As we are approaching a new year, I would like to bring about a few changes to my life, although unrealistic, to get my shit together. And yes, that even includes names.
I have finally decided to make a proper list of names and keep it organised. Time to get a bit serious. You may choose names that you feel should continue staying on the list and names that I should take out. If you want to, you can also add suggestions.
Note: Athena remains on the list with the top-most spot.
- Adelaide / Ada - ânobilityâ
I like this name, itâs sweet and charming. Reminds me of marmalade. I kind of prefer Ada to this. Iâm not sure because I donât have any connection to Adelaide, but Ada is the name of a character I like. It works across all three of my ancestries, unlike Adelaide.
- Anemone - âdaughter of the windâ
My nickname is Anna, and I like any name that begins with An-. Anemone just reminds me of a cool breeze, flowery lands and the onset of spring. Just good vibes. In the Victorian Flower Language, Anemone has a lot of meanings. My favourites would have to âanticipationâ or âforgotten loveâ.
- Aphrodite - âgoddess of loveâ
I know what I must expect with naming a daughter this. It gives way for immense teasing, but I donât get it. Why would someone be teased? Regardless, I love this name.
- Astraea - *âstarry maidenâ
During the pandemic, I studied astronomy as a way to spend time (I had too much on hand). I felt good, mostly because now I had something to do and knew something more about the world. I have also written numerous poems on stars, so Astraea feels like a good homage to that. Added to that, Astraea was the Greek goddess of justice & innocence and became the constellation of Virgo. A few people in my life have that zodiac sign so it feels like Iâm honouring them too.
- Avalon - âisland of applesâ
I was kinda obsessed with this name a few months ago. In Arthurian Legends, King Arthur was taken to Avalon so he could recover from his wounds. I love the story behind this name, with nicknames âAvaâ or âValâ. Apples, in themselves, symbolise knowledge, feminine beauty, fertility and love.
- Cleo - âgloryâ
I was first introduced to Cleo in my neverending quest of finding Athena the perfect sibling name. I prefer this to Cleopatra, but I like both. I have always liked this spelling, never Clio, the muse of history & heroic poetry. To me, Cleo is apricot in colour.
- Clover - âmeadow flowerâ
Cloverâs association would be undoubtedly known. The shamrock, a type of clover, is a national symbol of Ireland. Clovers symbolise faith, hope, love and luck. Clover also makes an appearance in the Taylor Swift song ivy.
- Daphne - âlaurelâ
I have had a love-hate relationship with Daphne. Sometimes I like it, sometimes I donât. For now, Iâm loving it. Possibly due to Bridgerton. In mythology, Daphne was a Naiad who was romantically pursued by Apollo, and when she got exhausted, she cried out to Gaia for help. Gaia turned her into a laurel tree. Laurel trees, from then on, became the sacred plant of Apollo. Using this name would mean not being able to use Apollo. Not the best homage, but Laurel Gates was a character on Wednesday. I love the show and I know that isnât the best association to have.
- Emerald - âgreen gemstoneâ
I have a few associations with emeralds and theyâre my absolute favourite gemstone! I wonât be listing all of them, but there are a few. Ireland is also known as the Emerald Isle. The Emerald City is the capital city of the Land of Oz, giving itâs literary association. It is also the birthstone of May. Emeralds symbolise royalty, wealth, truth and true love. The Greeks offered emeralds to Aphrodite, and it was Cleopatraâs favourite jewel.
- Marigold - âgolden flowerâ
Marigolds have a vast history. In Spain, the flowers were the favorites to be placed on the altar of the Virgin Mary. Eventually they became known as Maryâs Gold and hence, marigold. In Mexico and Central America, marigolds are used to honour the dead, and are known as flor de muertos or cempaxochitl. They are also considered an important flower in India. Marigolds represent the sun and symbolise power, happiness, strength and inner light.
- Miraya - âLord Krishnaâs devoteeâ
Miraya reminds me of the darkest night, lit up by a thousand stars and blue sparks flickering across the sky. It subtly honours my grandmother as well. Now, while I do have Indian ancestry, I am not religious by any means. Would it be considered as disrespect if I used this name?
- Nyx - ânightâ
I love this name more than anything. I have a profound connection with the night. The night gives me a sense of calmness, one like nothing else (except true love lol) can give me. Nyx was depicted as a either a winged goddess or charioteer, sometimes crowned with an aureole of dark mists. It is said that even Zeus feared her. My issue with the name: is it too associated with the makeup brand?
- Persephone - ânoble maiden, bringer of deathâ
One of the first names I loved, that I still do. She was the Goddess of Spring and the Queen of the Underworld. I donât really have a connection with the name. I just find the name cool enough to take a spot on my list.
- Rose - âred flowerâ
I love this name for how classic and versatile it is. It is said that a rose bush sprang up when Aphroditeâs tears and her lover Adonisâs blood touched the ground. The roses then became a symbol of Aphroditeâs. They also represent romance, love and beauty. Juliet famously said, âWhatâs in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.â Roses also feature in many of Taylor Swiftâs songs.
- Victoria - âvictoryâ
Victoria encompasses everything I look for in a name. Itâs regal, has mythological ties, is timeless and has a good meaning. Although I severely dislike Vicky or Tori as nicknames, I think Vi, Vivi or Plum would make good alternatives. I think it stands a place right next to Athena. The only downside: I donât feel personally connected with this name.
- Wednesday - âwodenâs dayâ
I have loved this name before the show hit Netflix screens, but Iâm loving it even more now! I was born on a Wednesday. I like how dark and playful it is.
- Wisteria - âwisterâs flowerâ
I love flowers, something that is pretty evident throughout the list. It was named by Thomas Nutall after Casper Wistar, an American physician. Wisteriaâs symbolise immortality, new beginnings, love and elegance. Wisterias make an appearance in Bridgerton as well as are mentioned in the the lakes by Taylor Swift.
Berries, enlighten me with your opinions on these names and the one I should keep. Thank you! 
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I might have to reconsider [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f] for middles.