[name_f]Kate[/name_f] is a family name which I’ve suddenly found myself really liking. I like that it’s short, simple and traditional to balance out [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f], but are the “-ka Ka-” sounds too jarring?
I like both names ([name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] in particular). However, I’m afraid the -ka ka- is a bit jarring as you said 
The “ka” at the end of Anouska is pronounced kah whereas the one at [name_f]Kate[/name_f] is pronounced kay, so I think its fine
Thanks for your reply @lena. It’s a shame you hear the same problem as me but always good to get others’ input.
I see that you’re new here and I just wanted to say that I absolutely LOVE your naming style! Some stunning names in your signature. Best of luck with TTC - let’s hope you get to use one of them soon! 
And thank you @emmie. Pleased to hear that you don’t think it’s an issue.
I did not notice it until I read your post. I think the combo flows nicely, but both names are nicknames, which makes it a bit incomplete (but that’s just my opinion).
Mixed reactions then!
@tfzolghadr That would be the perfect solution, but I’d rather not do a double middle for [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] as it’s already quite a bit longer and fussier than my other kids’ names. I’m hoping that the perfect, simple, grounding middle is out there somewhere!
@handsallover I hadn’t thought about both being nickname names… good point. However, I don’t think it bothers me too much. They are very different kinds of nn [name_f]IMO[/name_f] and both established as names in their own right (admittedly [name_f]Kate[/name_f] much more so!)
I don’t think it’s that bad, but I did notice it right away before opening the post. I think having spent a lot of time analyzing names and combos though, our eyes are trained to go right to stuff like that! I think it sounds fine said allowed.
Yeah, I noticed it right away, too. It’s not really a consonant that sounds lovely when repeated in a combo.
I don’t think it’s too bad, but I do think you can do better…
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] is lovely, but [name_f]Kate[/name_f] can’t really hold her own amongst your other choices, although I understand the desire to use a family name.
I also don’t like how both [name_f]Kate[/name_f] and [name_u]Kit[/name_u] are potential nicknames for [name_f]Katherine[/name_f]. I feel like using [name_f]Kate[/name_f] when you have [name_u]Kit[/name_u] would be a little unimaginative? I think you can do better, but it really comes down to what you’re comfortable with and how much using [name_f]Kate[/name_f] means to you. It’s not like you’ll be using her first and middle name daily.
Other options (I love [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f]'s fit with [name_f]Juno[/name_f] and [name_u]Kit[/name_u], so I would love something along the lines of [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] and [name_u]Valentine[/name_u] for the middle, but maybe a little shorter.)
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_u]Marian[/name_u] / [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Mariel[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Helen[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Ivy[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Delphine[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Heloise[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Isobel[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Oriane[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Ingrid[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Lilia[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Sabine[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Viola[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Maeve[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Ondine[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Fiora[/name_f] / [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Flora[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Iris[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Luna[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Edith[/name_f]
[name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Phoebe[/name_f]
Thank you so much @katinka! Yes, let’s hope 
@dearest Only just seen your response - thank you for all the additional suggestions. I particularly like [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Ingrid[/name_f] 
I know [name_f]Kate[/name_f] is a little “safe” but I really don’t want anything too quirky as a middle for [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] because it’s the sort of name that could very easily become too much. It’s a tricky balance to strike, isn’t it?
The [name_u]Kit[/name_u]/[name_f]Kate[/name_f] thing had crossed my mind too and I agree that it’s definitely a strike against, but not a total dealbreaker as one is a middle name. However, I do think the sounds in [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] [name_f]Kate[/name_f] are probably too repetitive and there are better options out there. Now just to keep searching!
My thoughts as well! Perfectly fine. [name_f]Anouk[/name_f] [name_f]Kate[/name_f] would be a problem, in my opinion.
I knew exactly who this would be when I saw the thread. I just knew it would be @katinka! Gorgeous name style!
I’m trying not to be influenced by the fact that I love both names separately. I’ve tried it aloud for a while and I think it’s fine - quite lovely in fact. I think as a pp said that the way it’s actually different vowel sounds after the 2 'k’s makes it work. I certainly wouldn’t have thought of it when I saw the combo written, and I’m pretty fussy about combos. I’d be cautious about putting a name beginning with a vowel after [name_f]Anoushka[/name_f] for instance.
Thank you both! [name_f]Glad[/name_f] you think it’s fine. I really do like [name_f]Kate[/name_f], even though it’s so much more simple and traditional than my other kids’ middles. The similarity to [name_u]Kit[/name_u] still bothers me a bit though… I think I’ll come up with a few more options and put it to a poll at some stage. Thanks all!
Repetitions like this often attracts attention or highlight to one or both names and that’s good. What you perhaps need is that elusive name that makes either or both stand out without the hiccup (depending upon your perception.)
I think you must love the names @katinka to even settle for less than perfect. We do have high expectations of you, no apologies, or perhaps I am missing a ‘beauty in imperfection’ trait ?
As mentioned earlier, as both names have a different ‘ka’ pronunciation, I think they are ok together. A surname will often balance out any jolting or repetitive syllables. I have a soft spot for both names and if you love them, I wouldn’t hesitate to use them together. Other people’s ‘expectations’ of the style or flow of names you choose for your child are completely irrelevant in this process.
@prudencea Thank you! Actually, I think it does sound smoother and better with the surname (which is similar to Winterfield) - thanks for making that point. And yes re. expectations!