See the results of this poll: Chrysanthemum
Respondents: 103 (This poll is closed)
- Chrysanthemum Helen. [Full stop] : 25 (24%)
- Chrysanthemum Helen Pearl : 31 (30%)
- Keep looking – I still don’t like Chrysanthemum: 47 (46%)
I think [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] is gorgeous in theory. I hate to put down a name you’ve obviously put so much thought into, but personally I think [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] is a bit bizarre for a real person. It’s long and unwieldy and feels even more bizarre with the equally unusual nickname [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f]. I just don’t think very many people will get it. But again, you’ve put so much thought into it that I’m sure you’ve considered these things already. (I didn’t see the original thread.)
I agree with southern.maple; I do like [name_f]Chrisantha[/name_f], however! It’s got a bit of the [name_f]Samantha[/name_f] familiarity that makes it much more wearable than the full [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f]. I actually prefer the spelling Crisantha without the first ‘h’. Makes it a bit easier on the eyes. And nn [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] still works with it.
With all that said, I personally have no problems with two middle names (see my signature, haha!). It might be a bit much for such a long first name–13 letters! But it’d be nice to give her some options just in case.
Edited to add: I also think if [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] is too much, and toning it down to [name_f]Chrisantha[/name_f] still feels like too much in the end, you could just go with [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] as an ode to the flower. [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] means “golden, yellow,” which is the color of chrysanthemum’s (and the definition of the name being ‘gold flower’).
You clearly had a lot of thought put into [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] but I’m with the others. I wouldn’t want it as my name personally, and your child will be an individual too. All the obscure references seem nice in theory, but saddling her with a name that is so out there - is it fair? I’d end up going by [name_f]Helen[/name_f] just to avoid the long-winded answers to “how did your parents come up with [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f]?”
That being said, I think [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] is fine in the combo. And you should obviously go with what you love.
That is one hell of a name. While the idea behind it is nice, I too am with the others. It’s too much of a name to saddle an adult with, let alone a child. I would also end up going by [name_f]Helen[/name_f] to avoid questions or weird looks. The combo with [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] is nice, but my opinion on [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] as a name still stands, unfortunately. Sorry, it probably isn’t what you want to hear.
I voted for Chrysanthemum Helen. On one hand, I get what other berries are saying about it being too much of a name for a person, but it’s really not any longer syllable-wise than Elizabeth or Arabella (all those letters though…). It’s just extremely unusual. There’s also the children’s’ book called Chrysanthemum, which is ironically about a mouse who gets bullied over her name. 
The difficulty that comes with having two middle names is also a drawback for me. Chrysanthemum is already going to fill up a lot of boxes on official documents, and most forms don’t even offer enough room to add a second middle. Would you consider rearranging the names? Helen Chrysanthemum or Helen Chrysanthemum Pearl is less bold than outright using Chrysanthemum as a first, but it still retains all the names you like and want to use.
I’m not an extremely sentimental person when it comes to names, so my grand advice for you is just pick what you love. Do the baby name test drive thing or the Starbucks test to see how well it wears in public. If even after all that you’re still dead set on Chrysanthemum, she can always go by Chrissy or Chris if she’s not a Xanthe.
Well, you already know my opinion from previous threads, but I massively disagree with previous posters and am 110% rooting for you to use [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f]. I think it’s fantastic, and your kiddo will have one of the few last names that is short and simple enough to sound great with it and complement it really well. I think the meaning behind [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] is lovely, [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] is a great nickname (side note: I noticed a lot of “X” initialed items in the sale section of Anthropologie the other day and thought, “hey, if [name_f]Lilian[/name_f] has a [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] she’ll always be able to find things with X’s on them,” lol), and it fits well with [name_f]Helen[/name_f] and the potential sibling names on your list. The mouse book is also a huge plus—it’s cute, it has a message of tolerance and self-esteem, and it’s basically the ultimate name nerd story.
If the length and uniqueness are still concerns, know that a close family friend of mine is named Copernicus “[name_u]Nick[/name_u]” (with brother [name_m]Archimedes[/name_m] “[name_m]Archie[/name_m]”—they have a simple, one-syllable surname like yours.) [name_u]Nick[/name_u] went by just that for most of his life, but when he got to college he realized that everyone he introduced himself to as Copernicus thought it was awesome and remembered it really well. He would walk around campus and people he had briefly shaken hands with once at a party would greet him enthusiastically by name. Now he goes almost exclusively by Copernicus.
Anyway. [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] K— is such a stunning, show-stopping, memorable name! It just sounds like it could only be the name of a famous author, or celebrity, or Nobel prize-winning scientist—someone innovative and respected. [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] K— is similarly bold and pretty, a pleasant scaled-down version.
Sorry for the novel, but I will defend [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] until my last breath! Or…typed word, I guess 
To answer, like, the actual question of your initial post: I like [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] fine with [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f], but would probably stick to [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] just because I dislike the 4-2-1-1 syllable pattern of the four names.
I think you should follow your instinct on who this little one is. If you feel this is a [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] or a [name_m]Horatio[/name_m] [name_m]Felix[/name_m] then trust it. Trusting your instincts and keeping doubt away is so important during pregnancy. If you get in the habit of self doubt now it could pop back up during labor, when you need to trust yourself the most.
My first I knew was a [name_f]Caledonia[/name_f], and even though many thought it was too heavy and unusual of a name, I never once took head because that is exactly who I knew my daughter to be - and she is.
So in short- I like all the names you have picked and think you should use whichever you deem fits. If in this day and age people aren’t open minded enough or polite enough to understand your name choices then they are welcome to use a nn.
Now that I read this post, I really hope you pick [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] in the end! It’s very unusual, but if people are named [name_f]Lavender[/name_f] and [name_f]Marigold[/name_f], why not [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f]? I love [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] a lot and I think [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] is lovely. However, I do not really like the flow of it considering you have one syllable surname. So maybe save it for next baby?
All great names (though I’m still on team [name_f]Hildie[/name_f]). Would you consider Crysanthemum [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] K? The 2 stresses in [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] K__ seem a bit abrupt at the end, to me (I think I tend to avoid 2 single-syllable names in a row, unless they’re they’re the first & last name and there’s no middle). Moving the double stress forward seems to work a bit better for me.
That would also strengthen the [name_m]Christopher[/name_m] [name_m]Paul[/name_m] connection.
Would you want to continue three names for all your kids? Would it bother you for one to have three and the rest to have two? If so, then I’d save the [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] for another girl.
That being said, I am in love with [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] and I think it’s stunning.
Thanks for all the feedback so far. I’m not afraid of the too much of a mouthful (it’s still 4 syllables, like a lot of other names) or too many letters arguments (13 letters means a lot of bubbles, but should I really name my daughter based on the extra 20 seconds, which is a very generous estimate, that it MIGHT take her to fill out the occasional form? And with 4 letters for her surname, that definitely balances out. She’s not a Rockafeller or Beckenridge or Middlemiss). I’m not even afraid of the unusual angle. It’s a word that native English-speakers know (but won’t be able to spell), a flower that people generally like, and while many many people won’t approve of the name for all of the reasons already mentioned, I don’t really see a problem with using it for a little girl who will hopefully grow into a functioning adult. I have done the name test drive and the Starbucks test (went out for brunch the other day and gave [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] as the name to wait for the table… the hostess didn’t know how to spell it, but she would have asked how to spell my real name too, and while the hostess didn’t comment on it, the waitress who called it out when the table was ready said, “what a beautiful name,”). I honestly still do love it and think it is a versatile name that will grow with her. It can sound great on a doctor, a lawyer, an astronaut, or a Nobel prize winner, as @geeknamezyo mentioned. My doctor’s name is [name_f]Rosemary[/name_f]… how is [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] any weirder? My best friend in high school was [name_f]Amethyst[/name_f], who is now a successful business woman… people can function with unusual names… and most of them appreciate having unusual names over the longterm. And I’m not talking [name_f]Bambi[/name_f] or [name_f]Brandi[/name_f] here. The only real life feedback I’ve gotten, from my mother (who’s in love with [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f]), my cousin [name_u]Chris[/name_u], and my bff, have all been overwhelmingly positive. I know that won’t always be the case and my test pool is biased because they love me, but I believe they would speak their minds if they actually thought it was a problem.
@moontrees, your comment really helped. You know, it’s weird. I thought I would be a nervous wreck during pregnancy, but I’m the most at peace and calm I’ve felt in years. My stress levels are incredibly low, and despite near-constant nausea and fatigue, I am really relishing in my pregnancy and and all the prenatal and birthing and early parenting decisions I’ve already had to make and am making with pride. That confidence should extend to naming a baby girl, and I need to remember that. You’re right, I don’t want the doubt creeping in when I least want it and stalling or sullying the positive experiences I know I’m prepared for in motherhood. I love [name_f]Caledonia[/name_f], btw, it’s beautiful. When I reflect on your comment, and [name_f]Gwen[/name_f]'s and [name_f]Luna[/name_f]'s, too, I really realize that, as a longtime name nerd, it would feel dishonest to myself to exclude a name I love from the running in this very important decision just because I know a lot of people out in the world won’t like it. The people who matter to me, who love me and whom I love, will either like the name or get on board with the name despite their distaste for it. The other people don’t really matter. And I believe I will raise a daughter who will have the wherewithall and fortitude to surround herself with similar people in life.
As to the question of [name_f]Pearl[/name_f], perhaps we will consider [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f], though I don’t like it quite as much. Right now, [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] is ringing symphoniously, but I’ll put [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] on the back burner and let her marinate a while.
@medfordkung I always dither back and forth on whether to post things and I am so glad to hear it helped.
Hear, hear! Well said. Opinions can be helpful, but when it really comes down to it, this is your kid and it’s your opinion that matters most.
@yellow plums, I missed your comment first time around.
My husband barely has a middle name at all (his mother’s maiden name, which is also very short Chinese surname / the same middle name as his sister, so they share all the same initials). I on the other hand, have 2 middle names with Cla1re-H3lene.
We had decided a long time ago that one middle was our preference, but that if we felt that another name truly added something special to the name, we would do two. So far this is the only 2nd middle we have considered.
We are fairly sure that our 2nd child will have 2 middles. This is because we are planning on a domestic infant adoption. We are hoping to have the opportunity and honor of collaborating with the birth family on baby’s name, but if not, we would like to keep the name given to the infant at birth, and add a first or middle name of our own, depending.
So if our first- and second-born children wind up with 2 middle names, the third will as well. But if the first only has one, and the second has 2, the third would likely only have one. This is simply because our 2nd child will forever have another family, and that family deserves to be honored, too, so 3 names before the surname seems to make sense considering at least 3 decision-making parties.
I am officially pleased to see the top two names in your signature. [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] and [name_f]Mathilda[/name_f] [name_f]Elin[/name_f] are wonderful. 
I actually think the addition of [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] works really well with [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] but I would personally use [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f]. I love the name [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] and it’s considerably easier to say.
Having said that I think Chrysanthemum is pretty special and if you love it that’s the most important thing. I have a fair few names on my list which have controversial meanings and historical uses but it doesn’t stop me from loving them and quite possibly using them one day!
[name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_f]Helen[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f]? [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] is going to be a nightmare for a child. Can you imagine a five year old learning to write their name? She would also have a lifetime of correcting the spelling and having her name misspelled.
I think it’s truly lovely, but still suggest moving on from [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f].(I’m using autocorrect to get that spelling right)
In all honesty, i thought you were crazy to want [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f], I voted to keep looking. After you told me to follow my heart with [name_u]Oakley[/name_u], [name_f]Chrys[/name_f] started to grow on me. It’s long, and a bit bulky but a little girl with a name like this can definitely flaunt it! I’m sure she will be made fun of but she will learn to love it into her teen years. I think its better just as [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f], adding [name_f]Pearl[/name_f] just seems a bit extra. But hey, you are already naming her [name_f]Chrysanthemum[/name_f], so who cares about being extra. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t let people get to you about their theories and standardized tests. I know a girl named [name_f]Krystal[/name_f] and she just goes by [name_m]Krys[/name_m], it’s not as long but it has led me to believe that a girl can be called [name_u]Chris[/name_u]/[name_m]Krys[/name_m]/[name_f]Chrys[/name_f]. Good luck and just backhand everyone who tries to talk you out of it!
[name_u]Read[/name_u] your updates. I don’t think you should have “keep looking” as a poll option if you don’t want people to say keep looking.
I don’t think of standardized tests or bubbles as there are plenty of long names from many cultures. My reasoning is just because it’s awkward. Children have funny ways of pronouncing things, and I think this (and [name_f]Xanthe[/name_f]) will be butchered by her classmates. They will get used to it, of course, but it’s very wordy (not like [name_f]Rosemary[/name_f] which is clear in pronunciation and spelling). I also wonder if it is every-woman enough to suit different personalities. Some people just don’t suit over-the-top names, and there’s no guarantees.
I’m just trying to say that you’re putting down Nameberry’s culture (on another thread), but you opened up to comments in your poll. You sound decided, which is great, so just minimize the opportunities for criticism.