So, [name_f]Lorna[/name_f] is my mother’s name. She is the absolute best person in the world and I’ve always wished I could name a child after her. However I’ve always seen [name_f]Lorna[/name_f] in the same realm as I see [name_f]Brenda[/name_f] and [name_f]Susan[/name_f] and [name_f]Janet[/name_f], more for the older middle aged generation and totally not my usual style and therefore not something I would name my own child. I’ve even considered Lowenna as a name similar to Lorna but more in line with my tastes (it’s meaning “Joy” is also my mother’s middle name so it seems to fit, even if barely.
Lorna always just seemed bland to me as a name but I’ve been wondering lately if that isn’t just because she is my mother and I am so used to the name that I’ve just associated it that way and maybe I can learn to see the name in a new light? It does have the benefit of not being very common and apparently is a good Scottish name, and I do love me some [name_f]Scotland[/name_f]!
So I was just wondering what everyone’s thoughts were? [name_f]Do[/name_f] you love it, hate it or is it just boring to you? Super interested in other’s perspectives. Thanks!
Honestly, I’m not a fan of [name_f]Lorna[/name_f] as it makes me think of lorn which means lonely and abandoned, not something I’d like to associate with a person.
I think you are going down the right path with trying to find an alternative name that is similar and thus still honoring, but potentially more wearable. Lowenna sounds nice! I also like how it shares the meaning with your mother’s middle name. An even better way to tie it!
If you are looking for more options, you might consider [name_f]Laura[/name_f] or it’s diminutive forms ([name_f]Lori[/name_f], [name_u]Laurie[/name_u], [name_f]Loretta[/name_f]…). [name_f]Laura[/name_f] is outside the top 300, so not particularly common, and the diminutive forms aren’t even on the top 1000 from what I can see (assuming that matters more than a passing + to [name_f]Lorna[/name_f]).
I actually really like [name_f]Lorna[/name_f]! I think it sounds mystical and beautiful, but I’m probably influenced by Over the Garden [name_m]Wall[/name_m] (short and kind of dark cartoon, I recommend checking out if you want to try and fall in love with [name_f]Lorna[/name_f]!)
I love Lowenna, it’s such a beautiful name. Have you considered [name_f]Laurel[/name_f] and [name_f]Lorelei[/name_f]? Or even [name_u]Dune[/name_u] ([name_f]Lorna[/name_f] was first heard in the novel [name_f]Lorna[/name_f] [name_u]Doone[/name_u]). If you’re willing to use names that are more of a stretch, [name_f]Lorna[/name_f]'s most distinctive feature is that “rn” sound that is also found in the similar [name_f]Fern[/name_f].
Whilst it does make me think of someone a little older, I do think it could work nowadays. It’s pretty
Lowenna is gorgeous though, and pretty much the perfect way to honour your mother without actually using her name. [name_f]Remember[/name_f] your daughter will be her own individual person!
Thanks everyone for your feedback! So interesting everyone’s takes on it, I never considered the “lorn” aspect as being like forlorn because I think the “a” on the end makes it a bit like, bouncier I guess?
I’ve also never seen [name_u]Orange[/name_u] is the [name_m]New[/name_m] [name_m]Black[/name_m] so I don’t get the association and hopefully by the time I have a daughter it will no longer be in the public consciousness…
I’m pleasantly surprised as well by most people’s positive reactions to Lowenna as an alternative. I always wondered if it would be considered more of a guilty pleasure name, good to know people find it usable!
You are so right in this! That’s why I have been thinking of a name similar enough to honour but not exactly the same. Lowenna does just sing to me in that it’s so similar to [name_f]Lorna[/name_f] yet a little bit unique without the “lorn” portion that some dislike and some maybe negative pop culture associations, not to mention it’s more in line with my usual style. I do think the nicknames Lo and Wenna are really cute too. My mom’s nickname was always [name_m]Lorn[/name_m] or Lornie
It’s my dad’s cousin’s name, so I think I’m a bit in the same realm as you, where it feels rather just the older generation and not quite ready for a comeback (then again, I [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] [name_f]Susan[/name_f] as a middle name in some combos, so…).
If Lowenna is up your alley, then that seems like a nice option, or even something like [name_f]Lora[/name_f]/[name_f]Elora[/name_f] or maybe a combo name to get the sounds of [name_f]Lorna[/name_f], like [name_u]Lior/name_u [name_f]Natalie[/name_f], or [name_f]Leonore[/name_f] [name_f]Natalia[/name_f]? I guess that’s more of a stretch but I think it’s sweet and could honor her.
I actually adore it. It does make me think of someone a bit older, but I don’t think even at its height it was popular enough to feel super dated now. It’s got a lovely sound and is familiar enough to most people, but would be distinctive and unexpected on a child today. I’d be very pleased to meet a little [name_f]Lorna[/name_f].
I like [name_f]Lorna[/name_f]! I also like [name_f]Lorraine[/name_f] and [name_f]Lois[/name_f] and many other similar names.
I’ve only ever met one and she would be in her 50’s now probably.
There is something solid and substantial about the name. It isn’t giddy and wispy like many more poetic names and it isn’t made up and it doesn’t sound pretentious. But then I also like some of the other names you mentioned as dated.
Maybe dated is just another way of saying, hey, you’re not going to meet a billion of 'em. Dated can switch to fresh at the drop of a hat (or year or two).
[name_f]Lorna[/name_f] is a fine name. I actually know a girl in her 20’s whose name is [name_f]Lorna[/name_f], so it’s not only an “older lady” name.
That being said, I do love your idea of Lowenna. A fresh and beautiful spin on [name_f]Lorna[/name_f]; somewhat similar and a great honour name, especially considering the meaning. I also think [name_f]Lorna[/name_f] could be used as an occasional nickname for Lowenna, making the connection even stronger.
