Before we found out the gender, DH jokingly referred to the baby as “[name]Octavius[/name]”, a name we would never have actually used. Then when we learned she is a girl, it switched to [name]Octavia[/name], still as a joke, But now the more he says it, the more normal it seems to us, and is on our final three list (along with [name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name]). Using [name]Octavia[/name] has the added bonus of giving us my initials in reverse, which is kind of gimmicky but I like anyway since she doesn’t get my last name. And, the baby is due 12/8, so there is some tie-in to the number 8 even if she’s not born that day.
But, I need a reality check–how weird/out there is it? Are people going to have “I hate it” strong reactions her whole life? I really want a recognizable name that is not super popular and won’t be next year’s [name]Isabella[/name]. We were really loving [name]Willa[/name] but I just keep getting scared it it trending upwards quickly–as referenced in the post about W names in the blog here a few days ago. Between [name]Octavia[/name], [name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name], which do you prefer? LN sounds like “[name]Hardy[/name]”.
I absolutely love [name]Octavia[/name]. I think the only drawback is that people will feel intimidated by such an awesome name.It has strength from sound and also by it’s relation to [name]Octavius[/name] (an equally strong name).I love the name more than [name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name], though your other choices are alright. They just don’t have as much gravitas as [name]Octavia[/name].
I love [name]Octavia[/name]! I don’t think it’s too weird at all, and it has some really cute nicknames ([name]Ava[/name]/[name]Avie[/name]/[name]Avia[/name] is my favorite, but it seems like a lot of people like [name]Tavia[/name], too. I think [name]Tav[/name]/[name]Tavi[/name] would be cute, too…).
[name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name] are very pretty, as well, but they seem to be on the upswing. I think [name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name] will become more trendy than [name]Octavia[/name] ever will. [name]Octavia[/name] [name]Hardy[/name] is beautiful, and I think it sounds better than [name]Willa[/name] [name]Hardy[/name]/[name]Cora[/name] [name]Hardy[/name]. Although I prefer [name]Cora[/name] to [name]Willa[/name], [name]Willa[/name] is my second favorite. It’s hard for me to say [name]Cora[/name] [name]Hardy[/name]…
[name]Octavia[/name] is gorgeous! People will have their opinions on it, but it really is a great, strong name. It is uncommon but definitely not too out there. Although your other choices are nice, I prefer them as just nicknames. I like [name]Octavia[/name] much more than [name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name].
I absolutely love [name]Octavia[/name]! I like [name]Willa[/name] as well, but its definitely more popular. I would go with [name]Octavia[/name], if you love it, that’s what counts.
[name]Octavia[/name] is a lovely name and an undiscovered gem. Unusual, yes. “Out there”, no. I think [name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name] have a better chance of increasing in popularity than [name]Octavia[/name] so I don’t see any issues for this name. I also think the four-syllable [name]Octavia[/name] would flow better with your surname. I can almost guarantee that your daughter will probably be the only [name]Octavia[/name] in her classroom. I would encourage you to cast aside your worries and go for it!
I don’t think [name]Octavia[/name] is too strange at all! It just dropped out of the top 1,000 in 1998, so it’s not like it’s never been used before. I like the sound and vintage feel of it, and the nickname [name]Tavie[/name] is cute. [name]Willa[/name] is only #968 on the list, so it’s not like it will be the next [name]Isabella[/name] overnight, but I’m pulling for [name]Octavia[/name]. It’s an underused classic that I think people will appreciate.
[name]Octavia[/name] is great. My cousin knows an [name]Octavia[/name] who apparently goes by [name]Tay[/name]. This way she has a distinctive and formal first name, but also a more common nickname, which is nice. As for [name]Willa[/name] and [name]Cora[/name]? They are pretty, but I’m not as much of a fan. Take a risk and go for [name]Octavia[/name]. I’m sure you won"t regret it!
Thanks for all the feedback–I appreciate it, and you’re giving me confidence. We aren’t sharing name choices in real life so this helps. My mom, who knows about the joke name, did say the other day that it has grown on her over the past 6 months. My grandmother hates it, but she’ll get over it.
I think you’ve found your winner : D. Two other options to throw out there: [name]Just[/name] [name]Tavia[/name] on its own is very pretty, I think more accessible, too. I also think the Italian [name]Ottavia[/name] has a slightly lighter, more feminine rhythm. But if [name]Octavia[/name] is the one, go with confidence : D.
At one of my substitute placements, I taught an [name]Octavia[/name] at the high school level. She was very intelligent and mannerly, so that’s the first association that I have. Her name served her well, because she was already a memorable person.
Here in the South, [name]Octavia[/name] is a very popular name among African American students, who have kept the [name]Roman[/name]/Greek names that were given to them by their owners…I’ve had students named [name]Adonis[/name], [name]Hector[/name], [name]Octavia[/name], [name]Portia[/name], Calpurnia, [name]Homer[/name], Lecomas, etc.
[name]Octavia[/name] [name]Butler[/name] was probably one of the greatest science fiction writers of the 20th century. [name]Tay[/name] and [name]Tavia[/name] are great nns too. As for guys, [name]Ottavio[/name] and [name]Octavian[/name] are great choices.
[name]Octavia[/name] is a beautiful name. In all honesty, I like it much better than [name]Willa[/name] or [name]Cora[/name] although those are pretty names too. It’s definitely a name that will stand out, but not in a negative way.
[name]Octavia[/name] is a strong and beautiful name. I love the nicknames [name]Tay[/name] and [name]Tavie[/name] for it…I would love to meet a little [name]Octavia[/name]!
I really like [name]Octavia[/name], it’s strong, feminine, and unusual. [name]Octavia[/name] [name]Spencer[/name] and [name]Octavia[/name] [name]Butler[/name] make it known, too.
