Pet names, modern names, and a sister for Teddy

Name Advice
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Hi all!!

This week’s edition of “Let Us Name Your Baby” covered three dilemmas and I’d love to get your takes on them too!

As ever, answer or vote on as much or as little as you like!

Dilemma 1:
Alice and her husband love the name Poppy for a daughter - but Alice already has a pet sheep called Poppy. Does this make Poppy unusable?

Would you reuse a pet’s name for a baby?
  • No! That’s the animal’s name now!
  • Maybe, if there was nothing else that felt right
  • Maybe, if the pet was no longer around
  • Maybe, in the middle spot
  • Maybe, it depends on what the name is
  • Yes - I don’t see the problem
  • Sure - but as an honour to the pet
0 voters

What alternatives to Poppy would you suggest to Alice? What would you do in the situation?

Dilemma 2:

Kate is expecting baby #4, a baby girl, who will join brothers Townes, Rio, and Cove. She’s feeling pressure to find something unique.

Which of these names do you like for Townes, Rio, and Cove’s sister?
  • Wren
  • Soleil
  • Gaia
  • Lilou
  • Mavi
  • Lumi
  • Juno
  • Prairie
  • Saffron
  • Birdie
  • Cypress
  • Sparrow
  • Sunday
  • Story
  • Lux
  • Fable
  • Ever
0 voters

What would you name a sister to Townes, Rio, and Cove?

Dilemma 3:

Grace has a son called Theodore “Teddy” and is expecting baby #2. They like names that are classic but not too popular, names that are longer and can be shortened.

The name can’t be an old-lady name, too cool and contemporary, a nature name, a gender neutral name, or any of the following: Charlie, Henry, Arthur, Alfie, Freddie, George, Rufus.

Pick your favourites for Teddy’s sibling:
  • Tallulah (Lula, Lulu)
  • Matilda
  • Rosina (Rosie)
  • Barnaby
  • Albert (Albie)
  • Ernest (Ernie)
  • Sebastian (Seb)
  • Stanley (Stan)
  • Tobias (Toby)
  • Percy
  • Otis
  • Jasper
  • Felix
  • Adelaide
  • Delilah
  • Emilia
  • Evelina
  • Liliana
0 voters

What would you suggest for Kate? What would you name a sibling to a Theodore “Teddy”?

Thanks for taking part!!

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Dilemma 1:
While I think using your pet’s name for your child is okay in some cases (as mentioned in the poll, the pet has passed away, or you can’t think of any other possible names), I’m not sure it’s the way to go here. I really like the alternative suggestion of [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] – she has a bright, peppy sound similar to that of Poppy’s, but is still a separate name.

Other alternatives:
[name_f]Phoebe[/name_f]
[name_f]Posey[/name_f] / [name_f]Posie[/name_f]
[name_f]Paisley[/name_f]
[name_f]Piper[/name_f]
[name_f]Juniper[/name_f] “Junie”
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]
[name_f]Pepper[/name_f]
[name_f]Daisy[/name_f]
[name_f]Calla[/name_f]

Dilemma 3: Wanted to add [name_m]Barnes[/name_m], [name_m]Arnie[/name_m], [name_m]Bear[/name_m], [name_f]Bee[/name_f], & [name_m]Arbie[/name_m] as nicknames for [name_m]Barnaby[/name_m]!

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@daisydarcy Posey/Posie is a wonderful idea! [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f], [name_f]Piper[/name_f], [name_f]Calla[/name_f] and [name_f]Opal[/name_f] too!
[name_m]Barnes[/name_m], [name_m]Bear[/name_m], and [name_f]Bee[/name_f] for [name_m]Barnaby[/name_m] are great!!

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Dilemma 1

[name_f][/name_f]

One of my childhood pet’s names happens to be a nickname for one of my favorite names. I’m hesitant to use that full name for a future child because I fear that, initially, I would constantly associate the name with my beloved pet, whom I lost a few years ago, even though the full name offers other nickname options. While I appreciate when others use honor names, I think it would be too overwhelming for me to use the exact names of my loved ones (humans or pets). I prefer subtle honors and like to let my imagination preserve the original association. I also believe that each being is unique and deserves their own identity. For example, I tend to avoid repeating pet names, just as I look for sibling names with distinct sounds. But not everyone feels the same way and I comprehend all perspectives. I know many people who always give their dogs and cats the same names (or very similar alternatives), for example. And I’ve also encountered many siblings with identical names (e.g., [name_m]John[/name_m] and Joanna) and/or the same middle names. In my opinion, reusing a name is a very personal decision. If the name still feels right after weighing the pros and cons, it may be the perfect choice for that person or family, even if it was used before. However, considering the thousands of wonderful names that exist, I also believe there is always another beautiful new option waiting to be discovered.
[name_f][/name_f]In this particular case, using the exact name wouldn’t work for me, even as a middle name—unless it’s an intentional honor name for the pet. Otherwise, a variant or full form might be the solution, because having a living pet and a child go by [name_f]Poppy[/name_f] could be confusing.
[name_f][/name_f]Perhaps [name_f]Penelope[/name_f], with the nickname [name_f]Poppy[/name_f], would be the best choice for [name_f]Alice[/name_f] and her husband? Eventually, they could also consider a full name that works with similar nicknames like Pop, [name_f]Polly[/name_f], [name_f]Pippi[/name_f], [name_f]Penny[/name_f], [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] or [name_f]Lolly[/name_f].

[name_f][/name_f]

Other ideas:
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Peony[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Pansy[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Perla[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Petal[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Primrose[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Paisley[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Polly[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Paloma[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Petra[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Philomel[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Prairie[/name_f]

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_f]Clover[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Willow[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Birdie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]June[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Rose[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Zinnia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Malva[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Sage[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Flora[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Maisie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Iris[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Avery[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Jasmine[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Hyacinth[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Dahlia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Bonnie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Hazel[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Anise[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Winnie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Fern[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Briar[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Meadow[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Goldie[/name_f]

[name_f][/name_f]

Dilemma 2

[name_f][/name_f]

I love Kate’s list! All options are enchanting. [name_f]My[/name_f] favorites are [name_f]Wren[/name_f], [name_f]Prairie[/name_f], [name_f]Birdie[/name_f], [name_m]Ever[/name_m], [name_f]Gaia[/name_f], [name_f]Story[/name_f] and [name_f]Juno[/name_f].

[name_f][/name_f]

Suggestions for baby girl:
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Azure[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Lark[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f]Etherea
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Delta[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Vega[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Islet[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Lazuli[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Aster[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Bloom[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Nyx[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Poesy[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Elysia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Iskra[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Dream[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Liriel[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Bronte[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Fauna[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Aella[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Vesper[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Halo[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Nyssa[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Opal[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Bliss[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Reverie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Dove[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Ember[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Aura[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Twila[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Fable[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Viva[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Salvia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Ianthe[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Apricity[/name_f]

[name_f][/name_f]

Dilemma 3:
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Theodore[/name_m] is a wonderful name! [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] and [name_m]Sebastian[/name_m] are classic choices and excellent pairs. I also adore [name_f]Emilia[/name_f], [name_m]Tobias[/name_m], [name_m]Jasper[/name_m], [name_m]Felix[/name_m] and [name_f]Delilah[/name_f]. [name_f]Evelina[/name_f] nn [name_f]Eva[/name_f] / [name_f]Lina[/name_f] would be so refreshing and sweet! The current list is amazing.

[name_f][/name_f]

I think Theodore’s parents may approve:
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Alexandra[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Annabella[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Angelina[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Araminta[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Beatrice[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Belinda[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Caroline[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cecilia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Celeste[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Clarissa[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Delphina[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Eleanor[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Eliana[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Estelle[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Evangeline[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Felicity[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Florence[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Genevieve[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Georgiana[/name_f] (too similar to George?)
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Harriet[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Isabelle[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Josephine[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Katherine[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Letitia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Lucinda[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Lavinia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Magdalena[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Matilda[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Meredith[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Millicent[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Miriam[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Natalie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Octavia[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Penelope[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Philippa[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Rosalie[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Rosamund[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Scarlett[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Simone[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Susanna[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Theresa[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Victoria[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Vivienne[/name_f]
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Willa[/name_f]

[name_f][/name_f]

[name_m]Anthony[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Archibald[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Augustine[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Balthazar[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Benedict[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Benjamin[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Bernard[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Carlisle[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Christopher[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Desmond[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Donovan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Ezekiel[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Finnegan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Gabriel[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Garrett[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Harrison[/name_m] (Maybe not the best idea as if means Henry’s son, but it would be great with Theodore!)
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Jeremiah[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Jonathan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Laurence[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Leonard[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Lincoln[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Malcolm[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Marshall[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Matthew[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Maximilian[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Nathaniel[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Nicholas[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Oliver[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Patrick[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Percival[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Raphael[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Randall[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Raymond[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Roderick[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Russell[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Solomon[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Spencer[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Stuart[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Sullivan[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Sylvester[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Vincent[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]William[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Xavier[/name_m]
[name_f][/name_f][name_m]Zachary[/name_m]

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