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Baby names

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

Original poster

Edith or Annika

62 replies

Stuckonbabyname · 21/02/2023 09:12

Trying to decide between two baby names; Edith or Annika. We like both.

Often prefer unusual, so that DD can be known by their christian name (rather than requiring surname to specify which person). Annika is much more unique in this way. But perhaps Edith is also ok (85 last year).

A problem with Annika is that there are so many spellings variations that she will always need to spell her first name (Anika, Anneka). To us Annika is the easiest but curious where you agree? Edith would be easier to spell as there is only one variation.

We love the nn Edie for Edith. Annika would probably always be Annika for us but there are options for her to choose too.

We like names early in the alphabet, a friend (Zoe) often had to wait for ages at school while the teachers went through the list to assign work etc. They both are good for this.

Curious on your opinions? Do you like these names? Preference? Alternative suggestions?

Thank you!

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TempsPerdu · 21/02/2023 22:53

Is it a generational thing?

I would definitely put Edith in the exact same friend group as Enid, Edna, Maud and Gladys. I see the names as ultra old fashioned and not nice enough to bring back

I’m not a massive fan of Edith, but I don’t think I’d lump it in with other names listed - for me it has more of an aristocratic, literary vibe and it feels that bit more classic due to its very long pedigree (Anglo-Saxon origins and several medieval queens). Some of the others, like Gladys, were similarly popular 100 or so years ago, but were more faddy, flash in the pan names that suddenly rose from nowhere - the equivalent of something like Aria or Isla now.

I still much prefer Annika though!

Enko · 21/02/2023 22:50

I like both. I grew up in Scandinavia and both names are known. Edith was my step grandmothers name. I personally prefer the Anika spelling but I'd not have a issue w 2 ns it's just a thing you ask once and you know.

I'm not keen on Edie personally. My grandma was known as Ditte (Dit. TUH) I think that's cute.

xJoy · 21/02/2023 21:48

Edith is gorgeous. Annika is ok but I'm not mad about names like Monica, Erica or annika.

Emmamoo89 · 21/02/2023 21:43

Annika

martinisforeveryone · 21/02/2023 21:43

@Stuckonbabyname fair point. The trend for 1920's and 30's names could easily see them turn into the Julie, Lisa, Pauline and Susans of the 2020's

Mysmallgarden · 21/02/2023 21:31

Annika is lovely. It reminds me of Annika Rice

Original poster
Stuckonbabyname · 21/02/2023 21:29

martinisforeveryone · 21/02/2023 21:02

Is it a generational thing?

I would definitely put Edith in the exact same friend group as Enid, Edna, Maud and Gladys. I see the names as ultra old fashioned and not nice enough to bring back.

That said, I am aware there's a granny chic movement who put a different spin on the names I strongly dislike.

The truth is in between, sometimes there's a name you'd never dream of choosing, but the person you know owns it and is just lovely, so the name association changes for you.

My choice would be Annika as sleek and strong but not harsh sounding at all, or Edie as strong and somewhat avant-garde. That's probably influenced by a Scandinavian Annie I know who is kind, funny, beautiful and accomplished. The only Edith I've heard of in real life was my MIL's great aunt, who was apparently decidedly sour, which is very unfortunate.

Show quote history

I think your are right about generations and associations.

Interestingly, I wouldn't go with Maud or Gladys because I knew old ladies called this when growing up, so this could really be it.

Your comments made me wonder whether Edith/Edie which we really like, could be a name which is very in or out. It was fashionable in the 1920s and then out of fashion for 100-odd years and now back in. If it does the same again it will be quite a dated name in another 30 years. Where as Annika is like by some without being particularly in fashion, so maybe it won't date as badly in the future.

OP posts:
martinisforeveryone · 21/02/2023 21:02

Stuckonbabyname · 21/02/2023 18:17

Thank you all for your comments. It's interesting how polarising this one is. It sounds like it is unlikely for someone to like both of these names. I suppose one is traditional English/old fashioned and the other is Scandinavian, so have a different feel.

It's really helpful to hear why you like or don't like them though.

Another one we considered is Enid but after a bit of research, found the author wrote some racist books in addition to the ones I remembered as a kid, which put us off the name.

Is it a generational thing?

I would definitely put Edith in the exact same friend group as Enid, Edna, Maud and Gladys. I see the names as ultra old fashioned and not nice enough to bring back.

That said, I am aware there's a granny chic movement who put a different spin on the names I strongly dislike.

The truth is in between, sometimes there's a name you'd never dream of choosing, but the person you know owns it and is just lovely, so the name association changes for you.

My choice would be Annika as sleek and strong but not harsh sounding at all, or Edie as strong and somewhat avant-garde. That's probably influenced by a Scandinavian Annie I know who is kind, funny, beautiful and accomplished. The only Edith I've heard of in real life was my MIL's great aunt, who was apparently decidedly sour, which is very unfortunate.

ourflagmeansdeath · 21/02/2023 18:27

Annika isn't nice - a lot of varying spellings, one of the most common being Anika which is an Indian girl name so she could get mistaken for that a lot too. It has a harsh sort of noise but I wouldn't mind it with nickname Anni.

Edith however is lovely, really lovely. Edie as a nickname just tops the cake, it's beautiful!!

cptartapp · 21/02/2023 18:21

Anneka is lovely.
Don't like Edith at all.
Alicia?

Original poster
Stuckonbabyname · 21/02/2023 18:17

Thank you all for your comments. It's interesting how polarising this one is. It sounds like it is unlikely for someone to like both of these names. I suppose one is traditional English/old fashioned and the other is Scandinavian, so have a different feel.

It's really helpful to hear why you like or don't like them though.

Another one we considered is Enid but after a bit of research, found the author wrote some racist books in addition to the ones I remembered as a kid, which put us off the name.

OP posts:
FairytaleofNewHampshire · 21/02/2023 17:55

Definitely Annika/ Anneka.
I don't get the attraction for Edith, it seems so old fashioned and hard sounding but I did have a Great Aunt Edith and she fitted her name perfectly.

JustMaggie · 21/02/2023 17:50

Edith hands down

NewlyDiabeticMum · 21/02/2023 12:34

I love the name Edie but can’t stand Edith it’s so prim.

Annika is ok, only one I’ve heard of is Anneka Rice from challenge Anneka!

TeaCupFlower · 21/02/2023 12:29

Annika with nn Anni

LaFemmeDamnee · 21/02/2023 11:54

I like Annika (usually spelled Anneka). Seven of Nine in star trek is really called Anneka, and she's a brilliant character.

NannyElle · 21/02/2023 11:51

Annika is nice but I've only ever seen it spelt Anneka before so may get misspelled often

MissHavishamsMouldyOldCake · 21/02/2023 11:15

Edith is such an ugly, dusty, frumpy name to me. Cannot understand its popularity.

I quite like Annika.

stormelf · 21/02/2023 11:01

Annika. I liked this name for our second DD but husband vetoed it

amylou8 · 21/02/2023 10:55

Annika Edith...both are lovely

RobinRobinMouse · 21/02/2023 10:53

Sorry I've just realised Anneka autocorrected to Angela.

RobinRobinMouse · 21/02/2023 10:31

Edith is absolutely beautiful, I find Angela a very clunky name. Edith sounds far more fresh than frumpy these days and there are loads of great women in history with the name as an added bonus. Also I think many people would end up shortening it to Annie or similar at times so you would I think need to be comfortable with that.

quietnightmare · 21/02/2023 10:23

Annika. Love it

AnotherSpare · 21/02/2023 10:16

Annika is a great Scandi name, really like it, and that is by far the most common spelling.

Much prefer Annika to Edith, though used together, Annika Edith sounds good.

(Anneka Rice from Challenge Anneka is actually only called Anne, she changed her name for TV)

SirSamVimesCityWatch · 21/02/2023 09:49

I like Annika. The spelling isn't a massive pain - people will be able to have a go, at least! I have a slightly unusual spelling of my name and I have to spell it whenever I give my name for the first time, but it's not a big deal.