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Baby names

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Original poster

Freya, Clara, Harriet or Libby?

34 replies

NotMeekNotObedient · 26/07/2021 18:46

Please rate these names, so torn and DH and I can't seem to agree. Surname like say Poppleton-Smythe.

Girls:
Freya
Clara
Harriet (not sure I like nn Hattie or Harri)
Libby (too much like a nickname? But can't use Elizabeth & don't like Liberty)

(Thinking Marilla or June for middle name)

Boys:
Ethan (has this become too common?)
Oscar

(No idea for boys middle names - suggestions would be most welcome).

Opinions please 🙏 which do you like best?

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Chilldonaldchill · 30/07/2021 09:08

Clara, Freya and Harriet are all lovely but I love Hattie as a nickname.
I much prefer Oscar to Ethan. Oscar Ethan sounds good though with Ethan as the middle name.

sopositivelynegative · 29/07/2021 02:10

I think you and your DH should be able to pronounce the name properly, so if Clara does sound weird when he says it and/or you both say it differently, that's unfortunately a no go.

What's the issue with his accent? Would something similar to Clara sound any better when he says it? For example... Lara or Zara?

If it's the stress on the middle a that sounds odd, what about something like Lyra? Or Evie? (Short for Evelyn.)

I do like Libby, but only if there's a longer name and that's the NM. It's a shame you've ruled out Elizabeth....

If Marillia is too harsh, what about Marissa?

ILoveShula · 27/07/2021 13:33

Freya - overused. I don't like Frey
Clara - don't like
Harriet (not sure I like nn Hattie or Harri) - Hattie is nice but I don't like Harri. Harriet is nice
Libby (too much like a nickname? But can't use Elizabeth & don't like Liberty)- Libby short for Elizabeth is fine, but Liberty is not.

I'd go for Harriet.

Theoldwoman · 27/07/2021 11:09

Definitely NOT Libby. Not even in the same category as the others. Probably Freya by a smidge.

Freya June.

Oscar over Ethan anyday.

Oscar Reuben
Oscar Jeremy

userrname · 27/07/2021 11:01

Clara, definitely Smile

Original poster
NotMeekNotObedient · 27/07/2021 09:35

@Botanica no siblings to consider.

@TheMadGardener I have a few teacher friends and they have said Ethans are either lovely or a complete nightmare! I'm glad neither DH or I are teachers, its hard enough as it is!

@AdaColeman & @NordicNell, I really like Marillia, it has some lovely connotations for me but DH thinks it's a bit harsh. It also maybe screams Anne of Green Gables. So we've ruled it out for a first name. I'm happy with it as a middle name. June is a family name but DH feels it's a bit unfair to include something from one side of the family and not the other. It would also mean the full name of the family member is sort of in the name of the child June Poppleton so not sure it's ideal Confused.

Freya is actually a suggestion from my MIL but it does have a lovely meaning which I like. DH not so keen. I dont know anyone called Freya but I think it is gaining popularity right now.

I do quite like Clara but DH is worried it doesn't sound so nice with his accent. It was actully his suggestion originally. I think it sounds fine so going to get him to record himself saying it and hopefully he'll come round.

Lots of mixed views from you all but it is really helpful. Dont want to discuss too much in the 'real world' in case someone close to us really hates a name we decide we love.

We don't know the sex so we don't have to be firm on one name. We will definitely wait to see what baby looks more like when they come out, but at the same time do need to narrow it down a bit!

I think I'm leaning towards:
Clara Marillia Poppleton-Smithe
Freya Marilla Poppleton-Smithe

Boys names I'm still not sure. I kind of want the middle name to have some meaning to us but no idea what that would be! Will keep my thinking hat on. Maybe something nature inspired.

OP posts:
Seesawmummadaw · 27/07/2021 02:06

I love Clara. Not so keen on the boy’s names. How about Elliot?

TheMadGardener · 27/07/2021 02:03

I am a primary teacher. Freya is really popular at the moment. One of our year 5 classes has 3 Freyas in it! Harriet is more uncommon. I have only ever taught one Clara but she was delightful so I quite like the name! We have a Libby at school who is lovely.

Please not Ethan. All the Ethans I come across seem to be behavioural nightmares! As you can tell, all names for me have associations with Pupils I Have Known! That's why it's so difficult for teachers to name their own children. Grin

Enough4me · 27/07/2021 01:33

Freya June
Oscar Ethan

SoapboxFox · 27/07/2021 01:26

Clara June
Ethan Oscar

hopingforabrighterfuture2021 · 26/07/2021 22:52

I love Freya. That would be my favourite out of your list, I also like Libby and think it would work as a name by itself.

Boys, I like Oscar more than Ethan. Oscar will go well with most middle names! Oscar Henry, Oscar George, Oscar Hugo, Oscar Sebastian, Oscar Rex, Oscar Lewis.

Eatenpig · 26/07/2021 22:24

I know a few Oscars but only one Ethan so prob Ethan

Botanica · 26/07/2021 22:24

Are there any siblings names to consider?

Clara and Oscar are my favourites from your list.

Kanaloa · 26/07/2021 22:20

They’re all lovely strong names.

If I had to choose I think I would say Clara June & Ethan. All the others are also really nice though, those are just my personal favourites.

Benjispruce5 · 26/07/2021 22:20

Clara is lovely.

nonotmenotI · 26/07/2021 22:19

I don't like the name Clara, Freya is lovely as is Marilla.

I really like Ethan. Middle names could be James or Matthew?

I don't think I actually know any Ethans. There are 2 Freya's in my sons school but they're in different years so neither of those names are common where I am. There are 2 Oscars in my sons class.

Dd is at nursery and Chloe, Olivia, Charlotte and Harriet are really popular names in there. There is at least 2 of each.

I think I would pick Freya and Ethan if I was choosing from your list.

Eatenpig · 26/07/2021 22:12

Clara. Strong name. Not too common

ODFOx · 26/07/2021 22:10

Elspeth
Imogen
Beatrix/Beatrice
Abigail

Rufus
Peter
Angus
Laurence (Laurie)

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 26/07/2021 21:56

Libby is too nn for me, and Freya a bit popular/"now" imo. Harriet is very classic but may well get Hattie or Harry so I wouldn't use it if you really dislike those. So that leaves lovely Clara - a bit vintage trendy (so I slightly prefer Lara) but a beautiful name imo.

Ethan and Oscar are okay, but again a bit popular/"now" for me (by which I mean quite 2000's/2010's). I prefer similar Evan or Owen, which are slightly less overused.

Original poster
NotMeekNotObedient · 26/07/2021 21:10

Thanks all, it's so useful to get some opinions! I don't want to land my child with a name they hate. I'm quite traditional in my choices but DH wants something 'different' and keeps saying 'No I knew a William at school and I didn't like him!' Hmm to every name!

@AdaColeman & @GreyhoundG1rl those are both DH's suggestions all the ones I liked he vetoed 🤦‍♀️. I cant say I'm in love with either to be honest but don't hate them.

@GrumpyMiddleAgedWoman, I think I agree, really needs to have a proper name behind it so they can choose as an adult. It's cute as a little girls name but it's probably a bit too cute for a professional adult. I know some people do use it as a standalone name though.

@Pickandmix41 you clearly have great taste in names WinkSmile

@rantymcrantface66 I doubt we'll be frequenting pony club unfortunately but good to know. The double barrelled surname is purely a feminist choice!

OP posts:
GreyhoundG1rl · 26/07/2021 20:40

Clara. I don't like any of the boy's names.

rantymcrantface66 · 26/07/2021 20:39

Love them all apart from maybe Clara, it's a bit harsh. As a child I went to pony club and there was a girl who's actual name was Libby, not short for anything. The family were eye wateringly rich. Oscar and Ethan common. Probably one in each class the last couple of years but still nice.

RavenclawsRoar · 26/07/2021 20:37

I like Freya and Ethan.

Pickandmix41 · 26/07/2021 20:33

Harriet and Oscar for me but they are my DC names!!

Twinkie01 · 26/07/2021 20:26

Harriet is cool and they like to be called Harry as they get older (I only know two).

Oscar is lovely too and not v popular (common).

Freya always seems a bit wet.