The Wonderfully Brave Girls - Continued

Girl Names
21

hanks ladies! I should’ve mentioned that my sister is an [name_f]Anna[/name_f], so [name_f]Anna[/name_f], [name_f]Ana[/name_f], [name_f]Annie[/name_f], etc are out.

[name_f]Victoria[/name_f]; [name_u]Angie[/name_u] and [name_m]Morrie[/name_m] are cute! [name_f]Love[/name_f] them.

Twilight; [name_f]Hypatia[/name_f] was cut, needed to narrow down somehow. If I stay true to myself it might be back in the morning. I love [name_m]Mori[/name_m] as a nn, [name_f]Gigi[/name_f] is cute but it’s what I call my grandmother!

Esswei; oooh, Proserpina nn Prosie is so sweet! Thanks!

yreynolds; oh, [name_f]Isis[/name_f] and [name_m]Ramses[/name_m], that is terrific! I don’t worry about ninny, I’ve asked some of my friends and they’ve all been question marks.

[name_f]Lavender[/name_f]; I love [name_f]Mora[/name_f]! And [name_f]Ora[/name_f]. Thanks so much!

Vics, again; thanks for commenting! Oh, I love [name_m]Solly[/name_m]! So much better than [name_f]Izzie[/name_f]. Nicknames obviously depends on the person, but having some in the back of my head is always good! Good top five.

[name_u]Ren[/name_u] my [name_u]Ren[/name_u]; Morgs, yes, I know about this one… I’m planning on saving it for her goth teenage years. Mwahahah! We’re all sad [name_f]Pandora[/name_f]'s gone… I shed a few tears, but I have an evil plan to bring her back. Okay, it’s not super evil…

Southern; I understand what you’re saying. There’s a nice contrast between the British and the Greek/Latin names. I feel like the Arthurian names, and Gwenllian, are all quite windy and fresh salty air, while the Greek are calmer and warmer.

Ninanoo; I loved her on [name_m]Merlin[/name_m] too. And [name_f]Eva[/name_f] [name_u]Green[/name_u]'s portrayal in Camelot was fantastic. Boadicea is pretty, and I could call her Boa! She won’t be chubby, we’re both thin. I think I could have a [name_f]Morgana[/name_f] and a [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]… if that fits. [name_f]Cleo[/name_f] is sweet isn’t it? Main question though, how could one possibly get penis from Proserpina? Thanks for all your comments!!

Goodhope; I like Nimue for an [name_f]Aquarius[/name_f] too. Ehm, so in [name_f]England[/name_f] people don’t really get nicknames unless they ask for them. Unasked for nicknames are usually not namerelated, so I don’t think any of the nicknames concerns are valid. And Sola is really cute! Or I could just use [name_m]Sol[/name_m] now that I think of it… thank you!

Kibs; Ezee is cool! Thanks! And thanks for all the commenting :slight_smile:

[name_f]Caity[/name_f]; Booty? Interesting… as I said, doubt it’d happen. Brits aren’t that much fun and way too used to weirder names.

C&P; you hardly like any of my names… need sobbing smiley again! I can kind of see what you mean though, at least with some of them. I see you picked out all the ones from the western parts of our land. Goodie!

[name_f]Gwen[/name_f]; my phone isn’t letting me do anything on nameberry… Nimue is sweet. I go back and forth, but I think Niniane and [name_f]Morgana[/name_f] have a too similar ending. And if I used both, my sister might think she was honoured… twice. Oh, the horror!

[name_f]Hermione[/name_f]; I get what you mean, but [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f] has the same thing, not really worried about that part anymore. Thanks though!
Thanks to everyone who listed their favourites, it’s appreciated!

22

I didn’t word that last post well- I do like more than the 3 I listed! I just don’t think all of them are perfect matches with [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]. You can tell from the names I like that I’m not very exotic so I’m well out of my comfort zone here and I’m probably not the best person to ask about your fantabulous names :wink:

And, yeah, I did go a bit Welsh with my choices :stuck_out_tongue: But your Welsh names are beautiful!

23

My favorite is [name_f]Calliope[/name_f] - I love it. I think it could go to the nn [name_u]Allie[/name_u] or [name_f]Callie[/name_f]!

24

I didn’t get to chime in on your last thread, but my top 3 from your list are:

  1. Gwenllian
  2. [name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
  3. [name_f]Isolde[/name_f]
  4. Proserpina (couldn’t keep it down to 3!)

I think I prefer Niniane to Nimue, but both are new to me and intriguing. The only one I didn’t like was Nausicaa, mostly because I saw “naus” and immediately thought of nausea… :slight_smile:

25

[name_f]Love[/name_f] [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] with [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]!

  1. [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]
  2. Gwenllian
  3. [name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
26

I love the idea, not sure I love the super ancient sounding names. I did a little looking, and I found [name_f]Earhart[/name_f]. that’s kind of cool. It just seems less stuffy. it would be a lot to carry around a name like [name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f] or [name_f]Isis[/name_f]. Maybe you could look for name references from more recent names that still have a vintage feel?

27

Okay, like…

[name_f]Circe[/name_f]
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f]
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]
[name_f]Isis[/name_f]
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] (although this sounds like ‘is old’)
[name_f]Jezebel[/name_f]
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f]

Dislike…

[name_f]Boudicca[/name_f] (reminds me of bodacious)
Bradamante (the ‘[name_m]Brad[/name_m]’ sounds like a boy’s name)
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
Gwenllian
Hecate
Hippolyta (not sure any girl would like ‘hippo’ in her name)
Nausicaa (reminds me of nautical and the double a looks like a typo)
Nimue
Niniane
Proserpine (sounds kind of pretentious)

I don’t really like Nimue or Niniane, but, if I had to choose, I’d go for Nimue. I think Niniane would run into massive pronunciation problems.

28

[name_f]Boudicca[/name_f] - Boo and Roo! Haha, that would be cute. However, I agree with a previous poster that I don’t like the “dick” in there. I do think both nicknames are totally adorable.
Bradamante - Ante makes me think of poker, but [name_f]Ada[/name_f] is fabulous and [name_f]Addie[/name_f] is cute. However, this one is still totally masculine for me. I see “brad”, “adam” and “man”. Also, I sort of see manatee at the end.
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f] - Ooh, I love your pronunciation! Much prefer it to ca-lee-OH-pee as so many people pronounce it here in the states. What about [name_m]Leo[/name_m] (or [name_m]Lio[/name_m]) as a nickname? Your little lion! :smiley: You could also conceivably get [name_f]Pia[/name_f] from this. Or [name_f]Calla[/name_f] (like the lily)? I really love this one, even though it shares a similar ending sound with Aprhodite.
[name_f]Circe[/name_f] - [name_f]Cece[/name_f] is fab! However, this still isn’t my favorite name. [name_f]Morgana[/name_f] and [name_f]Circe[/name_f] as sisters is witchy, especially with big sis named after the goddess of love. I don’t think this can be used if you ever plan to have a [name_f]Morgana[/name_f]. Middle name perhaps?
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f] - I like all of your nicknames for this one as well. [name_f]Cleo[/name_f] & Aphro would be funny! I think the sibset is perfect together - but is it too perfect? Too themey? That’s my only hangup.
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] - [name_f]Evie[/name_f] and [name_f]Gwen[/name_f]! I can’t choose one. I love this one, I love Arthurian names. I prefer it over Gwenllian, to be honest with you. I think the “guin” beginning is very romantic looking. I almost see “revere” in there, which is nice. [name_f]Vera[/name_f] as another nickname option, perhaps?
Gwenllian - Like it but prefer [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] of the [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] names.
Hecate - [name_f]Cat[/name_f] is fabulous; [name_f]Katy[/name_f] is heard everywhere (at least where I live). I think first of the head witch in Macbeth, which isn’t the best association for me (lots of murders!). I also don’t love the sound of this one as much as some of the others.
Hippolyta - First (and only) thing I see is hippo. If she’s even the slightest bit overweight, it’s bound to happen. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if she’s the slimmest little girl in the world, it still may happen. I would definitely avoid it!!! As a teen, I’m self conscious enough about my body without having hippo in my name. There’s a great namesake, but not wonderful enough to justify the name.
[name_f]Isis[/name_f] - You could probably go [name_u]Issy[/name_u] for this one as well. I like it, I’m just not sure it has enough substance to stand up to sister [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]. It’s definitely a short name that packs a punch, but I’m concerned it is still not enough.
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] - Still love it! I like [name_m]Solly[/name_m] as a nickname. What about Sola or [name_u]Isa[/name_u] (ee-sa) as a nickname? It’s a beautiful, brave name.
[name_f]Jezebel[/name_f] - I’m probably in a berry minority, but I like the [name_f]Belle[/name_f] nickname. Still, the name itself appears harsh to me for some reason. Maybe because of the z? For whatever reason, I just don’t love it. Also, it’s really heavily biblical.
Nausicaa - Still think of nausea, still think the double a is awkward. I don’t like this one.
Nimue - The lady of the lake! I prefer this one to Niniane. I like the softer, more lilting sound and the more romantic feeling it evokes. Perhaps [name_m]Nim[/name_m] as a nickname? It was a girl’s name in a movie my little brother watched recently. I think it’s cute!
Niniane - As stated above, I prefer Nimue.
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f] - [name_f]Pia[/name_f] is cute, [name_f]Olympia[/name_f] is gorgeous. Is the “theme” (Aprhodite & Mount [name_m]Olympus[/name_m]) a problem for you? My one thing - for some reason I am picturing a fat person. I have a picture of the Fat Lady (from [name_m]Harry[/name_m] [name_m]Potter[/name_m]) in my head. I don’t know why! I really do love the name though! That fat picture is just there for some reason! Maybe because I’m thinking mountain?
Proserpine/Proserpina - Prefer the name with an “a” on the end. The accented PEEN sound at the end of Proserpine makes me think of penis for some reason (sorry to say that in your thread!!). I think [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] is such an adorable nickname, but I don’t think the spelling or pronunciation is totally intuitive. The first couple of times I saw the name, I thought it was Prosperina instead.

SO, TO RECAP:

Top Five, in no particular order =
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f]
Nimue (I really came around to this one!)
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]
Honorable mention: [name_f]Olympia[/name_f] (maybe tied for #5, I’m just getting that weird picture in my head tonight! It’s late here…)

Nimue over Niniane, [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] over Gwenllian, Proserpina over Proserpine

I would definitely veto: [name_f]Boudicca[/name_f], Bradamante, Hecate, Hippolyta, [name_f]Jezebel[/name_f], Nausicaa

Nicknames for [name_f]Morgana[/name_f]: [name_f]Do[/name_f] you think [name_u]Angie[/name_u] is too close to [name_f]Agnes[/name_f]? Or do you go by [name_f]Ottilie[/name_f] in real life? I too have seen Morgs a lot for [name_f]Morgana[/name_f]. What about [name_u]Mo[/name_u]? Or [name_m]Mori[/name_m]?
Good luck [name_f]Ottilie[/name_f]! And sorry for such a big post!! :smiley:

29

Yeah, my top four hasn’t really changed, I’ll just provide explanations this time around.

[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f] - Still my favorite. It’s equal to [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f], but greener and more sweeping and dramatic. And it has my favorite nn options-- [name_f]Cleo[/name_f] is perfection, and [name_m]Leo[/name_m] on a girl is one of my weird long-time obsessions.
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]/Gwenllian - Argh, I can’t choose. I feel like I’m a bit biased because I’ve spent so much energy wishing I was a [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]. I’d say [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] stands up to [name_f]Dita[/name_f]'s name better, but Gwenllian feels more diverse next to [name_f]Morgana[/name_f].
[name_f]Isis[/name_f] - [name_f]Love[/name_f]. Yeah, it’s short, but its scope is just as large as [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]'s, if that makes sense. It’s all sunset pink and mirage-y and smells like incense.
Nimue - You just don’t get that -ue sound in any other name; it’s so unique and gorgeous. I like it more every time I read it.

Honorable mentions: [name_f]Calliope[/name_f], Niniane, [name_f]Olympia[/name_f]

And then I have a bottom four, of ones I’m less enthusiastic about:

Bradamante - Purely an I-don’t-like-the-sound thing. I’m definitely a sounds person.
[name_f]Circe[/name_f] - Feels so much less than [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]. Aph and [name_f]Circe[/name_f] are kind of similar in my mind, except that [name_f]Circe[/name_f]'s not a goddess and is just kind of trying and failing to be as powerful and seductive as [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]. I know that’s not how the myths go, my mind has just linked them that way almost subconsciously. It feels like a wannabe name to me, which wouldn’t be so great on a little sister.
Hecate - Eh. I don’t like the H. I get kind of a stick-in-the-mud vibe from H’s, generally ([name_f]Hypatia[/name_f] is the exception.)
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] - Feels the same as [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] to me; my brain just goes “[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]=romance=boring” when I try to appreciate it.

30

Oh, I’m so sad Hespera’s gone! She was my favorite.

That said, here are my current favorites:
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] - I love her in combination with [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f].
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]
Gwenllian

Proserpine is growing on me too.
Of the two, I prefer Niniane. It looks so beautiful written, and a little [name_f]Nia[/name_f] would be so sweet.

31

Some of this will be repeats >.<

For a nickname for Morgana: Mo, Ana, Mora, Mana, Rana, Manie, Morie

Boudicca (BOO-di-kuh) Boo, Didi – Roo and Boo is adorable. I sort of love this name. It isn’t the best with Roo, but it has such a jazzy sound! It makes me think of night clubs and drums and saxophones…I’d end up calling her Booda >.<
Bradamante (brad-uh-MAN-tee) Ante, Ada, Addie – I just dislike the sound and I’m not sure why. It makes me think of a barbarian warrior woman >.<
Calliope (kuh-LIE-uh-pee) Callie, Lia – Gorgeous! I think Calliope and Aphrodite are fabulous together, but I hate that they both end in EE. You already have my imagery on this one
Circe (SUR-see) Cece – I like it pronounced with the proper hard Greek K so I’ve never been able to get behind it. I know this is the pronunciation 99% of people use, I just don’t like it as much foot stomp :stuck_out_tongue: Besides that, it just doesn’t have a strong enough feel next to Aphrodite to me. She makes a hell of a middle, but I just don’t think she has substance next to Aphrodite.
Cleopatra (klee-o-PA-truh) Cleo, Leo, Panther, Cat – Ah Panther :slight_smile: Aphrodite and Cleopatra and magnificent. They absolutely rock. Cleopatra is strong, beautiful, independent
Guinevere (GWIN-uh-veer) Gwen, Evie – I’ve already beat this one over the head as to why Morgana and Guinevere don’t make good sisters. To reiterate simply… Morgana raped Arthur, Arthur was Guin’s husband…it’s just awkward
Gwenllian (gwen-LHEE-uhn) Gwen – And besides, I MUCH prefer Gwenllian!!! Aphrodite and Gwenllian is very cool. They contrast each other much like Morgana does. Gwenllian is a warrior, she’s tough, Aphrodite is a maiden and soft
Hecate (he-KAY-tee) Cat, Katie – Stunning. I adore Hecate. Like someone else said, she’s very Samhain-y but I don’t think you have to save her. She’s darkness and fairy lights and dancing in the misty trees. I simply adore her with Aphrodite…except those EE endings!
Hippolyta (hi-POL-i-tuh) Polly, Lita – Meh. I just flat don’t like the name. Other than that, it sounds sort of dead next to Aphrodite
Isis (I-sis) – YES!!! She’s powerful, strong, beautiful, sensual…she’s everything Aphrodite is in a smaller package. Say them together out loud – Aphrodite and Isis – they just flow into each other perfectly
Isolde (ee-ZOL-duh) Izzie, Sola, Sol, Solly – They sound great together, but I don’t particularly like them together. Isolde is one of those that’s pretty on it’s own but the images and feeling is just flat next to Aphrodite and compared to the other names
Jezebel (JEZ-uh-bel) Belle, Jess, Ezee – I actually quite like Jezebel (I’d call her Jezzy). I don’t care for the biblical stuff and will ignore it. Aphrodite and Jezebel sound weird together. Jezebel is so buzzy and mismatched. She makes me think of a field full of bees, a woman moving cautiously through the tall grass. She’d make a good middle
Nausicaa (nawz-i-KAY-uh) Kay, Kaia – I’ve never heard it said this way O_o I’ve only heard it pronounced naw-si-KAH. It’s how it’s said in Greek and how it’s pronounced in the Miyazaki movie. I like it WAY better that way than yours, sorry. Your way sounds…I don’t know just strange. I’m also wondering how you get Kaia (kai-ah rhymes with eye-ah) out of it? I didn’t like Aphrodite with her pronounced my way but I don’t like her even as a middle this way, sorry
Nimue (NIM-oo-ee) Immie – I like it a lot, but only as a middle. There’s the EE ending which is fine on names with lots of substance like Calliope and Hecate but Nimue just doesn’t really have it
Niniane (nin-i-A-nuh) Nina, Nin – I prefer Niniane a lot more than Nimue. She’s so nice sounding. I prefer her as a middle as I think she’s easily mispronounced and sort of clashes in my head with Aphrodite
Olympia (uh-LIMP-ee-uh) Pia – Like I said in the other thread, she seems sort of weird. Aphrodite and her little sister named after Aphrodite’s home. I think Elysia (eh-lee-see-ah) would be better if you want a theme like this. It’s a version of Elysian. the place where the blessed of the gods go.
Proserpine/Proserpina (proz-uhr-PEEN/proz-uhr-PEE-nuh) Rose, Rosie, Pia, Prosie – You know I love her with Aphrodite. She’s strong, fierce, a fighter.

So my top 4:

Morgana
Isis
Cleopatra
Hecate

32

Updates. Goodie.

[name_f]Morgana[/name_f] is safe but lacks a nickname. I like [name_m]Mori[/name_m], but it might be a bit tongue twistery with Roo. [name_m]Mori[/name_m] and Roo said too fast comes out like Moroo. But that might be me. [name_f]Nani[/name_f] maybe?

[name_f]Boudicca[/name_f] (BOO-di-kuh) Boo, [name_f]Didi[/name_f]- small bias here because [name_f]Didi[/name_f] is a nn of mine :slight_smile: I’m surprised that I like it, but I feel like it doesn’t match up to some of your other choices or to [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f].

Bradamante (brad-uh-[name_m]MAN[/name_m]-tee) Ante, [name_f]Ada[/name_f], [name_f]Addie[/name_f] nice nn options, but the [name_m]Brad[/name_m] part kills this for me.

[name_f]Calliope[/name_f] (kuh-LIE-uh-pee) [name_f]Callie[/name_f], [name_f]Lia[/name_f]. Oh the lovely [name_f]Calliope[/name_f]. She is a little girl in pigtails running into a sunset, but also a strong beautiful woman kicking butt and taking names. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t know why I see that, but it’s also a little how I see [name_f]Zoe[/name_f]. [name_f]Love[/name_f], love, love, [name_f]Lia[/name_f] as a nn.

[name_f]Circe[/name_f] (SUR-see) [name_f]Cece[/name_f]- [name_f]Cece[/name_f] and Roo. Plotting and planning. Having tea parties and out running the boys. I see them with a little brother chasing them :wink:

[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f] (klee-o-PA-truh) [name_f]Cleo[/name_f], [name_m]Leo[/name_m], Panther, [name_f]Cat[/name_f]- the funny thing about your names is that I can separate them from the myths and stories they come from, but I can’t do it for this one. I want to like it, especially with the nn [name_f]Cat[/name_f], but it’s never done it for me.

[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] ([name_u]GWIN[/name_u]-uh-veer) [name_f]Gwen[/name_f], [name_f]Evie[/name_f]- I’m really liking this one. I just wonder if she she seems a little blah next to [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f].

Gwenllian (gwen-LHEE-uhn) [name_f]Gwen[/name_f]- vastly prefer Guineviere.

Hecate (he-[name_u]KAY[/name_u]-tee) [name_f]Cat[/name_f], [name_f]Katie[/name_f]- hmm. Still need to give this one a little time. I like some of your other options so much more!

Hippolyta (hi-[name_m]POL[/name_m]-i-tuh) [name_f]Polly[/name_f], [name_f]Lita[/name_f]- [name_f]Lita[/name_f] and [name_f]Dita[/name_f]? If that doesn’t bother you, it is quite cute, but I’d be a little peeved if my mom named me a name with the word hippo in it.

[name_f]Isis[/name_f] (I-sis) on the same level as [name_f]Circe[/name_f] for me. I think, however, it’s one or the other.

[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] (ee-ZOL-duh) [name_f]Izzie[/name_f], Sola, [name_m]Sol[/name_m], [name_m]Solly[/name_m]. A pp mentioned it is like [name_f]Juliet[/name_f] for her and I agree.

[name_f]Jezebel[/name_f] ([name_f]JEZ[/name_f]-uh-bel) [name_f]Belle[/name_f], [name_u]Jess[/name_u], Ezee- I know it doesn’t matter to you, but I have way too many years of [name_f]Sunday[/name_f] School in me to give it a fair shake. It’s too bad, because I do love Zs in names.

Nausicaa (nawz-i-[name_u]KAY[/name_u]-uh) [name_u]Kay[/name_u], [name_f]Kaia[/name_f]- the double a spelling feels off to me, but it is lovely

Nimue ([name_m]NIM[/name_m]-oo-ee) Immie- I pick Ninane.

Niniane (nin-i-A-nuh) [name_f]Nina[/name_f], [name_m]Nin[/name_m]. Swoon. I’ve loved it since it was on Roo’s lists.

[name_f]Olympia[/name_f] (uh-LIMP-ee-uh) [name_f]Pia[/name_f]. After [name_f]Morgana[/name_f], hands down my favorite. [name_f]Pia[/name_f] and Roo is beyond perfect. My husband is chanting it over here if it gives you any indication of how he feels about it. She hanging out with [name_f]Lia[/name_f] and [name_f]Cece[/name_f].

Proserpine/Proserpina (proz-uhr-PEEN/proz-uhr-PEE-nuh) [name_f]Rose[/name_f], [name_f]Rosie[/name_f], [name_f]Pia[/name_f], Prosie. [name_f]Pia[/name_f] is cute, but I like some of your other choices better.
What happened to [name_f]Zenobia[/name_f]?? Did I miss when she fell off the list?

My top 5 from this update, in no particular order.
[name_f]Morgana[/name_f]
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
[name_f]Circe[/name_f]
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f]
Ninane

My husband picks [name_f]Olympia[/name_f]. Lol. He’s cracking me up right now because I cannot get him to talk names, unless it is your lists.

33

Big changes since I last checked in! So I’ll comment on each of the names individually and what colours I associate them with, and at the end give my top 3.

[name_f]Boudicca[/name_f]- an ancient warrior queen pairs perfectly with a mythological goddess, and totally rocks it on her own! powerful, strong, no-nonsense, brave, but feminine and not harsh at all. funny, until now I never thought of [name_f]Boudicca[/name_f] as usable but I could totally see you with one. cool, light blues and teals, maybe a touch of seafoam green
Bradamante- growing on me. old-fashioned elegance but a bit heavy and clunky. deep, dark, rich maroon and wine and purple
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f]- spunky, bouncy, fun. despite tons of history she feels very modern to me. oranges, yellows
[name_f]Circe[/name_f]- feels evil and deceiving to me because of a book I once read (the [name_f]Gemma[/name_f] [name_m]Doyle[/name_m] trilogy). I think of sneaky black cats and witches and a tiger’s eye. gold, bronze, rust
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f]- sophisticated and feminine, but bold and strong and clever. I think of the Egyptian queen, of course; while she had her flaws I can see her good qualities that appeal to you for a namesake. mostly gold, with some silver and some orange
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]- pretty, demure, dainty, literary. Not a character that ever really spoke to me though for some reason. gold and yellow, because I imagine her with long, wavy golden hair
Gwenllian- springtime and sunshine, a little girl dancing amongst the wildflowers in grass up to her knees. happy and cheerful, but without much weight. yellows, oranges, a bit of spring green
Hecate- seems harsh and a bit witchlike, but kind of in a good way. Alluring with a certain bad-girl appeal, but probably more suitable for a middle. various shades of purple, black, slate grey
Hippolyta- all I can see and think of is hippos, sorry. though I wouldn’t be surprised if the meaning had something to do with horses. greys and pinks (like the colour of hippos, sorry!)
[name_f]Isis[/name_f]- surprisingly easy to wear- I know a girl named [name_f]Isis[/name_f] who’s rather quiet, and it totally suits her. but it’s still a glamorous goddess! pure white and violet and dark green
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]- haven’t read the legend but love the idea that it’s from one. classy, sleek, feminine but not frilly. feels very nautical for some reason. sea blues and greys
[name_f]Jezebel[/name_f]- I really wouldn’t advise naming a child after this particular Bible character, especially since I’ve heard there could be unpleasant sexual connotations attached. browns and greys
Nausicaa- I know this is a mythological name but don’t know where it comes from. it sounds pretty though, and definitely nautical. my main concern would be spelling/pronunciation, but perhaps you/your child would be in circles where this won’t matter. blues, whites, silvery grey
Nimue- cute, dainty, sweet. but it doesn’t seem like it would age well. can’t quite see a colour for this
Niniane- spunky, bouncy, peppy. I picture a friendly, sociable girl who loves being around people. modern sound but tons of history. bright oranges and reds
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f]- one of my personal favourites on your list, but almost seems too normal and familiar for you. I like the Mount [name_m]Olympus[/name_m] connection. I would imagine an [name_f]Olympia[/name_f] to be feminine but not a total girly girl. dark blue, some black and grey and dark purple
Proserpine/Proserpina- I prefer Proserpina as it feels more complete. again, I don’t know the story but it has a strong sound and is unique but wearable. navy blue, dark brown, desert sand

Top 3:
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f]
[name_f]Boudicca[/name_f]
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f]

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[name_f]Morgana[/name_f] - suggest Momo nickname, but you may not like this, love [name_f]Morgana[/name_f] nn Momo
[name_f]Boudicca[/name_f] - nice one, lovely, but not my fave
Bradamante - my second favorite
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f] - my third favorite
[name_f]Circe[/name_f] - I find this lovely, but prefer [name_f]Boudicca[/name_f]
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f] - nothing wrong with it, just not my style
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] - lovely, but not my style
Gwenllian - lovely, but prefer Nimue
Hecate - prefer others, but OK
Hippolyta - dislike
[name_f]Isis[/name_f] - lovely, but prefer Nimue, fith fave
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] - prefer [name_f]Isis[/name_f]
[name_f]Jezebel[/name_f] - ugly, sorry
Nausicaa - it’s OK, but you have much prettier names on your list
Nimue - lovely, my forth fave
Niniane - prefer Nimue
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f] - lovely
Proserpine/Proserpina prefer Greek version

My fave.
Morgana
Bradamante
Calliope
Nimue
Isis

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My favourites are [name_f]Morgana[/name_f] and [name_f]Isolde[/name_f] for first names [although there are lots of names on there that would be splendid as middles]
Other names that I don’t particularly get excited about but are perfect for you:
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]
Niniane [ah golly now I know how to pronnounce it, I am LOVING it. I like the nn [name_m]Nim[/name_m] like from '[name_m]Nim[/name_m]‘s Island’ or maybe that as a nn for Nimue]

NN for [name_f]Morgana[/name_f]:
[name_f]Annie[/name_f]
[name_f]Mara[/name_f]

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Okay I’ll just do a top 5.

  1. [name_f]Isolde[/name_f]
  2. [name_f]Olympia[/name_f]
  3. [name_f]Calliope[/name_f]
  4. [name_f]Isis[/name_f]
  5. [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]
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no more [name_f]Zenobia[/name_f]? :frowning:
ok then my top 3 are your “c” names
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f] - My favorite from your list due to my weakness for [name_u]Cal[/name_u]- and [name_m]Cas[/name_m]- names. I also love her with [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]. [name_f]Callie[/name_f] and [name_f]Dita[/name_f] are adorable together!
[name_f]Circe[/name_f] - She’s never really stuck out to me before, but as she has stayed on your list for so long I couldn’t not put her in my top 3 this time.
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f] - awesome with [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f]! [name_m]Just[/name_m] as strong yet very different. [name_f]Love[/name_f] both [name_f]Cleo[/name_f] and [name_f]Cat[/name_f] as nn
Honorable mention goes to Gwenllian, I’m glad you brought her back! I love her sound!(This may become my favorite [name_f]Gwen[/name_f]- name) [name_f]Dita[/name_f] and [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] would adorable!

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Nimue 1000 times over Niniane. [name_m]Even[/name_m] without the ninny issue, I don’t like the similarity to [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f] or the shared sounds in [name_f]Morgana[/name_f].

YES List:
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f]- She gets a gold star. Plus I love [name_f]Cleo[/name_f] and [name_f]Cat[/name_f].
Gwenllian- [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] has my favor over [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f], although I like that one too.
[name_f]Isis[/name_f]- For this list I’m giving her a vote. Still seems short to me, but the references definitely match up.
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]- For the [name_u]Brit[/name_u] [name_f]Isle[/name_f] girls Gwenllian is still my preference, but [name_f]Isolde[/name_f] is fantastic as well.
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f]- Still loving this one. She could be [name_f]Pia[/name_f] or [name_f]Lia[/name_f] (or [name_u]Ollie[/name_u] though that might be too boyish).

NO List:
[name_f]Boudicca[/name_f]- Well I don’t like the ‘boo’ in it, or the ‘dic’ in it, nor do I like the sound of it overall so this one is just never gonna be my fave.
Bradamante- I don’t like the sound of this either, no matter what I do, it’s not feminine to me. [name_m]Adam[/name_m] and [name_m]Brad[/name_m] and [name_m]Man[/name_m], just nah.
[name_f]Calliope[/name_f]- I do like this objectively but we’re trying to eliminate, so I say no because of the matchiness of the Aphro-ending.
[name_f]Circe[/name_f]- See [name_f]Calliope[/name_f], though I truthfully like this name less than that. I’m good with her in the middle.
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]- I like her, but see above. I prefer Gwenllian so for the sake of narrowing it down Guin doesn’t get a vote today.
Hecate- I still see the prevalence of “heck” and it’s overall a much harder sounding name. Doesn’t flow with Roo in my opinion =(
Hippolyta- I think the hippo thing is still a concern. [name_m]Even[/name_m] though hippos are cool, they are certainly not dainty. And “hippy” would be bad. Not like the good kind of hippie, the kind of hip-y that my sister complains about when she wears tight jeans and can’t find a “fat” shirt lol.
[name_f]Jezebel[/name_f]- I don’t think you should use this. [name_m]Even[/name_m] if the reference is ok, the association with the phrase “she’s a [name_f]Jezebel[/name_f]” is inherintely negative.
Nausicaa- Too many spelling/pronunciation issues for me, and not enough nice sounds to counteract that. Sounds a bit like nausea.
Proserpine- My brain reads this into prosper-ine every time. I can’t just say it right unless I pause first and say it really slow. The -a doesn’t help.

Sorry, I can’t follow directions so I made a top 5 lol. [name_m]Tim[/name_m] says [name_f]Circe[/name_f], [name_f]Isis[/name_f], and [name_f]Morgana[/name_f]. That’s probably more helpful. =]

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I think these names match the strength of [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f].

[name_f]Morgana[/name_f]
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]
Hippolyta
[name_f]Isis[/name_f]
[name_f]Isolde[/name_f]
Nimue
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f]

The only ones I would NEVER consider are: [name_f]JEZEBEL[/name_f] (too much Biblical baggage even for atheists) and [name_f]CLEOPATRA[/name_f] (a one-woman name like [name_f]Oprah[/name_f] or [name_f]Madonna[/name_f]). I think you and I have different definitions of “brave, exceptional, clever and stunning”. :slight_smile: I don’t find these two woman have all of these qualities. Sorry to say but if I heard Aphodite and [name_f]Jezebel[/name_f] or [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f] and [name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f] in a sibset I wouldn’t think that the parents were older, well-educated and hip (which I know you are! :)). They sound like something a young girl dreaming of babies might might call her children when she grows up just because she liked the “sound” of them. One is fine but the two together is cheesy. I know I sound like a “snotty nosed git” as the English like to say but I can’t help if that’s the impression they give me. I hope you’re not offended by my honesty.

40

Thanks again everyone, you’re wonderful. I’m thanking everyone here, and only replying to those with suggestions, questions or outstanding remarks. But I’m very happy with everyone who’s replied.

harlie; I think [name_f]Morwenna[/name_f] is pretty spectacular… I’m always drooling at your signature. Husband and two of his brothers are there, just so you know ;). And we’re kind of considering [name_f]Isabella[/name_f] as a middle… Also, you didn’t have to make top threes, it was a suggestion ;).

[name_f]Tiffany[/name_f]; ooh, I like [name_u]Allie[/name_u] even more than [name_f]Callie[/name_f]! So sweet and pretty!

Mama; my first daughter is called [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f] so I’m not very concerned with that. [name_f]Earhart[/name_f], while I do think [name_f]Amelia[/name_f] was cool, doesn’t sound nice to me.

[name_f]Tigerlily[/name_f]; well, [name_f]Circe[/name_f] was a [name_f]Goddess[/name_f]/witch, so she’s kind of a smush creature. [name_m]Leo[/name_m] is cute, I didn’t about that one for [name_f]Calliope[/name_f], and I like [name_f]Calla[/name_f] too. [name_f]Olympia[/name_f] is a glamorous gold and ivy name to me, [name_f]Angelina[/name_f] [name_f]Jolie[/name_f] portrayed [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] the Great’s mama in the movie about him, and she was an [name_f]Olympia[/name_f]. And she’s beautiful. Hecate in mythology was good, and that would be the one I named my child after, if I go with Hecate. [name_u]Angie[/name_u] is a cute nickname, I go by [name_f]Agnes[/name_f], but pronounced the [name_m]French[/name_m] way. No one uses nicknames. Thanks for all your comments, very helpful!

[name_f]Gwen[/name_f]; oh, I appreciate those comments. Especially [name_f]Isis[/name_f]! I agree with that. And Nimue, you are right, that ending is a rare thing indeed. I also kind of agree with your vetos, it makes sense.

[name_f]Brigid[/name_f]; I love Hespera too. But husband enforced a rule… but she’ll be a middle. I’m dreaming of [name_f]Morgana[/name_f] Hespera Elbereth… and [name_f]Nia[/name_f] would be cute for Niniane!

[name_u]Angel[/name_u]; Thanks for all your commenting! The Nausicaa pronunciation is the one that was used among my professors when I studied Classics at [name_m]Oxford[/name_m], and the ones who taught The Odyssey were some of the leading people in the world on the subject, spoke Greek fluently, some were even Greek. But there are many names that have different pronunciations. [name_f]Kaia[/name_f], I don’t know, I thought it would be cute… no? I appreciate and value your comments very much, as you know! And I agree with most of it even, not [name_f]Olympia[/name_f] because she’d be named mainly after [name_m]Alexander[/name_m] the Great’s mummy. [name_f]Elysia[/name_f] is a no go with Husband. Isn’t Panther cool? Husband’s suggestion. Sometimes he’s clever… I think I might prefer Gwenllian too, she’s so different from everything else, but [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] is so gorgeous too… and someone (not saying who) favours this one. Thanks, sweetie!

[name_f]Dina[/name_f]; haha, I cracked up at [name_f]Calliope[/name_f]. strong beautiful woman kicking butt and taking names… glorious! Your husband chanting [name_f]Olympia[/name_f]… adorable! Thanks [name_f]Dina[/name_f]'s Husband!!! Husband said we could only have one ancient queen, so it was between [name_f]Cleo[/name_f] & Zoebee, and the little cat won out. The cat ate the bee! Oh no. He said if we have twin girls we can use them both. Thanks for all your comments, they’re great and helpful, and keeping me sane.

Bonfire; thanks for your word and comments. Nausicca’s from The Odyssey, Mr O came to her island (her father’s island, she was a beautiful princess), they fell in love (between the lines), but nothing happened (which means she managed to resist his advances). Later she married his son. You know an [name_f]Isis[/name_f], how fun! And you like [name_f]Boudicca[/name_f]. [name_f]Boudicca[/name_f] is actually a name that pops on up E&W’s name lists every now and then, at the bottom of course, usually no more than 4 babies, but it is used. Thanks so much!

Sorceress; Momo sounds too close to what I call my maternal grandmother (mormor), but it’s cute. Thanks for your comments, and I’m excited that you like Bradamante!

Whirlie; [name_f]Mora[/name_f] is sweet, I really like this for [name_f]Morgana[/name_f]. Isn’t Niniane beautiful? It’s so haunting and mystical…

Averella; nope, no more. I had to choose between the queens of old.

[name_f]Amy[/name_f]; [name_f]Winnie[/name_f]'s freaking cute isn’t she? I think she might win over [name_f]Guinevere[/name_f]… something so fresh about it. It’s much more popular over here though, although I have a feeling they might all be in [name_m]Wales[/name_m]. Great top five, love it, and love that [name_m]Tim[/name_m] chimed in! And he likes [name_f]Circe[/name_f]… he’s a keeper, [name_f]Amy[/name_f]!

[name_u]Mischa[/name_u]; thanks! I do need a name that matches her strength. I’m not offended by what you say, of course I’m not, it’s helpful! And [name_f]Jez[/name_f] is off, too many negative comments and I wouldn’t want to do that to her. I just feel bad for [name_f]Jezebel[/name_f]… I want her to be used by someone, but maybe not me. Thanks!!!

[name_m]New[/name_m] list:
Bradamante
[name_f]Circe[/name_f]
[name_f]Cleopatra[/name_f]
[name_f]Guinevere[/name_f] or Gwenllian (I am 98% sure we’re going with Gwenllian)
Hecate
[name_f]Isis[/name_f] or Isolde
[name_f]Morgana[/name_f] SAFE
Nimue or Niniane (we each have our own champion)
[name_f]Olympia[/name_f] ***
Proserpina

Adding… Pulzella and Tinuviel and [name_f]Yavanna[/name_f]

Pulzella (awesome faerylady who rode with an army of faeries to save Sir [name_m]Gawain[/name_m])
Tinuviel (Luthien Tinuviel from Tolkien stories)
[name_f]Yavanna[/name_f] (kind of an [name_f]Earth[/name_f] [name_f]Goddess[/name_f] from Tolkien stories)