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Baby names

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

Original poster

What do you think of Isla and Iris for sisters?

52 replies

Jules722 · 19/12/2011 18:34

I have a DD, Isla Elizabeth Rose (yes, two middle names), who will be a proud big sister in a few months. I am struggling with finding a name that I love as much as I love her name, though I have read the message boards like mad trying to get inspired. I actually am growing fond of the name Iris but don't know if it's too close so would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions!

Thanks in advance!

Jules722

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scarlettlips · 19/12/2011 18:40

Personally i think it's a bit much..Love both names but together for me it doesn't quite work. But hey..your baby call her what ever you wish Xmas Grin

AnotherMincepie · 19/12/2011 18:42

Too similar IMHO.

debka · 19/12/2011 18:43

Never commented on a baby names thread before - but this one caught my eye. I think both names are beautiful and work wonderfully together. What middle names will she have?

Congratulations on #2!

MaggieAtwood · 19/12/2011 18:44

I think they are too similar. Sorry.

leftmymistletoeatthedoor · 19/12/2011 18:44

Both names are gorgeous but not quite right together.

What about Ailish or Niamh or caitlin?

nulgirl · 19/12/2011 18:47

They are too similar for me. Don't like the fact that both names start with the same letter and have the same sound as well. If it doesn't bother you though then go for it.

Original poster
Jules722 · 19/12/2011 18:48

I don't have any middle names as of yet, need to be more committed before I get that far with my DH :)

I like the idea of having two sisters with somewhat connected names, such as both beginning with the letter "I" or both ending with an "A".

Thanks for all the comments!

OP posts:
leftmymistletoeatthedoor · 19/12/2011 18:50

Ailish which I mentioned above is in a similar vein without being TOO similar imo?

KateShmate · 19/12/2011 18:50

My eldest is an Isla, and funnily enough when I was pregnant with my 2nd DD, me and DH loved Iris - we too wondered whether it was too similar.
Such a beautiful name!
In the end we went for Indie (Indianna) which we think goes really nicely with Isla

RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie · 19/12/2011 18:52

A no from me.

noddyholder · 19/12/2011 18:53

I like them

ChocolateBiscuitCake · 19/12/2011 19:01

On a practical note - it is really annoying having the same initials as other members of the family. So much post, for example, gets wrongly opened. I say this from having the same initial as my mother (and even then the Mrs/Miss got confused). So having Miss I(sla) and Miss I(ris) is going to be really irritating.

IMO, too similar!

LemonDifficult · 19/12/2011 19:03

Too close, it's just silly. People will keep thinking they misheard the first time.

boyfallingoutofthesky · 19/12/2011 20:17

I think they go beautifully together, used one for dd and other was on our list for dc2. I know lots of people get worked up about same initial but I do not see the big deal, it would be more of a problem for me if they rhymed so could be misheard (on which note I know of siblings Amy and Jamie which imo is much worse!)

telsa · 19/12/2011 22:48

A big NO from me - it is not the same initial that gets me, but the fact that they are 2 syllables and both start with the strong I sound. What about Inez / Ines or Ianthe. Or Indigo. I think ending with an A would be better - gives unity but not too much. But then you have a lot of choice there! Or what about Alice - which sort of twists the sounds a bit, but makes something quite distinct.

Smudged · 19/12/2011 22:55

I think they are a bit too similar sounding. What about going for another Scottish island if you want the names to be connected? e.g., Cara or Skye (there are lots of other ones too).

donandpea · 20/12/2011 10:16

Hi,
I have Isla now 2 and when expecting number 2 I liked Eliza but it was too simlar. In the end I have Isla and Faye now 4 months old. I love these names together :)

littlepie · 20/12/2011 11:13

I have an Isla and am expecting DD2 so this is really interesting!

don Faye is on our short list and I agree they look/sound good together.

OP I like the suggestion of another Scottish island like Skye.

sarahfreck · 20/12/2011 11:28

Yet another Scottish Island- Iona?

ThatllDoPig · 20/12/2011 11:32

They are beautiful names, but just to warn you,I have a Joey and a Jamie and I'm always calling them each others names! Wish they weren't so similar sometimes. I wasn't allowed Tom.

Can't imagine them being called anything else though.

BlueChampagne · 20/12/2011 11:52

ThatIDoPig I find myself getting the wrong names sometimes and my DSs have totally different names! I think it just happens sometimes.

However, I agree that Isla and Iris are too similar.

Annakin31 · 20/12/2011 12:05

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

donandpea · 20/12/2011 13:26

littlepie :) that Faye is on your list its a seriously underused name in my oppinion. Another name that we really liked was Effie (Ef-ee) it is more unusal 916 in last years chart. Thought I'd throw a different name out there. I think it sounds great with Isla btw.

snuffaluffagus · 20/12/2011 14:30

They are both beautiful names but perhaps a bit too similar.. but don't let the same initial put you off, I share one with my sister and couldn't give a hoot! It's never caused any problems.

I'd probably choose Eilidh or Indigo myself!

Original poster
Jules722 · 20/12/2011 14:31

Thanks for all the comments, very helpful as I try to get my pregnancy brain to focus!

So a follow up question, are Isla and Iona too similar? I would think they are more similar than Isla and Iris but what do you ladies think?

I live in the states so don't want something that has really difficult spelling for Americans to follow (unfortunately that rules out Eilidh).

Faye - very nice! I'll have to bring it up to DH
Freya - like it, wish I loved it
Esme - overused due to the Twilight franchise (darn)
Effie - a nice one, I'll hav to think on that
Cara - sister's name is Carrie, have to rule that out
Skye - like it now but might be considered too hippie here in the states

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