)
(Aphaea!)

[name_u]Snow[/name_u]
[name_u]Starling[/name_u]
[name_f]Sylvestra[/name_f]
[name_u]Vivendel[/name_u]
[name_u]Willow[/name_u]
[name_f]Wisteria[/name_f]
[name_f]Yvaine[/name_f]
[name_f]Zorya[/name_f]

seems right, but you donā€™t sound excited ~
[name_f]Orinthia[/name_f]
[name_f]Thalassa[/name_f]
[name_f]Viola[/name_f]

I would probably drop ~
[name_f]Oleanna[/name_f]
[name_f]Pandora[/name_f]
[name_f]Pearl[/name_f]
[name_u]Phaedra[/name_u]
[name_f]Rowena[/name_f]
Sabriel
[name_f]Samara[/name_f]
[name_f]Sireli[/name_f]
[name_f]Taika[/name_f]
Thelema
[name_f]Vashti[/name_f]
[name_f]Yesenia[/name_f]
Zafiri

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I havenā€™t read through your other lists, but Iā€™ll go read your other posts too! I really like a lot of the names on your list; if I was a little bolder Iā€™d have them on my own.

My favorites from your list are:

  • Oceane - [name_u]Love[/name_u] this, but idk if people would properly pronounce it? Maybe with the spelling [name_f]Oceanne[/name_f] it would be easier? But if itā€™s the middle I guess it doesnā€™t matter.
  • Octavia
  • Ophelia
  • Pandora
  • Pearl - I love your symbolism with [name_f]Pearl[/name_f]. I personally wouldnā€™t let someoneā€™s handle get in the way of my favorite name but if the association is too great for you, you should take it off the list (or only use it in the middle?).
  • Reverie - [name_f]Reverie[/name_f] has always been one of my guilty pleasure names. I think itā€™s more feminine. [name_f]Evie[/name_f] is such a cute nickname idea for it too! Never thought of that before.
  • Rosalind
  • Rune - I think this would make an awesome middle for you!
  • Serafina - I prefer the [name_f]Seraphina[/name_f] spelling but I think this a beautiful choice! Nice connections to your family.
  • Snow - Iā€™ve always loved the name [name_u]Snow[/name_u]! There is something so sweet and spunky about it.
  • Sylvana - I prefer just [name_f]Sylvie[/name_f] on itā€™s own, and it seems you do too. I also like [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] better than [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f].
  • Thalia - Iā€™ve always loved this name, but itā€™s frequently mispronounced. Iā€™m Greek and I hear people say it all different ways.
  • Viola
  • Vivienne
  • Willow
  • Wisteria - Okay, I was very much no to this name unless a middle, but the nickname Wish is just too cute for words.
  • Zelda - [name_f]Zelda[/name_f] is one of my favorite guilty pleasure names. Would love to see this used more often!

I hope you announce what name you ultimately choose! Iā€™m sure her name will be so gorgeous and am so curious what it will be.

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Favorites:
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f]
[name_f]Oona[/name_f]
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]
[name_f]Ophelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Pearl[/name_f]
[name_f]Reverie[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalind[/name_f]
[name_u]Rune[/name_u]
[name_f]Saffron[/name_f]
[name_f]Senara[/name_f]
[name_f]Serafina[/name_f]
[name_u]Snow[/name_u]
[name_f]Soraya[/name_f]
[name_f]Viola[/name_f]
[name_f]Vivienne[/name_f]
[name_u]Willow[/name_u]

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My favourites from your list:
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f]
[name_f]Olwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Pandora[/name_f]
[name_u]Phaedra[/name_u]
[name_f]Rowena[/name_f] (I love but perhaps your heart is not really in this one?)
[name_f]Saffron[/name_f]
[name_u]Snow[/name_u]
[name_u]Starling[/name_u]
[name_f]Sylvestra[/name_f]
[name_f]Tanith[/name_f]
[name_f]Vashti[/name_f]
[name_u]Vivendel[/name_u]
[name_f]Zelda[/name_f]

Sinfai - I recently read this name in an [name_f]Enid[/name_f] Blyton story about fairies (along with [name_f]Casilda[/name_f] and [name_f]Celandine[/name_f])! I feel strange reading this very unusual name twice in the same week in 2 different contexts!
[name_f]Tanith[/name_f] - Iā€™ve long liked this and lovely to see this rare one pop up!

some favourite combos:

Vivendel [name_u]Snow[/name_u]
[name_u]Vivendel[/name_u] [name_f]Yvaine[/name_f]
Syvestra [name_u]Lark[/name_u]/Fable
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f] [name_u]Starling[/name_u]
[name_f]Rowena[/name_f] [name_u]Vivendel[/name_u]
[name_f]Pandora[/name_f] [name_u]Willow[/name_u]

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Alrighty! Iā€™m going to use the same process I did on Parts 1 and 2, because it was actually super revealing, if long-winded and time-consuming. Iā€™ll tally up the votes for and against each name, and reflect on how that feedback makes me feel about the name, before deciding which to keep, which to question, and which to let go of.

Here we go!

  • Oceane - 5 votes for, and 1 against, with several comments about varying pronunciations. I had fallen in love with the first pronunciation I heard, which was oh-see-EHN. I realize now that regardless of which pronunciation we went with, no two people are going to say this name the same way, and that definitely makes me feel less enchanted with it.
  • Octavia - A whopping 18 votes in favor and 0 against! This is the new record for most votes in favor! Iā€™m so excited to see the overwhelmingly positive response. T also mentioned this morning that [name_f]Octavia[/name_f] was still on their mind - and T never initiates name conversations. This is definitely going near the top of the list.
  • Oleanna - 0 votes for, 2 votes against. This is why Iā€™m so grateful for you Berries - I had not read the play in question, and was just like, ā€œOh, thereā€™s a play about this, how neat.ā€ Ha! That was a very disturbing plot summary! I do love @rosepipā€™s suggestion to just use [name_u]Oleander[/name_u] instead, and donā€™t know why it didnā€™t occur to me (pregnancy brain?). Iā€™m taking [name_f]Oleanna[/name_f] off the list, but adding [name_u]Oleander[/name_u] as a middle only option.
  • Olwen - 8 votes for, 0 against. I thrilled with every yes vote! And I so appreciated all the little comments that were made on this name - they just made me love it even more.
  • Oona - 9 votes for, 1 against. I was delighted by every yes vote, and disappointed by the no. I can see the logic - there are other names on the list I do feel more strongly towards - but Iā€™m not ready to let go of [name_f]Oona[/name_f]. That magical double-O just gives me all of the feels!
  • Opal - 11 votes for, 0 against. I was very surprised by my own reaction to all these yes votes. Instead of being pleased by them, I just felt uncomfortable, like I was trying on an ill-fitting shirt. On paper, this name should be perfect for me, but something in me does not love it. I think I need to let this one go. @rosepip The [name_u]Raven[/name_u] Cycle is one of mine and Tā€™s all time favorite book series!! We recently discovered S has not yet read it and immediately devoted ourselves to getting her to give it a try. So. Effing. Magical. [name_f]Maggie[/name_f] Stiefvaterā€™s wordsmithing is just everything. chefā€™s kiss
  • Ophelia - 17 votes for, and 1 against. I thrilled with every single yes vote, and every time someone commented that the name was obviously important to me because of how much I wrote about it, I was definitely nodding along with their words. And let me tell you, my hackles went UP with @skylerrosā€™s criticism! I wonā€™t repeat it here because I canā€™t figure out how to blur out the word, but you can reference their comment. What do we think, Berries? Should I be concerned that this will be a common association?
  • Oriande - 0 votes for, 2 against. I had very little negative reaction to the lack of yes votes, and found myself agreeing with the nos.
  • Orinthia - 1 vote in favor, 1 soft against, and 1 firm against. I love this name on paper - the look, sound, feel, and even the meaning - but I donā€™t think I have the kind of scintillating connection to it that I feel with many of the others.
  • Pandora - 7 votes in favor, 1 soft against, and 1 firm against. Iā€™m so divided on this name. I was thrilled with all of the positive feedback, even as I question her usability. Does anyone know of an actual child named [name_f]Pandora[/name_f], and if so, how do strangers usually react to her name?
  • Pearl - 8 votes for, 2 against. I really appreciate everyone who left comments about the reasoning behind their vote. I have a vicious inner battle over this name, perhaps even more so than with [name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_u]Briar[/name_u], and [name_f]Circe[/name_f]. [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] has been at the top of my middle name list for years, and I would use her in a heartbeat if it werenā€™t for this person. I even feel resentment at the [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] we know for tainting this name that I love so much. But the [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] in question is a very problematic individual for S and I, even as sheā€™s also an important person in Tā€™s life. I would never want to give the impression that I named my child after her, and even though itā€™s just an internet handle rather than her real name, internet is how we all interact with her. Ugghh. Itā€™s like pulling teeth to convince myself to let this one go!
  • Phaedra - 7 votes in favor, 3 against, though all the no votes were qualified by a variation of, ā€œI love this name, but you seem concerned.ā€ I expected to be more on the no side of things, so the thrill I got with every yes vote, and the strong sense of defensiveness I felt with every no were both surprising to me. [name_f]My[/name_f] brain countered my own concerns about the myth with arguments about how Iā€™ve kept [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], [name_f]Juliet[/name_f], [name_f]Lilith[/name_f], etc., so how is [name_u]Phaedra[/name_u] any more of a challenge? I must have stronger feelings for this name than I thought. I think I need to keep her for now.
  • Reverie - 14 yes votes, and 0 against! [name_f]My[/name_f] heart did a little giddy dance with every yes and every positive comment! @eattacosforbreakfast I have NOT read this book, but the first phrase I encountered when Googling it was ā€œjoyously, riotously queer.ā€ I donā€™t think Iā€™ve ever added a book to my ā€œto-readā€ list so heckin fast!
  • River - 7 votes for, 1 soft against. I was very puzzled by my own lukewarm reaction to this name, considering how long itā€™s been on my list. I still love both namesakes, but the name itself seems to have lost its luster for meā€¦ Iā€™m not sure if thatā€™s a popularity thing, the fact that I see it most often on boys, or something else entirely. Whatever the case, it just doesnā€™t sing to me like it used to.
  • Rosalind - 14 votes in favor, 0 against. [name_f]My[/name_f] feelings are just all over the place with this name! Part of me thrilled with every yes vote and delighted in all the positive comments. Another part was just hanging out in the back of my head, turning up her nose and saying, ā€œbut itā€™s so normal.ā€ I think the bit that swayed me was @rosepipā€™s comment that it ā€œsounds like the name of the daughter of a witch (or three!).ā€ How could I ever say no to that??
  • Rowena - 7 votes for, 5 against (I think thatā€™s a record for most no votes!). THIS NAME RIGHT HERE is the proof that pregnancy brain has well and truly taken over, and I have to thank @findemaxa13 for saving my bacon. [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is second only to [name_m]Caspian[/name_m] on our list of masc names, so OF COURSE I canā€™t use [name_f]Rowena[/name_f]!! I canā€™t believe that did not even cross my mind. @_@ But Iā€™m pleased you liked the [name_m]Ivanhoe[/name_m] reference!
  • Rune - 11 votes for, 0 against. I was surprised both by the number of positive responses, and my own lack of thrills at those positive responses. I expected this to be one of the names that I would have a very visceral feeling about.
  • Sabriel - 1 vote for, 2 against. Iā€™ve always heard it said SAY-bree-el, as in rhymes with [name_u]Gabriel[/name_u]. I appreciate that the no votes articulated their reasons why, because the points are very valid. I would not want the name to be constantly misheard as [name_u]Gabriel[/name_u]. Iā€™m surprised by how willing I am to let this one go.
  • Saffron - 13 votes in favor, 0 against. I was very surprised by my own feelings of disenchantment throughout, because I love the look and sound, and that thereā€™s an herbal connection. I think it was feeling insubstantial to me, and then T made a comment about not liking the Firefly character. I donā€™t think I will keep this one, even as a middle, which is unexpected, but feels right.
  • Samara - 4 votes for, 2 against. The nos make some good points. Despite the fact that this is a more unusual name, it doesnā€™t feel all that unique, and my knowledge of the association is coloring how I experience the name - synesthesia is generating very gloomy, drippy dark blues and greys. [name_f]Senara[/name_f] is far superior.
  • Satia - 3 votes for, 1 against. I use the SAH-tee-ah pronunciation. I confess that despite the spiritual connection and how much I like the sound, I had completely forgotten this was on the list. I think that says it all.
  • Senara - 7 votes for, 1 soft against. I donā€™t think I love this one as much as some of the other names in this section, but I still feel very strongly about it. The sound is so fluid and calm with a hint of drama, and the mermaid connection delights me. @rosepip I appreciate that the [name_f]Azenor[/name_f] variant makes the connection to the Mermaid of [name_u]Zennor[/name_u] more obvious, but my synesthesia really does not like that Z sound.
  • Serafina - 13 votes in favor, 0 against. I find myself more torn than I would have ever expected. I love the fierceness I associate with this name, from the fiery meaning to the personality of the namesake, truly one of my favorite fictional witches. [name_f]Eva[/name_f] [name_u]Green[/name_u] played [name_f]Serafina[/name_f] Pekkala in the (admittedly flawed) film adaptation of the first book, and it was the perfect casting, because her sharp, fey, otherworldly beauty is exactly the vibe I get from this name. At the same time, the angelic association does distance me a little from my love of the name, and Iā€™m suddenly worried that rather than honoring S, it would be so similar to her name as to be confusing to have them both in the same household.
  • Sereia - 2 votes for, 1 soft against, 1 firm against. As pretty as this name is, and as much a sucker as I am for mermaid names, I donā€™t love the way itā€™s so obscure as to sound made-up, and I donā€™t like thatā€™s not really used as a name even in its origin country. Letting this one go.
  • Sinfai - 2 votes for, 1 against. This one definitely is not a popular choice, and there are even some reasons why it could be cut, but something keeps holding me back. Part of me is just too enchanted with this name to let go. @Araminty I have never heard of this story! [name_f]Do[/name_f] you remember what itā€™s called?
  • Sireli - 3 votes for, 2 against. I think the nos have it on this one. The look and feel are absolutely beautiful, but thereā€™s no connection here. The affection is all superficial.
  • Snow - 11 votes in favor, 0 against! This name gives me a very pure and simple joy, and I was delighted with every yes vote.
  • Soraya - 8 votes for, 1 soft against. I notice I havenā€™t really raved about this name, but I do find it to be so captivating. Keeping at least for now.
  • Starling - 6 votes for, 0 against. Iā€™m not sure whatā€™s going on with me today, but I felt very little of anything when I was tallying up these votes. I had expected [name_u]Starling[/name_u] to be one that I really loved and reacted to.
  • Sylvana (and variants) - 10 votes in favor, 0 against, though some commenters did express preference of one of the other variants over [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f] herself. I agree with @rosepip that [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f] is the least interesting of the variants. I have [name_m]Sylvan[/name_m] and [name_f]Sylvaine[/name_f] on here primarily because they work well in combos where there a lot of names ending in -a.
  • Sylvestra - 7 votes in favor and 0 against! I was beside myself with glee at every yes vote. I am thrilled that so many of you see the magic in [name_f]Sylvestra[/name_f] that I do! She just feels so mysterious and magical and drenched in nature, all these beautiful shades of green and silver. @Araminty even though weā€™re going for double middles, your [name_f]Sylvestra[/name_f] [name_u]Lark[/name_u] and [name_f]Sylvestra[/name_f] [name_u]Fable[/name_u] combo suggestions both had me absolutely swooning.
  • Taika - 0 votes in favor, 2 against. I was not familiar with [name_f]Taika[/name_f] Waititi, and he seems to be the strongest association. His work appears to be incredible, but not so much that I want to keep this one on the list.
  • Tanith - 3 votes for, 1 against. Despite the mythological connection, I donā€™t think I love this one enough to fight for it.
  • Thalassa - 0 votes for, 1 soft against, and 1 firm against. While Iā€™m extremely surprised by the lack of positive feedback - [name_f]Thalassa[/name_f] is so lovely! - I feel like this is one of those names that I want to love more than I do / feel like I should love because it ticks all the boxes on paper. Time to let go.
  • Thalia - 6 votes for, 2 against. This one is clearly more popular than [name_f]Thalassa[/name_f], but unfortunately, my feelings for them are almost identical, except that [name_f]Thalia[/name_f] has the added burden of pronunciation issues. Iā€™ve always thought it was THAH-lee-ah. @eattacosforbreakfast The only mer connection I could find for this one is that itā€™s the stage name of a few professional mermaids.
  • Thelema - 0 votes in favor, 2 against. I love the spiritual connection, but the inevitable confusion with [name_f]Thelma[/name_f] does not spark joy. This one can go.
  • Titania - 3 votes for, 0 against. I was definitely disgruntled that there was not more [name_f]Titania[/name_f] love, even as I second-guessed my pronunciation. Which is more common: tih-TAHN-ya, or tie-TAY-nee-ah?
  • Vashti - 2 votes for, 2 against. As surprised as I am by the lack of [name_f]Vashti[/name_f] love, since Iā€™ve always found this name so lush and rich and fantastical, I also found myself more in love with it in theory than in practice. I just canā€™t see myself calling a little [name_f]Vashti[/name_f] to dinner.
  • Viola - 10 votes in favor, 0 against. Despite all the yes votes, I found myself utterly indifferent to this name, which I think is fairly damning.
  • Vivendel - 5 votes for, 0 against. Iā€™m delighted to be the one to introduce this name to some of you! As I was tallying the votes for this one, I was really unclear about what I was feeling until someone mentioned using it as a middle, and then I felt much better. So I think I will keep this one on the list for now, but move it to middle only status.
  • Vivienne - 9 votes in favor, 2 soft against. I donā€™t know if I am just getting pickier as this process goes on, but I was again surprised to feel very little excitement for a name I used to enthusiastically love. I donā€™t even feel like putting it on the questioning list. I think Iā€™m getting more ruthless with my cuts.
  • Willow - An incredible 18 votes in favor, with 0 against! I think we all knew [name_u]Willow[/name_u] wasnā€™t going anywhere, haha. I do think, given the comments about her increasing popularity, that I might just move this one to the top of the middle list, and use one of my more unusual choices as a first.
  • Wisteria - 11 votes for, and 0 against! I am beyond thrilled with all this [name_f]Wisteria[/name_f] love! I was bracing to be told she was too fanciful. I also gave little happy squeaks when someone mentioned liking the nickname Wish. So delighted and relieved to have a positive response to this name! @rosepip [name_f]Wisteria[/name_f] will always make me think of ā€œmysteriousā€ before ā€œhysteria.ā€
  • Yesenia - 3 votes for, 2 against. Iā€™m having those ā€œwhat was I thinkingā€ feels again. [name_m]Don[/name_m]ā€™t get me wrong, itā€™s a lovely name and fun to say, but we have no connection to it whatsoever.
  • Yvaine - 6 votes for, 0 against. I expected to get more of a thrill from this one than I actually did. I may just be getting name fatigue. At any rate, I am not ready to get rid of it.
  • Zafiri - 0 votes for, 2 against. Another ā€œwhat was I thinkingā€ moment. I like the sound, but thereā€™s no real significance to this name beyond its prettiness.
  • Zelda - 6 votes for, and 0 against, though one of the yes votes was a little cautionary. I am crushing so hard on this name right now, so I thrilled with every single yes!
  • Zorya - 5 votes for, 0 against. I am delighted to see underused [name_f]Zorya[/name_f] getting some love! It did occur to me, however, that [name_f]Zorya[/name_f] and [name_f]Soraya[/name_f] are very similar, and between the two of them I prefer [name_f]Soraya[/name_f]. I am also wondering now if [name_f]Zorya[/name_f] is a [name_u]Saxon[/name_u] and Russian variant of the Persian and Turkish [name_f]Soraya[/name_f]?

And thatā€™s it for Part 3! Letā€™s see what weā€™re left with:

Definitely Keeping
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f], [name_u]Oleander[/name_u] (middle only), [name_f]Olwen[/name_f], [name_f]Oona[/name_f], [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], [name_u]Phaedra[/name_u], [name_f]Reverie[/name_f], [name_f]Senara[/name_f], [name_u]Snow[/name_u] (middle only), [name_f]Sylvana[/name_f] (and variants), [name_f]Sylvestra[/name_f], [name_u]Willow[/name_u] (middle only), [name_f]Wisteria[/name_f], and [name_f]Zelda[/name_f] (middle only).

Keeping, but Questioning
[name_f]Pandora[/name_f], [name_f]Rosalind[/name_f], [name_u]Rune[/name_u], [name_f]Serafina[/name_f], Sinfai, [name_f]Soraya[/name_f], [name_u]Starling[/name_u], [name_f]Titania[/name_f], [name_u]Vivendel[/name_u], and [name_f]Yvaine[/name_f].

Letting Go
[name_f]Oceane[/name_f], [name_f]Oleanna[/name_f], [name_f]Opal[/name_f], Oriande, [name_f]Orinthia[/name_f], [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] (sob), [name_u]River[/name_u], [name_f]Rowena[/name_f], Sabriel, [name_f]Saffron[/name_f], [name_f]Samara[/name_f], Satia, [name_f]Sereia[/name_f], [name_f]Sireli[/name_f], [name_f]Taika[/name_f], [name_f]Tanith[/name_f], [name_f]Thalassa[/name_f], [name_f]Thalia[/name_f], Thelema, [name_f]Vashti[/name_f], [name_f]Viola[/name_f], [name_f]Vivienne[/name_f], [name_f]Yesenia[/name_f], Zafiri, and [name_f]Zorya[/name_f].

Out of 48 potentials, we narrowed this section down to 14 keepers and 10 maybes. Once again, we cut the list exactly in half! This round was really difficult for me, because synesthesia brain loves all these O, R, S, and W names. I couldnā€™t have done it without you! Special shoutouts to @alatari for her individual analysis of each name and ever-helpful ranking system, @amal2970 and @HarderToBreathe for their detailed comments, and @rosepip for their in-depth analysis of each name. These responses must have taken you all so much time and effort, and I canā€™t tell you how much that is appreciated!

Itā€™s official, folks. We have made it through round one of edits to the Monster List!! We started out with a total of 141 names and narrowed this down to 43 keepers and 30 maybes. We cut 68 names in the first round of edits, and I think that is a heckin huge accomplishment!

Iā€™m not entirely sure where to go from here and how to continue whittling down the list. Iā€™d still like to end up taking about half this many names to the hospital. Part of me thinks I should close these initial threads and start a new one (or two) for the second round of cuts. ([name_m]Can[/name_m] you even still close threads anymore? Iā€™m still getting used to the new UI.) Regardless of what I end up doing, Iā€™ll be sure to let you all know and post links to any new threads I create.

Thank you again for helping me navigate this journey! Sending you all much love!

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YAYYYYY these were all so fun and delightful.

In regards to [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], I donā€™t see it as an issue. I think the [name_m]Shakespeare[/name_m] connection is going to be much more common.

I do think a round up post with everything thatā€™s still on the list would be awesome. I have about 5 or so names that Iā€™d advocate for if you made one (I may already be thinking of combos) and I imagine others might be in that boat as well. :grinning: Plus anyone new to the conversation wouldnā€™t need to dig through names that youā€™ve already taken off the list.

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Alright, my loves. Iā€™ve learned that I cannot close my own threads, so Iā€™m just going to reply here and update the original post, in hopes that the combination will make it clear that weā€™re moving to the next phase.

Iā€™ve created a new thread for the 30 names that were on my Keeping, but Questioning lists in all three parts. I go through and list my questions and concerns, in hopes that your responses will help me sort out whether to keep or discard these ā€œmaybes.ā€ Here is the link to that post. Round Two of the Monster List: The Questioning.

I eagerly await your feedback over on the new thread!

Re: [name_f]Ophelia[/name_f], I didnā€™t see [name_u]Skyler[/name_u]ā€™s comment but Iā€™m gonna assume itā€™s the same connection have also made in the Hot Takes thread:

ped0philia

personally I think it will be fine in 2021 because the name has risen in popularity a fair bit. People will be familiar with it enough to see it as a name, sort of like how nobody sees [name_f]Violet[/name_f] as violent because we all know the name in its own right. And your love for this name seems to outweigh any issues! If you were lukewarm about it I might say otherwise, but it seems so special to you.

Ps if you want to blur something hit the cog icon at the top of the edit box and choose ā€œblur spoilerā€

Alternatively you can type it like [ spoiler ] this [/ spoiler ] But without the spaces!

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You blur out a word like this: (take out all of the spaces)

[ spoiler ] This_would be-blurred. [ / spoiler].

Oh, having come here from part 1 of your list just now, I wanted to bring up that [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] can be a slight nod to their Finnish roots as well. Elovena is a brand of oats thatā€™s been around since the 1920s and is very much part of the Finnish national identity/brand now (yes, really - we just love our oat porridge in the morning that much) and generally has very positive connotations. (The brand name is a combination of elo, Finnish for life, and the Latin name for oat, Avena [name_f]Sativa[/name_f]. I think [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] having the word for life in it in general makes for a lovely connection!)

Although I would find it tough to pick between [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] and [name_f]Olwen[/name_f] - both are so beautiful.

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