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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

OP posts:
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telsa · 20/12/2011 14:52

I was going to suggest Iona before - as, with its 3 syllables, it is different, though still 4 letters and ending in an 'A'. Definitely a good choice.

snuffaluffagus · 20/12/2011 14:58

I think Iona is more like Isla than Iris is!

FizzyChristmasFairyDust · 20/12/2011 15:03

I love both the names but think they are a bit too close, maybe use Iris as a middle name?

FizzyChristmasFairyDust · 20/12/2011 15:04

Oh yes, Iona would be nice.
Check the meanings of names, I know two siblings who both effectively have the same name as they are both versions of Katherine! Ooops :)

ThighsTheLimit · 20/12/2011 15:09

I wouldn't have an island name with Isla. (Islay is the island anyway), but Isla Skye, Isla Iona is weird to me. Like Isla Man, Isla Wight Grin

OneHandWrapping · 20/12/2011 15:10

So who is going to open the letter addressed to Miss I Jules722? It could cause some embarrassment with bank letters, love letters, etc.

There's such a plethora of lovely names I can't see why anyone would want to give two DCs the same initial.

BlueChampagne · 20/12/2011 15:14

I think Iona is too similar as well (as is Ailsa). Faye and Freya are good though. Also, how about:

Tamsin
Corinna
Meryl

Smudged · 20/12/2011 16:41

I hadn't said the names together but I think ThighsTheLimit is right about Isla Skye or Isla Iona sounding strange together. So unless you went for a more obscure island that people don't know or one that also means something else I think it would be better to avoid island names.

I also think Iona is more similar than Iris so if you were thinking of going for Iona I would just go with your first instinct of Iris!

pickledsiblings · 20/12/2011 17:10

The 'I' sound at the beginning of each is the same as is the number of syllables and so for that reason they are too similar. How about India with either of them?

India and Isla
India and Iris

Much nicer options.

pickledsiblings · 20/12/2011 17:13

The 'I' sound at the beginning of each is the same as is the number of syllables and so for that reason they are too similar. How about India?

India and Isla.

pickledsiblings · 20/12/2011 17:14
oikopolis · 20/12/2011 17:17

both lovely, but too similar.
children who are learning to speak, people with certain accents, and those with speech impediments sometimes pronounce "r" as "l" too, which makes them near identical in those cases. "eye-la" and "eye-lis" would be most unfortunate.

LilyBolero · 20/12/2011 17:21

I wouldn't because of letters arriving to Miss I. Jules722 - who is it for?

Original poster
Jules722 · 20/12/2011 18:43

I'm getting the hint that two "I" names might not be in my future as much as I like the names individually. I don't mind having two Ms. I's in the house, I guess it doesn't really bother me, but I will be too concerned that the sounds are too similar.

My husband won't go for India (or Indiana for that matter) so I'll have to rule those out. I guess I'll start considering other names, eventually something will move me.

Thanks for all the feedback, much appreciated.

OP posts:
whatstheetiquette · 20/12/2011 18:45

I think that Iris and Isla are lovely. Really sweet for sisters, but I see that I am in the minority Grin.

mathanxiety · 20/12/2011 20:27

How about
Ines/Inez
Irina
Julia or Juliet
Zoe
Seonaid
Alice

Isla and Skye would be too much.
Isla and Iris are just a bit too similar with the long I sound. Same would apply to Ivy imo.

humblehippo · 21/12/2011 00:18

Your DD has a gorgeous name.

I really like Iris but I agree with most posters that it's too similar.

Some other names you might like:

Lily
Grace
Fiona
Violet
Julia/Juliet
Abigail
Daisy
Freya
Lucy
Imogen
Zara
Holly
Beatrice
Bethan
Carys
Sofia
Thea
Thalia
Poppy
Charlotte/Lottie
Nina
Megan
Ivy
Eva

?

humblehippo · 21/12/2011 00:20

Ooh or what about Flora/Florence, Anna/Annelise, Elise, Eloise?

jandymaccomesback · 22/12/2011 15:38

My DSis and I have the same first initial and it was always a pain. Our DF ran them both together because it was hard to say them one after the other, and later we were always opening each other's post. I even got her money credited to my Building Society Account once.

LondonMumsie · 22/12/2011 22:37

I think Morag goes beautifully with Isla.

mathanxiety · 23/12/2011 00:23

Saw Honor on another thread, and I think it goes really well with Isla.

LulaBear · 23/12/2011 04:47

Sorry haven't read most of the msgs! Both names are lovely, as long as you won't accidentally confuse them :)

Ihatepeas · 24/12/2011 16:44

Love your dds name it's beautiful. Sorry but I agree with others isla and iris are too similar.

talkingnonsense · 24/12/2011 16:59

What about Idris?

Firawla · 24/12/2011 16:59

i think they are fine together, both are beautiful names. i do think faye goes nice too if you want a different letter