Ranked, in order of preference [name_f][/name_f]-
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Sophia[/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] is a personal favourite. It’s everything a name should be [name_f][/name_f]- soft yet strong, possessing a good meaning and a long history yet easy to wear in the modern world, used in several countries, elegant and with some flair to it. It’s one of the prettiest names out there, but also very sophisticated and can suit many different women.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Josephine[/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- A little clunky, a little elegant, and very spirited, thanks to associations (Jo [name_m]March[/name_m], [name_f]Empress[/name_f] [name_f]Joséphine[/name_f], [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] [name_m]Baker[/name_m], etc). [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] balances masculine and feminine aspects, which I always like, and has such a lovely soft sound. There are days when I prefer [name_f]Josephine[/name_f] to [name_f]Sophia[/name_f], for sure, even though I like [name_f]Sophia[/name_f] better overall.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Astrid[/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- A strong, reserved, no-frills name with a bit of warmth and charm to it. Distinctly Scandinavian, even though it’s used elsewhere. Sometimes I find the sound harsh, but I’ve always liked the personality that this name carries.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Marta[/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- I like it way more than the [name_f]English[/name_f] equivalent, [name_f]Martha[/name_f]. It sounds more energetic and less harsh, but has a similar warm and simple vibe.
[name_f][/name_f][name_f]Alice[/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- I’ve always found [name_f]Alice[/name_f] insipid. It’s an okay name if you take it on its own, but the moment you start comparing it with any other similar name, it falls short. It’s too soft, and has an unmemorable, ‘downward’ kind of sound (whereas I prefer names that sound more bright and ‘upward’ [name_f][/name_f]- like [name_f]Alexandra[/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- or more reserved [name_f][/name_f]- like [name_f]Anne[/name_f]. It’s hard to explain). The meaning and history are the only distinctive things about [name_f]Alice[/name_f] [name_f][/name_f]- but then it derives from [name_f]Adelaide[/name_f], which has much more presence.