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Baby names

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

Original poster

Are Anna and Emma too similar?

42 replies

RockCrushesLizard · 12/01/2016 10:13

So, I already have an Anna, and both DH and I like Emma for the DD we're expecting, but I think it may be too similar?

I like classic names - Emily, Alice, Kate, Elizabeth, Isabel - but worry that many of them are too popular, and there'll be three in every school class...

Any inspiration or opinions welcome!

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SecretlyChartreuse · 19/01/2016 10:36

Do be careful with Elise.
You'll have an Anna and an Elsie. Bit close to Elsa and Anna.

Original poster
RockCrushesLizard · 19/01/2016 10:28

I think the idea of them becoming Annaemma, or constant mishearing could be a problem.

You're exactly right Georgette - its the classic thing for me, so I'm afraid Emer/Eleri aren't really my style (I think broadly I need to be able to imagine a Queen called that name!). I like Madeleine, but can't not think McCann.
We have a "C" surname, so lots of C names sound a bit matchy with that.

Thank you all for helping me work through it.

OP posts:
WhataRacquet · 19/01/2016 09:46

What about Emer instead?

CelestiaLuna · 19/01/2016 09:42

Claire?

UntilTheCowsComeHome · 19/01/2016 00:28

What about Eleri?

georgetteheyersbonnet · 18/01/2016 22:44

Love Juliet - if I have another DD that's top of my list.

What about Emmeline? Lovely.

I am also a big fan of Elizabeth as the ultimate classic name. Anna and Elizabeth sound gorgeous together.

Anna and Lucy - also gorgeous!

I'm not so fond of Alexa - not in the same classic bracket as Anna IMO (makes me think of Alexis, Dynasty etc.!), but Alexandra is lovely and beautiful, and super-classic. Doesn't go as nicely with Anna to my ear as Lucy or Elizabeth.

I like Elise, but again it isn't quite in the same classic bracket as Anna for me. It's also suddenly become v popular - I know quite a few small Elise and Elisas at the moment.

SummerMonths · 16/01/2016 10:37

I too know siblings Anna and Emma and it did occur to me that they are rather similar. Love both though.

I'd go with Rose.

babyblabber · 14/01/2016 19:15

I think you've already realised but I'm an Emma and often people think it's Anna over the phones so I would defo avoid that combo!

You've had loads of fab suggestions including 2 of my favourite name, Juliet and Rosa

Sleepingtom · 14/01/2016 19:11

Sorry but I much prefer Anna and Emma to your suggestions. Both lovely, classic, timeless names and not at all similar, IMHO!

Rose/Rosa would go well with Anna. Also Eliza - you could still shorten to Lizzy if you wanted to. Kate goes well too.

Go for the name you love best though Smile

Sophronia · 13/01/2016 23:35

I know siblings Sarah, Anna and Emma, no issues either

Chuggsbugs · 13/01/2016 20:18

Anna and Emma siblings in my family. No issues whatsoever.

unicornthong · 13/01/2016 14:30

I think Lucy and Anna go beautifully together!

Original poster
RockCrushesLizard · 13/01/2016 12:52

I do like Lucy - Ella is very similar to my name, so is out for that reason.

OP posts:
unicornthong · 13/01/2016 05:34

Do you like Ella or Lucy?

IoraRua · 12/01/2016 22:48

Alexa is too similar to Anna I think.
Juliet and Elise are lovely.

Original poster
RockCrushesLizard · 12/01/2016 21:17

Thank you all - I really appreciate the ideas and opinions. It's so tricky, trying to find names that sound right and go together - this was much easier first time round!

OP posts:
Soooosie · 12/01/2016 20:59

Alice

Hulababy · 12/01/2016 20:54

My nieces are Hannah and Emma and no one has ever commented on the names being too similar. Didn't cross my mind that they were when they were named.

cecilelliott · 12/01/2016 20:52

Ye, agree that Anna and Juliet sound lovely together.

As do Anna and Kate (there are hardly any Kates around these days)

Not so keen on your the other suggestions I'm afraid

Good luck!

stopitcaroline · 12/01/2016 14:31

I think Anna and Emma are a bit too close. That said, what about Anna and Emily? Similar sound.

I like the same sorts of names you do. I wouldn't worry too much about Elizabeth being too popular. I mean, there are so many nicknames, so even if there are three Elizabeths in a class, they might be Elizabeth, Lizzie, and Betsy. I think Anna and Elizabeth are wonderful together. I also love Anna and Kate, though prefer Katherine for the full name.

Some more unusual suggestions:
Anna and Louisa
Anna and Leah
Anna and Clara
Anna and Audrey
Anna and Claudia

Bubbletree4 · 12/01/2016 13:36

Anna and Emma are great together. Both really nice. I'd definitely use them.

KoalaDownUnder · 12/01/2016 13:33

Anna and Juliet - perfect!
Anna and Tess - gorgeous too.

Or:

Esther
Celia
Rosie
Helena
Lola
Romy
Saskia
Daisy
Camilla

Flingingmelon · 12/01/2016 13:12

A dear friend went out with a chap three times before she realised he thought her name was Anna. Her name was Emma.

Borninthe60s · 12/01/2016 13:01

Ella?

wigglesrock · 12/01/2016 12:56

Oh I love Juliet, that was supposed to be on my list Grin. Alexa not so much but I'm not the biggest fan of Alex as a sound in any name. Elise is nice too, I know a 4 year old one, it's lovely on her.