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Baby names

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

Original poster

Girls name conundrum

56 replies

Uhohmummy · 07/09/2017 20:16

Here's the issue:
We have a very boring, one syllable surname (think: 007),
BUT
Would like a traditional English girl's name...
The problem is the sort of names we like sound too boring and/or serious with our surname - e.g. Anna, Emma, Caroline, Susannah, Elizabeth, etc.
Any suggestions for a traditional girl's name that sounds pretty and interesting with our surname?

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SilverForest · 12/09/2017 04:57

Also Persephone is really pretty

SilverForest · 12/09/2017 04:56

Ottilie
Athena
Jemima

MikeUniformMike · 12/09/2017 04:50

Jemima Bond

Threeandabit · 10/09/2017 21:03

I really like Marian - Similar to Marianne but slightly rarer.

Also really like Caroline and Anna.

Other suggestions: -

Daniella
Donatella

Mariah
Saskia - Means "Protector of mankind"
Ottoline - Means "Prosperity in battle"

Dulcie - Means "Sweetness"
Alma - Means "Soul, nourishing , kind"
Abigail - Means " Father's joy"

Amanda - Means "Worthy of love"
Dorothy
Rona - "My joy"
Naomi - Means "Pleasantness"

Jennifer
Antonia
Trudy - Means "Spear of strength / Universal strength"

Launderetta · 10/09/2017 20:32

Katherine, Alison or Caroline all work well with your surname.

Mysa74 · 10/09/2017 20:24

I'm loving Brooke, giggle :-)

MikeUniformMike · 10/09/2017 20:17

Kate Moss has a short name and a short surname.

I like Emma Bond, Gemma Bond and Annie Bond.

Some people consider James to be Ok for a girl. Or how about Brooke?

FizzyGreenWater · 09/09/2017 16:01

Marianne Juliet Bond or Marianne Rosa Bond are beautiful, and super classic without being boring.

Original poster
Uhohmummy · 09/09/2017 15:22

Thanks all - I agree with the poster who said the surname is like a fullstop. So the first name needs some rhythm.
I'm not keen on Coraline. I think people would just see Caroline and it would be confusing.
Miranda and Marianne are nice. Some more for the list!

OP posts:
Fifthtimelucky · 09/09/2017 14:55

I've been trying out some of these combinations and think the best sound with a one syllable surname is a 3 syllable first name, with the emphasis on the middle syllable.

So I think names like Rebecca, Miranda, Natasha and Samantha work really well. But I also think 2 syllable names like Anna sound good.

FizzyGreenWater · 09/09/2017 14:36

Marianne
Cassandra
Carenza/Kerenza
Alexandra
Arabella

user1459464195 · 09/09/2017 13:15

Caroline would be very refreshing on a baby born in 2017. Having said that I really like Coraline (suggested above). All your list are nice though.

WeeBeasties · 09/09/2017 09:14

I second Coraline, not just because I love the book but I also think it's a bit prettier than Caroline.

It also lends to the nn Cora which is also nice.

pilates · 09/09/2017 08:56

Yes a longer name works better.

Emmeline is gorgeous

stevensupersquirrel · 09/09/2017 08:20

I love Meredith.

BertrandRussell · 09/09/2017 00:46

How can a name be "boring"?

Caroline is lovely and unusual. Go for it!

FastWindow · 09/09/2017 00:42

I love Caroline. Best friend growing up in the 80s.
But how about Coraline? Pretty, but not overused. I also met a Corina.

NC4now · 09/09/2017 00:39

Eleanor

NC4now · 09/09/2017 00:36

Anastasia

NC4now · 09/09/2017 00:35

The surname is like a full stop, so I think a meandering first name works, if that makes sense? It can definitely take three syllables.
Susannah is lovely.
Savannah
Elouise
Louisa
Sophia

pear123 · 09/09/2017 00:28

Adelia or Fidelia

Original poster
Uhohmummy · 08/09/2017 13:46

Thanks everyone. Yes 3-4 syllables needed I think. Adding Cecily and Natasha to the list.

OP posts:
sheepflower · 08/09/2017 13:37

I think you need a 3 or 4 syllable name. Some lovely ones above.

Bubblesoup · 08/09/2017 13:33

FWIW I love all your name suggestions and don't think they're boring with your last name. I especially love Emma, Caroline and Susannah.

What about. ...

Juliet
Celia
Imogen
Kiara
Georgia
Vivienne
Thea
Natasha
Loretta

pear123 · 08/09/2017 10:09

Autumn
April
Lilly
Emilia
Jennifer
Emily