✨ reclaiming my invention: Rowan goes to court!

Girl Names
1

I appreciate everyone who felt inspired by the title of [name_u]Berry[/name_u] Court!! but I’m gonna bring it back to my original concept for this so forget the naming siblings from a list thing that it’s become and go with me here lol.

originally, [name_u]Berry[/name_u] [name_m]Court[/name_m] was a way for me to sort out my feelings about names by tasking posters to act like lawyers and tell me all the good, bad, and ugly about my favorite names. if the comments make me second guess, well it would then seem I didn’t like the name that much in the first place. if the comments make me defensive, then bingo we might have a winner.

usually I do this with first names but tonight I wanna tackle the name conflict causing me the most stress rn: Rowan’s middle name.

to clarify, [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] herself is not going to court. she is set in stone, almost certainly the name of my first daughter, and this is only about a middle name.

so without further ado, I’ll list the combos that have come closest for me so far. please feel free to wax poetic about your favorites or ones you think just aren’t right (in general and/or for me). however, since none of these have hit me upside the head as being perfect, I’d also really really really appreciate some ideas!

now, I also want to be clear that I do not expect nor do I want feedback for every combo on this list. I’d rather longer responses for a couple combos than ratings or short comments for all of them. those in-depth answers are much more helpful in making my decision!

the list

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Journey[/name_u]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Luz[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxto / [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxta

thank you!!

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[name_u]Love[/name_u] this idea too!!

Favorites:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] - Two gorgeous names, very feminine and playful while still being rugged and smart

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether - I love Aether as a unique middle, and I feel like she is beautiful when paired with Rowan!!

Not quite right:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] - I don’t actually mind the spelling of [name_f]Violet[/name_f], but I think it sounds almost like a descriptive term - Rowin’ violet / Rowin’ violent

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] - Very hunger games-esque, I just can’t see [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] as being a real name for a little girl (especially because the character association is not awesome either)

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[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] is the clear winner for me. I was never really a fan of either name but together it is really striking! [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] gives me boho vibes and with [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] it becomes a modern and dynamic choice. I love the way it flows and how it sounds out loud.

[name_f]My[/name_f] second choice would be [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] - this option is full on boho and whimsical. I’m feeling a cottagecore aesthetic from this name, with outdoorsy and woodsy elements. A sweet and cozy combo!

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[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Journey[/name_u] - I like these names individually. Together they seem to be lacking something. I’m not sure.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] - Not a fan of [name_u]Marvel[/name_u].
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] - [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] just doesn’t sound like a name to me.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] - I like [name_f]Freyja[/name_f], but I feel like an A ending name in the middle needs more syllables for better flow. This feels choppy.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f] - Ditto
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] - I love [name_f]Violet[/name_f]. If it were this spelling this one would be my favorite.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f] - I’m not sure I’m a fan of [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f], however, I think this flows and sounds great.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether - Feels incomplete
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] - I would guess this was a boy. [name_u]Super[/name_u] cute for a boy!
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Luz[/name_f] - I prefer more syllables.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxto / [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxta - [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxta is beautiful! The clear winner in my book! Although, I’d probably spell it [name_f]Calixta[/name_f].

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The ones I speak in favour of:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] - though I prefer the [name_f]Violet[/name_f] spelling.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u]

The ones I speak against:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Journey[/name_u] - This would have been fine, but to me it sounds like the name of a novel detailing the life of a wanderer. Whether that’s a good thing or not is upto you.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether - Sounds too masculine for my taste.
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u]

The ones I am undecided for:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Luz[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxto / Calyxta

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[name_f]My[/name_f] favourites:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] - with the warm yet rugged, earthy but stylish [name_u]Rowan[/name_u], [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] brings something a bit more electric and celestial, miraculous and powerful, giving this combo a sort of superhero-in-disguise type feel, a YA heroine glamour, a slightly futuristic, but ultimately solid and cool feel (and I mean all of those as good things). These are also two names I associate with you so they just make sense together in my head.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxto - like [name_u]Marvel[/name_u], Calyxto brings that YA/Sci-fi/modern element, along with the unusual/distinctive letter and spelling choices I know you enjoy, but they also feel really cohesive, not too ‘trying to be unique’, but just sort of magical, a little witchy, in touch with nature and the universe. A very cool name.

Ones I don’t love so much:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] - I feel like maybe this is might be an unpopular opinion, but while I like [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] for you in general, with [name_u]Rowan[/name_u], it just feels a bit - I don’t know - lacking - as if when you put these two lovelies together they somehow dull each other down. Maybe part of it is that [name_f]Freya[/name_f] is so popular in the UK? Maybe it feels more appealing elsewhere

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f] - again, [name_f]Mara[/name_f] is one I like for you, but together, they just don’t have SparkleNinja18 [name_f]Sparkle[/name_f] for me, the flow is a bit off, and while some of the other options wouldn’t be my personal choice, I do still look at them and think, yeah, that could be super cool, whereas I just don’t love these two together.

A few ideas:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Amara[/name_f] (somehow more interesting to me than just [name_f]Mara[/name_f] :person_shrugging: )

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Sunniva/Rowan [name_f]Suvi[/name_f]

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Seine[/name_f]

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Kaydance

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Cybele[/name_f]

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Ismay/Izmae/Izmay

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Ivessa/Yvessa

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Elestren[/name_f]

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Clear favourite for me is [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u]! Such a sassy, adorable name that works well at every stage of life.
Second favourite is [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Journey[/name_u].

I don’t quite like [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxta (seem mismatched imo) and [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] (I think you have better options)

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[name_u]Love[/name_u] this idea too!

I’m in favour off…

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f] ~ this is such a lovely pairing [name_f]Mara[/name_f] feels so carefree, bright, spunky and wholesome. I think she just adds to the overall whimsical flair of [name_u]Rowan[/name_u]. I truly love [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f]!

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f] ~ Honestly this name feels like a magical fairy name with this pixie energy so ethereal and fun. [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f] is beautiful especially paired with [name_u]Rowan[/name_u].

The names I’m not feeling…

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] ~ [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] feels masculine and preppy and paired with [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] feels like the name of a stereotypical jock name just not my style I prefer the ethereal mysticism of your other options.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] ~ [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] just doesn’t appeal to me feels a bit too showy and just feels so stylistically different from the peaceful outdoorsy vibe of [name_u]Rowan[/name_u].

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My favorites are

Rowan Esmeray - I love the flow of this! It feels mythical and warm, unexpected but familiar. My favorite of your combos!

Rowan Marvel - what a cool name! I love the soft Rowan with punchy Marvel. So unexpected and lovely.

Rowan Calyxta - Another fantastic combo. Very nature-y and ethereal.

Rowan Vyolet - I’m biased here because I absolutely adore Violet as a middle name. Rowan Vyolet is soft and delicate, almost like a whisper? So lovely.

Names to maybe reconsider:

Rowan Luz feels incomplete to me. It doesn’t pack the same punch as your other combos.

Rowan Glimmer - not a huge fan of this combo. Feels slightly clunky. Rowan Shimmer seems to flow better for me? Can’t put my finger on this one, but I think it could grow on me.

Rowan Journey - sounds like “rowin’ journey” to me. Not a bad thing, but something to consider.

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[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is cute, good choice!

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Journey[/name_u] - I sort of like [name_u]Journey[/name_u] but I vote against this because they are both word names and together it sounds a bit like the journey of a [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] tree which is kind of fun but sort of odd at the same time.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] - it doesn’t work for me due to the [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] movie franchise which honestly has declined a bit over the years.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] - this is kind of cute because it makes me think of a [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] tree shining in the sun. [name_f]My[/name_f] problem is

Summary

that [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] was a very violent character in The Hunger Games, if I remember correctly and I can’t unknow that association.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] - this is cute but [name_f]Freya[/name_f] is getting popular and she’ll have to explain the spelling.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f] - I personally dislike how it means “bitter” and it sounds kind of gloomy.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] - cute, but I dislike the look of [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f]. [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Violet[/name_f] is nice.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f] - cute, but I’d do Esmerée.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether - “aether” doesn’t have good associations to me.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] - I find [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] a bit clumsy, sorry!

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Luz[/name_f] - cute! approved!

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxto, Calyxta - kind of cool? approved.

I would pick one of these: [name_f]Freyja[/name_f], [name_f]Violet[/name_f], [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f] (prefer Esmerée), [name_f]Luz[/name_f], Calyxto, Calyxta. If it is [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] I wouldn’t pick it.

Suggestions:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Lux[/name_u]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Luzia[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Emmeline[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Maria[/name_u]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Maia[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Fiona[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Fay[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmée[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Cassandra[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Isabella[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Isabelle[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Persephone[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Suzanne[/name_f]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Loreley
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Quinn[/name_u]
[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Eliana[/name_f]

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I really like Esmeray or Mara (or even Amara as suggested - or I suggest, Amaryllis - they flows better), and quite like, Vyolet (but I prefer Violet with Rowan - Rowan is a non fuss name). Calixta is fun!

I don’t like Aether - too close to Ether for me; Marvel too much associated with the franchise/company - and makes name feel like a fantasy character to me; I think they’re are better word/virtue names out there than Glimmer, though I like that unexpected; I agree that Rowan Journey sounds like “rowing journey”…I do really like Dempsey but it may be too masculine - not sure about this one! Perhaps Delaney would be better?

Otherwise, some Scottish names would be good, like Skye, Isla Rose, Marcail, Bonnie, Moray etc, or another word like, Cadence, Comfort, Emberly, Bountiful, Solstice, Shale, Larkspur etc.

I think Elspeth, Callista, Eulalia, Cosima or Araminta would also work well based off your names.

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I vote for …

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] — I adore this spelling and feel it adds a mystical flair to [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] that [name_f]Freya[/name_f] or even [name_f]Freja[/name_f] certainly couldn’t. I believe I recall you specifying a certain mystical, woodsy vibe you wanted for [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] as opposed to a possible other, and I think this has exactly that vibe.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f] — [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f] conjures up imageries of storybook heroes, enchanted forests and starlit nights, which transport the versatile, grounded [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] to new levels. Otherwise, mostly the same reasoning as above. I also love the flow (If that bothers you at all) — It’s something about the different sounds and syllables.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] — The sharp and electric [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] adds spark to the soft, grounded [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] and again changes the vibe to something futuristic, literary and quite literally heroic. Tbh, the MCU association isn’t all that overwhelming to me, so [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] is also a sparkly, bright name that just reminds me of “marvelling” as in gazing up at shop windows holding dripping ice cream cones as a kid.

I’m unsure on / not a fan of:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether — I don’t love Aether visually (Both alone and with Rowan) and never know how to pronounce it. It’s also masculine in Greek mythology, and using mythological names for the opposite sex is a pet peeve of mine.
Ideas: [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Alifair[/name_f], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Azenor[/name_f], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Arbor[/name_u], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Aster[/name_u]

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxto / Calyxta: While I do enjoy the overall vibe, something about the y and x next to each other irks me visually. Calyxto feels quite masculine to me, although I’m not opposed to it on a girl.
Ideas: [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Callisto[/name_f], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Calypso[/name_u], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Scirocco[/name_u] / [name_f]Cirocco[/name_f], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Clio[/name_f] / [name_u]Cleo[/name_u], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Capella[/name_f], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Calla[/name_f], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Cassiopeia[/name_f], [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Celestia[/name_f]

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@winterlyricalfox @Mayblossom I completely forgot [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] was a character in The Hunger Games. I’m not a huge fan of the franchise. I intended for [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f] to be for the character in She-Ra.

@benton_s_mama @AStudyIn_Scarlet @Mayblossom @EloiseT the [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] spelling is definitely not changing (I find [name_f]Violet[/name_f] much too tame for me) so if that changes your comments, feel free to update!

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[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] is the one that immediately stood out to me two beautiful names individually but when put together this middle makes a name like [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] which whilst I like has never seemed special to me before (maybe because its not my style) shine in a very bright manmer.

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First of all, [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is very nice and I like how much you love it.

Secondly, because [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] is a noun, I tend to dislike it paired with other nouns. It starts to sound like a description, not a name. [name_u]Or[/name_u] maybe the name of a park, or in the case of some of your favorite middles, a hiking trail or a light phenomenon or a medical product or a flower.

Therefore, my favorite middle from your list is undoubtedly [name_f]Mara[/name_f]. Least like a noun, most like a name, and a timeless, beautiful one to boot. Gender specific also, which isn’t a priority to everyone, but would be my preference when the first name is gender neutral. (Rowan [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] would make me think the child is a boy.) [name_f]Mara[/name_f] is also easy to pronounce, whereas [name_f]Freyja[/name_f], [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f], and [name_f]Calixta[/name_f] would all run into issues.

I rest my case for [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f]!

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No, the [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] issue one of the least important among the many comments I made! All good!

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Favourites:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] - Im not the biggest fan of the [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] spelling, but I know you are and I think it actually makes this combo stand out more and become more magical. This is the combo I associate most with you

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether - This is SUCH a cool combo! Aether is dreamy and strong and this combo as a whole gives off really cool, mythical vibes!

Least favourites:

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f] - I don’t know, this names just feels like it’s lacking a bit of your usual sparkle. The flow also feels a bit off for me, maybe it’s because there are a lot of As

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] - I’ve never been a big fan of [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u]. I think it’s because when I say it, it sounds kind of weird in my mouth. Again, it just feels a little bit plain.

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[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxto: yes yes yes yes yes YES YES YES. It’s perfect. The visual shape of the names together, the mythological and Sappho-esque element with Calyxto, the extra flair of the y spelling, the high value scrabble letters with w, y, x… and this name works so well with my synesthesia, I’m seeing all the colors of the rainbow.

[name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Calyxta and [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Marvel[/name_u] are close second favorites.

I love [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Luz[/name_f] because I love [name_f]Luz[/name_f], and the combo sounds lovely, but the names don’t give me that “made for each other” feeling in the way that [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] and Calyxto do. I feel the same way about [name_f]Vyolet[/name_f] and [name_f]Mara[/name_f] (and with [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f], I immediately think of [name_u]Rooney[/name_u] [name_f]Mara[/name_f] if that bothers you)

I like the warrior princess vibes of [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Freyja[/name_f] and the preppiness of [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Dempsey[/name_u] (I see her in Cher’s yellow plaid outfit in Clueless).

I’m not sold on [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] Aether (something about Aether feels very corporate to me), [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Glimmer[/name_f], or [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_f]Esmeray[/name_f]. The only one I dislike is [name_u]Rowan[/name_u] [name_u]Journey[/name_u] because the sound of the “wan” and “journ” together clashes for me.

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