I need your help. Big time.
Our baby girl is due in seven weeks and we have yet to agree on her name. We have an ongoing list that we add to from time to time, compiling a stack of possibilities that neither of us are completely sold on. I have my own personal favourites; my husband has his, and ne’er the two shall meet, it seems.
A few months back I asked for name suggestions and you offered some great ones. The thing I have come to realize, however, is that I am looking for a name that I’ve never heard of before.
Both of our girls’ names are variations on more common names: Avelyn (a twist on the old-fashioned “Evelyn”) and Karenna (a snappy little tweak to “Karen”). I had never heard of either of their names until I went searching for them, but the moment I saw them, they leapt into my heart and I knew they were right.
So what I’m asking you for is this: tell me a name you think I might never have heard of before. Nothing too bizarre or deranged (aka: no Beulah-Marie or Rainbow Delight), but perhaps a little change or twist to a more basic name that I haven’t dreamed up yet. Another possibility is a name that’s so old, it’s new again, tucked away in a secret branch of our family tree. Do you have any great old family names you’d be willing to share?
What do you say? Can you help a pregnant girl (with an ornery husband who likes BORING names) out?
Two that come to my mind…
Soraya
Hadley
Ha – this made me laugh Amanda since our lives are so paralell right now. I think MAYBE my husband and I have agreed on a name? Maybe. He has a name he really loves: Fionnuala (Finn-oo-la) – but I’m not sure I can go with it since I don’t know how well it would translate here in Alberta (it is Irish). Although I’m thinking we could call her Mini Finny when she is wee which would be cute. As you know I love the old lady names so some that I was thinking about in the beginning were Ivy, Iris, Rosaleen, Roisin (pronounced Rosheen – it’s Irish too) and Cecile. But then one night I had a dream and the baby was supposed to be called Audrey – which is actually almost popular compared to most of the names we like but both Mister and I like it. At this point (5 weeks away) I’ve kind of resigned myself to waiting to see what this little miss looks like. Also, it is important for me to pick a name that doesn’t sound anything like Moira since people always gush over Moira’s name. I really like the name Orla but it is too much like Moira.
I have no kids myself, but went to a wedding a few years ago, and the bride’s grandmother was named Esme, and it has stuck with me, I just love it!
A few of my other favorites are Trystan and Eden.
And whenever I think there might be a “scare” my husband and I always call her Aurylia (Aor-reel-yah)
A workmate of mine named her daughter Kay-Lahn-Ee (not sure how they spelled it) which is a beautiful Hawaiian name.
Good luck!! I’m sure whatever you choose will be fantastic!
I agree with the poster that was pushing for an “ee” ending. Also… you have accent on 1st and 2nd syllables. Would be nice to do an accent on 3rd syllable!
Coralee/leigh
Everlee/leigh
Miralee/leigh
Emmaree
Marely
Loralee/leigh
Lorelei -> end in “I” sound
Vivalie/leigh -> mash of Vivian Leigh?
Vivianne -> emphasis on Anne
Rosalie
Madigan -> combo of Madison and Megan
Elliston
Adella
Helena
Nicoline
Rania
Inessa -> like Vanessa, with an “I”
Elodie -> still love it 🙂
Amabel -> actually existed before Annabel (omma – belle)
Good luck! Can’t wait to see what you pick.
Genevra (jeh NEV ra) is one I’ve only come across once.
Cadence was almost my daughter’s middle name.
Marylen
Serafina
Wow…lots of suggestions. I’m just going to throw these out there. My grandma’s name was Elva and she’s the only one I’ve ever met! My other grandma was Mae which is uncommon also. My daughter’s name is Alice and if #2 would have been a girl, her name would have been Josephine (Josie for short).
Good luck with the babe!
How about Sayla? It’s not completely unknown, easy to pronounce and a variation on Kayla.
Avelyn, Karenna, Sayla.
Evangeline
Camille
I love your Louella name since mine is Lou Ellen and I have been called Lulu for years by my mother, siblings and nieces and nephews….Lucy, too!
Acadia (uh-kay-dee-uh)
Acacia (uh-kay-shuh)
Janeil
Lotus
Chalise
Roma
A few names of friends that I think are unique or might match your style:
Dara
Aiya (eye-ah)
Martha
Sundin
Stella
Keating
Yael
Bryce
Alena
Phaedra (fae-dra)
Amberlea/Amberleigh/Amberly
I adore the name Lorelei (or Lorelai). And no, it’s not my name 🙂 just love it! Good luck!
Hey Amanda,
Alicia from Regina here.
What about Mahli. It’s like Molly but spelled a little differently. I really love it and might just use it some time in the future.
Good luck in your final weeks. You look stunning, as always.
A friend of mine
Raveigh (Rah-vay)
Good luck.
How about Briar?
Wow, you have a TON of great suggestions already. I glanced through most of them, and I have to say that I love the name Elodie. I also like Nyah and of course Brielle (which I saw suggested multiple times). 🙂
It sounds like you want something unique but timeless, right? She can stand out but still be a lawyer or CEO? Always tough but these are my suggestions:
Marit or Merritt
Elinora or Eleanora (nn Nora or Ellie)
Fiona
Amelia
Stella
Good Luck!!!
I spelled the name Maiëlla wrong…so thought I would fix it 🙂 Good luck!
You may not have heard of my daughter’s hebrew names…I am pretty fond of them:
Meira (pronounced May-ee-ra) and Nava
🙂
Hey Amanda, I know you through Jen Dalson and Tanya Johnson who I went to highschool with. I have been reading your blog for a few months and thought I would throw in my two cents as well :). I have been reading a book by George R. R. Martin and he uses alot of strange names in it. The ones I like are Sansa and Arya. I also like Rylan, Miaella (my-ella), and Linnaea (lyn-aya) Good Luck!
Holy Comments Batman!!
I can’t give you any suggestions as I am saving all my possibilities for myself. Yes, I am selfish like that. You have lots of good suggestions and help here though, you don’t even need me! 🙂
I met a girl named Dessley, which was the only time I’d heard it (she said it was popular in Australia)
I love Bronte for the literary connection
Another name I’ve been toying around with is a combo of Emma and Anneliese. I really like Emmeliese (Emma-leece)
But it sounds like you want traditional with a twist. Going off of Karen and Evelyn, I’m thinking of mid-century names with a twist…what about:
Linda = Linnea (Li-NAY)
Mary = Marissa, Marina, Mariah
Jean = Geneva, Genevieve, Regina, Jana
Carol = Caroline/Carolina, Cara
Anne = Anna, Anissa, Annika, Anneliese.
Thought of some more:
Sarai
Pina
Hedy
Charlie (I like this name for a girl!
Marin (Ma-RIN)
Eleni (uh-LAY-nee)
Gelsey (Gelsey Kirkland is a famous ballerina)
Annika
Madley (as in “madly in love” 🙂 )
Livia
Isla
Jocelyn (nn Joss)
Also, Alina or Elina (both of Russian origin)
I have a friend named Jeannice and even though it seemed like a very natural, normal name to me when I heard it, it does not appear that common. Good luck!
Oh – this is a toughie. We didn’t know our baby’s sex and so it was even harder b/c we set out to pick 16 names (4 girls first and middle and 4 boys first and middle) and while we mostly agreed on names it was so hard!
While I don’t have any to share (but I LOVED baby name wizard) I suggest picking your top 3 and just waiting. I loved all of the names we had but wanted to wait and see the baby before naming him or her. As soon as they showed her to me I knew her name but didn’t say it out loud. The OB said, “So, does this baby have a name?” I looked at my husband and said, “She’s Quinn” and he said, “I was thinking the EXACT same thing.” I’m a big believer in the whole “you’ll know when you see ’em” thing.
Good luck!
OMG OMG OMG! I know I said I wasn’t going to suggest anything, but something just popped into my head. I knew a girl in college named Daidrie (“like ‘daydream’ without the ‘m'”) and I really do think Daidrie Brown sounds like the perfect little sister for Avelyn and Karenna. Okay, now do I get a prize?
Oh lordy. What is it about baby name requests that make people IGNORE THE RULES and give compeltely irrelevant suggestions?
This time I’m not even going to suggest anything because I KNOW you guys will come up with something awesomer than anyone else could, because you’ve done it before.
(Although I recently met a toddler named Duende (doo-end-day). Now THAT’S original!)
Good luck! I can’t wait to hear what you choose!
I keep thinking of baby names- partially because you asked and partially because I just had a niece born yesterday. 🙂
Anyway, I’m in a class today and a girl walked in and introduced herself as Serianna (it could be spelled Cerianna I suppose). It’s a twist on the name Serena (Cerena). I thought it was super cute and might be something that would interest you. 🙂 Good luck with the decision.
Oh, I have a couple more:
Tavia
Vianna
I also 2nd Finley and Brynn.
So, since so many people have ousted themselves for delurking I will join the club. I have been reading your blog for probably 2 years by now. I was lead here by my cousin’s blog (Jen Wilson) so you can check I’m not a wierdo! :D. I read through all 105 comments just to see what people are saying and I have a name to add.
Anais (pronounced a-neigh)
I had a student who was called Anais and it is just one of those names that has stuck with me. She was a beautiful girl full of energy and “pep.”
Good luck with naming your next little lady!
Keri Stephens
Galena
Nori
Baby names have always been my fav…
Aysa (Asa)
Ashlyn
Brettlyn
Effie
Ellery
Hadley
Morann
Syra (Sear-a)
Spence
Tenley
Have fun!
One of my girlfriends has a daughter named Nadia and her middle name is Cadence… I think it goes together so well.. Nadia Cadence.
Just a few more:
Renata
Aria
Nola
Linnea
Reverie
Marlyn
Ameris/Amaria (Amaria means “word of God” or “God has said” in Hebrew)
Annalie (kind of a fun variant of Annalise)
Lucia
Ahhh – there are way too many beautiful girl names!
Jansen or Jensen
I’m a nurse here are a few older or more unique names that I’ve seen babies named recently:
Ryah
Ophelia
Chelena
Josephine
So many cool ones 🙂 I loved the Cadence and Octavia suggestions..
Another few pretty ones..
Coral is pretty..but you can do a Coralyn or Coranne.. Corally (core-a-lee)
I always liked Satia.. I dont know where I heard it.. (saa-tee-aah). Or as you’d like..
Such interesting names. 🙂
Alisha (Ah-ly-sha) Like Elisha from the Bible, but with an A and for a girl.
McCoy
Kyra
Dayna
Shannon
Alana
Kristin
Chandra
Good luck!
I love the name Brier.
Kyella (the “y” makes a long-i sound)
Finley
Lola
Livi (not Olivia, just Livi)
ok, so you have a heck-of-a-lot of suggestions here, but I will add one more to the pile (however, some of these names are so adorable!!)…my girlfriend named her baby (now 1 year) after her great grandmother, and although this name really doesn’t sound old, it really is quite feminine and would fit quite nicely with your other two girls- Rhya (she said it was European). I thought I’d throw it into the mix!
Layna
I agree i think you should go with a K name as well I like:
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Kaelyn ( pronounced kay-lyn)
Kianna (like dianna but with a k)
Kianne ( like diane but with a k)
Kadence
kaylie
karlie
karlyn
kierra
kenzie
kylie
Annisa
Bronwyn
Raewyn
Mariko
Jaida
Corle(cor-lay)
Annalise
I forgot to say Emmeline is pronounced Emmaleen or Emmaline harsher sounding than it looks
Oh yes, and Dion – the prettiest girl I’ve ever met
My two best friend in elementary school was named Jadene (she pronounced it JAY-deen) and Anika. Jadene was beautiful and delicate and smart and popular. I’ve always liked it. Anika was tall and blond and sporty and great. I’ve always liked that name, too. I’ve never come across another Anika or Jadene.
My hubby and I had a hard time agreeing on names because he is a teacher and associates practically every name with a student and he hates that. So, we wound up with Palmer for our son – named after my hubby’s fave snowboarder Shaun Palmer. Shortly after we had him in ’06 we saw a tv show (did you ever watch The Class?) where Palmer was a woman’s name and I thought it was neat.
We just had our daughter 6 months ago and we named her Éloise (el-oh-ease) with the accent just because I’m french. We sometimes call her ellie for short. I love it because it’s an older name, unique and oh-so-pretty (at least I think so).
Good luck! I TOTALLY feel your pain on picking a name!
Ok… ONE more 🙂
Avelyn, Karenna and …
Aubrey
Hi Amanda, your probably overwhelmed by so many names, but these are some of my all time favorites that I had to share!
Bridgette
Isabella – Issy or Bella for short
Madaline – Maddy for short
Noel (as in joyeux noël, not nole!)
Penelope – Penny for short
Phoebe
Okay, I’m another one of those long time followers who will delurk for a naming post 😉
I seem to remember from when you were naming Karenna that you liked Elodie and it made me think of the only time I’ve heard that name on a person, which was in New Zealand, so I thought I’d mention a few other names I heard there ( but haven’t heard in the US) that might fit you style.
I still really like Elodie for you guys, it has three syllables like your other girl’s names (or at least how I say their names, I’m from the South) and has a different starting initial.
There’s also Ottalie, it’s an old name, the feminization of “Otto” and it means wealthy. Really it’s much prettier said then spelled, so say it a few times, Ott-a-lee…doesn’t that have such a pretty melody to it?
There’s also Vita, which means life and it just so spunky and upbeat. I can see it easily on the littlest sister.
Or what about Amoret? In Spenser’s “The Faerie Queen” Amoret is lauded for her “grace and beautie noble” and used to represent the virtue of married love. (Okay, so that last part doesn’t exactly scream “Name a little girl after me” but bear with me 😉 I like its melody and the “et” ending which sounds familiar (think Violet and Juliet.)
Good luck! I know you’ll find something beautiful!
Ruvae…(pronounced Roo -Vay)
Abrielle or Calla 🙂
Cecilia or Gemma
This might be a bit tacky… but how about Kaelyn or Karelyn (similar to Carolyn), it’s a perfect mix of your other two girls’ names. Avelyn, Karenna, and Karelyn
other suggestions:
Annika
Aeryn – normal sounding name, but I really like the spelling, maybe you will too..
Sierra – similar to Sarah
Viva
Olevia – similar to Olivia
Juliet(te) – similar to Julie/Julia but more feminine and sweet
Ariel(le)
Just a thought…
I think you should go with a K name because you and Avelyn share the same initial …Kadence is a cute one 😉
…and if you have another Baby down the line you could have a steve junior so that every family member has another family member with a matching initial ..lol
A couple more…
Avelyn, Karenna & Selena
Avelyn, Karenna & Cielle
Avelyn, Karenna & Finja
Three names have come to mind the last few days since your post and I thought I would add to my first comment: Irene, Arabella and Isla.
My best friend’s daughter’s name is Melayne (also my best friend’s middle name). This is a mix of her mom’s first name and her dad’s middle name.
Neve, Alina, Elina, Evelina (probably too close to Avelyn), Maude, Elliot.
I have a name which is unusual (never met another one) but it sounds like a common name. The benefit is that people don’t see it as “weird” because it sounds familiar but they comment on the fact that it is different. I always get nice compliments.
The draw backs are that people for some reason NEVER remember it (it doesn’t stick in people’s minds…maybe because it’s unusual?) and they usually think initially that I’m saying the other more common name.
So it’s a blessing and a curse I guess but I like having an unusual name.
(My real name isn’t Leanne, in case you were wondering).
Here’s a name: Ellington.
It’s sounds like an old classic, but has never been used! Many knicknames can come out of it: Ellie, Ells, Ellsbells, ect….
Avelyn, Karena and Ellington.
Elegant and also baby cute
It might sound a little sing-songy with Karenna, but I love the name McKenna. Super cute. My daughter’s name is River, and we get a lot of flak for that. Eh, haters 🙂
I always thought that I would name my little girl Onalee (like Ana and Lee). I heard it in college and pictured a smart, funny and hippie-like girl….and I loved it.
Here is a name I had never heard of until this morning:
Hephzibah
http://www.christiananswers.net/dictionary/hephzibah.html
I named my daughter Gwyneth-lots of nicknames-Gwynie, Wynie, Gwyn, however my other pick was Luella. I loath ella names-because they are so common right now-however, I wanted to be able to call her Lu-lu. Because I loved this nickname, I also had Emmylou on the list. My husband nixed both. Then I wanted to just name her Lulu. My husband almost went for it after close to 3 hours of pushing, but he decided on Gwyneth-which I have learned to love now, and it suits her.
other different names I have liked: Davia (Dave-ia) and Marin (Mare-in)
Wow, you have a ton of suggestions. I have a niece called Halandra (she gets called hally sometimes) her middle name is Cleodna (there is an accent above the e I think and there could even be an h in there, I dunno but it’s pronounced cleo-na they are irish names) my other nieces are Emilia and Geneva (evie) and then megan (which isn’t unusual at all) and then you know the ones on Andy’s side, Vayda and Tessa. My cousin has a little girl called Aildh (again, not sure on the spelling but pronounced Ai-lee it’s scottish) and then Andy’s dutch cousin has these 2 really cute girls calle Noa and Milou and I think that’s pretty, especially Noa, I guess it’s like a top 10 name in Holland.
How about Keegan? I know- it’s my name but it is Irish and means “little firey one” there are a number of spelling of it too, most common is Kegan, but my parents added the extra E
We had a boy (Augustin Leroy, after our favorite city (st Augustine) and my father; We call him Gus), so all of my unique but not insane girl names went to waste. Here are a few to ponder that I don’t think I read above:
Flannery
LaDonna (my grandma- best lady ever)
Valentina
Ricy (ri-see), my great grandma
Georgianna
Iris
Adelaide
Hippolyta
Eyre
Addianna (my family is half Welsh, and this is a welsh name)
Sian (pronounced Sharn, also Welsh)
Mireille
Mirabelle
Portia
Paloma
Cleo
If I decide to have a second baby, I hope it is a girl so I can use one of these cool names. But I have this gut feeling that it will be another bruiser of a boy.
Isadora, Margaret or Gertrude (my grandmothers first and middle names- she went by Gertie), Norma (my other grandma’s name), Nancy, Idabelle (a)
My daughter is “Helena” (pronounced Ha-lay-na) I love that it is traditional yet you never meet anyone with her name… as long as you don’t mind the odd person calling her “Helen-uh” 😉
Hello from Nova Scotia:
Here are my three suggestions:
1. Jennessa (Jennifer and Vanessa blended). My very adorable and petite neice is named this and I have never heard of it before. It suits her to a ‘T’. I picture blong ringlets and baby tans.
2. Maren – not sure why I love this name. It’s unique, classic and attractive.
3. Quinn – I like the idea of giving boy names to girls. Makes for a very strong willed character.
Good luck and happy birthing!
I have a niece named Neely. It is a good old Southern (US) name you don’t hear much. Her middle name is Paloma and her twin sister’s middle name is Lucienne and I think both are just beautiful and might appeal t you some. Another good Southern name that isn’t popular in other areas is Ansley. (pronounces Anne’s Lee). And another one I love is Havley (actually I’m not 100% on the spelling of this one, but it is pronounced have-leigh)
I’m out, but I’m dying to know what you pick!
Avelyn, Karenna &
Layna
Trista
Amelia
Helena
Lena (Leh-na),
Layla
Josie
Jersey
Kingstyn
Coral
Mara
Avelyn, Karenna &
Layna
Trista
Amelia
Helena
Lena (Leh-na),
Layla
Josie
Jersey
Kingstyn
Coral
Mara
While pregnant and on maternity leave, I watched the entire first and second season Rome. There is a girl on there named Eirene, which looks like Irene, but pronounced er-REN-ee. I loved it. Too bad we had already decided our girl’s name by then (Emily, which is close, I suppose)
Clementine, Breck, Beatrix (Bea), Easton, Elodie, Linden, Marisol, Maren, Milou, Miren, Moira, Quinn, Lylah, Louise …
We have just had our third girl and she did not get her name until she was nearly 8 weeks old. We just called her little one, or bubba, the world seemed to cope with that, some people gave us a hard time but when it finally came it was(is) perfect for her. I think after all these babies it would be awesome if your hubby let you have the name you loved for your first girl, how does he handle some gentle pressure from your readers???
I don’t really have any suggestions, names seem to find the baby eventually! Can’t wait to hear it though!
I like Anya, a modern twist to Anna.
I also love Piper, and Payten.
I love the name game, so thanks for asking 😉
I looked up names from the 2o’s and 3o’s and this is what I came up with:
Lily, Jeanne, Eva (Evangeline), Rosie, Lola, Audrey, Ruby, Camille (Cami for short), Eliza, Lila, Lisette, Geneva (Genny/Jenny), and Gillian (Jill).
So there’s some good ol’ fashioned ones that are not so common but still old school (for hubby’s sake).
Good luck!
Few more:
Kinsey (name from a novel series I read)
Heli (mom wanted to name me this, dad vetoed the “e”)
Jay-lynne/Jaelyn(ne)
Raelynne
Merica (girl I had in Kindergarten this year)
Deanna
My votes are for: Ashlyn, Malin, Malia, Shelby, Piper, Marin, Noelle (nn Elle or Ellie), and Campbell (Cami)
Good luck!
Here are some names from my 5 year teaching career:
Aqsa (ak-sah)
Mahnoor (Mah nor)
Azure-Dee
Cara-Joy
Kahaila (kah hay lah)
Marieve (Mary ev)
Be’la (Bela)
Una
Christianna
That’s all for now, I’ll think of more….
My grandmother’s names are Jean and Whilelmina, though the former is not her birth name and the latter dislikes hers so much that she hasn’t gone by that name since before I was alive. Not sure if that helps you, but it’s something!
My boyfriend’s grandmother’s name is Julia and a popular Ukrainian (and other cultures) variation of the is Julianna, which I’ve always thought was really beautiful. I’m not great at phonetic spelling but it’s pronounce Yoo-lee-ah-nah.
I’m pretty sure I mentioned some of these last time, but I love them all! I tried to add some new ones too. Read and enjoy!
Cianna – similar to Sienna or Brianna
Elora/Alora – sounds like Lora/Laura but more magical sounding
Elisa/Alisa – similar to Lisa or Elise, but somehow I think it’s much prettier!
Aleia/Leia – if you ignore the starwarsy aspect, its really cute. Similar to Leah or Aaliyah
Maisie/Maisy – cute, girly, and old fashioned. Sounds similar to May or Daisy
Elissa/Elyssa – very similar Alyssa or Melissa, but I like it better
Elivea – a spin of Olivia. This is my friend’s daughter’s name and she is cute as a button!
Eloise/Eloisa – variation of Louise
Aven/Evan – I LOVE these for a girl but I think they’re too similar to Avelyn
Amelie – cute variation of Emily
Zara – a funky spin of Sarah
Azalea/Azalie/Adelie- these sound similar to Natalie. Azalea pronounced like -lia or -lee, or Azalie for a cuter, spunkier name. Plus there are a tyle of penguins called Adelie, and babies kinda resemble penguins, right? sometimes? no???
Cielle – a prettier spelling of Ciel, which means “sky” in french. If you rearrange the syallables it sounds like Elsie 🙂
Elysia – means “heaven”, similar to Alicia or Elise
Ohana – means “family” in Hawaiian, sounds like Hannah
Seren – means “star”, sounds like Sarah or Serenity
For some reason I LOVE the nickname Ellie, so about half of the names above have Ellie as a possible nickname. Optional, of course!
Braylee?
A couple more!
Johanna
Lysette
Kimera
Naomi
Amelia
Qwynn
I love the name Milla (because that’s my daughter’s name!)
How about Alyss (like Alice but kinda French?) or Clara, Brenna, Dahlia, Ryleen or Raelene ?
I think naming #3 with an -ie or-y ending would be perfect–I like the “Elodie” suggestion. The three names together keep ringing in my head: Avelyn, Karenna and Elodie. Three syllables, different (but traditional) name endings, unique-but-not-weird styles. Good luck! I’m sure she will be beautiful and you’ll find a name to fit her perfectly.
That’s how I fell in love with Liliana’s name. I’d never heard of it before, but it was a NAME, not some made-up weird word-turned-name.
I’m going to go searching for names for you. I have one that I LOVE, but I’m selfish and want to keep it for if I have another kid. Girl. IF.
Some of the more unusual names among girls in our playgroup: Kaisley, Nyala, Abrielle and Emilyn (sisters), Kira, Kinley, Breonne, Olive, Elysia, Tristyn, and River.
I’ll add my two cents worth—– I have always liked Bronwyn, but you already knew that. I also like Emmanuelle, Elly or Nellie for short. Also like Nelle, Gabrielle, Francsesca (spelling?) Stormie (that was almost your name), Stella and Maelle, but it won’t matter what you name her because she’ll be our li’l sweetie.
I have a couple suggestions….One of our couple friends named their daughter Ellery. It’s sort of like Ellen, but not. It’s cute. Another one of our friends named their daughter ViviAnne. So, not Vivian. But Vivi Anne, but all one word. It’s so stinkin cute and they call her Vivi and I love it and would steal it if that wasn’t totally rude.
My girl name is and always has been Rachel Karen. But for some reason I don’t think I’m going to have a girl.
My kids don’t have your typical top 100 names (Campbell, Cuyler and Geneva)
The girl name that I LOVE and never got to use is:
Mairead
It is gaelic for Margaret (which is my Nana’s name)
(pronouciation: rhymes with parade)
Good luck!!
(i love Avelyn and Karenna’s names – beautiful)
Okay, so I’m the doting Auntie! I just did some research on old/new names and here’s what I found:
Ameris
Audrey
Caris
Clarise, Clarice
Dante (usually used for a boy, but i know a little girl named Dante, so sweet!)
Emerson
Emmeline
Estelle
Greata
Genevieve (My friend’s is pronounced soft g “jon-vee-EHV”)
Jennyver (White wave)
Janelle
Lorelei (extra brownie points for this one!)
Lexine
Meris
Paige, Page
Siobhan
Sage
Hi Amanda,
I’ve been reading your blog for years (since before Avelyn was born) but not sure I’ve ever commented. I am just shy, not rude I promise.
My favourite girl names at the moment are Elodie and Eliza. I also really, really like the name Elida – that may fit your criteria as it is very similar to Eliza but with a twist.
Having said that I’m in the UK and sometimes names don’t translate so well across countries. Can’ wait to see what you decide on.
Ameisha, Elliette, Chanel, Capri, Sydney (this was our girl’s name),Niamh (pronounced “Neve”), Jennika, Emme, Bonnie, Teighan, Catriona, Linieta, Alesia, Poppy, Manaia, Maisy, Denver, Ciara, Kylah, Cadence, Quincy, Avery, Marnie, Janis, Talissa, Hallie, Charlize, Shelby, Mardi, Reagan, Leila, Oceanna, Gem, Bayley.
I don’t remember how I came accross your blog but I definitely enjoy reading it! I just have to say that I love reading your posts! You are a talented writer and never cease to make me laugh. :o) I like how openly and honestly you write about wife and motherhood – I can definitely relate!
Last year I came up with this unique name: Everlea (my favorite spelling), Everleigh, Everlee. So that’s my vote! Ps. Love your girls names!
We are naming our baby Alaina…i LOVE it
I know a girl named Marika. Similar to Marie.
Davanie
Mikella
Karis
Agatha, Bria, Annalisa, Doretta, Danila (rhymes with Taquila)…. those were on our name list 🙂
my name lol Emmeline.
My kids have VERY traditional names (we have a strange last name so we can’t go too far out with the first names.) However, there are a couple non-traditional names I love. The first is Bendena (Ben-DEEN-uh). It is actually the name of the tiny town where most of my family lives. It was named in the mid 1800s after the founder’s lover. She eventually left him for another man and he eventually married someone else, but the town still kept her name. When I was a little girl I thought that story was tragic & hopelessly romantic. Unfortunately, my husband wasn’t as taken with the name so I had to give it up, but I still think it is a great name. The other name I just came across recently. Bridonya. At first I thought it was crazy, but it is growing on me.
My daughter’s name is Isla (eye-la) and I’m completely in love with it. I also love Emmy and Evalee. Best of luck agreeing on a name 🙂
I like the name Janaya, or Aquinnah (Quinn for short!)
One of my friends named his daughter after her Great Grammie; Emolyn Kate, I love it!
hmm. brainstorming: Jessalyn, Coralee or Coraleigh, Meridee,
Can’t wait to see what you guys choose!
Okay, my daughter’s name completely fits the bill. I knew it was right for us from the moment I saw it and maybe you will feel the same sympatico.
Ember. Not Amber.
EMBER. It means little spark which suits our little red head just perfectly.
I try not to advertise her name since I love that it’s unique and almost one of a kind. But you asked so nicely. :o) Good luck!!
Okay, so I’m the “doting auntie” who just did some research on old/new names and here’s a list of maybes for the baby! P.S. I’m sure your pick will be as chic as the other two, Amanda!
Ameris
Audrey
Abigail
Caris
Clarice
Camille
Charlotte
Dante (DON-tay)
Emerson
Emmeline
Estelle
Genevieve (can be pronounced w/ soft g: “jon-vee-EHV” as opposed to JEN-eh-veev)
Jennyver
Janelle
Lisette
Lexine
Lorelei (brownie points for this one!)
Lucille
Meris
Paige, Page
Siobhan
Sage
Shai (means gift)
I love Ainsley and have been holding on to it for years. But I have two boys, so I’ve never been able to use it. How about Paisley, Vivian, Nola, Eleanor, Beatrix, Ruby?
I saw the name Amryn once and fell in love with it… Like Camryn, or Cameron, without the C. I’m a ways a way from having kids and don’t know if the hubby would ever go for it anyways!
Simone, Aubrey/Audrey, Holly are a few of my favorites.
I met someone recently named: Octavia (Ock-tay-vee-ah). Thought that was pretty neat.
How about something older like Tabitha, Ivy or Penelope? A previous poster suggested Cadence which is a name I absolutely love and once considered for one of our girls. As far as unusual or not “popular” ie having twenty other kids in the same class all named the same, what about something like Avery, Jeniece or Mimi? Don’t roll your eyes Amanda….lol, remember pregnant women are fickle and as you and I talked about that day, a name is something you and your child will need to live with forever. Take your time to decide and make sure you LOVE it, so what if she’s Baby Brown for the first week or so of her life? I’m sure when you do decide on a name, we will love it and it will suit her perfectly!!! Many hugs to you….
Sylvia, Gretta, Genie, Evangeline, Brielle, Sloane, Taryn, Nora
Someone suggested Camry (didn’t want to name her after a car) to me and I liked the name Brynn. (My husband didn’t like Brynn.) I was holding our nameless daughter the day she was born when it hit me: “Cambry”. I asked her if she liked it and I swear she smiled.
How about Ivy, Carsen, Ida, Janessa, Caroline, Kennedy, Kyla, Aurora…
A few I like are Cecilia or Cecil, Lola, Carolina, Esme, Viola, Briar, Harper, Iris, Kyra, Clover, Beatrice, Avis, Maeve, Connor, Molly, Francis, and Emory. I think the list could go on and on. Good luck naming the baby.
You can still go for Evanie. I think. Or maybe it’s time to bring out Annalise again. I dunno.
I also liked Jenaya, Jenae, Brielle, and Harper for girls names. You do have 30 days and you would be surprised at how many babies go home from the hospital with no name.
Hey – we live in NB and I know Liz from highschool days which is how I found your blog….anyway we named our daughter, BRIELLA. It’s the perfect name (to us) and everyone who hears it says it’s beautiful.
Happy baby name hunting 🙂
Maleah (mah-leah), Kialyn, Brylee or Elanie
I *think* I’ve suggested this before, but I just love Caris. I’ll never use it but I’d love for someone else to! Also, our girl name us Sloan, which I’m happy to share. Our chances of having another are shaky, at best!
My husband and I are weird and lay in bed thinking of names for our next child, which will be a few years down the road (We hope. I guess as long as we lay there talking about names instead of…other things, we’ll be okay!)
The name we like for a girl is Lylah Jo.
Kind of like Layla, but different (lol).
I’ve always like Emery and Synclare.
Jennica? I once met a baby girl named that. It’s sort of a cross between Jennifer and Jessica. I didn’t fit my babies but it always stuck with me for some reason.
you don’t have to name her right away…i think you have 30 days “officially”. why not wait and see who she is? i’ve always believed in not too weird names. imagine her as a grandmother. is her name timeless? i remember my s.i.l. saying that she hated her name as it was too little girly.
take your time! it’ll come i’m sure.
Here are two that may not have crossed your radar…
Helen and Chryslyn
Good luck!
My sister-in-law’s name is Cadence which isn’t really popular and similar to Candace.
How about Evony? A variation of Ebony.
Or maybe Lynay? A variation of Lynette.
Kaylyn – a variation of Katylyn
I am a firm believer in having a short list and then waiting till the baby is born to pick a name that fits them. It seems you like two syllable names and things not so mainstream but with flare all on their own. I have no ideas for you because I find picking a name so hard.. I’ll keep my ears open in case I hear a real good one in the maternity unit.
How about Romney? (It’s my cousin-in-law’s name and I had never heard of it before until I met her.) Of course, it fits her to a tee, but it might not be for everyone. 🙂
I like Adeline (a lot!)…. Maeve…. Emerson… Corrigan…
Good luck with choosing a name… I love following your blog (s)! : )
I know that you’re a pretty savvy web-girl but, check out this blog by the Baby Name Wizard. We already have our pretty simple, old-fashioned boy’s and girl’s name (of which Steve would approve, I’m sure) but, I really liked a lot of the names she included on this blog post. Enjoy!
http://www.babynamewizard.com/archives/2010/7/a-name-divided-spotting-the-stealth-hits
How about Romilly?