I’ve been spending a lot of time thinking about names. Just today alone I’ve spent at least six hours organizing and writing blurbs for my long term and recent crushes + combos!
Anyway, I’d love some help searching for the unusual, clever, historical, cross-cultural and romantic names! I’m having a really hard time finding those standout gems as I’m a big fan of first and middle names having lovely connected meanings.
I encourage you to get creative and make your combos based off my style. The names don’t have to be from my own list
Part 1: My short list
Florence
Summary
What I love: From the chic and historical energy Florence radiates to fawning () over the idea of having a little Flora! Perhaps it could even work to honor a Lauren as well?
Additionally the meaning, blossoming (to flower), is so sweet. My great grandmother used to say the women in my family are late bloomers! (most achieved great success later in life)
Concern: I’m just not sure how well it could work outside the UK/US.
Liana
Summary
What I love: An honor name with a romantic flair. I love the nature tie and symbolic meaning of a vine (pulling one’s self out of a tough situation).
Honestly I adore the nickname Annie for Liana, which would also be an honor name! Meaning gracious one.
How adorably sweet would that be? She who graciously pulls herself out of tough situations.
Concern: I’ve been wondering if Liana might be too soft if she were to be sisters with Florence…
Primrose
Summary
What I like: Primrose is sweet and fragrant. She has a lot of future-chic potential. I like the meaning and think it’d be a nice, sentimental name for a first born multiple. She feels a bit whimsical, although if I were to use Primrose I’d be more inclined to put her in the middle name spot as it just doesn’t have the right amount of magnetism I’m looking for.
Concerns: Popularity; Not a fan of the nicknames; The obvious associated “honor” for me is not a great one.
Artemis
Summary
What I love: I’ve absolutely adored the name Artemis since I was a little girl! I love that she represents independence, integrity, and the moon. Reading about her reminds me a lot of myself when I was a child.
Nerdy details: Artemis had always felt like my secret gem and continues to intrigue me to this day. For instance, the name nerd in me loves to point out the frivolous detail that Artemisia was a painter and how fitting it is that Artemis can be rearranged into “art is me”. That’s just too suspiciously perfect.
Concerns: Despite all the sentimental value I have for her, I’m just not sure she fits in with my overall style. She’s not very cross-cultural nor does she sound that feminine on the ears. Also, not too keen on the nickname options.
Augustus
Summary
What I Like: Nearly everything. I love the romantic flair, the historical ties and of course the meaning, “great; magnificent.” The vintage appeal of August is also very alluring to me, I think it’d make a lovely nickname.
Concerns: August is incredibly popular; Losing vintage charm.
Cyrus
Summary
What I like: The meaning, “sun; one who bestows care,” is beautiful and I love that Cy is an Old Hollywood gem. Cyrus feels very regal and future-chic.
Concerns: Miley Cyrus; Might be too similar to Silas; Wishing it felt more romantic.
Robin
Summary
What I like: Unusual yet familiar, refreshing, surprisingly handsome and I love the meaning “bright fame.” The nickname Robbie is adorable. Works well internationally, and of course I’m fond of the namesakes, Robin Hood and Robin Williams.
Concerns: Too gender neutral - leaning feminine(?); Might only work as a middle name.
Rafael/Raphael
Summary
What I like: How romantic and historical it is! I love the nicknames Rafe and Rafi. It’s in my personal top 3. It could possibly work as an honor for a Jason? (both have healing meanings).
Concerns: I’m not religious; Too Latin?
Part 2: A short exhaustive breakdown.
Love the meaning, but not the name:
Probably will never use them.
Calista: most beautiful
Eulalia: sweet spoken
Rosemary: dew of the sea
Conan: little wolf
Cosmo: the cosmos (I think I prefer Cosmos!)
Sage: wise and knowing
Love the name, but not the meaning
Higher chance of using.
Montgomery: man power
Tristan: sorrowful
Winslow: burial mound
Claudia: lame
Ursa/Ursula: little mermaid association
Like the name and the meaning
I’d use these as middle names.
Astraeus: star
Chiron: interesting mythology about a great healer
Prosper
unnecessary quick combos
Tristan Cecil (blind to sorrow)
Cosmo Sage (universal wisdom)
Leo Astraeus (constellation)
Cyrus (sun) Tal (dew) & Phoebe (bright/shining) Drosera (sundew)
Ursa Liana Amor (climbing towards love - Ursula’s redemption? Lol)
Vivia Florence / Florence Vivia (life is prosperous / -to live a- prosperous life)
I’m super curious as to what you come up with!