Too similar sibling names

[MyBluntSloth]

My daughter is Charlotte and i am expecting my second, another girl, due in October. Charlotte's middle name is Pearl and the new baby's would be Opal. I really like the name Colette and I think it goes really well with Charlotte with the similar structure but different soundings. I also like the names Chloe and Nicole but I would still strongly prefer Colette over them. Is it too similar?

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Personally, I think they're too similar.

I don’t think so, I think they are quite “matching” in a nice way. Lots of people have kids with the same first letters in their names.

Both are lovely names, and not too similar at all! Best of luck!

bump, would like to hear more perspectives

Charlotte and Colette? I think they're too similar.

Charlotte and Opal go well together, maybe Colette as a middle name.

Charlotte Pearl, and Collete Opal? For me, I do think they’re too similar, sorry, since you asked. But it’s up to you!

In think too similar, unless you’re planning to call your first one Charlie from straight off. My measure is that if you call their names they should be able to tell from upstairs which one it is.

I don’t think they are that similar. The only Colette’s I know are 50 plus, but maybe it’s making a come back. I think Charlotte is a timeless classic whereas Colette isn’t. So for me I wouldn’t put the names in a sibset but totally your choice. I don’t think they sound similar at all personally. Maybe both end with lett but when said they don’t sound the same (not in my accent accent anyway)

they should be able to tell charlotte vs colette from upstairs though?

I think Colette is too close to Charlotte. Chloe would be better. Nicole seems 'meh' in comparison to Charlotte so wouldn't pick that.
I would probably go back to the drawing board and find another name altogether, preferably not starting with C.

DH and I are set on both girls starting with C!

Camille, Connie or Clementine?

Lettie and Lottie? I love it!

If you are set on both names starting with C then whatever you chose you are going to risk confusion.

If you really want the name to be begin with C then Colette is really nice name .

Of course it immediately makes me think of the author Colette who was popular many years ago and that adds to its appeal for me.

Edited to say sorry I didn't mean to Quote you MybluntSloth. Can't edit the quote out.

I like them.
Have you thought of Claudette?

No sorry id much prefer colette, the only thing that might be holding me back is the potential similarity

I don’t think the names are too similar. Pronunciation is more important than how the names are written. The last 4 letters are pronounced differently even if the 3 consonants are the same and the C’s are pronounced differently as well. The way that I say the names, not one of the vowel sounds are the same (apart from the silent e at the end) despite being the same letters.

It’s true that many families do have members with matching initials, but remember that this can be inconvenient. For example, at school or hospital, they might both be “C. Smith”. Files on people can get mixed up this way. Someone looking on a database might automatically click the first one they see.

As an aside, I never understood the idea of children having the same names as their parents, and having to use the terms “junior” and “senior”.

Congrats on your pregnancy! Having the same starting initial makes it quite important they at least have differently starting middle names, which you have. I don't think Charlotte and Colette are too similar sounding. They look similar-ish when written, because of the C and tte situation, but not when pronounced.

I do personally think the gem-based middle names are a bit gimmicky, especially in combination with the similarly linked first names. I would have a good think whether that is really the sensible thing to do, as it can be experienced in multiple ways. You probably think, how cute, emphasizing the sibling bond. But as the second child, I would eventually wonder if my name was just modelled on the first one (which it is!), which would make me wonder if my parents see me as the individual I am, instead of version 2 of my sibling.

Alternatively, you don't need to decide now. We waited with naming DC until we had met them, to get a feel of what they were like. When they finally arrived, it was immediately clear they were quite a character, so we picked a name that matched that.

It is similar, however it very much sounds like you have your heart set on it so fair enough.

Those names are fine together as would be any names :) Once the child is matched to the name all these considerations become redundant.
Don't forego using your favourite name because you're concerned about what a minority might think.

You said you like the names Nicole and Chloe so go for one of them. Middle name Opal. Charlotte and Colette are too similar.

but the pronounciations won't be similar; its just the spelling!

I find sibling names that look very similar more jarring than if they rhyme. People will think you have zero imagination and your second daughter might feel like you didn't put much effort into her name as it's basically her sister's name but spelled a bit differently and then a different gem stone as a middle name. Chloe and Nicole are better.