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Baby names

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

Original poster

Girl after two boys - the shortlist

69 replies

snowrevolution · 31/05/2019 07:44

We've narrowed down the options to Phoebe or Helena. Her older brothers are Hector and Jasper. Our surname starts with F. So slight concern about an alliterative sound with Phoebe (although it runs together nicely). And Helena would share a first initial with Hector, but I'm not sure that matters too much.

Would be great to get some views on the following combinations of first name / middle name. Middle names all chosen because of significant meaning or association with an individual.

Phoebe Marianne
Phoebe Helena
Phoebe Maia
Phoebe Beatrix

Helena Marianne
Helena Phoebe
Helena Beatrix
Helena Florence

Thanks!

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rachelgrace · 11/06/2019 21:01

Helena Phoebe

LegoPiecesEverywhere · 10/06/2019 19:04

Phoebe Helena

TatianaLarina · 09/06/2019 12:11

I agree Phoebe Helena flows better.

I love Hector, Jasper and Phoebe together.

Those are def kids I’d want to know.

Smoliver · 08/06/2019 10:36

Another vote for Phoebe Helena. These are two names that you and your partner love, and both mean something to you. Plus, I like the flow of Hector, Jasper and Phoebe as a sibset.

Also, I have known people in the past who went by their middle names, so I always say to people if their stuck between two names, go with both names! One as a first and the other as a middle name.

MyInnerAlto · 08/06/2019 09:26

Phoebe Helena gets my vote. Phoebe Beatrix is a bit awkward with the repeated 'be' sound.

I wouldn't 'save' a name for another child that may never come. There are so many lovely girls' names to choose from.

GRW · 08/06/2019 09:22

I wouldn't use Helena as a middle name in case you ever want to use it for a second daughter. I think Phoebe Helen would be nice.

fairybeagle · 07/06/2019 22:07

Thanks for the reply @snowrevolution it really is lovely name and great your son loves it :)

KindnessCrusader · 06/06/2019 22:14

Helena is beautiful ❤️

HairyToity · 06/06/2019 22:12

Phoebe

SpangledBoots · 06/06/2019 22:10

I like Phoebe because it's two syllables, like your boys' names. Full name - Phoebe Helena.

yourestandingonmyneck · 06/06/2019 22:07

Why not use all three? Phoebe Helena Beatrix? If all three are on the birth certificate she can use or not use them as she likes as she gets older.

youarenotkiddingme · 06/06/2019 20:26

You've probably already registered now but I would have gone for Phoebe but had a single syllable middle name like her brother.

So Phoebe Rose or Phoebe Eve or Phoebe Grace or even gone for Phoebe May to represent her early arrival in that month!

TatianaLarina · 06/06/2019 19:51

I like Phoebe and Hector together we they both have ancient Greek roots but non-specific. Whereas Hector and Helena are Iliad-heavy.

deleteandrewind · 06/06/2019 19:37

They are both beautiful names. Phoebe is a lot more popular if that troubles you. Helena is more classic but does have the pronunciation problems as has already been pointed out.

I know a little Phoebe whose surname starts with an 'F'. I rather like the alliteration.

Malyshek · 06/06/2019 18:51

I don’t think you should pick the second name as a fallback... People get used to their name, even if they hate it. I don't love my name but it's mine and I wouldn't consider switching with my middle name (even though my middle name is so much cooler).

So, pick her name assuming she'll use the first one and the middle name will most likely rarely see the light of day...

ReganSomerset · 06/06/2019 18:39

@cranstonmanor

I don't know about it being the English pronunciation- I'm English and have only ever heard it as Helen-a. It might be, but I wouldn't say its the most popular pronunciation in England. I do think the kid will end up responding to Helena in doctor's waiting rooms etc.

lavenderblues · 06/06/2019 16:28

I've only ever heard Helena pronounced Hel-en-a like Helen but with an a. Or like Elena.

cranstonmanor · 06/06/2019 16:20

We will pronounce Helena as Hel-AY-na.

Oh, is that the English pronounciation? I didn't know that (am foreign). I like both names (I absolutely love both your sons names as well). I have a soft spot for Phoebe though because of a childrens book I used to have.

Marty93 · 06/06/2019 14:27

Phoebe is lovely. I always think of the "friends" episode where Phoebe spells her name.... "P as in Phoebe, H as in Heebee, O as in Ohbee, E as in Eebee, B as in Beebee and E as in... Ello there mate!"

Helena is also lovely, and would suit as she gets older. a bit more timeless I think.

both gorgeous names :) !

Original poster
snowrevolution · 05/06/2019 09:21

fairybeagle - I'm not sure the grandparents loved "Hector" to begin with, to be honest (although they were too diplomatic to say so). But he's grown into his name brilliantly, and I think most people (grandparents included!) now see it as a strong name with plenty of character. We gave him a more traditional / standard middle name - James - as a fallback in case he really didn't suit Hector. But that's never been an issue. He loves his name and the fact that there aren't that may other Hectors around. We've come across a handful of other young Hectors since he was born. I think it's climbed the charts steadily since he was born, which perhaps means it's not seen as quite as left-field as it once was.

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Sass79 · 05/06/2019 09:06

Phoebe Beatrix definitely. Helena pronounced Hel-ay-na makes my teeth itch. Whiney and common sounding. Hel-E-na is so much classier 😁

fairybeagle · 05/06/2019 09:04

I think Phoebe Helena is so lovely! Beatrix is getting quite popular (but still lovely).

I love the name Hector. It's on our list if second is a boy.
If you don't mind me asking @snowrevolution what sort of reactions have you had re Hector and does he like his name?

Original poster
snowrevolution · 05/06/2019 08:16

BikeRunSki - yes, I already mix up my two boys, whose names sound nothing alike. So I agree Hector and Helena would be even more tricky!

We've decided to go with Phoebe. Just deciding between Phoebe Helena and Phoebe Beatrix now.

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BikeRunSki · 05/06/2019 08:00

Hector and Helena are a bit too similar.,I’d get them confused all the time!!

Phoebe F.... is fine, I love alliterative names!

Original poster
snowrevolution · 05/06/2019 07:56

We've set ourselves a deadline of tomorrow to register DD1's birth (she's been nameless for 11 days after a very early arrival catching us all by surprise).

We've decided to go for Phoebe as a first name. And now just deciding between the following two full names:

Phoebe Helena
Phoebe Beatrix

Phoebe Helena feels slightly more elegant, with the option of being known as Helena later, if Phoebe doesn't suit her quite as well (as she's so premature, we're finding it hard to work out whether she is more of a Phoebe or Helena!). We like the meaning of Helena.

Phoebe Beatrix feels a bit more spunky. As a name, Beatrix has significance for both sides of the family. And we like the meaning - bringer of joy. But Beatrix is very much a middle name for us - we wouldn't consider swapping it round and using as a first name, so she would be stuck with Phoebe. Which I think is fine.

Being very indecisive - any final views very welcome!

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