Help inspire me with girls' names to match a difficult surname

[onEastarEggIGraze]

Well, it's not just the surname. When we had DS it took many weeks to get even a handful of names we both liked, and we both thought any future girl would be so much easier. Now I am expecting a girl and it's still hard!

Surname is a three syllable word something like 'Defender', which makes lots of girls' names sound ridiculous. We have a Joseph already so any Mary-type names are out. I love Rosa and DH likes Rose, but I think both are too matchy in sound with Joseph. Anyway, the agreed shortlist is currently:

Claudia (top choice atm)
Miranda (both like)
Bethany (Dh loves, I don't)
Eva (both love but too popular for me really)
Ramona (unsure)
Saskia (unsure)

Names I love but he vetoed include Elsa, Cara, Cordelia, Thea, Rosalind.

Your thoughts and suggestions are welcome!

I think Miranda and Saskia are both lovely and not over-used. Other thoughts are:

Miriam
Bethan
Meredith
Rosanna
Sadie
Louisa
Clara

Good luck!

Another vote for Meredith, and also Rosanne/a.

How about:
Meryl
Tamsin
Olwen

I do like Meredith actually...will suggest to DH. Sadly I've tried him with Rosabel and Rosalie and he sneered at 'that type of name', so Rosanna is probably out.

Also like Sadie but not keen on Meryl, Tamsin or Olwen, sorry. Clara is one of those names I like but that sounds rubbish with my surname, plus I have a friend called Clara who would be insufferable if she thought I'd named the baby after her

Claudia is beautiful and I do not know any!!

I like

Claudia
Miranda
Eva
Saskia
Elsa
Thea

from your list.

Can I suggest;

Rosina
Alethea
Verity

Ooh, love Verity but again have a close friend with that name :(

Chryssa (Greek for gold)
How about Bettany or Dittany for an alternative to Bethany?

I don't think the double ts work very well with my Sarf London accent Too much glottal stopping.

I love Ramona - not unheard of but not too many of them either. Claudia ditto.

Also like Eve/Eva but it is a very popular name at the moment.

I also really like Lucia (pronounced loo-cheeya) and Rita (but no one else does ).

How about Darcy?

Claudia is lovely and not too common, I like Beth, nice and simple with a fussier surname. Eva is nice and international but ubiquitous. Ramona is a little too busy with a long surname. Good luck :)

How about Claudia Rose?

nn Claudie

Claudia ...dislike
Miranda ...dislike
Bethany ....like but know onw who gets Beth-fanny
Eva ..love
Ramona ...dislike
Saskia ...like
Love Elsa, Cara, & Thea,

Anna. The most beautiful namem in the world!

Claudia (top choice atm) - lovely
Miranda (both like) - lovely
Bethany (Dh loves, I don't) - not so fond
Eva (both love but too popular for me really) - ok
Ramona (unsure) - horrible
Saskia (unsure) - not fond

Thea and Saskia are fab
Miranda close behind

love love love miranda. Beautiful name.

Claudia, Bethany and Saskia are not only my favourites but they do sound like sisters as well.

I love Saskia, Thea and Elsa.

Claudia and Miranda are lovely and also realy like the sugestion of Meredith.

Thanks everyone :) DH has agreed to Meredith going on the list, so we're making progress

Claudia - beautiful and elegant

I must say, I'm glad to see the Claudia love as it's still top of our list.