Thoughts on your shortlist:
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Louise[/name_f] – A great stylistic match for [name_m]Warren[/name_m] and Clyde—solid, vintage, grounded. Your concern about “Lou”/“Lu” being trendy is valid (Lucy, [name_f]Lula[/name_f], [name_f]Luella[/name_f], [name_f]Luna[/name_f], [name_f]Eloise[/name_f] are everywhere). That said, [name_f]Louise[/name_f] itself remains underused compared to [name_f]Eloise[/name_f], so it still feels fresh. I actually love your [name_f]Louise[/name_f] [name_f]Dorothy[/name_f] “Dottie Lou” idea—it gives it a distinct twist and avoids blending into the sea of Lu’s.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Ingrid[/name_f] – Underused gem for sure—recognizable, strong, slightly severe but chic. I think the concern about your accent making it feel less elegant is worth noting, since you’d be saying it every day. Still, it’s bold, distinctive, and would stand out next to [name_m]Warren[/name_m] and [name_m]Clyde[/name_m] in the best way.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Fern[/name_f] – I think [name_f]Fern[/name_f] might actually be your best “vibe match.” It’s vintage, short, spunky, and ties into your family’s gardening/horticultural background beautifully. Yes, it’s simple, but it has backbone. With the right middle (e.g. [name_f]Fern[/name_f] [name_f]Maxine[/name_f], [name_f]Fern[/name_f] [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], [name_f]Fern[/name_f] Winifred), it really sings. Easier on the ear than [name_f]Ingrid[/name_f] if you worry about accent issues.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Susie[/name_f] – [name_m]Super[/name_m] sweet, but I agree it feels stronger as a nickname than a standalone. If [name_f]Susannah[/name_f] is out, maybe [name_f]Susan[/name_f] “Susie”? [name_f]Susan[/name_f] is vintage, due for revival, and balances [name_m]Warren[/name_m] and [name_m]Clyde[/name_m] better. As-is, [name_f]Susie[/name_f] feels slightly lighter/more diminutive than your sibset.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Maxine[/name_f] – Honestly, I adore [name_f]Maxine[/name_f] for you. It’s quirky, vintage, and spunky while still grounded. I could absolutely see [name_m]Warren[/name_m], [name_m]Clyde[/name_m], and [name_f]Maxine[/name_f] together. Nickname potential (Max, [name_m]Maxie[/name_m], even Minnie) makes it versatile.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] – [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] is lovely, literary, and rich in history. Might feel a tad more ornate than [name_m]Warren[/name_m] and [name_m]Clyde[/name_m], but [name_f]Bea[/name_f] brings it back down to earth. I don’t think it’s too fussy—it balances them well in full form, and [name_f]Bea[/name_f] on its own is short, strong, and sweet. [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] [name_f]Sunday[/name_f] nn [name_f]Sunny[/name_f] [name_f]Bea[/name_f] is genius—it keeps it playful.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Priscilla[/name_f] – Uncommon, slightly gothic/glam, but also frilly. I actually love it in the sense that it gives me the same dark-feminine feel as names like [name_f]Veronica[/name_f] or [name_f]Isadora[/name_f]. I think it works, but it’s definitely more “extra” than [name_m]Warren[/name_m] and [name_m]Clyde[/name_m].
[name_f][/name_f][name_f][/name_f]
[name_f]My[/name_f] ranking with [name_m]Warren[/name_m] & [name_m]Clyde[/name_m]:
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Fern[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Maxine[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Louise[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f]Beatrice/Bea
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Ingrid[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Susie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Priscilla[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f]
Middle name pairings I especially love:
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Fern[/name_f] [name_f]Maxine[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Louise[/name_f] [name_f]Dorothy[/name_f] “Dottie Lou”
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Maxine[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] [name_f]Blythe[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Ingrid[/name_f] [name_f]Estelle[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Priscilla[/name_f] [name_f]Pearl[/name_f]