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Baby names

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Original poster

Middle name for Francesca

54 replies

Burburburburbur · 14/12/2021 12:19

Hello, expecting a baby girl who will be named Francesca! Our surname begins with C and has 2 syllables, think like "Calwell". She has a sister with the middle name Robin.

We have a fondness for nature inspired, slightly unusual, preferably unisex middle names. A bit like Robin! But, I've already thought about and don't really like River, Fern, Rain, Ash, Rowan, Laurel (sorry those names!)

None of the above criteria is an absolute requirement; however we won't choose a middle name (however beautiful!) that is also a long, frilly, feminine name, if that makes sense. So she won't be a Francesca Ottilie, or a Francesca Evangeline.

These are the 3 top contenders at the moment:
Francesca Merle "Calwell"
Francesca Eden "Calwell"
Francesca Linden "Calwell"

I thought about Francesca Lyra but don't ultimately want to choose a name from fiction (no offence to any little Lyras out there).

We have considered Francesca Wren "Calwell" but I feel like Wren has no / very little tradition as a given name (am I wrong about this?) and is potentially too diminutive/cutesy. It does flow quite well though.

Unfortunately, you may have noticed that Francesca Eden "Calwell" creates the initials FEC. Is that a no-no or am I overthinking it?

Which of Eden, Linden or Merle (or possibly Wren) do you prefer, and are there any other suggestions?

Thank you

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Luredbyapomegranate · 15/12/2021 17:23

Linden by a mile - (or Linnet, Linos, Lyndall are similar)
Merle is pretty awful, Eden is a bit naff, Wren is wet
Roslyn might be nice though?

Original poster
Burburburburbur · 15/12/2021 10:44

Thank you everyone for your responses they've been really useful.

I think we will very likely stick with Linden or Merle or Eden. But I'm going to add Holly to the list in parentheses, it's caught my interest so good suggestion!

It's really good to know that people out there like each of them & that particularly that I was overthinking the FEC initials thing.

Thank you!

OP posts:
WeasilyPleased · 14/12/2021 22:16

I really like Merle. Keeps a subtle bird theme, is very elegant and goes perfectly with Francesca. I'd choose Merle.

Foxglovers · 14/12/2021 22:08

I like Eden the most out of your options. And I don’t think the FEC thing matters at all?

Also really like Rose (people here slate it as a middle name but I think it’s beautiful)
Also Linnet or Willow sound nice with Francesca?

HideousKinky · 14/12/2021 20:11

Francesca Lilac

17caterpillars1mouse · 14/12/2021 19:55

Francesca Bronwen

Yika · 14/12/2021 19:44

Personally I am not wild about Merle. It sounds like something out of the 1940s. Just my 2 cents.

I don't think FEC is an issue on the other hand.

OrangeAndYellowAndBlue · 14/12/2021 18:02

I'm not sure about Merle - Wren is nicer, I think.

How about Bryony, as a lesser known plant? I also love Holly, Ivy or Iris as flower names.

You could go for a gemstone like Jade, Pearl or Ruby, as something different from the natural world, maybe.

hivemindneeded · 14/12/2021 17:58

I love Merle. What a great name. And it goes well with Francesca. That's my first choice. Then Linden, then Eden.

Daisy62 · 14/12/2021 17:57

Francesca Hazel
Francesca Ivy

cobblers123 · 14/12/2021 16:12

Francesca Iris

Loudestcat14 · 14/12/2021 16:10

Francesca Swan
Francesca Dove
Francesca Lark
Francesca Jay/Jae
Francesca Raven

Non-bird related
Francesca Mae

190190tnt · 14/12/2021 16:05

Francesca Holly?

YourenutsmiLord · 14/12/2021 15:56

It's a lovely name by the way. And Yes, needs to have a middle name the same as sister.

Original poster
Burburburburbur · 14/12/2021 15:42

@YourenutsmiLord

None - just stick to Francesca - it's fine on it's own with lots of options for dimunitives.
She will definitely have a middle name, not least because her sister has a middle name. But thank you anyway :)
OP posts:
Original poster
Burburburburbur · 14/12/2021 15:42

@WildCherryBlossom

My first thought when I read your nature criteria was Wren. I quite like Merle but makes me think of a Merle Haggard. Do you like his music? I like Myrtle which sounds similar but is not as unisex.
No, never heard of him! Whereas I can't not think of "moaning Myrtle". I am a child of the 90s.
OP posts:
itssquidstella · 14/12/2021 15:40

I like Eden and Wren.

YourenutsmiLord · 14/12/2021 15:34

None - just stick to Francesca - it's fine on it's own with lots of options for dimunitives.

WildCherryBlossom · 14/12/2021 15:31

My first thought when I read your nature criteria was Wren. I quite like Merle but makes me think of a Merle Haggard. Do you like his music? I like Myrtle which sounds similar but is not as unisex.

Original poster
Burburburburbur · 14/12/2021 15:27

What do people think of Merle?

I am drawn to it by the meaning (blackbird, or thrush in French and Dutch) whilst sounding more unisex and "grown up" than Wren. And agree a single syllable probably flows better. But noone has commented on it (perhaps because noone likes it?)

I like (and agree with, obv!) the positive comments about Linden.

Are the initials FEC to be avoided at all costs, or does that not really matter (regardless of whether Eden otherwise is a good choice this would be good to know)

Thank you all

OP posts:
RoseHarper · 14/12/2021 14:59

I think it needs to be short, one syllable, Francesca Bea, Franscesa Wren both fit the bill.

stopringingme · 14/12/2021 14:34

Francesca Myrtle
Francesca Rose
Francesca Dawn
Francesca Wren
Francesca Willow
Francesca Eve

emmathedilemma · 14/12/2021 13:32

I like Linden of your options although my first thought before I read your full post was Wren!

CoffeeBeansGalore · 14/12/2021 13:11

Francesca Jay
Francesca Jade
Francesca Lily
Francesca Rose

Yika · 14/12/2021 12:51

I like Linden from those options. It also sounds as though it could be a surname, which I think makes the name sound rather grand (I'd like this, you might not).

I agree with you about Wren.

Some other somewhat unisex nature-y options might be
Sage
Sorrel
Briar
Dale
Leigh
Star