Our son is named [name_u]Cedar[/name_u], and we are currently expecting #2 (do not know the sex).
My husband and I both love the name [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] (and to a lesser extent [name_u]Juniper[/name_u]) if #2 is a girl, but already when people hear we are expecting they make jokes about “What will their name be, [name_m]Pine[/name_m] Tree?” etc.
My husband is a horticulturalist, we live in the pacific northwest, and we both love unusual names; we knew [name_u]Cedar[/name_u] was an uncommon name and were prepared for some negative feedback.
That being said, we don’t want to set up our kids for endless teasing about both being “trees” or something like that.
Would really appreciate honest feedback! Thank you in advance.
If possible, I would try to find another name you love that doesn’t set up quite as clear a botanical theme. Some ideas:
Seneca
Dakota
Shepherd
Fox
Ember
Sky
Lochlan
June
Aurora
Raine
Larkin
Sienna
Coral
Blaise
Wren
Goldie/Golda
Dale
Brooke
Hudson
Atlas
Phoenix
Olympia
Zara
Pearl
Celeste
Everest
I really adore this botanical theme you have, and it really is meaningful for your family. I’m sorry you’ve been getting such negative/mocking feedback; that must get tiresome! [name_u]Cedar[/name_u] is a strong, steady, fantastic name. I think [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] is lovely, and as is [name_f]Laurel[/name_f]. However, if you’re worried about the tree theme, perhaps a name that is related to nature but not a tree, or a less obvious tree name?
Similar to [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u]:
[name_f]Sahara[/name_f]
[name_f]Sedona[/name_f]
[name_f]Sonora[/name_f]
[name_f]Solstice[/name_f]
[name_f]Soleil[/name_f]
[name_f]Scirocco[/name_f]
Other ideas:
[name_f]Cassia[/name_f]
[name_f]Lark[/name_f]/[name_u]Larkin[/name_u]/Larkspur
[name_f]Briar[/name_f]
[name_f]Elowen[/name_f]
[name_f]Sylvia[/name_f]/[name_f]Sylvie[/name_f] (means forest, which is adorable)
[name_f]Acacia[/name_f]
[name_f]Araluen[/name_f]
[name_f]Anise[/name_f]
[name_f]Arbor[/name_f]
[name_f]Briony[/name_f]
[name_f]Camellia[/name_f]
[name_f]Hyacinth[/name_f]
[name_f]Swan[/name_f]/[name_f]Swanhild[/name_f]
I also live in the [name_m]Pacific[/name_m] Northwest and personally I love the tree theme! The jokes people have made are somewhat rude, but if they heard your choice I doubt there would be much mockery because [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] is lovely (as is [name_u]Juniper[/name_u], which I lean toward only because of the phonetic alliteration between [name_u]Cedar[/name_u] and [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u].)
Additionally I want to give you some reassurance as someone who also works in childcare. The likelihood of your children being teased by other kids is extremely small. Adults are another matter, but as a parent you can put another adult in their place if they are being uncouth.
These are not unheard of names in our neck of the woods and there are far worse themes than being named after the splendor of our forests.
I’m normally really not a fan of themes at all, not even like a letter theme or something minor like that… but honestly, I love this! ESPECIALLY knowing your husbands a horticulturist. I like [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] better than [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] I think.
Thanks so, so much to everyone who kindly responded to this post. You’ve given us many other names we hadn’t thought of but are aligned with what we’re looking for. This is helpful. I will try to remember to update this thread once we make our final decision. Thanks!!!
I agree with basically everyone. The likelihood of your children being made fun of by other children is not likely. It’s mostly rude adults making fun of you and your taste. I like [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] and if that is your favorite, you should use it. That being I might look into other plant names that aren’t necessarily trees, only because if you plan on having a third baby may make you feel boxed in. [name_f]Laurel[/name_f] and [name_f]Fern[/name_f] are great suggestions.
I have always liked [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] - which I believe also means sparrow
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u] is also more easily not impinging to oh they’re trees in ones mind
Though then both your kids names end with R
But [name_u]June[/name_u] or [name_f]Juni[/name_f] are sweet nns & further separate the tree vibe out but you will still have it
[name_f]Maple[/name_f] is cute too
I love [name_m]Hawthorne[/name_m] for a boy
Never thought of [name_m]Hawthorn[/name_m] (or [name_m]Hawthorne[/name_m]…not sure which spelling is best) but I like the nickname [name_m]Thor[/name_m].
They sounds really nice together but definitely still trees. I like [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] best and feel like [name_f]Juno[/name_f] [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] could be a very cool combo.
[name_m]Hawthorne[/name_m] is also awesome and goes nicely with [name_u]Cedar[/name_u]. Lots of cool options, so I don’t think you can go wrong. Good luck!
I know a group of sisters called [name_f]Daisy[/name_f], [name_f]Lily[/name_f], [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] and [name_f]Polly[/name_f] (after Polyanthus). If tree names a what you want to do, go for it. I wouldn’t have a clue how to pronounce [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u], but that probably depends on your region. I like [name_u]Juniper[/name_u]. You could use a more common tree name, like [name_f]Willow[/name_f], [name_f]Hazel[/name_f] or [name_f]Holly[/name_f], acne [name_u]Ash[/name_u]/[name_u]Ashley[/name_u], if you still want the theme but don’t want it to be people’s first thoughts. Or go all out and go with what you love
[name_u]Juniper[/name_u] is pretty. I’m not a huge fan of [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u], though, just my opinion. Sorry you’ve been getting so much negative feedback, I think the nature theme you have going is lovely
Well…we found out yesterday that baby #2 is a boy, so my dreams of [name_u]Juniper[/name_u] and [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u] are out. Now focusing on somewhat gender-neutral boy-ish names for a brother to [name_u]Cedar[/name_u]…I feel like choosing a name I really love will help me better accept that I am having 2 boys!
I would say no to the tree theme, but I think your options elsewhere in nature are vast! Like rivers, mountains, birds, constellations… all sorts of things! Or adventurers, either real life or in fiction, modern or older?
I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] the name [name_u]Sequoia[/name_u], and how it sounds with the name [name_u]Cedar[/name_u]. I also love the name [name_u]Juniper[/name_u], but I don’t think it goes as well with [name_u]Cedar[/name_u].
If it is a boy, perhaps the name [name_u]Aspen[/name_u]? I adore your theme!
Now focusing on somewhat gender-neutral boy-ish names for a brother to [name_u]Cedar[/name_u]…I feel like choosing a name I really love will help me better accept that I am having 2 boys!