Need to streamline my list!

Girl Names
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Names I’m considering exxing - would love your thoughts / help to let go (or not) :blush:

Aletheia - adore the meaning - ‘truth’, which is my highest value. But that’s the thing I like most about the name. Feels unnecessarily fussy, especially when the gorgeous and more streamlined Theia is on my list.

Alouette - Saw this on someone else’s list and added to mine, but I have a feeling I’ve bandwagon jumped. Think I love the look more than the sound - though I’m a sucker for ‘Lou’ wherever it is in a name.

Anoushka - Would I actually ever use this? Really? I love the look and sound, but it’s pretty far stylistically from most of my other choices. Maybe that’s why I like it?

Betsan - really like, but -San ending reminds me of some kind of antiseptic ointment.

Cordelia - I was seriously in love with this at one point. I still like it, but it’s defs waning.

Cressida - Went through I phase of loving, but meh.

Cyrilla - love the idea of this name more than the name itself I think.

Della - feel this may be another bandwagon jump. I have a general aversion to D names and this is the only one on list.

Eda - is this nothingy? Do love the sound (also Edith, Edie), but I have Ida on my list which feels more established. Also like Ada but can’t use.

Edwina - I love in theory, but feel it may be a clunk too far, and that wiener ending…

Elula - Too cutesy?

Etta - love, but accent in my area has glottal stop, so this would sound horrible.

Eula - I really like this, but does it just blend into all the other 4 letter names ending -a?

Euphrasie - I was quite taken with this. But do I really, really like it, or is it more how it looks / Greekness?

Evanna - Ev start - meh.

Evanthe - see above, think I prefer Ianthe.

Farrah - cant see myself actually using this.

Freda / Frida - Want to adore for the artsy vibe, but just falling short.

Freyda - love the sound - mash up of the best of Freya and Frida, but does it feel nothingy because of that?

Hannelore - think I like look more than sound.

Hazel - when I think of the witchy, nature associations and one person in my past, I adore it. When I think of another person I knew, I find frumpy as hell.

Iolanthe - suspect this may be on list as my brain likes a set and I mentally group it with other names i like (better) such as Iola, Ione.

Irena - Again, like idea of name more than the name itself I think, and there’s possibly some set grouping along a greek origin theme going on as well.

Isadora - suspect a bandwagon jump. Do I only like it because it’s what Björk named her daughter? It’s possible. Also, Wizadora.

Lucinda - lovely, but bored myself a little. Also wouldn’t want Lucy diminutive.

Magdalena - Seems to be having a darling moment. Perhaps that’s why I’m going off.

Octavia - always felt drawn to this name. But it’s so princessy compared to my general taste.

Olive - ok I’m gonna say it out loud. I’m getting bored of Olive, in the same way I got bored of the once beloved Ivy and Iris and cut them slack. Phew. There I’ve said it.

Romilda - should love, but holding back ever so slightly, something’s not quite perfect.

Shula - would I ever actually use this?

Susannah - see Lucinda.

Sydney - always liked this, but it’s so incongruous with my taste it stands out a mile.

Sylvie - having a moment, which is putting me off.

Zosia - think I like look more than sound.

Thanks for your patience. I realise some questions I can only answer myself, but I’d still love to hear your opinions, what you love / hate, what you think should stay / go.

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Please keep [name_f]Freda[/name_f]! It’s one of my all-time favourite names and not used enough IMO.

I love [name_f]Freyda[/name_f] too and never see people mention it so it’s refreshing to see on your list :blush:

Others I really like:

[name_f]Evanthe[/name_f] - so pretty :heart_eyes:

[name_f]Isadora[/name_f] - but I do get your reservations RE: Wizadora. I think I prefer Isadore/Isidore for a boy.

[name_f]Magdalena[/name_f] - but I slightly prefer [name_f]Magdalen[/name_f].

Instead of [name_f]Octavia[/name_f], maybe [name_f]Ottavia[/name_f]?
Instead of [name_f]Romilda[/name_f] maybe [name_f]Romina[/name_f]?

Not really a fan of:
[name_f]Alethea[/name_f]
[name_f]Alouette[/name_f]
[name_f]Betsan[/name_f]
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Cyrilla[/name_f]
[name_f]Edwina[/name_f]
[name_f]Elula[/name_f]
[name_f]Farrah[/name_f]
[name_u]Hazel[/name_u]
[name_f]Shula[/name_f]
[name_f]Susannah[/name_f]
[name_u]Sydney[/name_u]

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Thanks so much for your response. I would love to meet a little [name_f]Freda[/name_f] / [name_f]Frida[/name_f]. I have a feeling it may be one that I like for someone else. I’ll sit on it for the moment though :blush: I can totally imagine a vivacious, creative, dark-haired little girl named [name_f]Freda[/name_f]. I should love [name_f]Isadora[/name_f], but I don’t quite adore it I don’t think, for a mix of a few reasons. The Isa-beginning which reminds me of [name_f]Isabelle[/name_f] etc although they’re totally different names. And I’m funny with that -Dora suffix. I dislike [name_f]Dora[/name_f] on it’s own, so it takes a name I really love to get over having that suffix. It’s hard to explain - it brings a clunky quality I adore, but I don’t really adore the actual sound.

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Aletheia - i do like the flair of it and it has a lovely meaning. I like how you could use nn Theia if you wanted

Alouette -i don’t mind it as a middle, but i struggle to see it as a first

Anoushka - it is pretty and stylish but I prefer the more streamlined Anouk.

Betsan - if it reminds you of anti-septic, I’d lose it

Cordelia - I love the sound and meaning, but I’d say ditch it if you’re no longer loving it

Cressida - one od my favourites-love the meaning and vibe but again, if your feeling meh about it, cut it

Cyrilla - reminds me of a sea monster, can’t remember why

Della - Della is bright and summery to me. Maybe get rid of it if you hate d names or keep it a little longer to see if the love wanes

Eda - Eda ia sweet but I prefer Edith, Edie or Ida and since Ida is already on your list, I’d lose it

Edwina - not a fun

Elula - i like names like this, so I’d keep it

Etta - lose if it sounds horrible to say it

Eula - I find it a tad incomplete

Euphrasie - I’m not a fan. It reminds me of the word European which feels weird, sorry

Evanna - i really like it, but if Ev beginnings don’t do it for you, lose it

Evanthe - i also prefer Ianthe

Farrah - love Farrah and it’s joyful meaning, but maybe cut it if you can’t actually see yourself using it

Freda / Frida - one i go back and forth on but ultimately here, I’d say lose it

Freyda - pretty cool, but I feel like people might just assume it’s a creative sp of Freda

Hannelore - i think it’s such a cool, mystical name but if you don’t love the sound, I’d lose it

Hazel - it feels quite on trend to me, so it doesn’t feel too frumpy

Iolanthe - I prefer Ianthe, Iola, and Ione, so I’d lose this one

Irena - i like Irina but not Irena :woman_shrugging:

Isadora - Isadora is one of my faves -strong and bright. But if you’re not loving it, lose it

Lucinda - if you don’t want a Lucy related name, this one isn’t for you

Magdalena - I met a Magdalena at work the other day. She wore it well and I really enjoy it

Octavia - weird how we all perceive names differently! I don’t find this princessy but harsh.

Olive -cut it if you’re bored!

Romilda - it’s okay but i feel like I associate it with Harry Potter :confused:

Shula - love the distinct sound but lose if you have other names you’re more likely to use

Susannah - cut

Sydney - it does feel very different to your other names

Sylvie - i do quite like but it doesn’t shine for me

Zosia - I’d cut if you don’t like the sound

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I’ve decided to just choose a few names, and make a case for or against those.

[name_f]Euphrasie[/name_f]
I think [name_f]Euphrasie[/name_f] is brilliant! It shares some features of well loved names (on nameberry at least), like the Eu- beginning. But I think it’s a neglected gem. I really enjoy the unexpected -phrasie sound, it reminds me of [name_m]Fraser[/name_m] (Fraser River) so I think of that before I think Greek.

[name_f]Freyda[/name_f]
[name_f]Freyda[/name_f] does not feel nothingy at all! I do see where it could get misheard as [name_f]Freda[/name_f], but I think [name_f]Freyda[/name_f] is a little more exciting and stronger sounding. It adds a little snap to the trending [name_f]Freya[/name_f].

[name_f]Octavia[/name_f]
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f] doesn’t strike me as disharmonious with the style of names you’ve listed here. I do see where you get the princessy vibe from, but I think [name_f]Octavia[/name_f] is much more warrior princess than disney princess. I would put it more in the same category as [name_u]Artemis[/name_u] or [name_f]Diana[/name_f]. Strongly feminine.
————————————————
[name_f]Eda[/name_f]
To be totally honest, [name_f]Eda[/name_f] does come across as a little nothingy, or nicknamey maybe, for me. I feel like if you love [name_f]Ida[/name_f] more anyway, then it’s fine to drop [name_f]Eda[/name_f].

[name_f]Freda[/name_f] | [name_f]Frida[/name_f]
I think I share the same feelings as you have about this name. Other people always view it as artsy and underused, I view it as a tad old ladyish and a little boring. I would like to be swayed! But since you have [name_f]Freyda[/name_f] as an alternative, I would drop [name_f]Freda[/name_f] | [name_f]Frida[/name_f].

[name_f]Lucinda[/name_f]
I am not a huge fan of [name_f]Lucy[/name_f], so that would be my main point in recommending against [name_f]Lucinda[/name_f]. I do feel like a [name_f]Lucinda[/name_f] would get shortened to [name_f]Lucy[/name_f] quite easily. I also don’t appreciate the similarity to [name_f]Linda[/name_f].

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Fun list! :slight_smile:
I think you’re on the right track with your own reservations, as it seems like you already have an inkling which names you’d prefer to discard, but I’ll add my 2 cents’ worth….
[name_f]Aletheia[/name_f] - agree with you about the great meaning, but spelling puts me off. (Note that [name_f]Theia[/name_f] means aunt in Greek, but this may be irrelevant….)
[name_f]Alouette[/name_f] – all I can think of is the [name_u]French[/name_u] song about the bird.
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] – I agree with you – probably not really usable, plus has specific cultural resonance.
[name_f]Betsan[/name_f] – never heard this one, but can’t quite get around the ending either.
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] – very pretty (it’s [name_u]Anne[/name_u] of [name_u]Green[/name_u] Gables’ dream name!), but does sound princess-y – but as long as you’re okay with that, I’d say keep it!
[name_f]Cressida[/name_f] – I immediately think of the Hunger Games character
[name_f]Cyrilla[/name_f] – agree with you – neat in theory, but awkward in practice
[name_f]Della[/name_f] – could go either way on this one! Nothing particularly objectionable here.
[name_f]Eda[/name_f] – I prefer [name_u]Eden[/name_u] & [name_f]Edie[/name_f] – both lovely names! [name_f]Eda[/name_f] sounds a tiny bit like edamame.
[name_f]Edwina[/name_f] – agree with you – a touch too clunky.
[name_f]Elula[/name_f] – too hard to say
[name_f]Etta[/name_f] – Reminds me of [name_f]Etta[/name_f] [name_f]Candy[/name_f] in [name_u]Wonder[/name_u] Woman
[name_f]Eula[/name_f] – I prefer [name_f]Lula[/name_f]
[name_f]Euphrasie[/name_f] – [name_f]Pretty[/name_f], but spelling/pronunciation too difficult.
[name_f]Evanna[/name_f] – This one is nice! Reminds me of [name_f]Luna[/name_f] Lovegood actress, [name_f]Evanna[/name_f] [name_m]Lynch[/name_m].
[name_f]Evanthe[/name_f] – This is gorgeous!
[name_f]Farrah[/name_f] – very 80s – [name_f]Farrah[/name_f] Fawcett.
[name_f]Freda[/name_f] / [name_f]Frida[/name_f] – There’s a minor LOTR character called [name_f]Freda[/name_f]. Pronunciation-wise, I prefer your next choice….
[name_f]Freyda[/name_f] – This is wonderful!
[name_f]Hannelore[/name_f] – agree with you – I also prefer the look to the sound.
[name_u]Hazel[/name_u] – love this one! [name_m]Classic[/name_m] botanical name – can’t go wrong, in my view.
[name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f] – [name_m]Gilbert[/name_m] & [name_u]Sullivan[/name_u] opera, + hard to pronounce
[name_f]Irena[/name_f] – LOVE this one….
[name_f]Isadora[/name_f] – I actually wouldn’t have thought of Björk’s daughter – my association is modern dance pioneer [name_f]Isadora[/name_f] [name_m]Duncan[/name_m]. Nice name!
[name_f]Lucinda[/name_f] – I’d avoid it if you dislike [name_f]Lucy[/name_f].
[name_f]Magdalena[/name_f] – very pretty!
[name_f]Octavia[/name_f] – somehow just makes me think of an 8th daughter in ancient [name_u]Rome[/name_u]
[name_f]Olive[/name_f] – yes, I think this one might be getting overused now – plus it sounds a bit culinary to me…
[name_f]Romilda[/name_f] – [name_f]Romilda[/name_f] [name_m]Vane[/name_m] in [name_u]Harry[/name_u] Potter….
[name_f]Shula[/name_f] – pretty sound, but I can’t quite “place” this, somehow?
[name_f]Susannah[/name_f] – seems a tad dated to me
[name_u]Sydney[/name_u] – nice name
[name_f]Sylvie[/name_f] – definitely getting more popular, but you can’t go wrong with that “woodsy” meaning!
[name_f]Zosia[/name_f] – seems culture-specific to me, but pretty!

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Aletheia - This is my niece’s name (except they dropped the i to be less fussy). I had suggested it, thinking it was beautiful and fit with the rest of their children’s names. I really like it, and you can still use Theia if you like. I love it, and I would even be tempted to call her Truth sometimes as a nickname. She will have spelling/pronunciation issues her whole life, but the meaning and beauty outshine that for me.

Alouette - Not my style at all.

Anoushka - Not my style at all.

Betsan - Not my style at all.

Cordelia - Funnily enough, this was the other girl name my sister considered (she ended up with 5 boys and only the one girl). I think it’s pretty and sweet, but it also doesn’t really reach me, especially because I dislike “Cordie” so much.

Cressida - Not my style at all.

Cyrilla - Not my style at all.

Della - I don’t know why, but I feel like this name is a mean fat woman from the 1800s. I wonder if there was a character like that in a book I read, because I have a very distinct picture of Della in my head.

Eda - I think it’s kind of blah.

Edwina - I have a dear friend Edwina, who goes by Eddie. It’s not my style though.

Elula - I like Lula a lot, but the E on the front does something weird to it.

Etta - It’s so cute! But I get you about accents. We have a town named Eleanor near me, but where I live it comes out like “ell-nur” and is so ugly.

Eula - Not my style at all.

Euphrasie - Your take is my take. I like the way it looks written, and the greekness is cool, but as an actual person name. Nah.

Evanna - Meh.

Evanthe - I prefer Ianthe for sure.

Farrah - It’s not my style at all, but is a family name for my brother-in-law, so in the running for a middle in their family, and I was trying to get used to it.

Freda / Frida - Not my style at all.

Freyda - It sounds made-up to me, probably because of the mash-up you mentioned.

Hannelore - It’s gorgeous, but I think “normal people” would think it was made-up. Silly people that don’t know about names. LOL

Hazel - I haven’t gotten on the Hazel bandwagon, but I did just read a book with a cool Hazel in it.

Iolanthe - Not my style at all

Irena - Not my style at all

Isadora - Not my style at all

Lucinda - Seems dated. Also I have a weird thing against the name Cinda.

Magdalena - I have a student named this (she’s a senior and 18). I adore it! She’s a favorite.

Octavia - Not my style, except that it feels like it should be my style, so not sure why I don’t like it.

Olive - I don’t get Olive. I know that I don’t like Olivia, but Olive just, I don’t know, doesn’t work at all somehow.

Romilda - Not my style at all.

Shula - Not my style at all.

Susannah - I adore Susannah. I don’t think I’d ever use it as a first name, but I think it’s gorgeous. My niece (on my husband’s side) has the spelling Suzanna, which I hate, but they did at least have a reason (grandma Susan, mom Suzanne, she’s Suzanna).

Sydney - I did not expect to see Sydney on your list! LOL I like it, but I also have about 43 Sydney’s in class every year.

Sylvie - Meh

Zosia - Not my style at all.

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[name_f]My[/name_f] faves from this list are [name_f]Aletheia[/name_f] (!), [name_f]Euphrasie[/name_f] (no, it’s actually nice), [name_f]Evanna[/name_f], [name_f]Evanthe[/name_f], [name_u]Hazel[/name_u], [name_f]Octavia[/name_f] (I don’t think it’s princessy) and [name_f]Sylvie[/name_f]

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Thankyou so much for your detailed, thoughtful responses! With your help and all input considered, I think I’m going to keep - [name_f]Della[/name_f] (just a little longer - see how I feel), [name_f]Evanthe[/name_f], [name_f]Freyda[/name_f], [name_f]Magdalena[/name_f], [name_f]Olive[/name_f] (not ready to let go just yet) and [name_f]Sylvie[/name_f] / [name_f]Sylvaine[/name_f]. I think I’m also going to change [name_f]Romilda[/name_f] to Romelda and keep that for now - I love the witchy clunk and I’d be so excited to meet a little [name_f]Romilda[/name_f] / Romelda, though I’m not sure it’ll ever be up there with [name_f]Rowena[/name_f] :heart::heart:. Gonna be quite ruthless about exxing the rest.

Thanks once more for your time and honesty! X

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I would keep -

[name_f]Cressida[/name_f]
[name_f]Della[/name_f]
[name_f]Etta[/name_f]
[name_f]Farrah[/name_f]
[name_f]Susannah[/name_f]

Other suggestions -

[name_f]Arlette[/name_f]
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
[name_f]Greta[/name_f]
[name_f]Lyra[/name_f]
[name_f]Nicolette[/name_f]
[name_f]Dinah[/name_f]

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