Thoughts and Ideas

Warning, this will be long!

[name_f]My[/name_f] husband and I have a super complicated and long list thanks to our other post! What are your thoughts on our good to go names/which is your favorite? And do you have any ideas to complete our other names? Our last name is [name_u]West[/name_u] [name_u]Brook[/name_u] (without the space and an E at the end, just don’t want it to be googled) and we’re set on using one of these as a middle name, since they are after important family members: [name_f]Diane[/name_f], [name_u]Jean[/name_u], [name_f]Margaret[/name_f], [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] (None of these names can be used as a first name or changed in any way)

These are names that are set and good to go (no changes can be made to this list at all-including nicknames, sorry if you don’t like them):

[name_f]Stella[/name_f] (just [name_f]Stella[/name_f], no nickname or full name)
[name_f]Genevieve[/name_f] “[name_f]Evie[/name_f]”
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] “[name_f]Tilly[/name_f]”
[name_f]Susanna[/name_f]/[name_f]Suzanna[/name_f] “[name_f]Zanna[/name_f]”
[name_f]Hazel[/name_f] (just [name_f]Hazel[/name_f], no nickname or full name)
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] “[name_f]Delia[/name_f]”
[name_f]Rosamond[/name_f]/[name_f]Rosamund[/name_f] “[name_f]Rosie[/name_f]”

These are names that we are partially there:

Nicknames we like (a full name is required, will not consider any of these as a full name and will not change our minds):
[name_f]Bea[/name_f]- [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f] would be the only choice for us at this point, I’m only “meh” on it but I can’t stand [name_f]Beatrix[/name_f] and [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f] isn’t a good idea
[name_f]Ada[/name_f]- [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t like [name_f]Adeline[/name_f], [name_f]Adelina[/name_f], or [name_f]Adalyn[/name_f]. Soft spot for [name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] but worry about “[name_f]Maddie[/name_f]” rather than [name_f]Ada[/name_f] and they are really different in sounds which makes me worry
[name_f]Thea[/name_f]- I like [name_f]Althea[/name_f] but husband doesn’t. We don’t like [name_f]Dorothea[/name_f] or [name_f]Theodora[/name_f]
[name_f]Dottie[/name_f]- [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t like [name_f]Dorothea[/name_f] or [name_f]Dorothy[/name_f] (probably eliminating this)
[name_f]Lola[/name_f]- Kind of considering [name_f]Penelope[/name_f] for the full name but we don’t love them together as a full name/nickname pair
[name_f]Emmy[/name_f]- Probably eliminating as well; pretty much every “[name_f]Em[/name_f]” name is boring to me and my husband hates [name_f]Clementine[/name_f]
[name_f]Milly[/name_f]/[name_f]Millie[/name_f]- [name_f]Camille[/name_f], [name_f]Camilla[/name_f], [name_f]Millicent[/name_f], and [name_f]Mildred[/name_f] are too stuffy for me and we can’t use [name_f]Amelia[/name_f]/[name_f]Emilia[/name_f]/[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] and don’t like it as a nickname for [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] (probably eliminating as well)

Full names we like (a nickname is required for us to use one of these):
[name_f]Penelope[/name_f]- I like [name_f]Poppy[/name_f] but husband doesn’t; we don’t like [name_u]Penny[/name_u], [name_f]Nell[/name_f], or [name_f]Nellie[/name_f] and don’t loving the idea of [name_f]Lola[/name_f] with it
[name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f]/[name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f]- 99.9% positive we are eliminating it. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t like [name_f]Gwen[/name_f], [name_f]Gwennie[/name_f], [name_f]Dolly[/name_f]; I like [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] but my husband doesn’t with our last name.

Names we are still so-so on (but leaning towards a no):
[name_f]Imogen[/name_f] “[name_f]Immy[/name_f]”- A good option but it still has to grow on us
[name_f]Charlotte[/name_f]- We prefer [name_f]Lottie[/name_f] as a nickname, though we don’t love it. We don’t like [name_u]Charlie[/name_u] at all (don’t like boy names or unisex names for girls) and don’t like [name_f]Lola[/name_f] paired with it as a full name/nickname pair
[name_f]Elsa[/name_f]- We’re hot and cold with this name; we’d use [name_f]Elsie[/name_f] as a nickname
[name_f]Felicity[/name_f]- Same with [name_f]Elsa[/name_f]; don’t like [name_f]Flick[/name_f] or Lissy as a nickname and can’t think of anything else

Thank you! (and sorry for so many words!)

Of the list that you both like for sure, I think that the following are great:

[name_f]Stella[/name_f] - lovely name, meaning and it sounds great with your last name. Also, many of the family middles would work well with it.
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] “[name_f]Tilly[/name_f]” - I so desperately would love to meet a little girl named [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]. It just sounds pretty and strong, the nickname is nice too.
[name_f]Susanna[/name_f] - lovely

[name_u]Love[/name_u] [name_f]Rosamund[/name_f], [name_f]Stella[/name_f], [name_f]Hazel[/name_f] and [name_f]Susanna[/name_f] (but not [name_f]Zanna[/name_f]). Your middle name options work well with these. [name_f]Imogen[/name_f], [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] and [name_f]Felicity[/name_f] are also beautiful. I think [name_f]Stella[/name_f], [name_f]Susanna[/name_f], [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] and [name_f]Rosamund[/name_f] go best with your last name.

You have a surname made up of two words so the only first name I would avoid on your list is [name_f]Hazel[/name_f]. Any name beginning with the letter “B” could be used for the nn [name_f]Bea[/name_f] so it doesn’t have to be [name_f]Beatrice[/name_f]. One of my faves is [name_f]Bridget[/name_f] nn [name_f]Bridie[/name_f] or [name_f]Birdie[/name_f].

Suggested Combos

[name_f]Stella[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f]Stella[/name_f] [name_f]Diane[/name_f]
[name_f]Ada[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_u]Jean[/name_u]
[name_f]Susanna[/name_f] [name_u]Jean[/name_u]
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] [name_u]Jean[/name_u]
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosamund[/name_f] [name_u]Jean[/name_u]
[name_f]Genevieve[/name_f] [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f]
[name_f]Genevieve[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]

I like [name_f]Lourdes[/name_f] for nn [name_f]Lola[/name_f].

The nickname [name_f]Zanna[/name_f] has to stay or the name is automatically taken off our list. I really liked [name_f]Zanna[/name_f] and that was pretty much the reason I agreed to consider [name_f]Susanna[/name_f]/[name_f]Suzanna[/name_f] (leaning towards the ‘z’ since it makes more sense to me with [name_f]Zanna[/name_f]). [name_f]Susanna[/name_f] is really my husband’s style and [name_f]Zanna[/name_f] is my style so that is why it is on the list. Without [name_f]Zanna[/name_f], I would not consider it at all.

Please remember that if you pick a name from our nickname list you MUST need a full name; we will not now, or ever consider [name_f]Ada[/name_f] as a full name. Only a nickname; if we can’t find a full name for it, it will simply be removed from our options. I like [name_f]Bridget[/name_f] “[name_f]Birdie[/name_f]” but my husband cannot stand “[name_f]Birdie[/name_f]”

[name_f]Lourdes[/name_f] is too different for my husband and I don’t find it attractive, sorry

I’ve been considering [name_f]Ada[/name_f] as a nickname also, full name options (that you haven’t crossed off) that I am considering are [name_f]Adela[/name_f] and [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f]. Or [name_f]Adele[/name_f], which doesn’t work with my last name.

[name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] is probably our best choice (and it’s growing on us); I think part of the reason I don’t like the other names is because they don’t have the “AYD” sound from [name_f]Ada[/name_f] which tends to bother me

Please be advised that [name_f]Ada[/name_f] IS a full name as is [name_f]Stella[/name_f].

Hey again!

You have a wonderful “set” list of seven names that you and your husband are both happy with - fantastic! [name_f]Do[/name_f] you feel like one of these is “the name,” or do you feel like you need to keep looking (hence your other categories)? [name_f]My[/name_f] favorites, considering the last name and how much I like the sound, the nickname, etc., are [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f], [name_f]Genevieve[/name_f], [name_f]Suzanna[/name_f], and [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], in that order. Actually, [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] is by far my favorite, but I do think [name_f]Evie[/name_f] W- sounds amazing. For middle names, I like [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] W., [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] [name_u]Jean[/name_u] W., [name_f]Genevieve[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] W., [name_f]Suzanna[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] W., [name_f]Suzanna[/name_f] [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] W., [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_u]Jean[/name_u] W., and [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] W.

Of the nicknames that need nicknames, I think [name_f]Ada[/name_f] is a lost cause because its sound (AY-duh) is so different from any long form (e.g., [name_f]Giada[/name_f]) and it’s traditional longer forms aren’t names you care for. Same for [name_f]Dottie[/name_f], [name_f]Emmy[/name_f], and [name_f]Milly[/name_f]. I can’t think of another nickname for [name_f]Lola[/name_f] other than ones you’ve already been through, unfortunately. [name_f]Thea[/name_f] could be a nickname for [name_f]Theresa[/name_f], which I know is something your husband likes, but I’m pretty sure you said you weren’t interested in using that one, right? Depending on how you pronounce it, you might get away with using it as a nickname for [name_f]Tallulah[/name_f], but I’m not 100% on that. Again, I think [name_f]Thea[/name_f] is best as a full name (because it does look like one in the same way [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] does), but I know you aren’t interested in that. Sorry - not much help. I think [name_f]Bea[/name_f] is the one you could potentially work with on this list, because it could be used as a nickname for literally any name that starts with B. Considering your vintage classic style, you might like [name_f]Bianca[/name_f], [name_f]Bridget[/name_f], or my favorite option (and the most vintage) of [name_f]Bryony[/name_f] or [name_f]Briony[/name_f] (bryony is the plant spelling, [name_f]Briony[/name_f] is more name-y, both are legitimate, pronunciation is [BRYE-o-knee], to rhyme with “rye” NOT “[name_f]Bree[/name_f]”). I think [name_f]Bryony[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] W. is divine, and [name_f]Bryony[/name_f] [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] W. works, too, pick your favorite spelling of the name and call her “[name_f]Bea[/name_f].”

With the names you need nicknames for ([name_f]Penelope[/name_f] and [name_f]Gwendolen[/name_f]), I think you’ve nearly exhausted the options, so I’d honestly eliminate both from the list. Sorry, I know that’s not much help!

Finally getting to the ‘so-so but no’ list, I think [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] sounds nice with your last name, and while “[name_f]Immy[/name_f]” may not be a ‘grows into’ nickname, you could use [name_f]Gen[/name_f] or [name_f]Genie[/name_f] for a more long-term solution. I think [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] is a name you either love or don’t, as it’s got a unique feel to it. [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] W. is my favorite combination for that one. [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] really doesn’t need a nickname, honestly, but “[name_f]Lottie[/name_f]” is a totally legitimate option over [name_u]Charlie[/name_u]. I mean, when [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] was on my list, I said I was going to call her “Chickadee” for fun! [name_f]Charlotte[/name_f] [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] W. is best off your list, but it is a little more lackluster than some of your other options in my completely honest opinion. [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] W. doesn’t have much rhythm or melody, but I like the softness of [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] with your consonant-heavy last name. You could consider [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] or [name_f]Elsie[/name_f] as interchangeable nicknames for a longer name. [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] is an [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] variant, and [name_f]Elisabeth[/name_f] is a natural fit. [name_f]Elisabeth[/name_f] W. has more weight to it. Another option for [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] and [name_f]Elsie[/name_f] as nicknames is [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] variant [name_f]Elspeth[/name_f], which stands out in a crowd without being too peculiar. [name_f]Elspeth[/name_f] W. is really quite romantic. I like [name_f]Elspeth[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] W. best, called [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] or [name_f]Elsie[/name_f], or both. Finally, [name_f]Felicity[/name_f]. I have to disclose my anti-[name_f]Felicity[/name_f] opinion, and then I’ll try and be open-minded. But, it is a little long with your last name, and it’s a notorious hard one with nicknames, though you could maybe use [name_f]Fifi[/name_f] or [name_f]Fia[/name_f]. If you went with [name_f]Felicity[/name_f] [name_u]Jean[/name_u] W., you could call her “Fiji.” Ha, I kid, I kid, sort of…

Best of luck!

We know [name_f]Ada[/name_f] can be and is a full name like [name_f]Stella[/name_f]; however that is not what we are asking about. We do not like [name_f]Ada[/name_f] as a full name, so please respect that. As we had said in the parenthesis in the list [name_f]Ada[/name_f] is located, a full name is REQUIRED. Meaning those are names that WE want a full name for. We are not changing our minds on any of those. So please either give a full name suggestion or move on from the name.

I would stick with your “for sure” list. There are some great names on there. I love:

[name_f]Stella[/name_f]
[name_f]Cordelia[/name_f]
[name_f]Genevieve[/name_f]
[name_f]Susannah[/name_f]

Thank you!

There are about two or three names that we both could agree are our favorites; but that could always change.

[name_f]Theresa[/name_f] was a name my husband likes; but I just can’t get behind it. I’m not sure what it is about that specific name but there’s something that is unappealing to me. I LOVED [name_f]Tallulah[/name_f] on the last post (and a bunch of nicknames for it) but my husband doesn’t like it at all :frowning: I like [name_f]Bridget[/name_f] with the nickname [name_f]Birdie[/name_f] (but my husband hates [name_f]Birdie[/name_f]) but we could probably compromise on it with the nickname “[name_f]Bea[/name_f]” (I just don’t know to what extent I really like [name_f]Bridget[/name_f], if I actually like the name or if it was because of [name_f]Birdie[/name_f]). [name_f]My[/name_f] husband works with a few men named “[name_m]Brian[/name_m]” so [name_f]Briony[/name_f]/Byrony would be a little too close.

We don’t like [name_f]Gen[/name_f] or [name_f]Genie[/name_f] which is why for [name_f]Genevieve[/name_f] the only nickname we would ever use is [name_f]Evie[/name_f]. Part of the reason we are considering [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] “[name_f]Immy[/name_f]” is because it’s similar to [name_f]Emmy[/name_f]. I was kind of worried about [name_f]Elsa[/name_f] with the beginning of our last name, which is why I wanted to put it in the so-so list. [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] is a name my husband likes but I could never use it. It’s just so boring to me. We both agree with [name_f]Elspeth[/name_f] is kind of hard to say (but maybe that’s just us). I keep wanting to distance myself from [name_f]Felicity[/name_f], I’m not sure what it is that made me change my mind but I’m just liking it less and less the more I say it

We only like the spellings [name_f]Susanna[/name_f] and [name_f]Suzanna[/name_f]; we don’t like it with the at the end. It looks too much like [name_f]Savannah[/name_f] which we don’t like

I think your ‘for sure’ list has enough names, at least in my opinion. I would just use one of those. I especially like [name_f]Stella[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]. I also think the nickname [name_f]Zanna[/name_f] is really nice, it’s different and goes beyond the dated [name_f]Susie[/name_f]. I don’t really love [name_f]Suzanna[/name_f], but I think [name_f]Zanna[/name_f] is great. I understand wanting to have a full name with it however.

There’s really too much here to comment on all of it, so I will just share my stand-out thoughts. First, I think that all of your “for sure” names are lovely and you really could stop there. The only one I’m not 100% a fan of is [name_f]Genevieve[/name_f], because it is a bit stuffy to me. Also, you will almost definitely have people calling her [name_f]Gen[/name_f] in the future, even if you introduce her as [name_f]Evie[/name_f]. We can try to pick our kids’ nicknames, but a teacher, friend, or other family member can easily muck things up (or even the child herself!).

For the nicknames, I think [name_f]Bea[/name_f] could honestly be a nickname for any name starting with B. I think [name_f]Ada[/name_f] is a full name and so I am not really on the same page with seeking out a fuller version. I don’t really know that there is one, since most “[name_m]Ad[/name_m]-” names use a short a sound instead of the long one in [name_f]Ada[/name_f]. You’ve pretty much set out all the options for [name_f]Thea[/name_f] so I would say to cut it if you can’t like it as a full name. I would suggest the nickname [name_f]Wendy[/name_f] for [name_f]Gwendolyn[/name_f]. You could also try [name_f]Lindy[/name_f] and I could see [name_f]Lola[/name_f] working here also. But I also feel like [name_f]Lola[/name_f] is a full name and works better as such. I love [name_f]Imogen[/name_f], but if you don’t then why fight the inevitable? Cut it. Same with several other options. You seem to already know what you want to eliminate so just do it. No need to torture yourself.

Also, please remember that this is a forum where people are trying to HELP you. If someone makes a suggestion that breaks one of your “rules,” please keep in mind none of us are getting paid to help you or reaping any real benefit from this besides enjoyable communication. Please just ignore the oversight and don’t be rude.

Oooh last thought that just came to me: a possible full name for [name_f]Ada[/name_f] would be Edelweiss (Ayd-uhl-vice) which is a very pretty white flower. This doesn’t really fit your style, but it’s the only possibility I can think of.

For [name_f]Thea[/name_f], do you like [name_f]Anthea[/name_f] (“flowering”), [name_f]Alethea[/name_f] (“truth”), [name_f]Mathea[/name_f] (feminine Italian form of [name_m]Matthew[/name_m]), [name_f]Theodosia[/name_f] (“giving to God”), [name_f]Theone[/name_f] (“godly”), [name_f]Theophania[/name_f] (“revelation of God”)?

At a stretch you could make your husband happy and use [name_f]Thea[/name_f] as a nickname for [name_f]Theresa[/name_f].

Also please keep in mind that you wrote a great deal, and it’s quite a lot for a casual reader to remember. When someone unknowingly suggests something you’d already said you didn’t like, it doesn’t mean they don’t respect your ‘rules.’