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Baby names

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

Rhyming mother/daughter names?

61 replies

BabyNameHelpPls · 05/08/2024 21:58

I am pretty sure I know the answer to this really, but am having such a hard time letting go of the name.

I completely fell in love with Cordelia, which ticks lots of boxes for me: I love the meanings (heart; of the sea), the Shakespearean connection, I like the sound of it, it’s unusual enough but widely recognised as a name, and DH likes it too.

The issue is, my name is Amelia. They are far too similar, aren’t they? I know long term she and I won’t be joined at the hip, but 18 years is a long time to be saying: “Hi, I’m Amelia and this is Cordelia”. It took me three days before realising they rhymed so much, when I did the thing of properly trying it out eg. Christmas cards, introducing us etc.

I have considered introducing her as Cora for short, but don’t like it anywhere near as much as Cordelia (Cora on its own would not be on a shortlist for either me or DH), and my name isn’t ever shortened, so I can’t get out of it that way (unlike a previous thread, where Steve sometimes went by Stephen anyway and little Eve could be introduced as Evelyn).

DH isn’t so bothered by the rhyming, but he wouldn’t have to say the names together in quick succession as often as I would. (However, it’s not his favourite of those on our list and I think he’s hoping I just come round to his favourite on my own).

Do I have to just give up on the dream?

OP posts:
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caringcarer · 06/08/2024 11:49

I don't think it matters tbh. Cordelia is a lovely classy name.

Spidey66 · 06/08/2024 11:06

I think it's fine.

In a similar fashion, my brother was named after a relative who had recently died. My mum happens to have the feminine version of the name. No one's ever commented on it.

AdoraBell · 06/08/2024 10:55

I also think you are overthinking this. Even though the name’s endings are the same the names aren’t similar. If you suggested Judy and July that would be different, IMO.

IamnotwhouthinkIam · 06/08/2024 10:49

Really not a big deal imo, I think you should still go for it, Cordelia is beautiful. But if you really don’t want a rhyming name then a similar style might be Corisande or Corinthia - they are both much rarer names though. If you want the “of the Sea” meaning then I also love Shakespearean Nerissa (or pretty Nereia too but that’s not Shakespearean).

CruCru · 06/08/2024 10:29

Go ahead and call her Cordelia. I have a Roman name and so does my daughter.

The days of you introducing yourself as “Amelia - and this is Cordelia” are pretty short. Would you like your adult daughter to be called Cordelia? If so, choose it.

londonmummy1966 · 06/08/2024 09:59

I think its a lovely name so go for it. I know a Cordelia whose nick name is DeeDee - in the same class as a Bibi and a Ceci.....

moonshinepoursthroughmywindow · 06/08/2024 08:55

I don't think it would be a problem unless you have further rhyming children. As others have said, you don't very often say both names at the same time.

Meredusoleil · 06/08/2024 08:30

I actually thought you were going to say your name was Aurelia rather than Amelia. That would be even closer to Cordelia imho, but still perfectly fine! Maybe for dd2 😉

BabyNameHelpPls · 06/08/2024 08:27

This has been so helpful, thank you all! I was thoroughly expecting everyone to say they are far too similar! Good to know the main scenario I was worrying about is probably just overthinking.

OP posts:
Zonder · 06/08/2024 07:42

You're hardly ever going to introduce yourselves together so won't often say the two names in a sentence.

You're overthinking and Cordelia is a lovely name.

DisgruntledPelican · 06/08/2024 07:37

Cordelia’s a gorgeous name, was very high on my list for girls. Agree that you will rarely be introducing yourself together like that and there are ways around it anyway.

Also, there are thousands and thousands of men (and some women) whose children have the same name as them (which I think is so weird…) and I don’t think this is even considered as an issue.

Dustyblue · 06/08/2024 07:27

I love the name Cordelia.

But I know what you mean about the rhyming thing. I wanted to call my son Rory, but his surname is George. I hated the rhyming so called him something else.

Now I wish I'd have just called him Rory, it would've suited him!

AGodawfulsmallaffair · 06/08/2024 07:19

SaintHonoria · 05/08/2024 22:13

So what if it rhymes?!

It's no big deal.

Might be different if your husband was called Gary and yours sons were Barry, Larry and Harry.

😆

Firsttimebabymummy · 06/08/2024 07:18

I think it's absolutely fine. I wouldn't think anything of it if you introduced yourselves other than it's cute.

loropianalover · 06/08/2024 01:21

I’ve known twins Millie and Tilly, and Allie and Ellie. Cordelia will be fine.

Pieceofpurplesky · 06/08/2024 01:16

To be fair in my 25 years of teaching I've had siblings Stacey and Macey, mum and daughter Kayleigh and Hayley ... so Amelia and Cordelia are fine!

DramaAlpaca · 05/08/2024 22:24

It's fine, honestly. You're completely overthinking this. Just use the name.

My name is slightly rhymey with one of my DC, and I don't think anyone's noticed. They've certainly never commented.

Moreteaandchocolate · 05/08/2024 22:24

I don’t think it matters at all! You’ll be mum most of the time when she’s born anyway! 😂

Meredusoleil · 05/08/2024 22:23

I think it's lovely actually! Me and my mum have rhyming names. Apparently my dad came up with min lol. Think Zara and Sara level of rhyming!

GoldThumb · 05/08/2024 22:23

I think it’s fine.

Men literally give their sons the same name as themselves all the time.

I wouldn’t let it put you off

savethatkitty · 05/08/2024 22:23

Just name her Cordelia! It's not that big of an issue. I bet her nickname will be "cordi", while yours could be "milly" if you are that concerned.

StellaCruella · 05/08/2024 22:20

You won't have to say your names together as much as you think you will.

Fink · 05/08/2024 22:19

Sounds fine to me. They're not that similar, and (as someone with older children) it's relatively rare that you have to introduce yourself and your child together.

Like a pp, I'm not mad on the name Cordelia of itself, but if you like it then I wouldn't let the similarity to your name put you off.

Idarosetta · 05/08/2024 22:19

Lovely name. I really wouldn’t think anything of the two sounding similar. You should use it if you love it. You’ll regret not using it once the overthinking wears off!

otravezempezamos · 05/08/2024 22:16

Go for it if you like it. One day she will be a grown woman and not attached to you, so it really won’t matter. And even when she is young it will only be relevant for a small percentage of her life.

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