I am searching for names for my son’s little brother or sister! I like somewhat classic/traditional names but would like something not super common. Unfortunately most of the boys names I really like are in the top 50 and I kind of want to avoid that!
My son’s name is [name_m]Harris[/name_m] [name_m]Frank[/name_m] - [name_m]Frank[/name_m] is after my dad. We will probably use a family name for the middle name if it’s another boy - DH’s family is Norwegian, so mn will probably be either [name_m]Thor[/name_m] or [name_m]Knut[/name_m]. For a girl, I am leaning towards the middle name of either [name_f]Hazel[/name_f] or [name_f]Hope[/name_f] (both have meanings for us). Another thing to keep in mind is that my last name is 11 letters/4 syllables! So a 2-syllable name is probably the longest we’d go.
The only real ideas we have so far (that we can both agree on) are [name_f]Laila[/name_f] (LIE-la) for a girl and [name_m]Henry[/name_m] for a boy. Both are pretty popular right now, considering [name_f]Laila[/name_f]'s more traditional spelling ([name_f]Lila[/name_f]), and some opinions on [name_m]Henry[/name_m] say that it’s too similar to [name_m]Harris[/name_m].
I think [name_m]Henry[/name_m] is fine if you don’t mind the matching initial. Very different sounds. I have to say, [name_f]Lila[/name_f] is one my favourite names and I’m not a fan of your spelling. I pronounce that [name_m]Lay[/name_m]-la, it’s a pretty common spelling for [name_f]Layla[/name_f] here.
I get a lot of differing opinions on [name_f]Laila[/name_f]. It’s actually the spelling that is common in Scandinavian countries and it is a very popular name in Norway (it’s also the name of a Norwegian perfume). Some people don’t like that it would be mispronounced a lot, but I don’t think I really care. You correct someone once, they’ll know how to say it from then on!
That being said, I’m not loving it as much as I had. Thanks for your suggestions!
I prefer [name_f]Laila[/name_f] [name_f]Hope[/name_f] and [name_m]Henry[/name_m] [name_m]Thor[/name_m]. Personally, I don’t consider popularity in whether I like a name or not, so I think both of your choices are great!
I really like some of the names you guys suggested! I came across [name_f]Calla[/name_f] recently and thought it was so pretty, and [name_m]Ronan[/name_m] is one of my fave boys names (although DH dislikes because it’s Irish - nothing against the Irish, but we are not!)
[name_f]Lena[/name_f] is a name I’ve always liked, too. [name_m]Lino[/name_m] was my grandfather’s name and [name_f]Lina[/name_f]/[name_f]Lena[/name_f] would be a way to honor him too, and it’s definitely not very popular.
Any other ideas, particularly for girls? We are finding out this weekend and my strong suspicion is that it’s a girl!
I don’t know if I mentioned the other name were considering when I was pregnant with #1 was [name_f]Gretta[/name_f]/[name_f]Greta[/name_f]. We decided against it this time initially, but now it’s really growing on me again. My only hesitation - does “[name_m]Harris[/name_m] and [name_f]Greta[/name_f]” automatically make you think of “[name_m]Hansel[/name_m] & [name_f]Gretel[/name_f]”?
[name_f]Laila[/name_f] is common in Norway, but not at all popular. It is extremely dated and by a lot of people seen as “trashy” due to certain celebrities carrying the name. I have only known one [name_f]Laila[/name_f] below 30 and she changed her name on her 18th birthday. I don’t want to discourage you, and this doesn’t matter unless you reside in Norway. Personally, I think [name_f]Laila[/name_f] is a nice name but can’t get over those (very strong) associations. I also recommend [name_f]Leila[/name_f] for you.
I think [name_m]Henry[/name_m] & [name_m]Harris[/name_m] are a bit similar, but still a great set. Of the middle names I much prefer [name_f]Hope[/name_f] for a girl and [name_m]Thor[/name_m] for a boy. [name_m]Thor[/name_m] and [name_m]Knut[/name_m] are both extremely common first names and rarely used as middles, therefore I struggle a bit with suggestions but I’ll give it a try!
Interesting - I did not know that about [name_f]Laila[/name_f]! It’s really falling on my list now, so I think I may just write it off entirely!
I think if it’s a boy the mn will be [name_m]Thor[/name_m]. There are 3 generations of Thors in DH’s family and our child will be the last possibility for a 4th generation - but I’m not willing to use it as a first name! Of the boys names you suggested, I like [name_m]Archer[/name_m], but I don’t think DH will go for it. We’ll probably end up with something like [name_m]Christopher[/name_m] or [name_m]David[/name_m] if we don’t use [name_m]Henry[/name_m], lol.
I do really love [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]. We have a nephew [name_u]Charlie[/name_u], so I wouldn’t use [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] as a nn for her, but we could just stick to [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]. It’s such a pretty name. I don’t love the other nn options for [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]. [name_f]Audrey[/name_f] is growing on me too, and I like that there aren’t really nn options.
My preference on a girl mn is [name_f]Hope[/name_f] too - hopefully I can convince DH that it’s more meaningful to us than his late grandma’s name!
[name_m]Thor[/name_m] is a great name! I don’t know if you’re interested, but I added additional [name_m]Thor[/name_m]-/[name_m]Tor[/name_m]- names that you might like:
Well, DH threw out [name_f]Dorothy[/name_f] as a girl mn last night for his mom’s mother who passed away when his mom was only about 20. Not a fan!!
He also still really loves [name_f]Laila[/name_f] (maybe I can go with [name_f]Lyla[/name_f] for the spelling - eliminates the pronunciation confusion) and he does NOT like [name_f]Greta[/name_f] anymore. Grrr!
[name_m]Mitchell[/name_m] is actually kind of cute… thanks!
