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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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nextusername · 12/01/2016 12:55

Juliet is a lovely name. I find Alexa a little harsh. Elise is OK but I prefer Louise/Louisa.

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

Thanks all of you, for taking the time to give me feedback. I think we can safely say Emma is off the list!

How do we feel about

Alexa
Juliet
Elise

?

OP posts:
Decanter · 12/01/2016 12:31

This might sound strange, but to me, they are actually too different to be used for siblings, in that they don't have the same "feel". I liken it to using a modern name and an old fashioned name, which I get isn't the case here, but they just don't sound right together to me.

Duckdeamon · 12/01/2016 12:19

Too similar IMO.

LuciaInFurs · 12/01/2016 12:17

I don't think they are similar and both are beautiful names, I also love classic names. But if it really worries you Kate is lovely and wigglesrock has a good list. Esme would work well if you are set on a 'e' name.

TheCatsMeow · 12/01/2016 12:16

I don't think they're too similar. Elizabeth is nice and has lots of nicknames I'd use that from your list if you don't want to use Emma!

Pteranodon · 12/01/2016 12:11

I am an Anna and people do sometimes hear 'Emma'. At my wedding the staff put up a big banner saying 'Congratulations Emma and Bernard!' It made me laugh, but I don't have a sister called Emma.

Absolutelyfabulously · 12/01/2016 12:08

I think Kate is a name you could use and not find too many about.

wigglesrock · 12/01/2016 11:47

Yes they are, sorry. I'm speaking from experience Grin. I have one and the other is her cousin and I find them very samey.

We have an Anna.
Other names that were on our "long" list and her sisters names are :
Stella
Olivia
Sadie
Tess
Cara
Mary
Frances
Sofia
Nina
Elizabeth
Elena
Claudia
Meg

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 12/01/2016 11:42

I think the names would end up getting elided into one name - Anneranemma. And I am afraid I do think they are too similar.

FunkyPeacock · 12/01/2016 11:27

I know sisters called Anna & Emma and not aware it has caused them any problems

Original poster
RockCrushesLizard · 12/01/2016 11:25

I'm glad it's not just me then (DH thinks they aren't similar!)

Back to the drawing board...

OP posts:
NadiaWadia · 12/01/2016 10:47

They are both nice names (especially Anna) but I think they are too similar. Other people will get them mixed up.

You already mentioned Emily, which is a beautiful name, quite similar to Emma, but different enough from Anna, so what about that? Personally I actually find Emily more interesting than Emma, somehow.

nextusername · 12/01/2016 10:24

I think they are quite similar.

whatdoIget · 12/01/2016 10:21

I knew sisters called Anna and Emma when I was at school. It does seem a bit matchy to me

Hamsolo · 12/01/2016 10:19

I don't think they're that similar at all. I like all you choices though.

KoalaDownUnder · 12/01/2016 10:18

It's much too similar. As is Alice, imho.

I'd go for Kate, out of that lot.