The perfect girl name... Help please:)

Girl Names
1

[name]Hi[/name] All!

I am a new poster here but have been browsing off and on since I got pregnant with our second almost 4 years ago. I am currently pregnant with our fourth child and we have our anatomy scan Thursday morning. In the past we have always had a super short list of both boy and girl names and were able to decide on a name by that night to make an “announcement” but this time we are having a much harder time.

Here is the hard part, we have 3 boys already and a clear naming style. I also feel this HUGE amount of pressure when it comes to a girl name because this is almost definitely our last baby and if a girl, she will be our only. I already have a short list of boy names and am not really worried about picking one (we are gravitating towards [name]Jay[/name], [name]Emerson[/name], [name]Remington[/name], and a couple others… I even like [name]William[/name] which is a big family name but more popular than I would normally go.) but am having a really hard time even coming close to a girl’s name.

Here is what we have so far…

[name]Charlotte[/name] Aucoin (pronounced O-[name]Quinn[/name] surname of family friend that is important to us… When we married we always said we would give it to a daughter and honestly I would use it for a first if it was easily pronounced upon reading). My biggest issue with [name]Charlotte[/name] is popularity, which is a big issue.

[name]Austen[/name] (paired with a classic like [name]Elizabeth[/name] or even [name]Grace[/name] to give it more femininity… I love [name]Jane[/name] but can’t use that for obvious reasons)- I love this because I am an avid reader and [name]Jane[/name] [name]Austen[/name] has been my favorite since middle school but I worry it sounds too masculine next to 3 brothers.

[name]Sutton[/name] [name]Jane[/name]- This was our name pick when I was pregnant with my third but again I worry about it not being feminine enough. We have talked about calling her by both names if used.

[name]Eve[/name]- DH really likes this one but I am not sure. While I recognize it is simple, beautiful, and classic I worry that it isn’t very stunning. I get lovely compliments on my boys names all the time and I would want the same for my daughter. I also worry it is too close to the other 3 [name]Ava[/name]'s that will be in her class.

[name]Harlow[/name]- new to the list. [name]Both[/name] DH and I like the way it sounds but I worry it is too trendy and while when I found it, I had no idea [name]Nicole[/name] [name]Richie[/name] had made it popular, I would not want it to seem like I named my daughter after a celebrity… especially one I don’t even like;)

I would love any suggestions or directions in which to search.

Our sons names are [name]Paul[/name] [name]Wyatt[/name] (goes by [name]Wyatt[/name]. He is named after DH and while I love the name, I hate the popularity rise), [name]Sterling[/name] [name]Asher[/name], and [name]Briggs[/name] [name]Wilder[/name].

We are southern and I prefer names to sound a bit preppy. We have utilized the family names we like from the past 3-4 generations, so I am running out of ideas.

Our last name is 2 syllables and starts with an “M” so I consider most “M” names out. It also ends with a “Y” (EE sound) so unfortunately all cute names/nn’s ending with that sound are out (I really do like [name]Hattie[/name], [name]Lottie[/name], [name]Elsie[/name], [name]Waverly[/name], etc but they sound awful). I would also prefer not to repeat an initial but I am not opposed if it is the “perfect name”.

Sorry this was so long… [name]TIA[/name] for any help!

[name]Sarah[/name] :slight_smile:

2

[name]Caroline[/name]
[name]Claire[/name]
[name]Juliet[/name]

3

Here are some other thoughts on the names you listed above

[name]Jane[/name] – have you considered using this as a first? It is still an underused classic.
Harlowe - I have a per se adverse reaction to copycat celebrity baby names. This name will be akin to [name]Brittany[/name] or [name]Tiffany[/name] 20 years from now. I prefer [name]Marlo[/name]/[name]Marlowe[/name] or even [name]Harper[/name], which although also trendy at least has literary roots (and would be a good preppy southern name, actually)
[name]Sutton[/name] - [name]Don[/name]'t mind but would get mistaken for a boy’s name frequently, if you are concerned about that. Same for [name]Austen[/name]. [name]Sloane[/name] is another in this same vain that has recently grown on me
[name]Charlotte[/name] – This will be this generation’s [name]Jennifer[/name] or [name]Sophia[/name]. Which is fine, unless the specter of that bothers you. I prefer [name]Caroline[/name] or [name]Catherine[/name] or [name]Claire[/name] or [name]Clara[/name]. Or even [name]Scarlett[/name] or [name]Violet[/name]
[name]Eve[/name] - I like this one and seems stylish while not overly popular. [name]Evie[/name] is a cute nickname

4

[name]Sarah[/name], your boy’s names are so handsome! I can see why you are having trouble.
I agree that some of them don’t sound feminine enough next to 2 brothers.
[name]Austen[/name] might work as a mn instead.
Suggestions:
[name]Elinor[/name] - you could call her [name]Nora[/name] instead of [name]Ellie[/name]
[name]Susan[/name]
[name]Caroline[/name]
[name]Catherine[/name]
[name]Lydia[/name]
[name]Julia[/name]
[name]Alice[/name]
[name]Eden[/name]
[name]Linden[/name] - it is a boy’s name, but I love it for a girl

5

Thank you. I agree about [name]Harlow[/name], my initial like of it has slowly waned over the last 24 hours because the “tiffany” names are the ones I want to strictly avoid (ie I actually like [name]Olivia[/name], [name]Sophia[/name], and [name]Isabella[/name] but would never consider them). I don’t like [name]Harper[/name] (or any of it’s sister names, [name]Harley[/name], [name]Haley[/name], [name]Hadley[/name], etc…) and know 3 different people who have named their daughters that this year. I initially thought of [name]Harlow[/name] as old hollywood glam when I saw it but have sadly realized it is trendy.

It is funny you should mention [name]Sloane[/name], because that has also been on my short list. Honestly, the boy name confusion is our only hesitation with those names.

I like [name]Caroline[/name], but I grew up with at least 5+. Very popular in the region of the country we are from and it is DH’s mom’s middle name. DH and I also like [name]Catherine[/name] and [name]Claire[/name], but I also know quite a few of both. I think this is my issue, these are the types of names that we like but they feel popular to me. I realize they aren’t necessarily popular among this generation but they were among mine. I think this very reason is why we are having such a hard time.

I like both [name]Eve[/name] and [name]Jane[/name] but they don’t necessarily speak to me, if that makes sense?

6

niteowl13- those are some beautiful suggestions. Unfortunately DH’s family is small and a cousin’s daughter already holds the name [name]Lenore[/name] (with [name]London[/name] as a middle name- which is a 5th generation male name. And while we have “permission” to use it, with only 3 other kids on that side of the family I just cannot. I do love [name]Linden[/name] though, just wish it wasn’t so close). My sister also just named her daughter [name]Lydia[/name] [name]Rose[/name], which is the only other grandchild on my side of the family. [name]Julia[/name] is also a family name that my cousin gave to her daughter last year. I like [name]Eden[/name] but DH says no.

7

Have you considered [name]Quinn[/name] as a first name to honor your friend? If Aucoin would be a consideration sans pronunciation issues, [name]Quinn[/name] would be a nice bridge. She would fit nicely with your handsomely named boys as well.

8

“. I think this is my issue, these are the types of names that we like but they feel popular to me. I realize they aren’t necessarily popular among this generation but they were among mine. I think this very reason is why we are having such a hard time.”

That totally makes sense to me. Here are some other of my personal favorites:

[name]Cecily[/name]
[name]Paige[/name]
[name]Lila[/name]
[name]Tess[/name]
[name]Della[/name] (standing alone or as a nickname for [name]Adele[/name] or [name]Delphine[/name]/[name]Delphina[/name])
[name]Simone[/name]
[name]Daphne[/name]
[name]Camille[/name]
[name]Magnolia[/name] nn [name]Nola[/name]
[name]Cara[/name] (I realize this is dated but I love it)
[name]Nina[/name] (ditto)
[name]Piper[/name] (this one has grown on me since there are several in my daughter’s preschool)

9

From your list, I love [name]Eve[/name] and [name]Austen[/name]. [name]How[/name] about [name]Eve[/name] [name]Austen[/name]?

10

You know, [name]Hattie[/name] is usually a nickname to [name]Harriet[/name], but I don’t know how well it goes with your boys’ names!

[name]Wyatt[/name], [name]Sterling[/name], and [name]Briggs[/name] all make so much sense next to [name]Harlow[/name]. Who cares about [name]Nicole[/name] [name]Richie[/name]? Whenever I see that someone named their kid [name]Harlow[/name], I don’t automatically think they’re a [name]Nicole[/name] [name]Richie[/name] fan, and I don’t think most people draw that conclusion either. So I think you’re good there. Other names like [name]Harlow[/name]? [name]Arlo[/name], [name]Harper[/name], [name]Hazel[/name], [name]Willow[/name], [name]Lilo[/name], and a few others, I’m just having a brain fart. :stuck_out_tongue:

I actually really like that you’re thinking of using Aucoin, especially for the reasons. Why can’t you spell it Aquin? Or you could really just do [name]Quin[/name]/[name]Quinn[/name], as the family would get the reference, whether by hearing the name choice, or telling them. I think its a darling idea and [name]Quin[/name] sounds perfect with your boys’ names! To be honest, I think [name]Quinn[/name] would be the best option.

My suggestion:
[name]Quinn[/name] [name]Harlow[/name] or [name]Quinn[/name] [name]Austen[/name]!

11

Hmm how about an elaboration of [name]Eve[/name], like [name]Evelyn[/name], [name]Everly[/name], [name]Eveline[/name], [name]Yvette[/name], [name]Evangeline[/name], [name]Genevieve[/name] or [name]Geneva[/name]. They can all have the nn [name]Eve[/name] and may stand out to you more.

I also like the suggestion of [name]Quinn[/name]! [name]Aquinnah[/name] could work!

12

Perhaps [name]Austen[/name] could be a middle name, and [name]Charlotte[/name] as the first name. So it would be [name]Charlotte[/name] [name]Austen[/name].

13

Hmm how about an elaboration of [name]Eve[/name], like [name]Evelyn[/name], [name]Everly[/name], [name]Eveline[/name], [name]Yvette[/name], [name]Evangeline[/name], [name]Genevieve[/name] or [name]Geneva[/name]. They can all have the nn [name]Eve[/name] and may stand out to you more.

I also like the suggestion of [name]Quinn[/name]! [name]Aquinnah[/name] could work!

Or even [name]Chloe[/name]? It has the same feel as [name]Charlotte[/name] and similar sounds to [name]Harlow[/name].

Best of luck

14

Wow, what lovely boys names! I can certainly see your dilemma.

From your list, I like [name]Austen[/name], [name]Sutton[/name], [name]Jane[/name], [name]Eve[/name] and [name]Harlow[/name].

I do have difficulty imagining [name]Austen[/name] and [name]Sutton[/name] in the first name position (although this may be because that would be very unusual where I live). [name]Sutton[/name] [name]Jane[/name] for me just sounds like the first and last names have been switched. I’m sure though, if I actually met a real person named this, this may not actually run through my head.

I quite like [name]Charlotte[/name] Aucoin, but completely understand if you are put off by [name]Charlotte[/name]'s popularity.

From your boys names [name]Jay[/name] and [name]Emerson[/name] could also be considered as girls.

[name]New[/name] combo suggestions – I have tried to find classic, preppy, unisex and surname options.

[name]Austen[/name] [name]Eleanor[/name]
[name]Emmeline[/name] [name]Grace[/name]
[name]Harlow[/name] [name]Pearl[/name]
[name]Salome[/name] [name]Quinn[/name]
[name]Evelyn[/name] [name]Claire[/name]
[name]Sawyer[/name] [name]Florence[/name]
[name]Arden[/name] [name]Jane[/name]
[name]Solene[/name] [name]Alice[/name]
[name]Auden[/name] [name]Elizabeth[/name]
[name]Emerson[/name] [name]Rose[/name]
[name]Rowan[/name] [name]Eve[/name]

and some that I didn’t manage to pair

[name]Sutton[/name]
[name]Helen[/name]
[name]Nora[/name]
[name]Caroline[/name]
[name]Catherine[/name]
[name]August[/name]
[name]Gable[/name]
[name]Lane[/name]
[name]Garland[/name]
[name]Sage[/name]
[name]Scout[/name]
[name]River[/name]

15

I was going to say [name]Charlotte[/name] Aucoin is a keeper but I think [name]Charlotte[/name] is too similiar to [name]Wyatt[/name]. [name]Add[/name] that to the popularity factor and I would nix it. I would keep Aucoin because of the meaning to you.

Here are some girl names that are decidedly feminine but have the spunk and attitude of your boys names:

[name]Wyatt[/name], [name]Starling[/name], [name]Briggs[/name] and

[name]Aubrey[/name]
[name]Blythe[/name]
[name]Elke[/name]
[name]Harper[/name]
[name]Hollis[/name]
[name]Hope[/name]
[name]Layla[/name]
[name]Lyra[/name]
[name]Marlowe[/name]
[name]Sage[/name]
[name]Sienna[/name]
[name]Stella[/name]
[name]Penelope[/name]/[name]Pippa[/name]
[name]Piper[/name]
[name]Willow[/name]/[name]Willa[/name]

I had [name]Poppy[/name], [name]Ivy[/name] and [name]Heidi[/name] and then realised they would rhyme with your last name.

16

I like [name]Harlow[/name] as the best match with your boys names, which are wonderful BTW! I love [name]Austen[/name] and [name]Sutton[/name] also but think you will find that the sex mix up will happen.

I also thought of the following:
[name]Ashling[/name]
[name]Willa[/name]
[name]Sylvia[/name]
[name]Blythe[/name]

17

hi Sarah.

first of all your boys have great names.

I think Sutton could really work well for a girl. I happen to know a Sutton and I would not worry about if not being feminine enough. there is also a Tv show with a girl named Sutton.

I love Aucoin, I think the Meaning is so great!

other names

Reese Aucoin
Laurel
Blaine
Lenon
Kiernan Aucoin
Aria
Ashton
Genesis
Haven
Jaden
Shiloh Aucoin
Sawyer
Trista
Teagen

I personally love Nova Aucoin and I think it could really work for you. \

X

18

I love [name]Sutton[/name]! [name]Sutton[/name] Aucoin has a nice ring to it :slight_smile:

If you lean towards preppy names I think there is a tendency for girls preppy names to often feel unisex, but that’s part of their charm.

19

Thank you all so much for your wonderful suggestions! I read DH all of your responses and we have been throwing around some more ideas.

I think we have nixed [name]Charlotte[/name], while it is such a beautiful name I think the popularity of it has ruined it for me:( [name]Caroline[/name] is a real contender right now (DH is pushing hard for it lol) but I still hesitate because I just searched my FB last night and had 7 friends with that name. I think I am only considering it because it is a timeless classic but [name]Wyatt[/name]'s rise in popularity has been a source of contention for me and I just don’t know if I can handle 2 common names lol.

I still love [name]Sutton[/name] and I like hearing many of you like it as well. I do worry about it sounding masculine but then some of the prettiest little girls I know hold names like [name]Collins[/name], etc and I honestly find them precious.

I will say some of you suggested some cute names belonging to children of close friends… we see a [name]Poppy[/name], [name]Aston[/name], [name]Piper[/name], [name]Harper[/name], [name]Reese[/name], [name]Sawyer[/name], [name]Penelope[/name], etc on a regular basis (we live in Seattle right now so that adds another group of naming styles) so I think it makes it even harder that we have such creative friends lol.

Thank you again. I will be sure to update once we reach a decision… I can’t believe this is so hard!! :slight_smile:

20

Also, what are feelings on the 4 name route for little girls? I was thinking [name]Sutton[/name] [name]Jane[/name] Aucoin sounds really nice with our last name but is that too much?

Another option we were throwing around last night is [name]Caroline[/name] with a masculine middle name… almost sounding like a maiden name in the middle? I would give her mine but it is a little harsh? If we use [name]Caroline[/name] (which would be essentially naming her after my [name]MIL[/name] even though ODS already carries my husbands male family name) than I would really love the middle name to come from my side. If only my awesome mom wasn’t [name]Jennifer[/name] lol. My mom’s maiden name is [name]Hester[/name], which is awful and my Grandmother’s maiden name was [name]Barnes[/name], which isn’t as bad. This might end up being more difficult than I thought… [name]Caroline[/name] is actually a hard name to pair.