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Baby names

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

Zara, Francesca or something else?

34 replies

januaryy · 08/01/2026 22:09

Hi,

Due baby no. 2 in a few months and just found out I’m having a girl.

I have a Hugo already. I like that Hugo’s name isn’t particularly common (where I am in the UK, anyway, I appreciate it is v popular in some areas), can’t really be shortened, suits a baby or an adult but isn’t old man-ish. Everyone I meet loves his name, as do I.

I naively thought girl names would be easier but it’s providing to be just as difficult!

The current top 2 names are Zara and Francesca. Zara obviously ticks a lot of the same boxes as Hugo whereas I don’t like any of the shortened versions of Francesca so that’s a clear downside. I do like the full name but I worry it’s too long for everyday use.

I’d be really grateful to hear any other suggestions you think might “go” nicely. Surname is uneventful, two syllables and starts with “Lo….”.

Thanks in advance.

OP posts:
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Forgottenmyphone · 09/01/2026 06:05

Thea
Connie
Astrid
Rose

Pettenell · 09/01/2026 04:02

Both Zara and Francesca are great names and great with Hugo, but I understand Francesca is likely to be shortened.

Anya
Ciara
Xanthe
Flora
Patience
Maeve
Elvie
Lydia
Alice
Violet
Primrose

MummaR94 · 09/01/2026 00:35

zara is a perfect sibling choice for sister to Hugo!!!

Awwlookatmybabyspider · 09/01/2026 00:32

If you don’t like any of the shortened versions of Francesca you’re best off with Zara

eurotravel · 08/01/2026 23:47

Hugo is quite a ‘posh’ name so either go but you’d have to accept Fran day to day potentially

GBR1980 · 08/01/2026 23:22

Hugo and Joanie
Hugo and Tilly
Hugo and Eilidh
Hugo and Aoife
Hugo and Victoria
Hugo and Nora

miniaturepixieonacid · 08/01/2026 23:00

I love both Zara and Francesca

Hugos that I have taught have had sisters called:
Madeleine, Katherine, Imogen, Charlotte, Natasha, Eden, Arabella, Annabel, Elodie, Pippa and, funnily enough, Zara.

Moreteaandchocolate · 08/01/2026 22:41

Zara is so perfect with Hugo - love that combination!

Ideas

Alice
Gwen
Nell
Clara
Iris
Nina
Polly
Georgia
Anna
Audrey
Martha
Cora
Lois
Louisa
Lucy
Molly
Celeste
Estelle

seasidemum83 · 08/01/2026 22:20

It’s really hard when you really like the 1st child so much it’s difficult to match.

I love names that are unusual ( in terms of not many people have it) but also very familiar ( you know how to spell and have heard before)
I know a colleague who’s son is Hugh and she choose Joan for her daughter
completely surprising for a baby and yet obviously not an unusual name
suits baby so well

is Marie too ordinary

congratulations btw

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