Registering tomorrow and still undecided whether to ...

[phonix]

... spell her name Ottilie or Ottilia.

Ottilia was the name we came up with initially, but I started having doubts as the 'ia' ending rhymes with DD1's name and both names have the same number of syllables, too.
DH doesn't think it's a problem at all.

However, our (foreign) surname ends in a 'y', so matched with Ottilie, when you say the full name it sounds a bit .... hmm, 'not quite right' I guess.

Not sure which version is worse. Any advice?

I think that Ottilia sounds a little bit affected, or over the top, sorry. I prefer Ottilie, it rolls off the tongue more easily.

What you mention about your surname ending in Y could be a problem though...

Ottilia sounds made up - is it? But Ottilie is a name I recognise, IYSWIM. Having said that, I think two "ia" endings among siblings is fine, whereas something like Sally Barry (if that's what you mean re surnames) sounds less fine.

I love Ottilie. Not sure about Ottilia.

No to Ottilia, never heard of it and sounds like Attila the Hun.
Go for Ottilie, sounds like a proper French name.

Ottilie -surely Ottilia is just made up?

Ottilia will sound infinitely better with a surname ending in 'y'.

Ottilia made me think of Atilla too. much prefer Ottilie

Interesting what some of you say about Ottilia being a made up name.... no it's most definitely not. It's known and used in mainland Europe (apart from France).

With re. to the 'y' ending, it's nowhere near as bad as Sally Barry especially as surname is quite long.

DH says Ottilie is too frilly and wouldn't suit a grown up woman.

I prefer Ottilia.

What about Otteline?

I prefer Ottilia, but I think it's better for her name to rhyme with her surname than her sisters name.
Sometimes rhyming siblings work, but the only name I can think of is Lydia, and I don't think Lydia and Ottilia would be good at all.

Ottilia is lovely & I can't see any problems with it. (like your DH says)
If you feel that if you don't use & that you will alway regret not using it, then go for it.

My surname ends with Y and first name ends ie. I prefer Ottilie, think it flows off the tongue better.

Another vote for Ottilie.

Thanks everyone! She was registered as Ottilie in the end. We have up to twelve months to change it, should we decide...

Ottilie is an absolutely beautiful name - would have got my vote had I read the post in time. Good choice.

Congratulations on your new DD.

Good, I'm sure you won't want to change it.

Congratulations! Ottilie sounds great.