Need honest opinions on names

Girl Names
1

So I feel like I have a handful of names now. A lot of them come from name research I’ve been doing. The names are below, and my reasons for why I chose them follow the names. What are your honest opinions on the names? Which ones should stay and which ones should go? I’m pretty sure baby’s last name will be Studer (pronounced [name_m]Stew[/name_m]-der), unless the father doesn’t want anything to do with the baby. If that’s the case, I’ll update this and replace his last name with mine.

[name_f]Melody[/name_f] - [name_f]Music[/name_f] has always been a huge part of my life
[name_f]Gaia[/name_f] - I’ve loved this name since I was in high school
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f] - one of my favorite names from a TV show I used to watch. I like how much more soft it sounds than the name [name_f]Lauren[/name_f]. I also like the fact that it’s a nature name.
[name_f]Celia[/name_f] - I love the meaning of this name and the fact that it’s closely related to [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f] makes it so much better for me. I love the name [name_f]Cecelia[/name_f], but just not it’s meaning, so I feel like this is a great alternative.
[name_f]Lorelai[/name_f] - I may or may not be addicted to [name_m]Gilmore[/name_m] Girls and I may or may not love the nickname [name_u]Rory[/name_u]. This name has been one of my favorites since 2014.
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u] - I love this name and the nicknames that I could get out of it, i.e. [name_f]Juno[/name_f]. I also love that it’s a nature name.
[name_f]Olive[/name_f] nn [name_f]Liv[/name_f] - [name_u]Ever[/name_u] since I watched [name_f]Bride[/name_f] Wars, I always liked the name [name_f]Liv[/name_f]. The name [name_f]Olive[/name_f] gives me the perfect chance to use this nickname, and plus, it’s different than [name_f]Olivia[/name_f]. [name_f]Olivia[/name_f] is a popular name where I’m from.
[name_f]Callie[/name_f] - [name_f]Callie[/name_f] is the name of my half-uncle’s daughter. When I first heard the name when I was probably 10 years old, I became obsessed with it. When I rediscovered the name from the TV show The Fosters, I fell in love with the name all over again. I also love the meaning of this name.
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] - This name is starting to grow on me for some reason. I don’t know why, but it is. I love any dark red color. I also saw this name in a winter baby name list, and since my baby will be born in [name_u]December[/name_u], I feel like this is perfect.
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f] - I first saw the movie [name_m]Wild[/name_m] Child when I was in 9th grade. The main character is named [name_f]Poppy[/name_f], and it was definitely a new name for me. I love this name so much, I just keep thinking about the character from this movie.
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] - this was a favorite name of mine back in [name_u]December[/name_u]. I first discovered it because [name_u]Nikki[/name_u] [name_u]Reed[/name_u] is my favorite actress, and she plays [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] [name_m]Hale[/name_m] in Twilight. It obviously reminds me of [name_f]Rose[/name_f], but it feels like there’s more to the name. However, I had a dream I had a baby and called her [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f], so I’m having second thoughts because I got sick of the name after that dream.
[name_f]Jora[/name_f] - I was skeptical when I heard this name, but once I found out that it means autumn rain, I fell in love. It’s unique and pretty, which I like.
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f] - Whenever I think of this name, I think of [name_f]Fleur[/name_f] DeForce who is a YouTuber. I love the name, though. I’m just not sure I love it 100%.
[name_u]Harbor[/name_u] - I don’t have many opinions on it yet, but I like the idea of this name.
[name_f]Marina[/name_f] - [name_f]Marina[/name_f] has a great meaning for me, and I love the name, although it kind of reminds me of [name_f]Marina[/name_f] and the Diamonds, as well as the name [name_f]Mariana[/name_f] for some reason.
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] - I’ve loved this name ever since I was a child because I loved ballet. I still love this name, and I love the meaning of it.
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] - This is another nature name that I love. It kind of reminds me of [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] in a way though.
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u] - [name_u]Eloise[/name_u] is the name of my cat, but I love this name so much, especially the meaning.
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] - This name has been on a favorites list of mine every since [name_u]November[/name_u]/[name_u]December[/name_u] 2015. I like it’s meaning, because any health meaning is right up my ally.
[name_u]Reed[/name_u] - The name [name_u]Reed[/name_u] was on my boys name list, but I feel like it could be gender neutral.
[name_f]Joy[/name_f] - I’m thinking that this will be a part of a middle name list. It’s perfect because it’s related to [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] and [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] is in [name_u]December[/name_u].
[name_f]Noelle[/name_f] - This is another name that’s on the middle name list for the same reason as [name_f]Joy[/name_f].
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] - I first heard [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] in the movie Thirteen. I fell in love with the name and how unique it sounded in the movie, compared to [name_f]Evie[/name_f] or [name_u]Tracy[/name_u]. I also love the meaning of this name.
[name_f]Sophia[/name_f] - This is definitely on the middle name list for sure. I have no idea why I like this name, but I do. I especially like how it sounds with the name [name_f]Melody[/name_f].
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] nn [name_u]Stacey[/name_u] - I’ve been loving the name [name_u]Stacey[/name_u], and I feel like [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] would be a great way to use the nickname [name_u]Stacey[/name_u].
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] - [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] was also in the [name_u]December[/name_u] baby names list. I also saw this on a ballerina names list, and I was in ballet for a few years as a child.
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f] - [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] is a favorite name of mine. I like how pretty it is.
[name_u]Nicola[/name_u] - [name_u]Nicola[/name_u] is probably one of my favorite middle names. The name is alright, but I mainly like how it sounds. I also like its Italian background, which would honor baby’s very little Italian heritage from the father’s side.
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] - I like that this is a Celtic name, and it sounds different in a good way.
[name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] - The father of the baby is from [name_m]Long[/name_m] Island, so what better name to honor him than use the name of a place in [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]York[/name_m]?
[name_f]Astoria[/name_f] - Same reason for [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u]
[name_f]Bellerose[/name_f] - Same reason for [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u]. I also like the meaning of the name.
[name_f]Nova[/name_f] - I love the space-theme I get from this name. This has definitely been in my favorites for a while.
[name_f]Lux[/name_f] - I love the name [name_f]Lux[/name_f] because it’s simple, yet it sounds sophisticated to me.
Oleander - [name_u]Ever[/name_u] since I red the book White Oleander, I liked Oleander for a girl name for some reason. Is this even usable?
[name_f]Ava[/name_f] - For some reason I’ve been liking [name_f]Ava[/name_f] lately. I’m not sure if I’ll continue to like it though.
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f] - I’m obsessed with [name_f]Arizona[/name_f], hiking, and nature, and I feel like this name has all of that in there. [name_f]Catalina[/name_f] is the actually the name of of the [name_f]Santa[/name_f] [name_f]Catalina[/name_f] mountains in [name_m]Tucson[/name_m], AZ.

2

I like:
[name_f]Gaia[/name_f]
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f]Olive[/name_f]
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f]
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f]
[name_f]Astoria[/name_f]
[name_f]Nova[/name_f]
[name_f]Lux[/name_f]
Oleander
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f]
[name_f]Jora[/name_f]
[name_u]Harbor[/name_u]
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f]

3

I like:

[name_f]Celia[/name_f]
[name_f]Cecelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Lorelei[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f]
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f]
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]

4

[name_f]Melody[/name_f] - [name_u]Love[/name_u] it. I mentioned this as a fave in a previous post.
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f] - love this name. I’m actually considering it for a boy.
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u] - My favorite name.
[name_f]Olive[/name_f] nn [name_f]Liv[/name_f] - love this name.
[name_f]Callie[/name_f] - Like, but prefer [name_f]Calla[/name_f].
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f] - Sweet. Prefer as a nickname for [name_f]Penelope[/name_f].
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f] - great choice.
[name_f]Marina[/name_f] - a strong name.
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] -Another fave of mine.
[name_u]Reed[/name_u]- like for a boy or girl

I only included the names I prefer. My advice is to not pay too much attention to pop culture associations, they vary greatly and change often. Secondly, I wouldn’t name a child after a pet.

5

[name_u]Love[/name_u]:

[name_f]Melody[/name_f]-this is my daughters name, so it has to be my favourite on the list. I also liked the musical connotations, her Dad’s very musical and it’s something I’d hoped he’d pass on and he did.
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Lorelei[/name_f] (just finished binge watching GG and fell in love with the name and the nn for the same reason haha)
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] (one of my all time favourite names but cannot use because I have a sister with a [name_f]Rose[/name_f] name)
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u]: word of warning, if your cat is named [name_u]Eloise[/name_u] I wouldn’t name your baby [name_u]Eloise[/name_u]. My mother had two pets named [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] growing up and I always find it kind of weird that my nickname (only amongst family) is [name_u]Charlie[/name_u].
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f]: [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] the name [name_f]Astrid[/name_f].
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] (in love with this name because the Romanov’s are a bit of an obsession for me and I would use the nn [name_u]Stacey[/name_u] as well because I like the name and it was my favourite character in the [name_u]Baby[/name_u] Sitters Club).
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f] (personally I prefer it spelt [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] but either way the name is gorgeous)
[name_f]Lux[/name_f] (usually, this wouldn’t be my taste but [name_f]Lux[/name_f] is a serious guilty pleasure name for me)

6

[name_u]Love[/name_u]: [name_f]Celia[/name_f], [name_f]Olive[/name_f], [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f], [name_f]Marina[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f], [name_f]Astrid[/name_f], [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], [name_f]Juliette[/name_f], [name_f]Astoria[/name_f], [name_f]Ava[/name_f].

Like: [name_f]Laurel[/name_f], [name_f]Lorelai[/name_f], [name_u]Juniper[/name_u], [name_f]Poppy[/name_f], [name_f]Jora[/name_f], [name_u]Harbor[/name_u], [name_f]Coralie[/name_f], [name_u]Eloise[/name_u], [name_f]Valentina[/name_f], [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], [name_f]Natalia[/name_f], [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u], [name_f]Nova[/name_f], [name_f]Lux[/name_f], [name_f]Catalina[/name_f].

Dislike: [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Gaia[/name_f], [name_f]Callie[/name_f], [name_f]Fleur[/name_f], [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f], [name_u]Reed[/name_u], [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], [name_u]Nicola[/name_u], [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f], [name_f]Bellerose[/name_f], Oleander

7

I probably would not use [name_f]Gaia[/name_f], [name_u]Juniper[/name_u], [name_f]Poppy[/name_f], [name_f]Jora[/name_f], [name_f]Fleur[/name_f], [name_u]Harbor[/name_u], [name_f]Olive[/name_f], [name_u]Reed[/name_u], [name_f]Astrid[/name_f], or [name_u]Stacey[/name_u] as a first name with Studer. I don’t think they sound well together. I like [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_u]Juniper[/name_u], [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Fleur[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_u]Reed[/name_u], [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], or [name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]. I also like [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Celia[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Lorelai[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Olive[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Fleur[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Astrid[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Gaia[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Laurel[/name_f], [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Jora[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_u]Harbor[/name_u], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_u]Reed[/name_u], [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Nova[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u], [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_u]Nicola[/name_u] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Bellerose[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] Oleander, [name_f]Ava[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Olive[/name_f], [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] [name_f]Astoria[/name_f], [name_f]Callie[/name_f] [name_f]Bellerose[/name_f], [name_f]Callie[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], [name_f]Coralie[/name_f] [name_u]Harbor[/name_u], [name_f]Coralie[/name_f] [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u], [name_f]Ava[/name_f] [name_f]Coralie[/name_f], [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f],
[name_f]Callie[/name_f] [name_u]Eloise[/name_u], [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] [name_u]Eloise[/name_u], [name_u]Eloise[/name_u] [name_f]Bellerose[/name_f], [name_u]Eloise[/name_u] [name_f]Ava[/name_f], [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f], [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] [name_f]Laurel[/name_f], [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] [name_u]Reed[/name_u], [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Fleur[/name_f], [name_f]Olive[/name_f] [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], and [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Juliette[/name_f].

My favorites are [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], [name_u]Eloise[/name_u], [name_f]Coralie[/name_f], [name_f]Clara[/name_f], [name_f]Marina[/name_f], [name_u]Juniper[/name_u], [name_f]Celia[/name_f], [name_f]Astrid[/name_f], and [name_f]Melody[/name_f].

I think I would hesitate with [name_u]Eloise[/name_u], because it is your cat’s name, [name_f]Fleur[/name_f] because it is easily mistaken for [name_f]Floor[/name_f], [name_f]Poppy[/name_f] because it is a nickname for grandpa, [name_f]Callie[/name_f] because it is a family member’s name, [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] because it is so popular (add [name_f]Sofia[/name_f] and [name_f]Sophie[/name_f]), [name_f]Ava[/name_f] because it is so popular (add [name_u]Avery[/name_u] and [name_f]Eva[/name_f]), [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] and [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] because they are so trendy that they will probably be dated (in the [name_f]Deb[/name_f], [name_f]Pam[/name_f], [name_u]Lynn[/name_u] sense), [name_u]Stacey[/name_u] because it is very 80s, [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] because it is so 90s, [name_u]Reed[/name_u] because it is so boyish, [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] and [name_f]Astoria[/name_f] because they start with as-(add a letter and pretend you are in high school), [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] because of the tragic Shakespearean heroine, and [name_f]Gaia[/name_f] because it starts with [name_m]Guy[/name_m].

I prefer [name_f]Bellerose[/name_f] and [name_f]Astoria[/name_f] to [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u]. They are a lot more unusual and have much prettier meanings. I would also wait to give the child a name that honors the father if we do not even know if he wants her. I think Oleander is usable, even though I have never heard of it being used. Plus, she could be called [name_f]Lea[/name_f] or even [name_f]Leann[/name_f], [name_f]Ana[/name_f], or [name_f]Andi[/name_f]. I don’t like [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] for a girl, but plenty of boy nicknames have become gender neutral.

8

Well you have quite the list, there is no way I could go through them all. If [name_u]Eloise[/name_u] is your cats name, I would aget rid of it, you have plenty of other choices. I would knock off [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u], being from [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] I can’t stand that name! If the father ends up being a great partner for you and dad to your child that’s wonderful but for now I would hold off on an honor name to the father seeing as you aren’t even sure if he will be involved. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if he steps up initially i might consider moving those types of names to the middle spot since this sound like the most stable relationship. Also from a [name_m]New[/name_m] Yorkers perspective, [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] and [name_m]Long[/name_m] Island is a world apart, for that reason I would stick to the musical names to honor both your interests. While I mentioned in a previous thread, I’m not a huge fan of [name_f]Melody[/name_f], you’ve liked it from the beginning, it could be a great option. I would avoid “pop culture” names because they tend to be trendy, then quickly dated, so unless you actually the name for the name (not for the character) i would avoid it. I was the one that suggested [name_u]Reed[/name_u] for a girl- and i really do love it, but your tastes are a more frilly, it doesn’t seem to fit in with the rest of the names- i might move that to the middle spot. [name_f]Lorelei[/name_f] is fine, but prefer [name_f]Laurel[/name_f]. [name_f]Jora[/name_f] and [name_f]Nova[/name_f] are pretty. [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] and [name_f]Clara[/name_f] are cute, i would probably use [name_f]Juliette[/name_f] because I haven’t heard it as much as [name_f]Clara[/name_f]. I really like [name_f]Violet[/name_f] for you too. Out of all your names I think [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] is my favorite for you.

9

I like for a first name:

[name_f]Lorelai[/name_f]
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u]
[name_f]Olive[/name_f] nn. [name_f]Liv[/name_f]
[name_f]Callie[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f]
[name_f]Jora[/name_f]
[name_f]Marina[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f]
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f]
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u]
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f]
[name_f]Evie[/name_f]
[name_f]Sophia[/name_f]
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] nn. [name_u]Stacey[/name_u]
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] (I prefer [name_f]Natalie[/name_f])
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f] (I prefer [name_f]Juliet[/name_f])
[name_f]Nova[/name_f]
[name_f]Ava[/name_f]

I like for a middle:

[name_f]Melody[/name_f]
[name_f]Gaia[/name_f]
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f]
[name_f]Noelle[/name_f]
[name_u]Nicola[/name_u]
[name_f]Astoria[/name_f]
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]
[name_f]Lux[/name_f]
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f]

Not My Style/Feels Outdated [name_f]IMO[/name_f]:

[name_f]Lauren[/name_f]
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f]
[name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f]
[name_u]Harbor[/name_u]
[name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u]
Oleander
[name_f]Bellerose[/name_f]
[name_u]Reed[/name_u]

I get the impression [name_f]Melody[/name_f] is a favourite for you: [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f]. [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Astoria[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f].

[name_f]Noelle[/name_f] is my favourite [name_u]Christmas[/name_u]/[name_u]December[/name_u] middle. It is so elegant and really helps with flow.
My favourite first name options would be: [name_f]Liv[/name_f], [name_f]Poppy[/name_f], [name_f]Jora[/name_f], [name_f]Coralie[/name_f], [name_f]Astrid[/name_f], [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], [name_f]Juliet[/name_f], [name_f]Natalie[/name_f], [name_f]Nova[/name_f], and [name_f]Ava[/name_f].
In the middle I would use [name_f]Astoria[/name_f] (if you want to honour the father), [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], and [name_f]Lux[/name_f].

10

[name_m]Long[/name_m] post… stuck in a Canadian snowstorm on a [name_f]Sunday[/name_f]… :wink: [name_f]Hope[/name_f] it helps!

The majority of names on your list are feminine, so first I eliminated the unisex-sounding ones:
[name_u]Harbor[/name_u]
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u]
[name_u]Reed[/name_u]
[name_f]Gaia[/name_f] (reminds me of the word “guy”)
Oleander

Next, I got rid of any names that honour the father, since you’ve stated the possibility he may not end up being involved:
[name_u]Nicola[/name_u]
[name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u]
[name_f]Bellerose[/name_f]
[name_f]Astoria[/name_f]

Then, I got rid of any name where you only reference its pop culture legacy (figuring it just doesn’t have much deeper meaning for you).
[name_f]Lorelai[/name_f]
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f]
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f]
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f]

The names that are left fall into these categories: Word names, nature names, and what I call “pretty names”. :slight_smile:

Word names:
[name_f]Melody[/name_f]
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Olive[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f]Marina[/name_f]
[name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Noelle[/name_f]
[name_f]Nova[/name_f]

Nature names:
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Olive[/name_f]
[name_f]Jora[/name_f] (included here because it’s nature meaning seems to mean a lot to you even though it’s not a word)
[name_f]Nova[/name_f]
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f] (included here because it’s nature meaning seems to mean a lot to you even though it’s not technically a word, just a place)

Pretty names:
[name_f]Melody[/name_f]
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f]Jora[/name_f]
[name_f]Marina[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f]
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f]
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u]
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f]
[name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Noelle[/name_f]
[name_f]Sophia[/name_f]
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f]
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f]
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f]
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f]

Next, I eliminated names I couldn’t fit into the categories:
[name_f]Callie[/name_f] (seems more cute than pretty)
[name_f]Lux[/name_f] (very cool name, and yes it’s simple and sounds sophisticated, but it doesn’t have the same kind of graceful prettiness as the other names on your list)
[name_f]Ava[/name_f] (it’s striking, beautiful and cool, but doesn’t have the same graceful prettiness as the other names on your list)

Then, I eliminated the names that only fit into a single category that also don’t have the word “love” written in your comments!
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f]
[name_f]Sophia[/name_f]
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f]
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f]
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]

That leaves:
[name_f]Melody[/name_f]
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f]
[name_f]Olive[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f]Jora[/name_f]
[name_f]Marina[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f]
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f]
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u]
[name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Noelle[/name_f]
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] (nn [name_u]Stacey[/name_u])
[name_f]Nova[/name_f]
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f]

I won’t eliminate any further, except to say that these are the names you actually clearly state that you love:
[name_f]Jora[/name_f]
[name_f]Marina[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f]
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f]
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u]
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] (nn [name_u]Stacey[/name_u])

And they are absolutely wonderful!! It’s interesting to note that none are word names. That tells me that you may end up preferring word and word/nature names in the middle spot. :slight_smile:

Some combo suggestions:

[name_f]Jora[/name_f] [name_f]Catalina[/name_f]
[name_f]Jora[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_u]Eloise[/name_u]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Natalia[/name_f]
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f]
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f]
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f]
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Laurel[/name_f]
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f]
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f] [name_f]Natalia[/name_f]
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f] [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Nova[/name_f]
[name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f]
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] [name_f]Juliette[/name_f]
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f]
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] [name_f]Melody[/name_f]
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] [name_f]Natalia[/name_f]

11

[name_f]Melody[/name_f] – Very pretty
[name_f]Gaia[/name_f] – I think this might be hard to wear in real life.
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f] – Very pretty
[name_f]Celia[/name_f] – One of my favorites. Girly, but not too frilly
[name_f]Lorelai[/name_f] – Very pretty
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u] - Trendy
[name_f]Olive[/name_f] nn [name_f]Liv[/name_f] – It’s different than [name_f]Olivia[/name_f], but not that different.
[name_f]Callie[/name_f] – I’m not a fan of nickname names. [name_f]Callie[/name_f] short for [name_f]Calandra[/name_f], [name_f]Calista[/name_f] or [name_f]Calliope[/name_f] is great though.
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] – Never considered this for a [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] baby, but it makes complete sense.
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f] – Not my style
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] – So pretty, but so saccharine.
[name_f]Jora[/name_f] – Not my style. Sounds masculine.
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f] – I love this name, but only as a nickname for [name_f]Flora[/name_f] or [name_f]Florence[/name_f]. Otherwise I think it would be incredibly hard to wear.
[name_u]Harbor[/name_u] – No.
[name_f]Marina[/name_f] – Yes.
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] – I prefer [name_f]Coraline[/name_f]. The lie ending is a bit too cutesy.
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u] – Sounds odd with Studer
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] – Pretty but frilly.
[name_u]Reed[/name_u] – I don’t mind [name_u]Reed[/name_u] on a girl, but I prefer the [name_u]Reid[/name_u] spelling.
[name_f]Joy[/name_f] – [name_f]Lovely[/name_f].
[name_f]Noelle[/name_f] – Nice for a [name_u]Christmas[/name_u] baby.
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] – Not my style.
[name_f]Sophia[/name_f] – [name_f]Melody[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] is very pretty.
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] nn [name_u]Stacey[/name_u] – Solid.
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] – It’s pretty, but not my style
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f] – I prefer the [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] spelling. Less fluffy.
[name_u]Nicola[/name_u] - Pretty
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] – Pretty
[name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] – Too trendy.
[name_f]Astoria[/name_f] – All I hear is ass… other than that, I like it
[name_f]Bellerose[/name_f] – No.
[name_f]Nova[/name_f] – Trendy.
[name_f]Lux[/name_f] – [name_u]Love[/name_u] it, but it has always felt really incomplete to me.
[name_f]Ava[/name_f] – Pretty.
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f] – Not my style.

My pick – [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f]

12

[name_f]Melody[/name_f] - Not my taste but it’s nice
[name_f]Gaia[/name_f] - A bit awkward
[name_f]Laurel[/name_f] - Not bad
[name_f]Celia[/name_f] - Not my taste
[name_f]Lorelai[/name_f] - I like this. I prefer the spelling [name_f]Lorelei[/name_f]
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u] - This name is all over the forums. Not my taste.
[name_f]Olive[/name_f] nn [name_f]Liv[/name_f] - [name_f]Liv[/name_f] is cute on its own
[name_f]Callie[/name_f] - Beautiful. I also like [name_f]Kallie[/name_f] and [name_f]Calli[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] - Beautiful
[name_f]Poppy[/name_f] - Fun and fresh
[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] - I prefer [name_f]Rose[/name_f]
[name_f]Jora[/name_f] - Not my taste
[name_f]Fleur[/name_f] - Not my taste
[name_u]Harbor[/name_u] - Interesting
[name_f]Marina[/name_f] - Not my taste
[name_f]Clara[/name_f] - Gorgeous
[name_f]Coralie[/name_f] - Pretty. I prefer [name_f]Cora[/name_f]
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u] - I’d read this with the [name_m]French[/name_m] pronunciation, el-WUZ
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] - [name_u]Unique[/name_u], pretty
[name_u]Reed[/name_u] - Not for a girl imo
[name_f]Joy[/name_f] - I feel it’s overused as a middle name. I like it as a first name.
[name_f]Noelle[/name_f] - Ok
[name_f]Astrid[/name_f] - Not bad
[name_f]Sophia[/name_f] - Beautiful
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] - One of my favourites
[name_f]Natalia[/name_f] - Not bad. I prefer [name_f]Natalie[/name_f]
[name_f]Juliette[/name_f] - Beautiful. I prefer [name_f]Juliet[/name_f]
[name_u]Nicola[/name_u] - I like this
[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] - Not my taste
[name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] - Not my taste
[name_f]Astoria[/name_f] - Not sure I like the start of it, phonetically.
[name_f]Bellerose[/name_f] - I prefer [name_f]Rose[/name_f]. Not sure what I think of it.
[name_f]Nova[/name_f] - Not my taste
[name_f]Lux[/name_f] - Bold
Oleander - Maybe as a middle name?
[name_f]Ava[/name_f] - I love it too. [name_m]Just[/name_m] be aware that it is extremely popular.
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f] - Not my taste

13

This is long, so bear with me :wink:

[name_f]Melody[/name_f]: I think this name is quite cute, pretty and lyrical, and it’s a lovely way to honour music if it has been important to you. I like this name somewhat, but I have never really gotten on the bandwagon with it; it’s nice enough. I wouldn’t use it on my own child, but if I met a little girl named [name_f]Melody[/name_f] I would think her name was lovely. 6.5/10

[name_f]Gaia[/name_f]: It just sounds a little clunky to me, not sure why. I think there is a little bit of teasing potential with this name; I can imagine little kids mispronouncing it “[name_f]Gaya[/name_f]” to make the “gay” connection. Overall, I don’t like it very much. 2/10

[name_f]Laurel[/name_f]: [name_f]Laurel[/name_f] is much nicer than [name_f]Lauren[/name_f], but it still has the [name_f]Lauren[/name_f] sound and feel to me, which makes it quite aged and boring. Not necessarily a bad connotation, but nothing special. 3/10

[name_f]Celia[/name_f]: I’ve love the [name_f]Celia[/name_f]/[name_f]Cecelia[/name_f]/[name_f]Cecily[/name_f] family ever since reading Atonement by [name_m]Ian[/name_m] [name_m]McEwan[/name_m]. [name_f]Celia[/name_f] is an absolutely gorgeous name, which I think ages quite well. I can imagine a 3-year-old [name_f]Celia[/name_f], a 26-year-old [name_f]Celia[/name_f] and an 81-year-old [name_f]Celia[/name_f]. It’s feminine, lyrical and graceful. Two thumbs up from me. 8/10

[name_f]Lorelai[/name_f]: This name just doesn’t cut it for me. In my mind it’s just so Southern and clichéd. [name_f]Every[/name_f] time I hear this name it’s in an exaggerated Southern accent in my head. I just think it’s goofy sounding. 1/10

[name_u]Juniper[/name_u]: I love this as a middle name choice, it’s spunky, unique, and yet still familiar enough to be easy on the kid. I love that it’s a nature name without sounding ridiculous; it’s no [name_f]Meadow[/name_f] or Thistle. It could work as a first but I prefer it in the middle. 7/10

[name_f]Olive[/name_f] nn [name_f]Liv[/name_f]: While I’m not crazy about [name_f]Olive[/name_f], I [name_f]ADORE[/name_f] [name_f]Liv[/name_f]. I think this has a lot to do with the ever-ethereal [name_f]Liv[/name_f] [name_u]Tyler[/name_u], who is classy and beautiful. But all on it’s own [name_f]Liv[/name_f] is still a great name. I really love it. I know two Livs and they are both confident, funny and lovely. [name_f]Olive[/name_f] is a bit goofy and aged, in my opinion. 9/10 for [name_f]Liv[/name_f], 4.5/10 for [name_f]Olive[/name_f].

[name_f]Callie[/name_f]: Ehh, meh. I feel like I’d sooner name my dog this than a daughter, it just doesn’t seem to carry enough weight for a person. 3/10

[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]: Really, who doesn’t love [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]? 8.5/10

[name_u]December[/name_u]: I’m picturing this as a middle name and loving it! I think it’s too much for the first slot, but as a middle it’s gorgeous. It really has a nice sound, and brings to mind lovely images of snow and christmas and songs. Very cute. 7.5/10

[name_f]Poppy[/name_f]: I think this is cute and sprightly, with energy and yet a feminine appeal. As with [name_f]Melody[/name_f], I’d think this was a cute name if I ever met a [name_f]Poppy[/name_f], but I wouldn’t use it myself. 6/10

[name_f]Rosalie[/name_f]: I think the derivatives of [name_f]Rose[/name_f] are a great avenue to take if you want to name within the [name_f]Rose[/name_f] family, but don’t want to use [name_f]Rose[/name_f]. [name_f]Rosalie[/name_f] is the most lyrical and girlish of the choices. I love that it has so many nicknames available ([name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Rosie[/name_f], [name_f]Rosa[/name_f], [name_f]Ro[/name_f], [name_u]Sal[/name_u], [name_f]Sally[/name_f], Li, [name_f]Lia[/name_f] etc). It’s very elegant and yet very youthful. I really like it. 8/10

[name_f]Jora[/name_f]: I love the meaning, but I don’t think that the meaning of a name should carry too much weight. We really don’t talk about what our names mean that often. If [name_f]Jora[/name_f] didn’t mean “autumn rain” would you love it as much? Also, I just think of [name_m]Jorah[/name_m] Mormont from Game of Thrones, who is an exiled male character. 1/10

[name_f]Fleur[/name_f]: [name_u]Love[/name_u]. This is short and sweet, not too frilly or pretentious, and yet it has all the romance and charm that comes with it’s [name_m]French[/name_m] origin and the imagery it evokes. I think this makes a gorgeous middle name. 8.5/10

[name_u]Harbor[/name_u]: I think this is taking the word name trend a little far. Maybe as a middle name? I just feel that using this in the first spot is awkward. I like the imagery that [name_u]Harbor[/name_u] conjures up, but when I separate myself from that and just think about the word, [name_u]Harbor[/name_u] doesn’t actually sound like a very nice word/name. Keep this away from the first name slot, I think. 3/10

[name_f]Marina[/name_f]: Eh, nice enough I suppose. I never really liked this name but I can’t pinpoint why. I’ll give it a 5/10 because I don’t like it or hate it.

[name_f]Clara[/name_f]: This has always been one of my favourite names, ever since I was little. My sister and I used to play this make believe game with two princesses named [name_f]Clara[/name_f] and [name_f]Edeline[/name_f]. [name_u]Ever[/name_u] since then, I’ve associated this name with royalty, class, grace and strength. It also reminds one of the ballet The Nutcracker, which is wistful, christmassy, and warm. The sound of [name_f]Clara[/name_f] is lovely and clear and bright. I think it’s a wonderful name. 9/10

[name_f]Coralie[/name_f]: Eh. Same as [name_f]Marina[/name_f]. Not much to say. 5/10

[name_u]Eloise[/name_u]: I try to like this name, and I’m a big LOST fan so I should love it, but I can’t get over the “wees” sound. As in pee. As in urine. I just can’t move past it. 4/10

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f]: [name_f]Valentina[/name_f] is just lovely. I think it makes a lovely middle name, and carries a lot of elegance and attitude. Very lyrical and flowy. 7/10

[name_u]Reed[/name_u]: Boys name through and through, in my opinion. And even as a boy’s name, it’s just a bit empty for me. There’s nothing that really stands out about this. 2/10

[name_f]Joy[/name_f]: Eh, nice as a middle name, aged and pretentious as a first. Definitely keep this in the middle slot where it can really shine. 5.5/10

[name_f]Noelle[/name_f]: [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] is nice. If I met someone called [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] I’d be floored by how beautiful her name was. It’s uncommon (I’ve never met one) but she’d have few problems with spelling and pronunciation. I think it flows off the tongue beautifully and is associated with lovely imagery. 8/10

[name_f]Astrid[/name_f]: [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] is great! But it’s getting quite popular. I still prefer it infinitely over a lot of the names on this list, though. I think it’s strong, solid and beautifully unique. I think a little [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] would be lucky to bear the name! 8/10

[name_f]Sophia[/name_f]: Far too popular. I’d stay away from this. [name_m]Even[/name_m] as a middle name, I think parents can do better. There are so many amazing names out there. Once a name gets as popular and well-known as [name_f]Sophie[/name_f]/[name_f]Sophia[/name_f] has, it loses a lot of its charm. 1/10

[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f]: This name carries so much weight, but in a good way. It’s so lyrical, it flows and melts into itself, and is super elegant and sophisticated. I think of ballerinas, ballets, Russian royalty, a deep purple, golden eggs, snow. [name_u]Stacey[/name_u] is a cute and original nickname for [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], but I love [name_f]Anya[/name_f] the best. 9/10

[name_f]Natalia[/name_f]: [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] is nice enough. I personally think it doesn’t have the flow and grace that [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] or [name_f]Valentina[/name_f] do. It’s prettier than many of the popular/common names these days, but I still wouldn’t use it above some of the other names on your list. 5.5/10

[name_f]Juliette[/name_f]: This name, in my humble opinion, is infinitely more beautiful as [name_f]Juliet[/name_f]. But I can see the appeal with the -ette ending. As far as the name itself goes, it’s an utterly romantic, graceful and feminine name which deserves to be used more! I really like it. It is also one of those names that works well as middle with HEAPS of other names. Beautiful name overall! 8.5/10

[name_u]Nicola[/name_u]: I used to like [name_u]Nicola[/name_u] when I was around 11 years old. It’s nice enough. I feel it doesn’t work very well on a baby or young child. This name has become ‘meh’ for me over the years. In my opinion there’s nothing special about it. 4/10

[name_f]Sabrina[/name_f]: This is cute. It’s unique without being too difficult to work with. It’s not my style, but I can appreciate the beauty of this name. As I’ve said before, if I met a [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] I’d think her name was charming. 6.5/10

[name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u]: No. The -lyn ending, paired with [name_u]Brook[/name_u] (which is on it’s own is a trendy nature word name) just makes me think this is a kree8tyve, trendy and youneek spelling name-mash-together like [name_f]Adalynn[/name_f] or Leighlyn. It’s very unappealing as a name. 1/10

[name_f]Astoria[/name_f]: This name has a lovely sound. I adore it with the middle name [name_u]Winter[/name_u]. As a name it has a lovely lyrical sound. Some people really don’t like the [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]York[/name_m] and hotel associations, though. If you were into the nickname [name_u]Story[/name_u], this is a good way to get to it. Overall, I’d be aware of the associations, but it’s a pretty name regardless! 6.5/10

[name_f]Bellerose[/name_f]: No, this isn’t working for me. My autocorrect keeps trying to separate the name into ‘[name_f]Belle[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f]’, and it’s right! These names are wonderful separately, but should not be squished together like this. It seems a little pretentious, and like you couldn’t decide between them so you decided to mush them together and use both! 1/10 for the names mushed together, 8/10 for [name_f]Belle[/name_f] and [name_f]Rose[/name_f] separately.

[name_f]Nova[/name_f]: This name is awesome, and even though I personally have a bad association with it, I can’t get over how cool the spunky, celestial vibe is. I really like it, and more people need to use it so I can meet more Novas and get over the one bad [name_f]Nova[/name_f] that I know! :wink: 7/10

[name_f]Lux[/name_f]: This is cool as a middle name choice. It has a modern and edgy vibe but it’s also sophisticated. I’d personally avoid this in the first name spot, but that’s just down to preference, and I can see it working with the right combination. 6/10

Oleander: It’s not usable at all, sorry. I can’t imagine how frustrated a wee Oleander would get trying to teach people to pronounce and spell her name correctly. People can’t even manage my name ([name_f]Tilly[/name_f]) without calling me [name_f]Lilly[/name_f]. [name_f]Imagine[/name_f] how difficult it would be to grow up with this name. 1/10

[name_f]Ava[/name_f]: I think we all need to take a collective deep breath and pause for a while before using [name_f]Ava[/name_f] again. The craze for this name has died down a little, but it’s still at number 5 in the US (4 on Nameberry). Maybe in 10 years, when the [name_f]Ava[/name_f] craze has dissipated, it’ll be easier to use it. 2/10

[name_f]Catalina[/name_f]: This is kinda funky. I like it. It’s really not my style, but I can see the appeal. It reminds me of Catwoman. It’s slinky, stylish and has attitude. The nickname potential is cute, too ([name_f]Cat[/name_f], [name_f]Kitty[/name_f], [name_u]Tali[/name_u], [name_f]Lina[/name_f]). I like this more than I expected to! 7/10

14

I think [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] or [name_f]Joy[/name_f] would be lovely for a [name_u]December[/name_u] baby, so I have paired my favorites with them.

Like: [name_f]Laurel[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_f]Celia[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_f]Olive[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], [name_f]Sabrina[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_f]Astrid[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f], [name_f]Natalia[/name_f] [name_f]Joy[/name_f], [name_f]Nova[/name_f] [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] (I don’t think [name_f]Joy[/name_f] or [name_f]Noelle[/name_f] work well here but I do love [name_f]Nova[/name_f]) and [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] [name_f]Noelle[/name_f].

Dislike: [name_f]Melody[/name_f], [name_f]Fleur[/name_f] (too [name_m]French[/name_m], since I don’t think you are [name_m]French[/name_m]), [name_f]Lorelai[/name_f], [name_f]Callie[/name_f] (too boring), [name_u]Eloise[/name_u] (lovely name but if it your cats name its a no), [name_u]Harbor[/name_u], [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], [name_u]Nicola[/name_u] and [name_f]Bellerose[/name_f].

I think you have some very nice names, but I would not give your baby the same name as your cat nor would I name her after the father (or for the father, as in the [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]York[/name_m] names) unless you are truly convinced he is going to stick around. I am not of the opinion that children necessarily need both parents around, but I think naming a child for a father that chooses not to be involved would be painful for the child. If you decide you love the name [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] for its own sake that is fine, but I wouldn’t do it for him.