The Search Recommences

Girl Names
1

February 5 -

Still really liking Dulcinea Tesla! It isn’t a name I would have put together on my own, and I might not even pull it out of a lineup (i.e. “which of these combos do you like” queries), but I’m happy that it uses names that BOTH my husband and I really like, and it doesn’t seem to be a “choose the least of evils” proposition for either party. Which is really what I was hoping for and didn’t think we could actually find! Somewhere around the forums I saw an idea to do up a birth announcement at a place like tinyprints.com, and tried it out last week. As soon as I saw it finished with the surname I was like, oh yes, this is the right name. It “feels right” for OUR baby, and for THIS baby. Yeah!

As a “backup pick” I have Daisy Tesla Iverine, which is really stylistically more along the lines of something that I would do on my own. I really like the spunky rhythm of it – but it has those rotten initials and would lose that romantic song (and leave her with a Bicycle Built For Two only, argh, and yes, it has been mentioned). I’m keeping it in my back pocket for that 1% chance that I’m just totally way off base and we need a different “feel” for the overall name. I’ve never actually managed to come up with a second, “different feel” option before, but it makes me feel more relaxed.

Due in four weeks! If I freak about the name, as I’ve done soooo many times before at the end of a pregnancy, I’m at least braced for it this time, ha!

I can’t say how much I’ve appreciated all the discussion, suggestions, thoughts, comments, and general sounding-board listening of the Berry community over the past several months. Thank you, all!

2

[name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f]- this is sweet, charming, and vintage-chic. dainty and girly, it makes me think of flowers. I’d say “dul-sin-ee-ah” or “dul-seen-ee-ah”. [name_f]Daisy[/name_f] totally works as a nickname
Iverine- not a fan of the name myself, but sweet to honour your grandmother and I like that you’ve loved it so long! [name_f]Erin[/name_f] or [name_f]Rina[/name_f] could be used as a NN if you need one
[name_u]Dagny[/name_u]- this seems a bit masculine to me, but fresh and crisp. I have no idea who [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] [name_m]Taggart[/name_m] is
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]- I love this name! I have a stuffed panda named [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f], nn [name_f]Maggie[/name_f]. I think of magnolia flowers and beautifully dressed southern belles, very prim and proper but lighthearted and pleasant and friendly
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]- as long as you don’t later name a son [name_u]Tristan[/name_u], you’d be fine. The name feels very wintery, strong and regal, like a snow queen.
[name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f]- people learn to spell all kinds of names. it’s lovely and unique and fresh
[name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f]- I haven’t read Hunchback of Notre Dame so I wouldn’t have made the connection. strong but delicate, vintage with a bit of a Victorian vibe
Quenilda- I’m not a fan of Q names, but I like the medieval vibe
Svala- cute and peppy, unusual but easy to catch on to since it’s short and phonetically spelled

Hmm, what do you think of:
[name_f]Melisande[/name_f]
[name_f]Aurelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Scarlett[/name_f] (didn’t you say you loved this?)
[name_f]Ingrid[/name_f]
Margrethe ([name_f]Ingrid[/name_f] Margrethe nn Ingaret? very Scandinavian and royal)
[name_f]Helena[/name_f]
[name_f]Adelaide[/name_f]
[name_f]Cosima[/name_f]
[name_f]Corliss[/name_f]
Amaranthe
[name_f]Victoire[/name_f]

3

My favourites from your list are [name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f], [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f], [name_f]Isolde[/name_f], and [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f]. Yes, some people may not get [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f]‘s pronunciation at first, but they’ll learn, and using [name_f]Daisy[/name_f] is so sweet. I think I like [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] and [name_f]Isolde[/name_f] the best with your other kids’ names.

Iverine is lovely, but you have three boys’ names ending in 'ine, 'ian, and 'an so I thought perhaps a differing ending would work better and not leave your other daughter feeling like the odd one out.

I’m torn on [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] because I like the name, but it does automatically make me think of the book (which I’ve only read once, ages ago). Adding a “T” last name would definitely be too close for me… BUT it’s a great name.

4

My favorites from your list are:

[name_u]Dagny[/name_u]
[name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f]
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]

5

I think [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] is nice with nn [name_f]Daisy[/name_f]. I also like [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] and Iverine with the sibset. The others aren’t my style, so I don’t feel equipped to comment. Good luck!

6

[name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] - I love [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f], it’s such a delicious name to say, look at and write. All pink ruffles and glitter! I think it’s beautiful and it sounds lovely with the fantastic four. I think you can avoid [name_f]Dulcie[/name_f], especially with darling nn [name_f]Daisy[/name_f]!!! The song is beautiful too, I love the idea of a child having it’s own song. Your daughter will most likely look like a [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] too.

Iverine - [name_f]Lovely[/name_f]! Feminine form of [name_m]Iver[/name_m]? I like it and it’s got meaning to you. I would actually love [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] Iverine as a whole name, or Iverine [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f]. Iverine’s very sweet and lavender like, I love how it feels like really neat handwriting, scented letters and pink silk ribbons.

[name_u]Dagny[/name_u] - [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] [name_u]Tyler[/name_u] doesn’t make me think of [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] [name_m]Taggart[/name_m]. I love this book, [name_f]Ayn[/name_f] [name_m]Rand[/name_m] is fantastic. You love this name so much I don’t think the connection should put you off. Especially as you love the book! [name_u]Dagny[/name_u]'s very deep pink to me, velvet dresses, Norwegian forest cats and fairy tales, ear muffs, fur lines robes…

[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] - I think this is fabulous too. Lots of sweet nicknames. Not my favourite though, mostly because I always think of the movie and that [name_m]Tom[/name_m] [name_f]Cruise[/name_f] line. [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]'s green and pink water colours floating around, vintage pearls on the hardwood floors and lots and lots of lace.

[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] - Nope, not too much. At least not for me. It works wonderfully with siblings. [name_f]Isolde[/name_f]'s the purest white, lots of snow and hiding under hills, bows and arrows, horses. [name_f]Isolde[/name_f]'s super romantic and I love that.

[name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f] - I agree with you on this one.

[name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f] - those are my feelings on the name. Mostly because I’m not a huge fan of the novel, but the name is fabulous. It’s on my maybe list at the moment. [name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f] feels like very expensive emerald green lace and velvet dresses, covered in diamonds and well, emeralds.

Quenilda - I love this, and I love how it would bridge your other children’s names together. Plus, who doesn’t love a Q name? Quenilda’s another pink one, dusty pink and an overflow of roses. [name_f]Rose[/name_f] scented perfume and stars scattered all over the floors. Sparklers and joy.

Svala - Sweet!!! I think this is a little beaut. I think of swallows and nature. Svala’s blue, free and open.

No suggestions from me as you’ve got my whole list… but I think the ones you’ve got here are smashing. My ranking:
[name_u]Dagny[/name_u] and [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f]
Quenilda
Iverine and [name_f]Isolde[/name_f]
Svala
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f]
[name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f]
[name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f]

7

I haven’t really been commenting on your posts so far, because I don’t really feel like I’d be that much help. I sort of feel out of my league. :slight_smile: I am really loving [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] for you, though, and [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] [name_u]Tyler[/name_u] sounds really sweet (I think you could even pull [name_f]Daisy[/name_f] from it, although I’m not sure if it’s pointless, since it contains 3 of the same letters, is just as long, and almost seems like a totally different name?). I also really like [name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f] (swoon!) and Esmee is a sweet nn. Maybe you could use [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] as a middle? It seems very sentimental, but not really your favorite? Maybe you like the ties more than the actual name? I feel that way about some names–[name_f]Amelie[/name_f], for example. I love the ties for it, but I don’t love it enough to use it up front. Which is why I’m considering it as a middle. Something like [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] would be sweet?

Is [name_f]Fia[/name_f] off the table, then? I know Fiala wasn’t your favorite option, but I still miss the idea of [name_f]Eve[/name_f] and Fiala as sisters!

8

I think I like [name_f]Isolde[/name_f] best out of these, and it’s lovely with your other children’s names. I used to know an [name_f]Iseult[/name_f]. It’s a nice name, and not too closely tied to [name_u]Tristan[/name_u].

9

I don’t remember your specifications but here are some new ideas since I last commented on your posts:

[name_f]Esperanza[/name_f] or [name_f]Esperance[/name_f]
[name_f]Geneva[/name_f]
[name_f]Karine[/name_f] (Norwegian form of [name_f]Catherine[/name_f])
[name_f]Kerensa[/name_f]
[name_f]Marisol[/name_f]
[name_f]Verena[/name_f], [name_f]Verita[/name_f], [name_f]Veradis[/name_f], [name_f]Vera[/name_f] or any other variation
[name_f]Vienne[/name_f] or [name_f]Vianne[/name_f]
[name_f]Alida[/name_f]
[name_u]Averil[/name_u]
[name_u]Arliss[/name_u]
[name_f]Charis[/name_f] or [name_f]Karis[/name_f]
Eirlys
[name_f]Kalina[/name_f]

[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] is pure [name_u]Tristan[/name_u] and… to me but I forgot about there even being an [name_f]Esmerelda[/name_f] in the Hunchback of Notre Dame

10

[name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] – I am not entirely sure how to pronounce this name, but I think I love it! [name_f]Daisy[/name_f] is a cute nn too. I know what you mean about the 4 syllable names needing a nickname, but the nickname itself not being substantial enough to work on its own. I like the possibilities with this name.

Iverine – This name is absolutely beautiful. [name_f]Iva[/name_f] is a great nickname. I also have a faint memory of knowing someone from my childhood called [name_f]Rina[/name_f]. I don’t know what the full name was, but that could also work here as a nickname.

[name_u]Dagny[/name_u] – I don’t see this name as feminine, especially compared to your other choices. I don’t like this one so much…

[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] – this name is middle of the road for me. You mentioned having a negative association to part of the name. If you can’t get over that, I wouldn’t choose this name. You really want to love every aspect of the name you give your child. Avoid any negative associations at all cost is my philosophy.

[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] – Not really a fan, you have much better options here.

[name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f] – I agree with you, spelling and pronunciation problems galore. [name_m]Skip[/name_m].

[name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f] – This name will always have the Hunchback association, but I don’t see any reason why it can’t be used in the modern world. I love it actually. Very beautiful and understated in my opinion.

Quenilda – not a fan.

Svala – also not a fan.

Overall, my favorite names from your list are [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f], Iverine and [name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f]. It’s a toss up between Iverine and [name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f] for the best, they are both just totally, completely stunning.

Best of luck!!

11

I’m loving Iverine to go with your other kids names, and what an awesome tribute to your grandmother!I like [name_f]Iva[/name_f] as a nn, perhaps [name_f]Vera[/name_f] or maybe [name_f]Vina[/name_f] would also work?

My second favorites are [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] and Svala, followed by [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f]

12

Edited for privacy.

13

[name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f], [name_u]Dagny[/name_u], and [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] are the ones I like the most.

I can totally see [name_f]Daisy[/name_f] being a nn for [name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] or you could use [name_f]Cindy[/name_f] as well. My only reservation with that one is that it begins with dull, which I could see causing teasing problems if she doesn’t go exclusively by her nn.

I think [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] fits the vibe you’re looking for, but I can totally understand being unsure of how it will be received among bookish types. I would immediately associate it with [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] [name_m]Taggert[/name_m], but that’s not necessarily a good reason to chuck it if you love it.

[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] is the most usable, imo, and with so many great nn’s I don’t see it being a problem to avoid [name_f]Nola[/name_f]. I think it definitely has that delicate but strong vibe. If it were me I’d probably pick this one.

14

Dulcenea nn [name_f]Daisy[/name_f] is brilliant! This is probably my favorite for you. You would get to use 2 favorites in one name and the song is a great bonus! If you don’t use Dulcenea as first definitely use her as a middle!
[name_f]Love[/name_f] Iverine! Possibly too close to [name_f]Evie[/name_f], but she’s the perfect middle if you chose not to use her as a first.
[name_u]Dagny[/name_u] is great with your other kids names, plus she’s Scandinavian. To avoid [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] T have you considered using [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] as a nn for something?
[name_f]Love[/name_f], [name_f]Love[/name_f], [name_f]Love[/name_f] Quenilda! Quenilda Iverine of Quenilda Dulcenea would be awesome!
I have one idea for you, at one point you had [name_f]Tesla[/name_f] on your list. Have you considered [name_f]Quintessa[/name_f] [name_f]Lydia[/name_f] (or another “L” middle) nn [name_f]Tesla[/name_f]?

15

Oh my! Wow! You are brave. [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] is the only one that I would consider, but I like [name_f]Nola[/name_f].
If you didn’t already have [name_f]Eve[/name_f]/[name_f]Evie[/name_f], I would say go for Iverine nn [name_f]Iva[/name_f]. It’s stunning and I think [name_f]Iva[/name_f] is so sweet. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_f]Renie[/name_f] as a nn? It’s a nn for [name_f]Irene[/name_f]. It is still a tad matchy with your other daughter, but not as much.
Suggestions:
[name_f]Xanthe[/name_f] or [name_f]Xanthia[/name_f] - It is similar to [name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f] and you could use the nn [name_f]Thea[/name_f], if you like
[name_f]Isis[/name_f]
[name_f]Odette[/name_f]
[name_f]Magdalena[/name_f]
[name_f]Signe[/name_f]/[name_f]Signy[/name_f] - Instead of [name_u]Dagny[/name_u]. Sorry, but [name_u]Dagny[/name_u] kind of sounds like swearing.
[name_f]Jacinda[/name_f]/[name_f]Jacinta[/name_f]/[name_f]Giacinta[/name_f] - [name_f]Cinta[/name_f], [name_f]Jinx[/name_f] or [name_f]Gia[/name_f]
[name_f]Marcella[/name_f]/[name_f]Myrcella[/name_f]

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Edited for privacy.

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Edited for privacy.

18

I love [name_f]Isolde[/name_f] :slight_smile: That’s my favourite from your list. I like the sound of [name_f]Evie[/name_f] and [name_u]Issy[/name_u] as sisters :slight_smile:

19

I love [name_u]Dagny[/name_u], [name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] and [name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f]. I don’t find [name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f] difficult to pronounce.

20

[name_f]Dulcinea[/name_f] - really pretty but a little too exotic for a first name? would be nice for a middle

Iverine - I would only use this as a middle. I love honor names, but this is great.

[name_u]Dagny[/name_u] - [name_f]Love[/name_f] it. Think it fits with your other kids’ names well.

[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] - love it.

[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] - [name_f]Love[/name_f] it

[name_f]Iolanthe[/name_f] - very pretty, but agree about the spelling/pronunciation

[name_f]Esmeralda[/name_f] - not my favorite, but I like the idea of [name_f]Esme[/name_f] as a nn

Quenilda - not my style at all

Svala - doesn’t seem to go with your other kids’ names

Ingaret- prefer as a middle.