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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is Emilia too popular?

37 replies

Lilacduck111 · 08/05/2025 15:16

Hi, I’ve been thinking about what name would be a good fit for my daughter. My son’s name is Alistair.

Right now, Emilia, Felicity, and Fiona are on my shortlist.

I really love the sound of Emilia. It’s soft and elegant.
Felicity appeals to me because of its sense of grace and nobility.
And I like Fiona because it pairs so nicely with Alistair.

That said, I’m a bit concerned that Emilia might be too popular. Since Alistair isn’t in the top 100 names in Scotland (where I live), I’d prefer to choose something similarly uncommon for my daughter.

I’d really appreciate some suggestions and help!

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greengreyblue · 08/05/2025 16:57

Felicity means happiness I think, so that’s nice.

greengreyblue · 08/05/2025 16:55

MiddleAgedDread · 08/05/2025 16:44

I don't think Felicity coming across as very English is a bad thing in Scotland, it just doesn't feel like it belongs with Alistair to me! But if you're not Scottish then maybe that matters less.

Why do names need to belong together? Having said that they are both classic names so do belong.

greengreyblue · 08/05/2025 16:54

The only Felicity I know is Scottish!

MiddleAgedDread · 08/05/2025 16:44

I don't think Felicity coming across as very English is a bad thing in Scotland, it just doesn't feel like it belongs with Alistair to me! But if you're not Scottish then maybe that matters less.

BatshitIsTheOnlyExplanation · 08/05/2025 16:39

Fiona sounds especially lovely in a Scottish accent, in my opinion (as a Londoner!)

sidsgranny · 08/05/2025 16:36

Lilacduck111 · 08/05/2025 16:31

Yeah, that’s what I’ve been thinking too. I like all of those names you mentioned, but I think I’d prefer something a bit more unique.

Show quote history

Emilia certainly isn't unique if that's what your after!

How about:

Emmerline
Constance
Clemence
Clementine

Original poster
Lilacduck111 · 08/05/2025 16:36

MiddleAgedDread · 08/05/2025 15:51

Amelia is more popular and 7th in the Scotland girls names last year with Emilia down at 57. That's 73 babies in a year so the chances of there being another one in her class at school are fairly slim! If you look on the "Council Girls" tab in the first download on this page they're both quite regional. Amelia is the most common girl's name in Midlothian.
Babies First Names 2024 - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
Felicity is awfully English to me! Fiona feels a bit too dated and not in a trendy way.
Alistair and Florence
Alistair and Flora
Alistair and Freya

Is Felicity being very English a bad thing in Scotland? I’m not from the UK, so it’s hard for me to tell.
And yes, I also get the feeling that Fiona might be a bit dated but I still like it.

OP posts:
greengreyblue · 08/05/2025 16:32

Amelia is popular ages 10-20. Never had an Emilia at my primary school in last 17 years.

Original poster
Lilacduck111 · 08/05/2025 16:31

WtafIsThat · 08/05/2025 15:48

I’d say yes it is, and I work with children. There are tons of Emilia’s, Amelias and Millies and they all roll in to one. Amelia is definitely more popular. I love Felicity.

I think also because they all have Rose/Grace/May as the filler middle name it makes it a bit dull.

Edited

Yeah, that’s what I’ve been thinking too. I like all of those names you mentioned, but I think I’d prefer something a bit more unique.

OP posts:
MiddleAgedDread · 08/05/2025 15:51

Amelia is more popular and 7th in the Scotland girls names last year with Emilia down at 57. That's 73 babies in a year so the chances of there being another one in her class at school are fairly slim! If you look on the "Council Girls" tab in the first download on this page they're both quite regional. Amelia is the most common girl's name in Midlothian.
Babies First Names 2024 - National Records of Scotland (NRS)
Felicity is awfully English to me! Fiona feels a bit too dated and not in a trendy way.
Alistair and Florence
Alistair and Flora
Alistair and Freya

Babies First Names 2024

The most common babies’ names for Scotland and council areas in 2024, from birth certificates.

https://www.nrscotland.gov.uk/publications/babies-first-names-2024/#download

user1492757084 · 08/05/2025 15:50

All three are nice.
I prefer Felicity and Fiona.

Other names ..
Elspeth
Edwina
Jane

WtafIsThat · 08/05/2025 15:48

I’d say yes it is, and I work with children. There are tons of Emilia’s, Amelias and Millies and they all roll in to one. Amelia is definitely more popular. I love Felicity.

I think also because they all have Rose/Grace/May as the filler middle name it makes it a bit dull.

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