Time is running out - please tip the scales

Girl Names
1

Hello

Time is running out and the list keeps changing. I feel the closest I am to my due date the further away I am from choosing the right name. I come up with faults for all, even my favorites! which is very frustrating…Please help, tell me which one you like/dislike in more than one sentence if you have time - convince me. I’m afraid I will give her a name when the time comes and want to change it the very next day…

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] (Only like it as a full name, don’t care for the nicknames, [name_u]Val[/name_u] or [name_f]Tina[/name_f]. I know that even if I insist most of her friends will shorten her name)
[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] (It will be mispronounced constantly, [name_f]Emily[/name_f] will become her name)
[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] ([name_m]Don[/name_m]'t care how the ending sounds “eez” or “ees”)
[name_f]Estella[/name_f] (So close to [name_f]Stella[/name_f] which is a pretty name just not sure if I love it)
[name_f]Margot[/name_f] (Most recent addition, just like with [name_f]Estella[/name_f], I think it is a nice name I just don’t feel very strongly about it)
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] ([name_f]My[/name_f] friends mentioned the cow [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] and now it is all I can think of …plus I prefer the full name which I doubt her friends will use)
[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] (Sounds like “add a line”)
[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] ([name_m]Don[/name_m]'t like the “die” at the end…I know silly, but…)
[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] ([name_f]My[/name_f] husband doesn’t love it)

I realize the list is long but hope you can help!

Thanks!!!

2

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] - a beautiful name but much frillier than the rest of your choices. I wonder if this might be an outlier as your overall naming style/preferences are concerned.

[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] - I don’t have a good sense of how popular [name_f]Amelie[/name_f] is. I can’t imagine it would always get confused with [name_f]Emily[/name_f], although I would have guessed it would get confused with [name_f]Amelia[/name_f]. It’s a lovely name, though. If you love it, use it anyway and accept that she’ll have to correct people a lot on its spelling and pronunciation.

[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] - if you don’t like the ending, I vote that you take this off your list. It’s one thing to be worried about whether a name you love will be difficult for your child; it’s a whole other issue if you just plain don’t like something about a name. You might consider [name_f]Louisa[/name_f] or [name_f]Elena[/name_f].

[name_f]Estella[/name_f] - would you consider using just [name_f]Stella[/name_f]? I can’t tell how you really feel about [name_f]Estella[/name_f] from your comment. Personally I love [name_f]Stella[/name_f] but for me, [name_f]Estella[/name_f] is still in the “old lady name” camp (I know others disagree).

[name_f]Margot[/name_f] - I really like this too. If you don’t have strong feelings about it, let it sit on your list and see how you feel a bit later on. (Apologies if you’re due imminently - I can’t tell from your comment.) Maybe take a list of possible names with you when you give birth and see if one jumps out as her name when you meet her.

[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] - I don’t know where you live (I’m in [name_f]Canada[/name_f]) but I don’t know what “the cow [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]” is, so that doesn’t worry me. I feel like I hear [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] enough that I don’t think it’s a name that would automatically get nicknamed. Either way, there’s a risk of nicknaming with any child - the nickname may or may not have anything to do with his/her given name (i.e. [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] could get called [name_f]Tillie[/name_f] because her name is [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] or Curly because she has curly hair).

[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] - I can’t tell if “sounds like ‘add a line’” is you explaining how you pronounce it or you explaining why you’re hesitant to use it. Regardless, “add a line” isn’t a negative phrase, and I had never thought of it before you mentioned it.

[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] - I agree that not liking the “die” at the end is a little silly, mainly because it’s pronounced “dee”, not “dye”, but if it’s a deal-breaker for you, take it off your list. Have you considered [name_f]Elowen[/name_f]?

[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] - you don’t mention why your husband doesn’t love it, so I can’t offer much advice there. If you love it, maybe leave it on your list and see if he comes around to it; if you aren’t head over heels for it either, maybe move on.

I hope this helps!

3

They’re all really nice choices! I suppose if I was picking favourites, I’d say [name_f]Eloise[/name_f], [name_f]Margot[/name_f] and [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]. The only one I’d lose is [name_f]Amelie[/name_f] because you’re right - she will become [name_f]Emily[/name_f].

4

1)[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] This is on our short list. [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] IT! We would use [name_f]Lena[/name_f] as the nn. I like it cause it’s strong, different, and just so pretty.
2)[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] So pretty and elegant. Concentrate on the first syllable… most people will with all the [name_f]Ellie[/name_f]/ [name_f]Ella[/name_f]'s around. No one will think a thing of the ending.
3)[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] (Sounds like “add a line”)- Yes, it does, but it’s so pretty! :wink: [name_f]Addy[/name_f] may be a little too popular.
[name_f]Estella[/name_f] The next ones are pretty, but lack the ooph of [name_f]Valentina[/name_f]/ [name_f]Eloise[/name_f]/ [name_f]Adeline[/name_f]
[name_f]Margot[/name_f]
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f]
[name_f]Amelie[/name_f]
[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] I’ve never liked this one. [name_m]Just[/name_m] NMS.
[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] I say if hubby doesn’t love it, let it go.

5

Things that are sticking out to me…
[name_f]Elodie[/name_f], maybe I have it wrong, but I’ve always pronounced it to ryhme with [name_f]Melody[/name_f]. [name_f]Melody[/name_f] without the M. It’s a beautiful name. Probably my favorite on your list.
I’ve never heard of a cow [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], I am sure alot haven’t and that certainly isn’t the first thought with that name naturally… It’s a cute name.
[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] is my second favorite, it’s gorgeous. I love it all it’s variations. Full name is fine but just remember there is alot of nicknam,es she could end up with a pet type nn from you or friends… there is also Teeny/[name_f]Tiny[/name_f], [name_f]Tia[/name_f], [name_m]Lenny[/name_m],… Good luck!

6

I think you are awesome for being so critical and thoughtful about your baby’s name :slight_smile: It’s an important decision. I like a lot of your choices.

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] (Only like it as a full name, don’t care for the nicknames, [name_u]Val[/name_u] or [name_f]Tina[/name_f]. I know that even if I insist most of her friends will shorten her name) Other NN possible: [name_m]Len[/name_m], [name_f]Lena[/name_f], Lean, Vree, [name_f]Leda[/name_f]. If you really love this name, you can use it, don’t let the NN issue stop you. You can use any NN you like :slight_smile:

[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] (It will be mispronounced constantly, [name_f]Emily[/name_f] will become her name) I agree! It is too close to [name_f]Emily[/name_f]! Other alternatives: [name_f]Amandine[/name_f], [name_f]Amelia[/name_f]

[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] ([name_m]Don[/name_m]'t care how the ending sounds “eez” or “ees”) Alternative name: [name_f]Elowen[/name_f], [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f]

[name_f]Estella[/name_f] (So close to [name_f]Stella[/name_f] which is a pretty name just not sure if I love it) [name_f][b]Estella[/name_f] with NN [name_f]Stella[/name_f] is nice. I like that the name means “star.” I like that Stell, [name_f]Stella[/name_f], Stellie, [name_f]Ellie[/name_f], [name_f]Essie[/name_f], [name_f]Estie[/name_f] are all cute NN for a little girl. I like that you can pick her NN based on her personality b/c you have so many choices to choose from! [name_f]Stella[/name_f] and [name_f]Estella[/name_f] are elegant for a grown woman and she can go by her full name or her nn in her professional life because it is not childish sounding. [name_m]Even[/name_m] as a woman she can choose a name that fits her adult personality and her professional role. I like that it’s not popular but it is familiar so pronunciation shouldn’t be an issue. One issue is that it may be misspelled as [name_f]Estelle[/name_f] occasionally but that’s minor. It doesn’t rhyme with anything weird. It doesn’t sound like some other, more popular name.

[/b]
[name_f]Margot[/name_f] (Most recent addition, just like with [name_f]Estella[/name_f], I think it is a nice name I just don’t feel very strongly about it). [b]I like [name_f]Margot[/name_f] but it has less NN flexibility that [name_f]Estella[/name_f]. NN [name_f]Mari[/name_f] ([name_f]MAR[/name_f] like car; [name_f]MAR[/name_f]-ee) [name_f]Margie[/name_f]

[/b]
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] ([name_f]My[/name_f] friends mentioned the cow [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] and now it is all I can think of …plus I prefer the full name which I doubt her friends will use) Actually, I think people do say [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] quite often, rather than [name_f]Tilly[/name_f] or [name_u]Mattie[/name_u]. But that’s just my impression. What if you insisted on the NN [name_f]Tilda[/name_f]?

[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] (Sounds like “add a line”) - true. Alternative name: [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f] (my personal favorite)

[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] ([name_m]Don[/name_m]'t like the “die” at the end…I know silly, but…) Alternative name: [name_f]Melody[/name_f].

[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] ([name_f]My[/name_f] husband doesn’t love it): Alternatives: [name_f]Madelyn[/name_f], [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], [name_f]Carolyn[/name_f], [name_f]Marilyn[/name_f] (another personal fav), [name_f]Madeira[/name_f]

[name_f]My[/name_f] favorites from your list: [name_f]Estella[/name_f], [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], [name_f]Margot[/name_f]

Other suggestions: [name_f]Adira[/name_f] NN Deara, [name_f]Elizabeth[/name_f] NN (tons of possibilities), [name_f]Bettina[/name_f], [name_f]Madeira[/name_f] NN Deara, [name_f]Maren[/name_f] (rhyme with [name_f]Karen[/name_f]), [name_f]Marisol[/name_f], [name_f]Valencia[/name_f]

7

[name_f]My[/name_f] favs:

[name_f]Eloise[/name_f]
[name_f]Estella[/name_f]
[name_f]Margot[/name_f]

8

I’d use [name_f]Ava[/name_f]-[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] as the first name, and an ‘A’ middle name, which would get shortened to [name_f]Ava[/name_f]. [name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] is also nice.

9

You seem to like stylish, feminine names with [name_m]French[/name_m] flair.

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f]: No name is totally nickname-proof, and [name_f]Valentina[/name_f] lends itself more easily to nicknames than most. If this is something you think will bother you, consider making it a dealbreaker.
[name_f]Amelie[/name_f]: I don’t think [name_f]Amelie[/name_f] will be mispronounced as often as you think. [name_f]Amelie[/name_f] is as lovely as [name_f]Valentina[/name_f], but less ornate and thus less prone to shortening.
[name_f]Eloise[/name_f]: If a name’s second syllable bothers you now, it’s going to bug the living bejeezus out of you when you’re yelling this name twelve times a day. That alone is enough to eliminate [name_f]Eloise[/name_f] (beautiful as it is) from your list.
[name_f]Estella[/name_f]: If you don’t feel strongly about it, nix it.
[name_f]Margot[/name_f]: Ditto. Life’s too short to use a name you don’t love.
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f]: I know two Matildas. One goes by her full name; one goes by Tili. Nicknames are up to your kid and her peer group. It’s a little silly to worry what your daughter’s friends will call her. As for the cow, I’ve never heard of it.
[name_f]Adeline[/name_f]: When I say this name, it sounds like Addle-ine, not add-a-line. Again, if the pronunciation bugs you, that should be enough to knock it off your list. [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_f]Adele[/name_f] or [name_f]Ada[/name_f] or [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f]?
[name_f]Elodie[/name_f]: The “die” is pronounced “dee.” [name_m]How[/name_m] about [name_f]Elodia[/name_f]?
[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f]: If your husband isn’t on board and you’re not in love, those are both big problems.

So far, it looks like [name_f]Amelie[/name_f]'s your winner – but honestly, it doesn’t seem like you love any of these names. Things to bear in mind: you aren’t in control of your child’s nickname, sound matters, and nobody’s opinion on your child’s name matters more than yours and your husband’s. Good luck!

10

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] - I don’t love this name because I have heard it on both girls ([name_f]Valentina[/name_f]) and boys ([name_m]Valentino[/name_m]) and I hate unisex names, or names that are similar like that ([name_m]Daniel[/name_m] and [name_f]Danielle[/name_f], etc.). However, I do like [name_f]Lena[/name_f] as a nickname.
[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] - Maybe this will be mispronounced, but I would be much more likely to say “[name_f]Amelia[/name_f]” than “[name_f]Emilie[/name_f]”. I really like this one!!
[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] - I have never liked this name, all I can seem to notice is the “wheeze” sound in the middle.
[name_f]Estella[/name_f] - I like the concept of this name, but I don’t like [name_f]Stella[/name_f]. Also, [name_f]Stella[/name_f] is pretty popular right now (at least where I live) and I think it would be mispronounced as [name_f]Stella[/name_f].
[name_f]Margot[/name_f] - I really like [name_f]Margot[/name_f]! Cute and fun name!
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] - I have never heard of [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] the cow, and I really like [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]. Not crazy about any of the nicknames, but if I knew someone named [name_f]Matilda[/name_f], I would never call them by a nickname anyway if they introduced themselves by their full name.
[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] - What about [name_f]Adelyn[/name_f] or [name_f]Adelina[/name_f] instead? I like [name_f]Adeline[/name_f], but pronounced like “[name_m]AD[/name_m]-uh-lynn” instead of “[name_f]LINE[/name_f]”. With this spelling, everyone will pronounce as “[name_f]LINE[/name_f]” whether you want them to or not.
[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] - I love [name_f]Elodie[/name_f]! Not sure if you dislike that it spells “die” at the end, but I would pronounce as “el-oh-dee”. Hard to go wrong with a cute [name_m]French[/name_m] name!
[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] - I like it, but I think it’s a little boring compared to the rest of your list.

[name_f]My[/name_f] favorites:

  1. [name_f]Amelie[/name_f]
  2. [name_f]Margot[/name_f]
  3. [name_f]Matilda[/name_f]
  4. [name_f]Elodie[/name_f]
  5. [name_f]Adeline[/name_f]
11

Tough decisions!
As my Mom said about my name give someone the correct prounciation then refuse to answer to anything else. People will only call her by a nickname if you allow it!

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] is a beautiful name, please don’t let this be a a dismissal of a elegantly romantic name.

I recently fell in love with [name_f]Elodie[/name_f], you can always spell it Elodey, or [name_f]Elodee[/name_f], [name_f]Elody[/name_f]

[name_f]Margot[/name_f] they can always shorten it into [name_f]Margie[/name_f] if you will allow.
I agree with you on the [name_f]Eloise[/name_f] end sounding. [name_f]My[/name_f] sister’s middle name is that and she HATES when Mom or anyone else would draw it out and say Eloiweeze!
[name_m]Just[/name_m] my Humble opinions. [name_f]Hope[/name_f] we have helped!

12

[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] is my favourite on your list! I don’t think of the cow and I doubt many people would.

13

day…

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f]- A beautiful name. Yes, it will most likely get a nn. Maybe [name_f]Leni[/name_f], [name_f]Lena[/name_f], [name_u]Van[/name_u], [name_f]Tia[/name_f], [name_f]Vina[/name_f], [name_f]Valley[/name_f] or even [name_f]Nell[/name_f] or [name_f]Nella[/name_f] could work? These days, kids are more likely to use one of those, rather than [name_f]Tina[/name_f] or [name_u]Val[/name_u].

[name_f]Amelie[/name_f]- While it is a lovely name, yes, it will be consistently mispronounced as [name_f]Emily[/name_f].

[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] ([name_m]Don[/name_m]'t care how the ending sounds “eez” or “ees”)- I would drop it, if you don’t love the ending.

[name_f]Estella[/name_f] (So close to [name_f]Stella[/name_f] which is a pretty name just not sure if I love it)- If you don’t love it, drop it. If you think [name_f]Stella[/name_f] is pretty, is there a reason you cannot use that?

[name_f]Margot[/name_f] (Most recent addition, just like with [name_f]Estella[/name_f], I think it is a nice name I just don’t feel very strongly about it)- If you just ‘like’ it, I wouldn’t use it.

[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] ([name_f]My[/name_f] friends mentioned the cow [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] and now it is all I can think of …plus I prefer the full name which I doubt her friends will use)- The [name_f]Matilda[/name_f] I know doesn’t have a nn, but you can’t really control any nn’s, trust me, no matter how short her name is, kids still find a nn.

[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] (Sounds like “add a line”)- If all you can see is ‘add a line’ I would drop it. Maybe you would like [name_f]Adelie[/name_f] or [name_f]Adela[/name_f]?

[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] ([name_m]Don[/name_m]'t like the “die” at the end…I know silly, but…)- If you are pronouncing it el-OH-dy, I believe it is meant to rhyme with [name_f]Melody[/name_f]. You could always change the spelling too, if the ‘die’ ending is bothering you: [name_f]Elody[/name_f], perhaps? Or maybe [name_f]Elodia[/name_f]?

[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] ([name_f]My[/name_f] husband doesn’t love it)- If you don’t both love it, I would drop it.

Best bet (based on your concerns): [name_f]Valentina[/name_f].

Suggestions (don’t know if you are still open to that, but if you are):
[name_f]Melia[/name_f], Adeleine, [name_f]Valencia[/name_f], [name_f]Aveline[/name_f], [name_f]Avalon[/name_f], [name_f]Adela[/name_f], [name_f]Adelie[/name_f], [name_f]Adelia[/name_f], [name_f]Eloisa[/name_f], [name_f]Elowen[/name_f], [name_f]Elodia[/name_f], [name_f]Elise[/name_f], [name_f]Madrigal[/name_f], [name_u]Madigan[/name_u], [name_f]Madelina[/name_f], [name_f]Adelina[/name_f], [name_f]Amabel[/name_f], [name_f]Ameline[/name_f], [name_f]Elora[/name_f], [name_f]Mabel[/name_f], [name_f]Maeve[/name_f], [name_f]Maeva[/name_f], [name_f]Madia[/name_f], [name_f]Madina[/name_f], [name_f]Adina[/name_f], [name_f]Madro[/name_f], [name_f]Mathilde[/name_f], [name_f]Maude[/name_f].

14

It’s a nice list but I think you should scrap it. The sense I get from your post is that you really don’t like ANY of them. [name_m]Don[/name_m]'t choose a name you have to be talked into. Start over.

Good luck :slight_smile:

15

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] is my favourite of yours. It’s timeless, classic but with exotic feel. It has everything I’m looking for in names - a few qualities (instead just one or two). It looks good in every age. It can be sweet, strong, professional and even sexy. It’s full of character, and has loads of possible nicknames - plus, you can always call her just [name_f]Valentina[/name_f]. I think people will get around it if all they hear from you would be [name_f]Valentina[/name_f] (not [name_u]Val[/name_u] or [name_f]Tina[/name_f] etc). According to nameberry, it means ‘healthy, strong’ and I think it’s a nice meaning to give to a child.

[name_f]Estella[/name_f] - So close to [name_f]Stella[/name_f] which is a pretty name just not sure if I love it - I know, right! I don’t love [name_f]Stella[/name_f], but adore [name_f]Estella[/name_f] and even [name_f]Estrella[/name_f]. Think well of this name because [name_f]Stella[/name_f] is a big part of it! :wink: Maybe put it in the middle spot?

[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] - It will be mispronounced constantly, [name_f]Emily[/name_f] will become her name - if you say so… I also like [name_f]Amalie[/name_f] a lot, but surprisingly can’t stand [name_f]Emily[/name_f] and it’s popularity. I see how nice the name is, but the popularity puts me off. If you pronounce it more [name_m]French[/name_m] way, a-me-LIE, it doesn’t sound like [name_f]Emily[/name_f] anymore :slight_smile:

[name_f]Margot[/name_f] - I love almost every single diminutive or variation of [name_f]Margaret[/name_f]. [name_f]My[/name_f] mother got one of those, and she’s a real pearl (the name means pearl). It’s classic, has loads of nicknames, it’s timeless and elegant. Plus the meaning is just precious!

I don’t care about any of the names below:
[name_f]Eloise[/name_f]
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f]
[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] (Sounds like “add a line”) - agree!
[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] ([name_m]Don[/name_m]'t like the “die” at the end…I know silly, but…) - for me it sounds like something’s missing to it, like it’s just half of the name
[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] ([name_f]My[/name_f] husband doesn’t love it) - my mom likes the sound of it. I had a friend named [name_f]Magdalena[/name_f] (which is another form of the name) and she just ruined the name for me. If I had to choose, this name would be my 5th pick.

16

You could always use [name_f]Lena[/name_f] as a nn for [name_f]Valentina[/name_f]

I love all your name choices- you have a wonderful taste. I like [name_f]Elodie[/name_f] the best though if that helps :slight_smile:

17

I have a niece called [name_f]Adeline[/name_f] and I have never thought of ‘add a line’! She’s mostly called [name_f]Addie[/name_f].

18

Thank you very much to all who replied. Appreciate the time you’ve taken to give me feedback on my not so short list. We are down to 3 names! Still a long way to final one but at least we are making progress.

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] (you guys are right, there are plenty of nicknames to choose from. I’m drawn to this name but still bit hesitant. I’d be sad if she didn’t like it and it seems most people either love it or hate it)
[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] (still don’t like the strong -eez ending sound I hear sometimes, might insist on softer french pronunciation)
[name_f]Amelie[/name_f]

If you are still willing to comment please do. Thanks!

19

[name_f]Valentina[/name_f] - If you don’t like the nick names, don’t choose this name. It’s quite long, so her friends will DEFINITELY try to shorten it.
[name_f]Amelie[/name_f] - [name_u]LOVE[/name_u]. I don’t think she will become [name_f]Emily[/name_f] since [name_f]Amelia[/name_f] is so popular.
[name_f]Eloise[/name_f] - [name_u]LOVE[/name_u]
[name_f]Estella[/name_f] - not a fan
[name_f]Margot[/name_f] - If you use this name could you spell it [name_f]Margo[/name_f] or [name_f]Margaux[/name_f]? I often read “maggot” when I see [name_f]Margot[/name_f].
[name_f]Matilda[/name_f] - never been a fan
[name_f]Adeline[/name_f] - really like
[name_f]Elodie[/name_f] - [name_u]LOVE[/name_u], but I understand about the “die” at the end.
[name_f]Madeleine[/name_f] - bummer that your husband doesn’t like it!

20

[name_f]My[/name_f] best friends have an [name_f]Amelie[/name_f] and I think it is gorgeous. At first some people did ask how to say it or pronounce it wrong, but most of the time they have no issues with this-especially since the movie helped familiarize the name:)