My Naming Style?

[rowanasabe]

Hello berries! I know how well you all categorize names, and I’m still sort of stumped on what my style is. I’m not expecting, but my husband and I are going to TTC starting next year, so I’m definitely thinking about names more and more, and I think it would be helpful to know my specific style. I’m also open to any suggestions that I can add on my already lengthy lists for future children. Especially since my husband has already vetoed a great deal of these already (and I have so few favorites for boys’ names). Thanks so much for your time.

Girls’ names

I love:

[name]Juna[/name]
[name]Nova[/name]
[name]Fiona[/name]
[name]Uma[/name]
[name]Inez[/name]

I really really like:

[name]Isa[/name]
[name]Esmeralda[/name]
[name]Esperanza[/name]
[name]Isadora[/name]
[name]Guinivere[/name]
[name]Luna[/name]
[name]Ofelia[/name]

I just really like:

[name]Azalia[/name]
[name]Indra[/name]
[name]Greta[/name]
[name]Niva[/name]
[name]Nadine[/name]
[name]Katia[/name]
[name]Juniper[/name]
[name]Daphne[/name]

Guilty Pleasures:

[name]Artemisia[/name]
[name]Ondine[/name]
[name]Arwen[/name]
[name]Delphine[/name]

Boys’ names

I love:

[name]Viggo[/name]
[name]Alasdair[/name]
[name]Jasper[/name]
[name]Grey[/name]
[name]Arlo[/name]

I really really like:

[name]Amos[/name]
[name]Griffin[/name]
[name]Abel[/name]

I just really like:

[name]Owen[/name]

Guilty Pleasures:

[name]Cove[/name]
[name]Oak[/name]

[leonielee]

I’m not a great berry to classify, but I wanted to stop in and say that I’d list your naming style as FABULOUS! Ok, now I’ll move along and make some room for people who can actually be of help.

[rowanasabe]

Thank you so much! I think your naming style is beautiful, as well. I also love “[name]Leonie[/name]”; I’m actually currently writing a short story featuring a [name]Leonie[/name] as the protagonist.

[lexiem]

I think the biggest trend for your naming style is probably unusual and a tendency to favor shorter names.
For girls you seem to also like longer names but really love shorter ones. For boys you seem to just favor shorter over longer.

[name]Hope[/name] that helps some.

[Mischa]

Your girls and boys lists consists of names from: the Bible, mythology, nature and many different cultures. I would describe your style as: eclectic. This is a good thing because it means you keep an open mind to the endless choices available. I will say that your girls list is feminine but strong not frilly. Your boy names are masculine but tend to lean towards the softer side rather than the macho.

[rowanasabe]

@lexiem Thank you so much for the insights. I do favor short names, and the longer ones, even if I love them, seem so unnecessary at times. And I’m not the biggest fan of nicknames, but at the same time, I can’t let certain lengthy names go.

@mischa Thank you! I wouldn’t have even thought of “eclectic” as a good category for me, but I can see how it works. I do like not-too-feminine names for girls and not-too-macho for boys but I also like the names to be very gender specific. So you’re very right.

Thank you for the help. I’m definitely not a macrocosm thinker, so I’m grateful for and amazed by everyone who can contribute!

[mrstrivette]

I noticed alot of the girl names end with ‘ah’ or ‘yah’ sound.

[rowanasabe]

Hmm, that’s true, and I hadn’t even noticed it before! That’s a good point for me to look out for when considering new names. Thanks mrstrivette!

[kala_way]

Yes, I agree it’s a sort of exotic mythology with a tendency toward older names.

[name]Juna[/name] - I like, though I prefer [name]Junia[/name]
[name]Nova[/name] - okay, though I think it’s better as a middle
[name]Fiona[/name] - gorgeous, love it!
[name]Isadora[/name] - love! I like this so much better than [name]Isabelle[/name]
[name]Guinivere[/name] - not sure of that spelling, but I love the name, [name]Gwen[/name] is lovely too as well as [name]Gwyneth[/name]
[name]Luna[/name] - pretty!
[name]Ofelia[/name] - I prefer [name]Ophelia[/name]
[name]Azalia[/name] - I like [name]Azalea[/name] better
[name]Greta[/name] - okay, I prefer [name]Ingrid[/name]
[name]Nadine[/name] - meh, I prefer [name]Nadia[/name]
[name]Katia[/name] - okay, I’d probably use [name]Katrina[/name] nn [name]Katia[/name] though
[name]Juniper[/name] - love it.
[name]Daphne[/name] - lovely, one of my favorites, also [name]Bianca[/name]
[name]Artemisia[/name] - fun, what about [name]Althea[/name]
[name]Arwen[/name] - pretty, I think this is a usable middle
[name]Delphine[/name] - pretty, again usable middle

Boys’ names
[name]Viggo[/name] - meh, I prefer [name]Vaughn[/name]
[name]Alasdair[/name] - okay, nms
[name]Jasper[/name] - love it!
[name]Grey[/name] - meh, too depressing
[name]Amos[/name] - love! great name!
[name]Griffin[/name] - meh, I knew a girl with this name so it’s hard for me to see it objectively
[name]Abel[/name] - love, great name
[name]Owen[/name] - again, great name, also [name]Otis[/name]

[rowanasabe]

Thanks for the insight, kala_way! I love ancient mythology, so this makes total sense!

[name]Juna[/name] - I like, though I prefer [name]Junia[/name]

Hmm, how would you pronounce Junia? Would the emphasis be on the Jun (JUN-ya)? I’ve never heard this one spoken before, but I do really like the look of it.

[name]Guinivere[/name] - not sure of that spelling

Hmm, now that you mention it, I do prefer Guinevere-- after all, that’s the traditional spelling.

[name]Ofelia[/name] - I prefer [name]Ophelia[/name]

I like Ophelia, too, but Ofelia is my grandmother’s name, and I do love the spelling’s nod to my Hispanic background.

[name]Azalia[/name] - I like [name]Azalea[/name] better

Wow, that’s definitely a typo. I like Azalea, better, too!

[name]Greta[/name] - okay, I prefer [name]Ingrid[/name]

Thanks for the suggestion! I do love Ingrid (Ingrid Bergman was phenomenal, and I think my husband might okay this name thanks to her).

[name]Nadine[/name] - meh, I prefer [name]Nadia[/name]

I like Nadia when it’s pronounced the way Spanish-speakers say it, with the ‘d’ so subtle and elegant. I really dislike the way many non-Spanish-speakers say it, so that’s my one drawback.

[name]Katia[/name] - okay, I’d probably use [name]Katrina[/name] nn [name]Katia[/name] though

I don’t know why, but the sound of “tr” irks me. It seems very harsh, and I also have a personal unpleasant association with the name itself (not hurricane related). I really appreciate the suggestion, though, and I could actually look at variations of Katia / Katrina and see if anything else appeals.

[name]Daphne[/name] - lovely, one of my favorites, also [name]Bianca[/name]

Hmm, have no idea why, but B names don’t appeal. Bianca’s lovely enough, but it doesn’t reel me in. I really love Daphne because I grew up watching Frasier, and Daphne Moon is one of my favorite characters ever. I’m not sure if I would choose this name otherwise since it’s quite a different sound than all the others.

[name]Artemisia[/name] - fun, what about [name]Althea[/name]

I love Artemisia due to the connection to the Italian baroque painter, Artemisia Gentileschi, who I’ve always felt oddly connected to, but not necessary the sound all on its own. Althea is very pretty-- again, though, how would you pronounce it?

[name]Arwen[/name] - pretty, I think this is a usable middle

This is on the guilty pleasures list due to the LOTR reference. You really see it as usable? I love it, I just need my husband to get on board.

[name]Delphine[/name] - pretty, again usable middle

I really love Delphine. I draw a connection between this and the ancient oracle of Delphi, for some reason, another historical persona I’ve always felt connected to.

Boys’ names
[name]Viggo[/name] - meh, I prefer [name]Vaughn[/name]

Vaughn is nice, but I’m connecting it to the grocery store chain in my mind. I’m going to have to separate that association.

[name]Grey[/name] - meh, too depressing

That’s interesting that you get that association from Grey! I’d never thought of it as depressing, though I suppose it’s quite an obvious one, isn’t it? I sort of think of grey storm clouds that are bringing a lightning storm-- really energetic and powerful, and it’s also one of my husband’s favorite colors (I know, not a color, but that’s what he’d probably say if one asked him). But I suppose many folk might think it depressing, instead. It’s definitely something to consider.

[name]Griffin[/name] - meh, I knew a girl with this name so it’s hard for me to see it objectively

Really, that’s so interesting. I can’t picture it on a girl, but I can imagine the difficulty of seeing it objectively now.

[name]Abel[/name] - love, great name

This one is also a family name, lucky me!

[name]Owen[/name] - again, great name, also [name]Otis[/name][/QUOTE]

Otis is awesome! Thanks for suggesting it.

Thank you so much for taking the time. I appreciate it so much.

[kala_way]

[name]Junia[/name]- I’m not sure if it’s the “correct” pronunciation (might try some sites that have pronunciation guides), but I say [name]Junia[/name] as Jew-knee-uh (but kinda run together, so the 2nd syllable isn’t prevalent) basically [name]Julia[/name] with an n

[name]Ofelia[/name] - oh, if you have a family connection I think that’s great, I think it’s pretty both ways, you’d just have fewer problems with misspellings the other way. Though, I totally have a guilty pleasure for the nn Filly which you could totally use with the f version

[name]Ingrid[/name] - I’m glad you like [name]Ingrid[/name], I love the actress connection. If you wanted something closer to [name]Greta[/name] there’s also [name]Gretchen[/name] (which is a bit more broadly used)

[name]Nadia[/name] - you’re right that the Na-thee-ah pronunciation is prettier, the other way sounds more like Naughty-ah

[name]Katia[/name] - I can see that, I don’t know any other long names for [name]Katia[/name], maybe Katianna? though that sounds a bit made up

[name]Artemisia[/name] - wow, I’ve never heard on that painter, she’s great! reminds me a lot of Caravaggio

[name]Althea[/name] - pronounced All-THee-uh, similar to [name]Athena[/name]

[name]Arwen[/name] - I definitely think it’s usable as a middle name, you’d have to be adventurous to make it a first, but I think it’s mainstream enough for a mn

[name]Delphine[/name] - [name]Delphi[/name] was one of the most gorgeous places I visited in Greece so I can understand the love

Boys’ names
[name]Grey[/name] - If you love it, go for it, I think it’s a solid name, I just don’t care for the connection. If it works for you then great!

[name]Abel[/name] - cool! I’ve never met anyone with the name

[name]Otis[/name] - glad you like it!

[amberdaydream]

@rowanasabe

[name]Artemisia[/name]
[name]Ondine[/name]
[name]Arwen[/name]
[name]Delphine[/name]

What is [name]Delphine[/name] doing on your GP list? It’s lovely!

From my experience, no one has one fixed style, but here’s what I see:

• I would agree your style in girls names trends towards names ending in A. You also have a few that begin with A ([name]Amos[/name], [name]Abel[/name], [name]Arlo[/name], [name]Azalea[/name], [name]Artemisia[/name], [name]Arwen[/name], [name]Alasdair[/name].)
• You seem to prefer rarer names, far from the top 100.
• You like two-syllables for either gender ([name]Owen[/name], [name]Griffin[/name], [name]Katia[/name], [name]Niva[/name], [name]Nova[/name], [name]Juna[/name], [name]Arlo[/name], [name]Abel[/name], [name]Inez[/name], [name]Luna[/name], [name]Nadine[/name])
• You like boys names that are masculine, but soft-sounding or gentler in image ([name]Arlo[/name], [name]Jasper[/name], [name]Abel[/name], [name]Cove[/name], [name]Alasdair[/name], [name]Grey[/name]).
• Names that are or are linked to words ([name]Esmeralda[/name], [name]Jasper[/name], [name]Griffin[/name], [name]Cove[/name], [name]Oak[/name], [name]Juniper[/name], [name]Nova[/name])
• An O sound, especially on your boy list - Owen, Arlo, Cove, Oak, Viggo. On your girls list there is Nova, Fiona and Ofelia.
• [name]Ondine[/name], [name]Nadine[/name], [name]Delphine[/name] - a small “ine” pattern?
• None of your names are invented from random syllables, they have a history as names themselves, or surnames or words.

Fabulous list, BTW. [name]Hope[/name] this helps.

[rowanasabe]

[name]Junia[/name]- I’m not sure if it’s the “correct” pronunciation (might try some sites that have pronunciation guides), but I say [name]Junia[/name] as Jew-knee-uh (but kinda run together, so the 2nd syllable isn’t prevalent) basically [name]Julia[/name] with an n

Okay, [name]Junia[/name] is really beautiful. I can’t deny it. I’m putting in on the list!

[name]Ofelia[/name] - oh, if you have a family connection I think that’s great, I think it’s pretty both ways, you’d just have fewer problems with misspellings the other way. Though, I totally have a guilty pleasure for the nn Filly which you could totally use with the f version

I’ve never thought of Filly as a nn! That’s so cute! My grandmother is called [name]Fela[/name] (FEH-la) for short, but that seems to be her name, so I wouldn’t want to use it on a future daughter. Filly is adorable!

[name]Ingrid[/name] - I’m glad you like [name]Ingrid[/name], I love the actress connection. If you wanted something closer to [name]Greta[/name] there’s also [name]Gretchen[/name] (which is a bit more broadly used)

Never considered [name]Gretchen[/name], but I think it’s something that could grow on me. I’ve got a very, very long “maybe” list (which I didn’t post) and I’ll add her on there. (A lot of names get passed around all lists as I change my mind frequently. Who knows, maybe [name]Gretchen[/name] will be in the love list soon

[name]Nadia[/name] - you’re right that the Na-thee-ah pronunciation is prettier, the other way sounds more like Naughty-ah

That’s exactly right! That other pronounciation drives me mad!

[name]Katia[/name] - I can see that, I don’t know any other long names for [name]Katia[/name], maybe Katianna? though that sounds a bit made up

Reminds me a bit of [name]Tatiana[/name] except with a K. Pretty. I will do more research. I think this might be my only K name, and it would probably do me good to consider some others (for variety’s sake).

[name]Artemisia[/name] - wow, I’ve never heard on that painter, she’s great! reminds me a lot of Caravaggio

She’s fabulous! Her story is so compelling; do look into it if you find the time.

[name]Althea[/name] - pronounced All-THee-uh, similar to [name]Athena[/name]

Okay, that’s prettier than I thought. I’m going to add that to “maybe” too.

[name]Arwen[/name] - I definitely think it’s usable as a middle name, you’d have to be adventurous to make it a first, but I think it’s mainstream enough for a mn

Yes, I don’t know if I’m that adventurous. A middle spot is probably most likely for this one, since husband is not a fan.

[name]Delphine[/name] - [name]Delphi[/name] was one of the most gorgeous places I visited in Greece so I can understand the love

Oh, I’m jealous! I’ve always wanted to visit [name]Delphi[/name].

I wanted to tell you some more of my family’s names since you seemed enthused about those two. This is all on the side of [name]Ofelia[/name], my maternal grandmother, and her brother, [name]Abel[/name]: Apolinar, [name]Celestino[/name], [name]Faustino[/name], Cleotilde (pronounced [name]Cleo[/name]-TILD-eh), [name]Basilia[/name], [name]Nicolasa[/name], [name]Irma[/name], [name]Catarina[/name], [name]Maximilliano[/name], and [name]Ilario[/name]. Isn’t that so awesome?

[rowanasabe]

@amberdaydream

I don’t know what [name]Delphine[/name] is doing there! I guess all those names seem slightly unusable for one reason or another, but [name]Delphine[/name] seems quite usable right now. Maybe my husband hates it, and that’s what I put it there. I’ll have to ask him about it again, since I can’t remember his opinion.

And wow, thanks for all your observations! I didn’t realize my ‘A’ for the beginning of names before.

I do love rare names. I think this may be one of my naming weaknesses, because if I find that a name is a bit too popular, it begins to lose appeal for me. Also the 3-4 names that I adore beyond adoration, I can’t seem to share right now. I’m that frightened about exposure. I hope I’m not the only one like this.

I do [name]LOVE[/name] two syllables. It seems very-- I don’t know-- classic, I guess, to have 2, even for my unusual naming choices.

Hmm, never noticed the word thing either, especially with [name]Esmeralda[/name] and [name]Jasper[/name] (and I’m a jewelry designer! [name]How[/name] could I not with those two especially!)

and WOW, I really do love the O sound.

I do love the “ine” ending! I like the idea that none of my names were invented from random syllables, but I’m wondering, what are some examples of names that are?

Thanks so much for your time!!

[kala_way]

Apolinar - [name]Apolline[/name] is actually in [name]Harry[/name] [name]Potter[/name], it’s very pretty, love the nn [name]Polly[/name]!
[name]Celestino[/name] - [name]Celestina[/name] is also in HP I think! [name]Celest[/name] seems too feminine to go male, but it’s really lovely
[name]Faustino[/name] - I know someone named [name]Fausto[/name]! interesting name
Cleotilde (pronounced [name]Cleo[/name]-TILD-eh) - I’ve heard that one here on NB, very cool, I’ve always liked [name]Tilly[/name] and [name]Tildy[/name]
[name]Basilia[/name] - cool one! kinda like basilica, I love [name]Basil[/name] too!
[name]Nicolasa[/name] - that’s cool too, spin on [name]Nicolette[/name]
[name]Irma[/name] - not my style, I know a couple 70+ [name]Irma[/name]'s and I can’t swap it in my head
[name]Catarina[/name] - love this one! though I prefer [name]Catalina[/name] because then I could use [name]Tally[/name]!
[name]Maximilliano[/name] - I know an [name]Emiliano[/name], that’s one serious name.
[name]Ilario[/name] - very nice, sounds like a Shakespearean lover, that would make a fabulous character name.

[rowanasabe]

Thank you for your insights and observations. A lot of the family names sound cooler when my mom says them. For instance, [name]Irma[/name] is Eerrma (rolling the rs). Ee-lahhh-rio for [name]Ilario[/name]. Anyway, thanks again!