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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

We've narrowed it down to two possibilities...

43 replies

NotFromConcentrate · 13/01/2012 20:25

We've just found out the baby we're expecting in 8 weeks is a little girl. We have two boys, both with short plain-ish names. Not too concerned with popularity, not least because I think there's a lot of regional variation. So...

Orla Hannah Catherine, or
Alexa Hannah Catherine (don't mind the nn Lexy)?

(The middle names are family names and non-negotiable)

Which would you choose?

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madaboutmadmen · 15/01/2012 12:02

Orla sounds more classy than Alexa to
me.

Original poster
NotFromConcentrate · 14/01/2012 22:28

DH vetoed Orlaith, so we're back to Orla or Alexa (I love Isla, he doesn't

Last night I was totally set on Orla/Orlaith. Today I am swaying towards Alexa. I think this might be a decision best left until we meet her! Interesting to see people like one and not the other, and vice versa!

Exotic - I'm not keen icon Catherine as a first name. Hannah is my sister's name so DH won't agree to it as a first name, just as I won't agree to Catherine (MIL's name). We're slightly stubborn that way Grin

OP posts:
Onion1968 · 14/01/2012 22:11

Orla is the lovely and it doesn't matter if you don't want to spell it the Irish way.

NewYearsRevolution · 14/01/2012 21:53

Orla is an accepted variant on the spelling; Orlaith an older, more traditional version. Orla is actually the more popular version in Ireland these days too. So don't worry, it's not a 'couldn't spell the name' spelling.

PercyFilth · 14/01/2012 19:55

I agree, Alexandra (or any name ending in -ra) not good with a surname beginning with R.

BikeRunSki · 14/01/2012 18:36

Orla, Orla, Orla, Orla

sleeplessinderbyshire · 14/01/2012 18:33

i love Orla, it was on my shortlist for DD but my DH hated it and we caled her something else

kreecherlivesupstairs · 14/01/2012 18:15

or Grainne.

CheshireDing · 14/01/2012 18:11

I prefer Orla but prefer the longer spelling.

I think with some Irish names unless you are actually Irish (or they arequite popular) you would have to pronounce them for some people.

I am thinking of something such as Aoife as an example.

kreecherlivesupstairs · 14/01/2012 18:05

Orla sounds much nicer than Alexa IMO.
If I saw Orllaith written down I'd pronounce it Or-Layth.

loudee · 14/01/2012 17:53

Orla is lovely

JestersHat · 14/01/2012 09:30

Much prefer Alexa to Orla.

AllDirections · 13/01/2012 23:27

Alexa

exoticfruits · 13/01/2012 23:27

If you have to have one of them Alexa

PreHeatedOven · 13/01/2012 23:23

Orla

LynetteScavo · 13/01/2012 23:23

Orla. Smile

exoticfruits · 13/01/2012 23:04

Hannah Catherine or Catherine Hannah-both lovely names. Miss off the Alexa or Orla, they aren't half as nice.

Heswall · 13/01/2012 22:55

Orla is very popular right now, I know two babies born this year in our small villiage called Orla rose.
I prefer Alexa if I had to chose one of those two.
Can I throw Isla into the mix as a suggestion ?

fromheretomaternity · 13/01/2012 22:50

Orla is nice, Lexy sounds a bit 80s

hugebump3 · 13/01/2012 22:47

Alexa for me. It is a classic, timeless name that works beautifully in all languages.

deste · 13/01/2012 22:19

Orla.

FetaCheeny · 13/01/2012 21:13

I think if you prefer Orlaith yourself then go for that, it's beautiful and spelt like that I prefer it to Alexa. (I'm a bit biased as I love Irish names) I don't think people would think you couldn't spell if you called her Orla though, so don't let that put you off.
:)

Original poster
NotFromConcentrate · 13/01/2012 21:08

Percy our surname begins with R and is also quite long, so Alexandra Surname becomes quite a mouthful. I'm not keen on Alexandra as a name, but thanks for the suggestion! Naming a child is an absolute minefield!

OP posts:
PercyFilth · 13/01/2012 21:05

Don't like Orla. I prefer Alexandra to Alexa, as it can be shortened to Alexa if desired but will also offer her other options. I realise it's a bit long with the other names, but I don't think that matters. Obviously it's more important that it flows with the surname, so not in a position to judge.

missmiss · 13/01/2012 20:59

Not hugely keen on either but hate Lexy so I'd go for Orla.