Martha or Kate? This really is it now - due Monday. It's been a long old naming road!

[specialsmasher]

Thanks all for input - it does help!

Kate.

I don't think Kate is more popular than Martha either. Counting up the children I know of with those names I think there is an equal number.

Martha is really common at the mo (as in popular) and Kate will be next year! Just go for what feels right on the day!

Martha is rarer, for the time being. There are millions of Kates and Katies out there, it's a pleasant enough name but there are too many.

Does your surname have a 'bite' to it? This may just be a personal preference but I like to hear a sharper sounding surname if the first name sounds soft. Martha Wainwright works because there is a t at the end of her surname, similarly Martha Kearney sounds right to my ear because of the K, there a good balance to the combination. If you have a softer sounding surname, I would personally go with Catherine or Katherine and use Kate as a nn.

Ooh - an actual Martha! Hello, Martha!

Such an even spread - might to do another count.

It would be Katherine, btw, I'm a bit conservative about having a proper name on the birth certificate.

I wouldn't say our surname has 'bite' to it, Kitty! ...

hey specialsmasher, how are you doing? I've been thinking about you and your little Martha/Kate/? !! xxx

Martha was my nannas name so my vote goes there!

Martha Martha Martha

much more interesting, but not weird IYKWIM

I know a nice one so am a bit biased!

Hello, smother!

I'm two days overdue today... So nice that you've been thinking about me! I'll post when dd finally appears and we've finally managed to give her a name! Still is Martha or Kate...

martha
notkeen on kate

Martha Kate for sure. You could even hyphenate or use the whole thing in one, Martha Kate. Martha Katherine sounds nice too.

Still no baby - I will let kind contributors know what was decided (those who want to know!) if she ever actually comes out!

Hi, I prefer Martha. BUT the main thing I wanted to say is I really don't think you can decide before you see her :) Just keep that as your shortlist and see what she looks like, IMVHO. I was torn between two names but when DS was born it was v v obvious

Def Martha - I love it and have already chosen it for a middle name if we have a girl.

I was excited when I saw this, I thought little martha-kate-? had arrived!! good luck with it all, hope you're managing to get a bit of rest while you wait!

This is fun!! I prefer Katherine or Catherine as it looks classy when written down and also sounds beautiful. Best wishes with everything xx

Best of luck specialsmasher. It has to be Kate!!!

Oh you'll obviously have to let us all know what you choose in the end!!!

Good luck! Martha has my vote. I know a lovely Martha :)

I think Kate is a beautiful name, would highly consider it if there is a DD2, but am kinda worried that there will end up being lots of new Kates now with the royal wedding. bloody annoying, esp when our liking it has nothing to do with Middleton!! Sorry but I don't like Martha, just can't imagine a pretty Martha. Sorry!

Please let us know when your daughter is born and what you decide!

Martha Elisabeth has arrived! Friday morning, 7:02. 9lb 4oz!!!!!

Thanks so much to all of you for your suggestions re her name. She is a beautiful girl and we are much pleased!

Congratulations! :o