Sister for Desmond

Name Advice
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[name_m]Hi[/name_m]! [name_m]Just[/name_m] found out I am expending [name_f]Baby[/name_f] #2 :smiling_face_with_three_hearts: Our son’s name is [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] - nn [name_m]Dezi[/name_m], but we mostly use his full name. We are set on another boy name for a potential brother (Graham), but stuck on a girl’s name. I know we have lots of time to decide and a 50% chance we won’t need a girl’s name at all, but hey- I’m a name nerd! Let the games begin! Our favorite for years has been [name_f]Calla[/name_f], but I don’t love the way it sounds with our last name, which also starts with “La”, although it’s a “low” sound, not “lah.” It just seems like a mouthful. Plus, we live in an area with a lot of Spanish speakers, and calla means “be quiet/shut up” in Spanish so I think it’s out. The other names we like are all totally different stylistically!

[name_f]Scout[/name_f] (too out there? Too TKAM?)

[name_f]Mattea[/name_f] (I love this & my dads name is [name_m]Matthew[/name_m], but my hubby is worried it will be shortened to Mattie/Maddie)

[name_f]Sinéad[/name_f] (spelling/pn issues? [name_f]Sinéad[/name_f] O’Connor association? Also last name has a “zh” sound)

[name_f]Thea[/name_f] (it’s ok- I know a very nice [name_f]Thea[/name_f], no major issues with this one just not sure if I love it)

Vivian/Vivien (too serious? I don’t know if I see it on a baby/little girl)

[name_m]Finley[/name_m] (hubby’s suggestion - would it sound like a brother to [name_m]Desmond[/name_m]? Would it get shortened to [name_m]Fin[/name_m]? Is it too close to my best friend’s daughter Kinsley?)

[name_f]Vera[/name_f] (also hubby’s suggestion - same as with [name_f]Vivian[/name_f], not sure I see this as a little girl’s name)

Opinions and suggestions are very welcome! MN will likely be something to honor family. Some rejects, either by hubby or me: [name_f]Maeve[/name_f], [name_f]Eloise[/name_f], [name_f]Georgie[/name_f], [name_f]Katherine[/name_f] “Kit”, [name_f]Aisling[/name_f].

Oh- no D or L initials please! :pray:

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[name_m]Welcome[/name_m]! Bro’s name is lovely! I don’t think [name_f]Scout[/name_f] really jives with bro’s name and [name_f]Mattea[/name_f] would likely get shortened to [name_f]Mattie[/name_f] or [name_f]Tia[/name_f] in the [name_f]English[/name_f] speaking world, I think the [name_f]Sinead[/name_f] O’Connor association is strong.
I think [name_f]Vivian[/name_f] is the closest to [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] vibe wise but I’ll suggest some others:

[name_f]Anneliese[/name_f] nn “Annie” or “Lissy” or “Lisa” “Dezi & Ani” “Dezi & Lissy”
[name_f]Giselle[/name_f] / [name_f]Gisella[/name_f] nn “Gia” or “Zelli” “Dezi & Zelli”
[name_f]Rosella[/name_f] nn “Rosie” or “Zella/Zelli”
[name_f]Marisol[/name_f] nn “Mari” or “Soli” “Dezi & Mari” “Dezi & Soli”

Hopefully these help :slight_smile:

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[name_f]Scout[/name_f] → sparky, cool and literary - I like it a lot. You could do [name_f]Scout[/name_f] as a nickname? [name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] ‘Scout’; [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] ‘Scout’; [name_f]Sorcha[/name_f] ‘Scout’

[name_f]Mattea[/name_f] → this has flair and brightness but she might like [name_f]Mattie[/name_f] and people may call her that

[name_f]Sinead[/name_f] → I don’t find it trick, but then, I know the name. I’m not sure I 100% love it - a bit harsh maybe? - but I’m kind of enjoying the idea of a little [name_f]Sinead[/name_f]? [name_f]Mairead[/name_f], [name_f]Sienna[/name_f], [name_f]Seren[/name_f], [name_f]Ingrid[/name_f] and [name_f]Indigo[/name_f] came to mind

[name_f]Thea[/name_f] → sweet and stylish, but if you don’t love it, maybe put it on the backburner for now

[name_f]Vivian[/name_f] → I don’t think it’s too serious - quite sassy and sparky. [name_f]Vivi[/name_f] would make a sweet nickname

[name_m]Finley[/name_m] → sweet but tough round the edges. She may well get called [name_m]Fin[/name_m] - it is the obvious shortening. [name_f]Kinsley[/name_f] and [name_m]Finley[/name_m] are quite close, but not so close that it would be weird. I’d check the stats where you are, see how it ranks in terms of girls/boys

[name_f]Vera[/name_f] → kind of charming and vintage. You could do [name_f]Verity[/name_f] ‘Vera’ for something a bit more lively?

A few more ideas:

[name_f]Anthea[/name_f]

[name_f]Athena[/name_f]

[name_f]Vita[/name_f]

[name_f]Astrid[/name_f]

[name_m]Everett[/name_m] ‘Evy’

[name_f]Mira[/name_f]

[name_f]Amelie[/name_f]

[name_f]Frankie[/name_f]

[name_f]Tilly[/name_f]

[name_f]Madigan[/name_f]

[name_f]Maia[/name_f]

[name_f]Maren[/name_f]

[name_f]Amara[/name_f]

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[name_f]Vida[/name_f] → similar to [name_f]Vivian[/name_f]

[name_f]Jade[/name_f] → I feel like this fits into your style, but maybe not

Finely → I personally love the name. You could use [name_f]Lili[/name_f] (LeeLee) as a nickname instead

[name_f]Rae[/name_f] [name_f]Theadora[/name_f] → Similar to [name_f]Thea[/name_f], and a very beautiful combination as long as it pairs with your last name, and of course, if you enjoy it

[name_f]Renae[/name_f] → Kind of classic, but a fun sounding name for a little girl

[name_f]Juniper[/name_f] → I love this name, and I personally think it fits into your style

[name_f]Hope[/name_f] some of these help! Congratulations!

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I love [name_f]Mattea[/name_f], [name_f]Thea[/name_f], [name_f]Vivien[/name_f], & [name_f]Vera[/name_f] from your list! I think [name_f]Mattea[/name_f] being shortened without your consent is less likely to happen these days–kids are going by full names quite often. I have met babies named [name_f]Vivien[/name_f] and Vera–they work beautifully on babies and aren’t too serious, in my opinion. But if the nickname [name_f]Vivi[/name_f] helps make it cuter, it’s available.

Other ideas:

[name_f]Addie[/name_f]
[name_f]Addilyn[/name_f]
[name_f]Allie[/name_f]
[name_f]Bridget[/name_f]
[name_f]Catalina[/name_f]
[name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]
[name_f]Christianne[/name_f]
[name_f]Christine[/name_f]
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Eisley[/name_f]
[name_f]Emelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Iona[/name_f]
[name_f]Josie[/name_f]
[name_f]Kenna[/name_f]
[name_f]Melina[/name_f]
[name_f]Meryl[/name_f]
[name_f]Norah[/name_f]
[name_f]Roxie[/name_f]
[name_f]Saoirse[/name_f]
[name_f]Violet[/name_f]
[name_f]Viviana[/name_f]

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Thoughts on the names you listed:

  • [name_f]Scout[/name_f]: Very TKAM, but also very cute
  • [name_f]Mattea[/name_f]: if you really want to avoid the nickname [name_f]Mattie[/name_f] or [name_f]Maddie[/name_f], it would probably be a good name to avoid
  • [name_f]Sinéad[/name_f]: depending on where you live, it could be difficult for people to pronounce or spell
  • [name_f]Thea[/name_f]: I really love the name. There are longer versions – [name_f]Dorothea[/name_f], [name_f]Theodora[/name_f], Theresa– that could have [name_f]Thea[/name_f] as a nickname if you love any of those
  • Vivian/Vivien: it is a little serious, but all adult Vivian’s were once baby Vivian’s! Vivienne/Vivianne/Viviana might seem less serious?
  • [name_m]Finley[/name_m]: I think [name_m]Finley[/name_m] goes well with [name_m]Desmond[/name_m]. I would assume a family with children [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] and [name_m]Finley[/name_m] was [name_m]Irish[/name_m]. I don’t think it is too close to [name_f]Kinsley[/name_f].
  • [name_f]Vera[/name_f]: I think it fits as a little girl’s name, and is quite lovely

Other names:

  • [name_f]Lena[/name_f]
  • [name_f]Cara[/name_f] (similar to [name_f]Calla[/name_f], but without the issues you noted)
  • [name_f]Rhea[/name_f]
  • [name_f]Antonia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Andi[/name_f], [name_f]Annie[/name_f], [name_f]Toni[/name_f], Tonia)
  • [name_f]Tessa[/name_f] (similar to Thea)
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You’re right; I do love [name_f]Juniper[/name_f] - my old dog’s name!:smiling_face_with_three_hearts:

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You have a great list and lots of time for something to rise to the top. I have a few ideas grouping your names by style and sound.

Names like [name_f]Mattea[/name_f] and [name_f]Thea[/name_f]: [name_f]Etta[/name_f], [name_f]Faye[/name_f], [name_f]Anya[/name_f], [name_f]Zara[/name_f], [name_f]Eva[/name_f], [name_f]Alma[/name_f], [name_f]Petra[/name_f], [name_f]Nina[/name_f], [name_f]Ines[/name_f], [name_f]Esti[/name_f], [name_f]Mina[/name_f], [name_f]Elena[/name_f], [name_f]Una[/name_f], [name_f]Mara[/name_f]

Names like [name_f]Vivian[/name_f] and [name_f]Vera[/name_f]: [name_f]Olive[/name_f], [name_f]Simone[/name_f], [name_f]Ada[/name_f], [name_f]Harriet[/name_f], [name_f]Greta[/name_f], [name_f]June[/name_f], [name_f]Helen[/name_f], [name_f]Esme[/name_f], [name_f]Audrey[/name_f], [name_f]Gwen[/name_f], [name_f]Sylvia[/name_f]

Names like [name_f]Scout[/name_f] and [name_m]Finley[/name_m]: [name_m]Remy[/name_m], [name_f]Wynn[/name_f], [name_f]Piper[/name_f], [name_f]Frankie[/name_f], [name_f]Juno[/name_f], [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f], [name_f]Marlowe[/name_f], [name_f]Afton[/name_f], [name_f]Romy[/name_f], [name_f]Sloane[/name_f], [name_f]Hadley[/name_f], [name_f]Briar[/name_f], [name_f]Seren[/name_f], [name_f]Imogen[/name_f]

Names like [name_f]Sinéad[/name_f]: [name_f]Mairead[/name_f], [name_f]Siobhan[/name_f], [name_f]Aine[/name_f], [name_f]Niamh[/name_f], [name_f]Roisin[/name_f], [name_f]Ailsa[/name_f], [name_f]Brigid[/name_f]

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I had a friend named [name_f]Matthea[/name_f] in college!

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[name_m]Desmond[/name_m] is a great name!

I think that of your options, [name_f]Vivian[/name_f] feels like the best fit. It is serious and mature (which are good attributes) but I have known enough young Vivians/Viviennes that it feels sweet and fun on a little girl. I agree with @haltingpie that going for the [name_f]Vivienne[/name_f] spelling might help lighten it up a bit for you.

A similar sounding name is [name_f]Vienna[/name_f] - I really like this with [name_m]Desmond[/name_m].

It’s a shame that [name_f]Calla[/name_f] is a no-go. Could you perhaps use something like [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] or [name_f]Calliope[/name_f], which give you the nn options of [name_f]Calla[/name_f] (or [name_f]Callie[/name_f], even). [name_m]Desmond[/name_m] and [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] are absolutely perfect brother and sister names to me!

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:smiley:

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What about Calista!!

Other ideas:
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
[name_f]Mirella[/name_f]
[name_f]Cosima[/name_f]
[name_f]Thalia[/name_f]
[name_f]Tamara[/name_f]
[name_m]Emory[/name_m]
[name_f]Catrina[/name_f]
[name_f]Stella[/name_f]
[name_f]Anniston[/name_f]

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My favourites are Vivien and Vera. Katherine would be a good idea too, among the “rejects”; it is strong and elegant and Kit is a lovely nickname.

I also suggest with Desmond:

Annabel
Leonora
Francesca
Judith
Margot

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I agree re: [name_f]Katherine[/name_f], and it’s my middle name! Sadly hubby is not on board.

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[name_f]Calista[/name_f] is great and could give us nn Calla… thank you for that thought!

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Oooh love this grouping; what a helpful way to frame it. Thank you!

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Your impressions on the names are so helpful and thoughtful; thank you!!

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Congrats on #2!

My faves from your list are Vera and Thea. I find Vivien too harsh (prefer Vivienne when pronounced in full French way with strong EN sound but may not be realistic to expect?). I don’t think you’re likely to avoid Mattie or Maddie with Mattea - unless you enforced Thea for it but that as a nn might take away from Mattea too much. I find Sinead a little harsh sounding too and probably wouldn’t use with Dezi. What about other Irish gems like Aoife, Cara, Nora, Fiadh or Clodagh? I love Saoirse too but I know there is some debate about using this name outside Ireland. As for Finley, I just don’t know if I see this with the more gentlemanly and old school Desmond (and potentially Graham). I think a more feminine name in a similar style/imaginative era would suit better (take or leave though!).

Here are some names I would immediately pair with Desmond that I think aren’t way off from what you’re considering:

Ramona (Romy)
Rosemary (Rosie/Romy)
Verity (Vee)
Marnie (maybe Marianne nn Marnie)
Helen(a) (Nell or Leni unless no L nn’s)
Cadence (Cady)
Genevieve (Evie/Vivi)
Valerie (Vali/Valley)
Eleanora (Nora)
Heidi
Fiona (Fia)
Phoebe
Sylvie
Adelaide
Tabitha (Tabby/Tibby)
Marigold
Paloma (Polly)
Annabel (Annie, Nan, Belle)
Tessa
Ingrid (Indy/Indie)
Scarlett (Scout?)

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