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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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AthenaBasil · 05/08/2024 22:14

I don’t see the issue. Like others say you’re rarely going to be introducing yourselves together. Her friends will know you as Cordelia’s mum. At doctors appointments etc you’re just going to be talking about your child and no mention of your name.

Also I don’t see that big an issue with the names. Written down there’s nothing that stands out badly. Sure I probably wouldn’t name twins with these names but it’s really only when you draw attention to it that you notice. For Christmas cards etc you can just put your husband’s name between you if it’s still a concern but no one will notice.

I say go for it. It’s a lovely name.

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.

Marcipex · 05/08/2024 22:12

Corinna? Very pretty and not so rhymey

Mandarinaduck · 05/08/2024 22:10

I think they are fine together. Cordelia is a great name.

shoopshoopdedoo · 05/08/2024 22:10

I personally can’t see the appeal of Cordelia; however, if you love it, then I don’t think the rhyming thing is an issue at all!

Sakura7 · 05/08/2024 22:08

S00LA · 05/08/2024 22:01

No you don’t have to give up your dream . You just have to choose another name for your daughter.

Why?

grywknd · 05/08/2024 22:08

Also we had a name for one of the dc that wasn’t the best family ‘fit’ but we went with it and have absolutely no regrets.

Edingril · 05/08/2024 22:07

S00LA · 05/08/2024 22:01

No you don’t have to give up your dream . You just have to choose another name for your daughter.

Yes this

Sakura7 · 05/08/2024 22:07

There's absolutely nothing wrong with the name you've chosen, you're overthinking this.

Even if they were very similar (which I don't think they are), it's still rare you'd be introducing yourselves as "Amelia and Cordelia".

Plenty of parents give their children their own name, so some slight rhyming is not the end of the world.

I think you should go for it.

grywknd · 05/08/2024 22:04

I wouldn’t see it as a problem. You’ll generally be introduced as Cordelia’s mum, or she’ll be Amelia’s daughter. Plus you can’t control nicknames, she may well shorten it or go by a middle name even.

S00LA · 05/08/2024 22:01

No you don’t have to give up your dream . You just have to choose another name for your daughter.