Narrowed Down to 9 Names - Sister to Griffin Turner and Willow Colette

[laurenelrick]

Hi friends! You were all such a huge help to us as we narrowed down our list of girl names. We’re expecting our third baby (second daughter) in December, sister to big brother, [name_m]Griffin[/name_m] [name_m]Turner[/name_m], and big sister, [name_f]Willow[/name_f] [name_f]Colette[/name_f]. I’ll write out a few thoughts that we’re considering with each name—would love to hear your favorites and anything you notice. We like names that feel like they could be literary or “new world,” yet have a vintage vibe as well. Our last name is Scottish and starts with an E if that’s helpful. We’re open to any middle name suggestions as well!

Names we’re considering:
(feel free to vote for your favorites!)

• Pippa
• Merida
• Lyra (pronounced LEER-ah)
• Cecily
• Mabel
• Arwen
• Nola
• Clover
• Isla

Sibsets
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Pippa[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Merida[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Cecily[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Lyra[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Mabel[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Arwen[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Nola[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Clover[/name_f]
Griffin, Willow, and [name_f]Isla[/name_f]

A few notes on these names:

[name_f]Pippa[/name_f] - We love that this name is both whimsical and classy at the same time. It has a UK feel to it, and lots of sweet nicknames. I know the name from a character in the book, The Goldfinch, and we think it works well for both a little girl and an adult woman. It was our second choice next to Willow when we named our first daughter. My husband loves this name and would be excited to nickname her Pip or Pipsqueak while she’s little, but I am really stuck on the fact that all three of our kids would have matching double letters in the middle of all their names. I’m not a fan of sibsets that all have the same first letter or coordinating sound. It feels way too matchy-matchy for my taste. I keep thinking this name would work so much better for a fourth child/youngest daughter, and we could choose a name for this baby that doesn’t have the matching double letter in the middle to make it less of an intentional, obvious choice. But! We don’t even know for sure if we’ll have more kids, let alone if our fourth would be a girl! Convince me that the matching double letter in the middle isn’t a big deal.

[name_f]Merida[/name_f] - We’re really intrigued by this name. We like the association with the Scottish princess in the movie, Brave, as we’re of Scottish heritage. We can’t really think of any great nicknames for this one. Thoughts?

[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] - This was also a consideration for our second daughter. We’ve always liked this name and that it sounds vintage and Latin. It’s pretty, and we think it pairs well with Griffin and Willow. We can’t get past that it means “blind,” though, and we really dislike the nickname Cece. I think we could do nicknames like Celie or Cilla, but maybe that’s a stretch.

[name_f]Lyra[/name_f] - This is a new consideration for us! We would want to pronounce it differently than the character in the His Dark Materials series (LYE-rah). We’d prefer (LEER-ah), but both are pretty. We like the musical association and just enjoy that it’s a unique, beautiful name. No nickname ideas here either.

[name_f]Mabel[/name_f] - I’ve always thought this was a sweet name. My husband thinks it’s a bit too “old world” to pair with our other two kids’ names. He thinks it would be better as a middle name, but I think it’s so pretty that it’s remained on our list for consideration.

[name_f]Arwen[/name_f] - We think this is a beautiful, unique name that would pair well with Griffin and Willow. We wonder if the Lord of the Rings association might be too strong, however? We do like LOTR, but we’re not super fans. No nickname ideas here either, so we welcome ideas.

[name_f]Nola[/name_f] - This is a bit of a random pick for us, but we like its uniqueness and think it rolls off the tongue in a beautiful way. We also like that it’s Gaelic.

[name_f]Clover[/name_f] - We like that this is future-world sounding yet also botanical. Clove as a nickname is warm and makes us think of spices and autumn, but the name also has a summery feel. It’s just a cool name! Our cons are that it sort of makes us think of bunnies ? We’re also wondering if there would be way too much of a matchy nature vibe with Willow’s name. Is it too extra to have two girls with botanical names?

[name_f]Isla[/name_f] - Since we’re Scottish, this one has always been on our list. It’s a gorgeous name. We have friends who named their daughter the same name but with the spelling, Aila, so that’s given us pause. We also prefer more uncommon names and wonder if this one is getting too popular.

Thank you for listening! I know everyone has different associations with these names, and they will probably fall on everyone’s ears differently. We appreciate your feedback!

[Greyblue]

[name_f]My[/name_f] top three for you:

[name_f]Pippa[/name_f] → bright, bubbly and sweet, but solid and versatile too! I think it goes well with your kids, and while I would pick up on the double letters, I wouldn’t really think about it - partly because they just all fit super well together (and as names in their own right), that it doesn’t feel forced?

[name_f]Mabel[/name_f] → warm, lovely and cosy! Such a cute meaning too. Maybe it’s being in the UK, but it’s fairly well used here currently so it doesn’t feel oldy-worldy to me!

[name_f]Nola[/name_f] → this has the same brightness and charm of your kids, and I love the flow and spark!

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Thoughts on the others:

[name_f]Merida[/name_f] → I do think this is gorgeous, strong and bold! [name_f]Meri[/name_f], [name_u]Merry[/name_u], [name_f]Maddi[/name_f], [name_f]Ida[/name_f], [name_f]Mimi[/name_f] as nicknames?

[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] → light, bright and sweet, but if you don’t like [name_f]Cece[/name_f] or the meaning, I’d strike it from the list. [name_f]Celie[/name_f] is sweet - and I thought of the similar [name_f]Celia[/name_f] which has a different meaning!

[name_f]Lyra[/name_f] → I love how it looks and the Lie-ruh pronunciation, but the leer-uh one reminds me of someone leering

[name_f]Arwen[/name_f] → warm, strong and rugged - as someone who is a LOTR fan, I know it’s from there, but I think it’s fine to use -unless it would really bother you if people ask about it! Nicknames could be [name_f]Wenna[/name_f], [name_f]Winnie[/name_f], [name_u]Ari[/name_u], [name_u]Ara[/name_u], [name_u]Wren[/name_u]

[name_f]Clover[/name_f] → cute, cosy and sassy too! I think it could work, though it is more cutesy than your kids names

[name_f]Isla[/name_f] → bright, sharp and cool, but I would probably skip if your friends have had their Ai1a recently, and personally, it’s lost a bit of shine because I’ve met so many!

[OctaviaMay]

[name_f]Pippa[/name_f]: It sounds like this name is ticking all the boxes for your husband and hopefully for you too! It’s very cute, springy, and bouncy, and I actually love the double letter aspect to it! I think it ties her in nicely with her siblings without sounding too matchy, and it’s likely that most people won’t even notice, so you won’t be stuck in a pattern if you have another child. However, I personally think that she sounds a bit more princessy and little girlish than [name_u]Willow[/name_u] and [name_u]Griffin[/name_u], which are much more mystical.

[name_f]Merida[/name_f]: So happy to see this on someone’s list! I like that it honours your Scottish heritage, and has a connection to a super strong female heroine that would be a great namesake for any girl. She’s unique, mystical, tough, and has a lovely sound. [name_u]Willow[/name_u], [name_u]Griffin[/name_u], and [name_f]Merida[/name_f] sound amazing together, like characters from a fantasy book. This is one of my top picks. I also like [name_f]Meri[/name_f] (Merry) as a nickname.

[name_f]Cecily[/name_f]: Can’t go wrong with this one! Lilting, vintage, sunny…I love [name_f]Celie[/name_f] as a nickname and think that would totally work, but if you don’t love [name_f]Cece[/name_f], it might annoy you that she will probably be called that at some point. Ultimately, if the meaning is also turning you off, I would take this one off the list. I do like it though!

[name_f]Lyra[/name_f]: You might get pronunciation issues with this one because many people (including me) would pronounce it LYE-rah. However, I love both ways of saying it, and if you don’t mind correcting people, go for it. She’s a lovely, starry, musical, historical name with a great literary connection (who doesn’t love [name_f]Lyra[/name_f] from His [name_u]Dark[/name_u] Materials!) She pairs so well with [name_u]Griffin[/name_u] and [name_u]Willow[/name_u], and really make them shine!

[name_f]Mabel[/name_f]: I agree that the vibe is off with your other kids names, but I also agree that [name_f]Mabel[/name_f] is beautiful! I love the nicknames [name_u]Billie[/name_u] and [name_f]Mae[/name_f]. However, I just think other names on your list are better in your sib-set.

[name_f]Arwen[/name_f]: I actually exclaimed out loud when I saw this on your list. One of my favourite names!! Mystical, [name_m]Elven[/name_m], full of moonlit beauty and grace, what’s not to love! The LOTR connection is strong, but honestly that’s what I love about it, because those are some of my favourite books, and many people probably feel the same way. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if you are not die-hard fans, Arwen’s kindness, strength and wisdom are great things to have connected to this name. [name_u]Griffin[/name_u], [name_u]Willow[/name_u], and [name_f]Arwen[/name_f] are a magical, fantastical set that match perfectly. Nicknames could be [name_u]Ari[/name_u] or [name_f]Winnie[/name_f]?

[name_f]Nola[/name_f]: [name_f]Pretty[/name_f], but doesn’t stand out for me, as it isn’t as eye-catching as some of your other picks. I prefer [name_f]Nuala[/name_f] and love the name Finnuala, so I like that it sounds like that, but [name_f]Nola[/name_f] itself is a little underwhelming, to me. However, I actually really love it with [name_u]Willow[/name_u] and [name_u]Griffin[/name_u], and gives them a stary, lovable feel.

[name_f]Clover[/name_f]: This is quite a cute and unique name! I think you hit the nail on the head with your description: She feels cuddly because of the word “love” in the middle and the warm nickname [name_u]Clove[/name_u], but also fresh and springy because of the plant. For me, [name_u]Willow[/name_u] and [name_f]Clover[/name_f] are a little too matchy, especially since I also think of [name_u]Griffin[/name_u] as the animal? I think to botanical names is fine when they’re things like [name_u]Rose[/name_u] and [name_f]Violet[/name_f], but since [name_u]Willow[/name_u] and [name_f]Clover[/name_f] are both more under-used, unique names, they feel closer together. Shame because she does fit well!

[name_f]Isla[/name_f]: A very pretty, soft name but I would cross this off immediately because of popularity. Unfortunately, if you want a un-common, or at least not popular name, [name_f]Isla[/name_f] is not the way to go. I know so many, and with such interesting names like [name_u]Willow[/name_u] and [name_u]Griffin[/name_u], [name_f]Isla[/name_f] feels more trendy and modern.

In order of favourites, I would pick [name_f]Arwen[/name_f] and [name_f]Merida[/name_f]. Second choices would be [name_f]Nola[/name_f], then [name_f]Lyra[/name_f], and I would veto [name_f]Cecily[/name_f], [name_f]Mabel[/name_f], [name_f]Isla[/name_f], and [name_f]Clover[/name_f].

All your names are lovely, and I’m sure whatever you pick will be great!!

[bemiranda]

[name_f]My[/name_f] favorites with sibs are [name_f]Clover[/name_f], [name_f]Mabel[/name_f], and [name_f]Nola[/name_f]. I think [name_f]Clover[/name_f] is my top choice, since [name_u]Griffin[/name_u] and [name_u]Willow[/name_u] both have word name imagery when the other do not.

[cms1512]

How often are people going to see the sibset altogether on paper to have time to think about that they all of double letters? Not super often, I’d think.

I am going to say that [name_f]Merida[/name_f] is the best fit here. It pairs the best with sis’s name because it isn’t super similar but isn’t wholly alien either and is just fine with brother’s name. I think it completes the sibset the best.

Nicknames for [name_f]Merida[/name_f] (other than the aforementioned “Meri”): Mer “Mare” or even [name_f]Eri[/name_f] or [name_f]Ida[/name_f]

Second place goes to [name_f]Clover[/name_f] as I think it is second best in tandem with sis’s name (or perhaps the best in matching the number of syllables in the sibs’ names but I think [name_f]Merida[/name_f] slightly edges it out in “completing” the sibset while also leaving the door open to future children’s names).

Third place to [name_f]Cecily[/name_f] for similar reasons.

Thoughts on the others:

[name_f]Arwen[/name_f] is most definitely going to to be associated with LOTR by default so I would caution against it if that is not something you want for your daughter. You could always find less common female names from the fandom like [name_f]Elanor[/name_f] (Samwise’s daughter) or Morwen (several minor characters), [name_f]Nessa[/name_f] (from the Silmarillion), etc.

[name_f]Pippa[/name_f] just doesn’t round out the sibset IMO and, plus, if you can avoid the double lettering you’re concerned with then you should!

[name_f]Lyra[/name_f] would probably be my 4th place pick but it’s a bit discordant with sis’s name IMO.

[name_f]Mabel[/name_f] doesn’t give the same vibes as the sibs’ name. It seems a bit dated in comparison.

[name_f]Nola[/name_f] is just eh for me.

[name_f]Isla[/name_f] would probably be my 5th place pick.

Hopefully this helps!

Middle suggestions for my top 3:

[name_f]Merida[/name_f] [name_f]Jayne[/name_f]
[name_f]Merida[/name_f] [name_f]Elowen[/name_f]
[name_f]Merida[/name_f] [name_f]Felicity[/name_f]
[name_f]Merida[/name_f] [name_f]Orlaith[/name_f]
[name_f]Merida[/name_f] [name_f]Clover[/name_f]
[name_f]Merida[/name_f] [name_f]Cecily[/name_f]

[name_f]Clover[/name_f] [name_f]Merida[/name_f]
[name_f]Clover[/name_f] [name_u]Senna[/name_u]
[name_f]Clover[/name_f] [name_u]Nairne[/name_u]
[name_f]Clover[/name_f] [name_u]June[/name_u]
[name_f]Clover[/name_f] [name_f]Issoria[/name_f]

[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] [name_f]Jayne[/name_f]
[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] [name_u]Blair[/name_u]
[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] [name_u]Sage[/name_u]
[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] [name_f]Merida[/name_f]

[sammaegre]

[name_f]Mia[/name_f] could maybe work as a nickname for [name_f]Merida[/name_f] since all the letters there in that order.

[Frostivich]

I love [name_f]Arwen[/name_f] and [name_f]Merida[/name_f] so much!! [name_f]Beautiful[/name_f] choices!
The nickname [name_f]Meri[/name_f] us so sweet too.
I love [name_f]Merida[/name_f] [name_f]Arwen[/name_f] as a full name too if you wanted both.
I understand the LOTR hesitation is the one thing that makes me hesitate on that name also, but in the middle spot it wouldn’t be a problem.

I can understand the desire for a subtle link between all 3 kids but i don’t think it is essential the double letter thing…
If you don’t feel 100% on [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] you could try [name_f]Phillipa[/name_f] or [name_f]Priscilla[/name_f] nn [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] they also have the double middle letter and then if you felt that [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] had out grown the nickname they would have the longer form to fall back on.

All the best

[snowmaiden]

I absolutely love your list and your heartfelt considerations. You cannot go wrong—all the names are too lovely!

[kachenka]

Congratulations on your second daughter. I remember when you were expecting your first daughter. I’m sure you had [name_f]Pippa[/name_f], [name_f]Clover[/name_f] and [name_f]Cecily[/name_f] on your list back then. [name_m]Reading[/name_m] through all your comments on your options, I would make [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] your first choice and [name_f]Nola[/name_f] your runner up.

[name_f]Pippa[/name_f] sounds like it would be the name if it wasn’t for the double letters getting on your nerves. It’s clear you both love it and it fits exactly the style you’re after. I want to make a case for why you won’t care when the dust has settled.

The double letters are a coincidence most people won’t ever notice. Since they are a coincidence, anyone who notices will probably treat it as such. Few people would come to the conclusion that you specifically chose, of all things, a subtle pattern of double letters in the middle of each name to tie all the names together.

Firstly, people would need to know all three sibling names. They would probably need to see their names written down together. Lastly, they would need to think about the names for longer than the average person to notice the double letters. They would probably notice other similarities and differences too. If they’re thinking about names this long they’re most likely a name enthusiast and love the names you’ve chosen.

There really isn’t anything expected about the sibling set either. [name_u]Griffin[/name_u], [name_u]Willow[/name_u] and [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] are just the right amount of eclectic and cosy.

The way I see it, each child has a name that you loved most for them. For your first child, it was [name_u]Griffin[/name_u]. A blank slate. For your second child, it was [name_u]Willow[/name_u]. The double letters and noun were a coincidence. For your next child, another coincidence shouldn’t matter for the name you love most.

Think back to any concerns you had in the back of your mind when you were naming [name_u]Griffin[/name_u] and [name_u]Willow[/name_u]. There are so many things that seem like a big deal now when deciding on a name that are unimportant once the child is named. I think this is one of them. It’s a small detail that’s unlikely to trouble you again.

I don’t think you need a back up, but for what it’s worth, [name_f]Nola[/name_f] would be my second choice for you. It has a lot of positives, no downsides, stands out and retains softness. It sounds great with [name_u]Griffin[/name_u] and [name_u]Willow[/name_u].

[mathmajor]

Endorsing what a fabulous list of names you have. Sophisticated yet vivid.
[name_f]My[/name_f] first choice is [name_f]Merida[/name_f]. The nicknames especially for a young daughter, are wonderful. I have had [name_f]Nerida[/name_f], (sometimes Merida) on my list since I was child. They both first appeared to me, as heroines in Australian Outback Romances set on the Grand Cattle Stations.
Second is [name_f]Cecily[/name_f]. I enjoyed acting in the play, "The Importance of Being Ernest’ (Oscar Wilde), in [name_f]Cecily[/name_f] and Gwendoline’s tete a tetes particularly.
I do like [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] as well, a lot actually, but for me as an Aussie, the names is known from [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] Middleton, sister to [name_f]Catherine[/name_f], [name_f]Princess[/name_f] of [name_m]Wales[/name_m]. (This may be totally irrelevant to you.)
Best wishes and happy choosing, your older children’s names are spectacular,
and no the double letters are not an issue, may even be a plus for choosing [name_f]Pippa[/name_f].

[Lula-Rose]

Fab list

I voted [name_f]Pippa[/name_f], [name_f]Cecily[/name_f], [name_f]Mabel[/name_f] and [name_f]Merida[/name_f].

[name_f]Pippa[/name_f] sounds like it’s where you’re drawn. I get the double letter thing feeling like a bugbear, it would bother me too… but ultimately, if I loved the name enough I would. The fact that [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] is / is soundalike slang in many European countries for something you wouldn’t want a child called did bother me enough to remove it from my own firsts list, just something to consider. I really love it though, and I think it fits your set well in terms of tone while also bringing something distinct. And [name_u]Pip[/name_u] is adorable . As it was a contender for your first, I’d just ask if you can imagine not having a little [name_u]Pip[/name_u] / [name_f]Pippa[/name_f]. If the answer is no, I’d defs use it this time round, you might not get another chance.

I love [name_f]Cecily[/name_f] and I think it works great with the set, however I share your feelings on the meaning - many people wouldn’t know but as a name nerd me knowing is enough to bother me. The only way to mitigate this imo is to use a word name in the middle spot which when combined makes the meaning pleasant - for example [name_f]Hope[/name_f] (blind hope), or if religious, [name_f]Faith[/name_f] would work too. Not liking [name_f]Cece[/name_f] might be enough reason to scratch this though.

[name_f]Mabel[/name_f] - I’m not actually a big fan of Mabel… while I find the sounds pretty and the look appealing, I feel it’s become a bit predictable hipster option. However if this isn’t an issue for you, I think it goes great with your set, softly introducing some variety in sounds whilst still being cohesive. I don’t think the old world thing is an issue, I think it brings a nice edge to the set.

[name_f]Merida[/name_f] - love this! So nice to see on someone’s list. I think it works really well the set, and [name_f]Meri[/name_f] or even [name_f]Ida[/name_f] are lovely as shortened forms (Meri obvs far more intuitive).

[laurenelrick]

Thank you everyone for your wonderful and intentional thoughts on these names! So incredibly helpful to hear your perspectives. We really appreciate it!