Pros and Cons of our lists?

Girl Names
1

As we wait to find out if our baby is a girl or boy my husband and I have been discussing names extensively. Choosing a name is never easy, but it’s especially difficult when we’ve already used up all of our all-time favorites. That being said, we have managed to come up with two lists, one with his top 5 and one with mine. Here are the names we need help weighing the pros and cons of:

My list:
[name_f]Ella[/name_f]
[name_f]Luna[/name_f]
[name_f]Iris[/name_f]
[name_f]Alba[/name_f]
[name_u]June[/name_u] (or [name_f]Juno[/name_f])

Husband’s list:
[name_f]Lola[/name_f]
[name_f]Rose[/name_f]
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]
[name_f]Nell[/name_f]
[name_f]Anna[/name_f]

*Siblings are [name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Abel[/name_m] and [name_f]Cora[/name_f]. We’re trying to keep things within the four-letter pattern and don’t plan to repeat initials unless it’s a name we absolutely love and think is “the one”.

2

The only downside I see is once you take away repeating initils you cut off a fair bit.

[name_f]Maia[/name_f]
[name_f]Faye[/name_f]
[name_f]Evie[/name_f]
[name_f]Zara[/name_f]
[name_f]Ruth[/name_f]
[name_f]Nina[/name_f]
[name_u]Wynn[/name_u]
[name_f]Vera[/name_f]
[name_f]Etta[/name_f]
[name_f]Mina[/name_f]
[name_f]Gwen[/name_f]

3

From your list I love [name_f]Ella[/name_f], [name_f]Iris[/name_f] and [name_u]June[/name_u].
From your husband’s list I love [name_f]Rose[/name_f] and [name_f]Anna[/name_f]. I really think all these names are adorable and match well with siblings names.

My favorites are:
[name_f]Ella[/name_f], [name_f]Rose[/name_f], and [name_f]Anna[/name_f]. I’m leaning towards [name_f]Ella[/name_f] or [name_f]Anna[/name_f] because these names match well, share 4 letters, and are two syllables.

[name_f]Ella[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] or [name_f]Anna[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] would be sweet :slight_smile:

4

I like [name_f]Alba[/name_f] but it’s probably too close to [name_m]Abel[/name_m]. I love [name_f]Nell[/name_f], [name_u]June[/name_u], [name_f]Juno[/name_f], [name_f]Opal[/name_f]. I think [name_f]Anna[/name_f] and [name_f]Ella[/name_f] are too bland/popular [name_f]IMO[/name_f].

5

My favourites are [name_u]June[/name_u] (love it!) and [name_f]Iris[/name_f]. [name_f]Anna[/name_f] is lovely as well but she shares an initial with [name_m]Abel[/name_m] which you may be trying to avoid.

6

Looks like you’ve got some crossovers where you both like really similar names!

[name_f]Alba[/name_f] & [name_f]Anna[/name_f]: [name_f]Alba[/name_f] is gorgeous but is quite close to [name_m]Abel[/name_m]. Maybe you will both be able to agree on [name_f]Anna[/name_f] since it’s quite similar? You might also like [name_f]Alma[/name_f] or [name_f]Anya[/name_f].

[name_f]Luna[/name_f] & [name_f]Lola[/name_f]: I think [name_f]Lola[/name_f] suits the sibling names the best. Similar - [name_f]Lena[/name_f], [name_f]Lyra[/name_f], [name_f]Isla[/name_f]

[name_f]Ella[/name_f] & [name_f]Nell[/name_f]: Both strong ‘L’ sounds, personally I think [name_f]Nell[/name_f] fits best with her siblings and has a bit more interest and I can see it better on a grown woman.

[name_f]Opal[/name_f], [name_f]Rose[/name_f] & [name_f]Iris[/name_f]: Although not similar sounding they’re word names, some other ideas you might like - [name_f]Lark[/name_f], [name_u]Ruby[/name_u]

[name_u]June[/name_u]: My FAVE from both lists, fits with the sibling names perfectly!

7

Lets see…

My list:

[name_f]Ella[/name_f]-This is super sweet, but the cons would be that it’s too popular & kind of nick-namey.

[name_f]Luna[/name_f]-I don’t care much for this. I know a lot of dogs named [name_f]Luna[/name_f]. It seems sort of trendy.

[name_f]Iris[/name_f]-Not a huge fan. It’s fine in theory; I just don’t personally care for the sound of it. And…you’d have two floral girls & one non floral girl.

[name_f]Alba[/name_f]-[name_m]Way[/name_m] too close to [name_m]Abel[/name_m], right? ([name_u]Love[/name_u] [name_m]Abel[/name_m], btw!)

[name_u]June[/name_u] (or [name_f]Juno[/name_f])-I like them both, but kind of prefer [name_f]Juno[/name_f] as a nn for [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] or [name_f]Junia[/name_f]. [name_u]June[/name_u] is classic, & fits better w/your crew.

Husband’s list:

[name_f]Lola[/name_f]-This is cute & spunky. I like it better for a nn too.

[name_f]Rose[/name_f]-This is perfect. Very classic. You again have the floral name dilemma though, if you really want me to knit-pick.

[name_f]Opal[/name_f]-I do’t love this one. I like old lady names, but this one is just too old lady for me.

[name_f]Nell[/name_f]-I like this better as a nn, but it’s alright. I love [name_f]Nellie[/name_f].

[name_f]Hope[/name_f] this helps. :slight_smile:
[name_f]Anna[/name_f]

8

Choose [name_f]Rose[/name_f].

9

[name_m]Favorite[/name_m] to least favorite:
[name_u]June[/name_u]
[name_f]Nell[/name_f]- [name_f]Nell[/name_f] & [name_u]June[/name_u] are both a great fit with [name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Abel[/name_m], and [name_f]Cora[/name_f]. I love both names but prefer [name_u]June[/name_u] with your set.
[name_f]Anna[/name_f]- I think [name_f]Anna[/name_f] would be my favorite for you, if you dont mind the repeated initial.
[name_f]Iris[/name_f]- I really love it with sibs, and I think it works really well even though you already have a daughter with a floral name, as it is also a spunky, vintage gem like [name_f]Cora[/name_f].
[name_f]Rose[/name_f]- not the most exciting but I love sweet classic [name_f]Rose[/name_f].
[name_f]Alba[/name_f]- one of my favorite names but don’t like it with [name_m]Abel[/name_m], too similar
[name_f]Luna[/name_f]- just ok, doesn’t feel as cohesive with your set to me as many of your other options do.
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]- brilliant, but for some reason I don’t like it in the set with [name_f]Cora[/name_f]
[name_f]Ella[/name_f]- I find [name_f]Ella[/name_f] a bit bland but still pretty
[name_f]Lola[/name_f]- not a fan of this name

Maybe…

[name_u]Ruby[/name_u]
[name_f]Lena[/name_f]
[name_f]Edie[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosa[/name_f]
[name_f]Esme[/name_f]
[name_f]Cleo[/name_f]
[name_f]Kate[/name_f]
[name_f]Vera[/name_f] (though sort rhyme-y with [name_f]Cora[/name_f])
[name_f]Greta[/name_f] (5 letters which I know goes against your criteria but I really like with your set)
[name_f]Pearl[/name_f] (^^)

10

I’ll do some advantages and disadvantages for each

[name_f]Ella[/name_f] - sweet, versatile and simple, but also fairly popular

[name_f]Luna[/name_f] - lovely meaning and feel, fresh and sweet, but begins with the same letter as [name_f]Lily[/name_f] and has a similar sound to [name_m]Hugo[/name_m]

[name_f]Iris[/name_f] -bright, lively and vintage. Could be considered matchy with [name_f]Lily[/name_f] though

[name_f]Alba[/name_f] -bouncy and bright but it has similar sounds and letters to [name_m]Abel[/name_m]

[name_u]June[/name_u](or[name_f]Juno[/name_f])-[name_u]June[/name_u] is sweet, classic and charming, however it’s the only one with 1 syllable . [name_f]Juno[/name_f] is stunning and interesting but sound very similar to [name_m]Hugo[/name_m]

[name_f]Lola[/name_f] - lovely! Vibrant and sweet. But, could be considered cutesy

[name_f]Rose[/name_f] -classic, clear and simple, however [name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Lily[/name_f] and [name_m]Hugo[/name_m] are all [name_m]Harry[/name_m] potter children -does that bother you?

[name_f]Opal[/name_f] -elegant, interesting and lovely imagery. Similar ending to [name_m]Abel[/name_m] though?

[name_f]Nell[/name_f] -lovely and warm but might be considered a nickname

[name_f]Anna[/name_f] -bright, classic and clear sounding. Shares a beginning with [name_m]Abel[/name_m]

[name_f]Opal[/name_f], [name_f]Anna[/name_f], [name_f]Iris[/name_f] and [name_u]June[/name_u] are my faves

11

[name_m]Just[/name_m] to give my favourites with your family: [name_f]Juno[/name_f], [name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Nell[/name_f] and [name_f]Anna[/name_f].

12

I think [name_u]June[/name_u] is absolutely perfect!!!

[name_u]June[/name_u] gives her her own initial and her own ending — no repeat of the “a” or “o” or “y” or “l”

I personally would avoid [name_f]Iris[/name_f] and [name_f]Rose[/name_f] with [name_f]Lily[/name_f] and [name_f]Opal[/name_f] with [name_f]Cora[/name_f], but that’s your decision to make in the end :slight_smile:

13

Well let’s see… If it makes you feel any better your list is way longer than mine…
Your kids are [name_f]Cora[/name_f], [name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Abel[/name_m] …
My list:
[name_f]Ella[/name_f] this is similar to [name_f]Cora[/name_f] with the -a ending, and has an L in the middle so youd have -ly, -a, -la … Not bad but you may want to avoid -a endings and maybe the l placement
[name_f]Luna[/name_f]- [name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_f]Luna[/name_f] & [name_f]Cora[/name_f]… All nice nature names BUT you’ve got another L name and another -a name… I vote to not use this one
[name_f]Iris[/name_f]- there’s an r at the beginning of the second syllable like [name_f]Cora[/name_f] sort of and it’s a flower like [name_f]Lily[/name_f] - the similarities are subtle and the nature theme is nice, I say keep it on the list
[name_f]Alba[/name_f]- I wouldn’t use this either. It’s another A like [name_m]Abel[/name_m] and has an L and B like [name_m]Abel[/name_m]… It’s a very similar name… [name_m]Add[/name_m] -a and it gets catchy with [name_f]Cora[/name_f] too
[name_u]June[/name_u] (or [name_f]Juno[/name_f]) - you’ve got the strong U sound like with [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], definitely don’t use [name_f]Juno[/name_f]… [name_m]Hugo[/name_m] & [name_f]Juno[/name_f] is very similar and personally too much. [name_u]June[/name_u] is possible but I would stick with [name_f]Iris[/name_f] as your pick because [name_u]June[/name_u] would be your only child with a one syllable name and it feels a little too short with one sublime with one and the rest two.

Husband’s list:
[name_f]Lola[/name_f] I wouldn’t use this as it’s another L name and has a strong LO like CO and the -L- and another ending in -a
[name_f]Rose[/name_f] I love but feels short being only one syllable by comparison, Your have CO & [name_f]Ro[/name_f], you have [name_f]Cora[/name_f] so I won’t suggest [name_f]Rosa[/name_f]
[name_f]Opal[/name_f] is lovely with your girls names but I think I a little catchy with your boys.
[name_f]Nell[/name_f] I would like but it feels so short and another -[name_f]EL[/name_f] name so i say too many cons
[name_f]Anna[/name_f] I like but I think another a name plus it ends in a like your other girl…

I think [name_f]Iris[/name_f] is your main keeper! That does sway the suggestion I m[name_u]Ade[/name_u] of [name_m]Otis[/name_m] from your boys list as I wouldn’t use both but I do think [name_f]Iris[/name_f] is your best option and I like it a lot.

14

With [name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Abel[/name_m] and [name_f]Cora[/name_f], my favourites are [name_f]Iris[/name_f], [name_f]Juno[/name_f] and [name_f]Rose[/name_f], with [name_f]Iris[/name_f] as the front-runner.

I think [name_f]Alba[/name_f] is too close to [name_m]Abel[/name_m], and while I like [name_f]Ella[/name_f], [name_f]Luna[/name_f] and [name_f]Lola[/name_f], I don’t think they go well with their siblings’ names.

15

Suggestions
[name_u]Eden[/name_u]
[name_f]Esme[/name_f]
[name_f]Erin[/name_f]
[name_u]Elis[/name_u]

16

From your list I love:

  • [name_f]Alba[/name_f]
  • [name_u]June[/name_u]

From his list:

  • [name_f]Opal[/name_f]
  • [name_f]Nell[/name_f]

I have the same plans with different initials, I love the idea of a kid having their own initials!

17

[name_f]Ella[/name_f] - I like [name_f]Ella[/name_f], but I’m not sure I like it in your set. Something about it is just off, but I can’t put my finger on it.
[name_f]Luna[/name_f] - I’m really not a fan of [name_f]Luna[/name_f]. It always sounds like a pet name to me. I also definitely don’t love it next to [name_f]Lily[/name_f] and [name_f]Cora[/name_f], both because of all the repeating sounds and because it doesn’t sound as vintage and sweet.
[name_f]Iris[/name_f] - I like [name_f]Iris[/name_f] with your group a lot, and it’s such a lovely and interesting name, but I don’t like that [name_f]Cora[/name_f] would be left out of the flower theme.
[name_f]Alba[/name_f] - I love [name_f]Alba[/name_f], but it is definitely way too close to [name_m]Abel[/name_m]. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you like [name_f]Alma[/name_f]?
[name_u]June[/name_u]/[name_f]Juno[/name_f] - [name_u]June[/name_u] is my favorite name, so I’m biased, but I think this would be absolutely perfect in your set.
[name_f]Lola[/name_f] - I love [name_f]Lola[/name_f], but it is way too close to [name_f]Lily[/name_f].
[name_f]Rose[/name_f] - See [name_f]Iris[/name_f]. This fits well with your set but I don’t love leaving [name_f]Cora[/name_f] out.
[name_f]Opal[/name_f] - [name_f]Opal[/name_f] seems like a little bit of a different vibe than your other names, and I would get tongue-tied trying to call for [name_m]Abel[/name_m] and [name_f]Opal[/name_f].
[name_f]Nell[/name_f] - [name_f]Nell[/name_f] is so sweet, and she works perfectly here.
[name_f]Anna[/name_f] - [name_f]Anna[/name_f] is a nice name, but she does feel a bit boring. I don’t think it’s worth repeating the A initial.

Ranked:

  1. [name_u]June[/name_u]
  2. [name_f]Nell[/name_f]
  3. [name_f]Iris[/name_f]
18

[name_f]Ella[/name_f]: This name feels modern thanks to its components: Four letters, two syllables, ends in a. However, it also claims a lot of history, with several iconic figures. The only downside is its popularity.
[name_f]Luna[/name_f]: A rising, thoroughly modern pick, with gentleness and style. The downside is definitely the shared initial.
[name_f]Iris[/name_f]: If you don’t mind two flower names, this is one of my top picks for you. Its sound is distinct from the names of your other children, while feeling like a logical sister name.
[name_f]Alba[/name_f]: Quite unusual, and maybe a bit too tied to the famous actress? If you can look past this, however, I find this name charming and lovely.
[name_u]June[/name_u] (or [name_f]Juno[/name_f]): [name_u]June[/name_u] is wonderful: Placid, charming, and strong. [name_f]Juno[/name_f] has more of a spunky vibe, but is it too close to [name_m]Hugo[/name_m]?

[name_f]Lola[/name_f]: This name is sweet, vintage, and cool. However, is it too much like a mashup of [name_f]Lily[/name_f] and [name_f]Cora[/name_f]? It is comprised of the first and third letters of [name_f]Lily[/name_f], and the second and fourth letters of [name_f]Cora[/name_f]. That could be a delightful feature, but it sounds like you’re keen on avoiding names with close sounds.
[name_f]Rose[/name_f]: Simple, classic, and perfect. [name_f]Rose[/name_f] is so often put in the middle spot, that we forget how fresh and lovely it is as a first.
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]: [name_f]Lovely[/name_f]! It’s always puzzled me that this elegant, sophisticated, yet tailored name has gone so under appreciated in the age of [name_f]Olivia[/name_f] and [name_f]Mia[/name_f].
[name_f]Nell[/name_f]: One of my favorite names. Homespun and vintage, yet with resolve and style.
[name_f]Anna[/name_f]: There would be a shared initial, but I think this strong, classic name might be enough to overlook that for.

Suggestions:
[name_u]Ruby[/name_u]
[name_f]Lena[/name_f]/[name_f]Lina[/name_f]
[name_f]Alma[/name_f]
[name_f]Jane[/name_f]
[name_f]Mary[/name_f]
[name_f]Mara[/name_f]/[name_f]Lara[/name_f]
[name_f]Nina[/name_f]
[name_u]Eden[/name_u]
[name_f]Esme[/name_f]
[name_f]Aida[/name_f]

19

Removing repeated initials you are left with:

[name_f]Ella[/name_f]
[name_f]Iris[/name_f]
[name_u]June[/name_u]
[name_f]Juno[/name_f]
[name_f]Rose[/name_f]
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]
[name_f]Nell[/name_f]

To keep with 2-syllable theme you are left with:

[name_f]Ella[/name_f]
[name_f]Iris[/name_f]
[name_f]Juno[/name_f]
[name_f]Opal[/name_f]

My thoughts on remaining names:

[name_f]Ella[/name_f] ~ Very popular.
[name_f]Iris[/name_f] ~ Extremely popular right now.
[name_f]Juno[/name_f] ~ Uncommon and very cool!
[name_f]Opal[/name_f] ~ Fits with your naming style.

My favourites:

[name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Abel[/name_m], [name_f]Cora[/name_f], & [name_f]Juno[/name_f]
[name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_m]Hugo[/name_m], [name_m]Abel[/name_m], [name_f]Cora[/name_f] & [name_f]Opal[/name_f]

20

You guys are so thorough, thank you! I am still reading through all of the comments on our girl lists AND boy list. A lot to consider and further discuss. Right now we are really trying to figure out if we’re ok with repeating initials or not. It’s never been a huge deal to us, we don’t usually use nitials for our kids or organizing, normally it’s just color coding or their actual names because they’re not that long. Right now it’s safe to say that I don’t have a favorite name yet, none of them feel like “the name” or something I’d love to name a daughter.

As I continue to search and read through your assessments and suggestions, I hope to find the perfect name for our baby.