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Are the names Ava and Maeve too similar?

45 replies

Roo0611 · 21/05/2025 10:15

We already have an Ava.

OP posts:
KrisAkabusi · 21/05/2025 10:17

No, they're different. Different number of syllables, the stresses are in different places. I'd go with it.

aredcar · 21/05/2025 10:18

I think they’re too similar

YeezyBreezy · 21/05/2025 10:18

Yes. Too similar, they’ll sound silly together.

hazelnutvanillalatte · 21/05/2025 10:19

Not if you're really set on it because it's not a huge issue, but otherwise I would probably pick something else

cheddercherry · 21/05/2025 10:20

I didn’t think they were too similar when I read it, but I said it out load and instantly went “maevA” like it rolled off the tongue. Maybe that’s just me!

InterruptingRabbit · 21/05/2025 10:25

cheddercherry · 21/05/2025 10:20

I didn’t think they were too similar when I read it, but I said it out load and instantly went “maevA” like it rolled off the tongue. Maybe that’s just me!

I just did exactly the same

GoldieFish · 21/05/2025 10:26

Yes. Our old neighbours had sons called Jude and Luke and said they regretted 0 because when shouted, all that was audible at a distance was the same 'oo' vowel sound, and the boys, when one was being called for something, would just say, 'I thought you were calling Jude/Luke!'

So I would say that anything that is likely to sound similar when called, or that is easily mistaken at a distance, is a no no on practical grounds as a sibling pair. I think Ava and Maeve (assuming you pronounce Ava as 'AY-va' with the same vowel sound as 'Dave') would have the Jude/Luke problem, even if Ava has a second, unstressed syllable.

Lurkingandlearning · 21/05/2025 10:26

Too similar

Fargo79 · 21/05/2025 10:28

Hmm I suppose if Ava is older, people will probably say "Ava and Maeve" which I think sounds OK. If people are likely to say "Maeve and Ava" I would avoid, because it runs together in a way that doesn't sound good (Mayva Nayva).

phoenixrosehere · 21/05/2025 10:29

Sounds lovely to me. The only way they are similar imo are that they are both vintage/classic names.

cheddercherry · 21/05/2025 10:41

InterruptingRabbit · 21/05/2025 10:25

I just did exactly the same

That’s made me feel much more normal then! 😂 I was like oh god I’ve discovered a glitch in my system, physically can’t say MaevE next to Ava!

ThunderSnacks · 21/05/2025 10:48

Both lovely but a bit too similar for me. What about Ava and May or Mabel?

Doctorkrank · 21/05/2025 10:51

Yes, too similar!

Vanfan · 21/05/2025 10:52

cheddercherry · 21/05/2025 10:20

I didn’t think they were too similar when I read it, but I said it out load and instantly went “maevA” like it rolled off the tongue. Maybe that’s just me!

I also did this much to my own wonderment.

Vroomfondleswaistcoat · 21/05/2025 10:53

Vanfan · 21/05/2025 10:52

I also did this much to my own wonderment.

Me too! We can't ALL be wrong..

Roo0611 · 21/05/2025 10:59

@ThunderSnacks i love Mabel but the surname is Martin so wasn’t sure about Mabel Martin?

OP posts:
CocoPlum · 21/05/2025 11:05

Roo0611 · 21/05/2025 10:59

@ThunderSnacks i love Mabel but the surname is Martin so wasn’t sure about Mabel Martin?

I mean ... if you're not keen on the sound of Mabel Martin I don't see how Maeve Martin is any better??

Another who also automatically said MaevA here!

Rickrolypoly · 21/05/2025 11:09

Why are people saying MaevA? That is not how you pronounce Maeve.
I don't think they sound similar at all, although I'm not sure I love Maeve Martin together (sorry). But I love the name Maeve.
You could spell in the Irish way maybe?

Lmnop22 · 21/05/2025 11:13

Yes.

But I love Mabel and think that sounds better with Martin than Maeve because going from a “v” to an “m” sound is harder (for me at least 😬)

ThunderSnacks · 21/05/2025 11:14

Roo0611 · 21/05/2025 10:59

@ThunderSnacks i love Mabel but the surname is Martin so wasn’t sure about Mabel Martin?

I actually think Maeve Martin is even harder to say! There also a famous comedian called Mae Martin.

phoenixrosehere · 21/05/2025 12:05

Rickrolypoly · 21/05/2025 11:09

Why are people saying MaevA? That is not how you pronounce Maeve.
I don't think they sound similar at all, although I'm not sure I love Maeve Martin together (sorry). But I love the name Maeve.
You could spell in the Irish way maybe?

Edited

Why are people saying MaevA? That is not how you pronounce Maeve.
I don't think they sound similar at all.

Same. However, I think Maeve Martin sounds better than Mabel Martin. If OP was going for another M name, I’d suggest Maya over Mabel, but that’s due to my personal thought references to Mabel which are a cow (children’s book) and Maybelline.

BerniesAuntie · 21/05/2025 12:12

Too similar.

Mabel Martin is a cool name.

Lovenpic · 21/05/2025 13:51

I really like Mabel Martin! It’s a great name.

to PPs - people know know to pronounce Maeve, but in combination with Ava it trips off the tongue awkwardly.

Goandygo · 21/05/2025 13:55

Too similar.
Both beautiful names, I love Ava.
My friend has Ava and Grace.
I dislike Mabel.

Roo0611 · 21/05/2025 14:01

@Goandygo
I love Grace but our friends have a grace.
our other considerations are Alice, Callie, Isla or Erin

OP posts: