We've narrowed it down to two possibilities...

[NotFromConcentrate]

We've just found out the baby we're expecting in 8 weeks is a little girl. We have two boys, both with short plain-ish names. Not too concerned with popularity, not least because I think there's a lot of regional variation. So...

Orla Hannah Catherine, or
Alexa Hannah Catherine (don't mind the nn Lexy)?

(The middle names are family names and non-negotiable)

Which would you choose?

[mybootsaremuddy]

I like Orla best. Dont dislike Alexa just prefur Orla.

[ciwi]

Orla, lovely name

[ATruthUniversallyAcknowledged]

Orla. Lovely.

[headfairy]

I like both, but I think Orla pips it... really pretty

[Kayzr]

I like both but Orla is just a bit nicer

[marblerye]

Orla, much nicer.

[NotFromConcentrate]

Such quick replies... Thanks!

Looks like Orla is winning hands down so far

[lou4791]

Orla is lovely.
Alexa is nice but just makes me think of Alexa Chung and is perhaps a bit faddy . Don't like Lexy at all.

[midlandsnightnannybabysitter]

I like Alexa and lexi/lexy

[NotFromConcentrate]

Faddy, really? I liked Alexa partly because, although it's not an unusual name, I've never met another one ever. I'll probably meet loads in the next 8 weeks!

DH is leaning towards Orla too :)

[Popoozle]

I don't like either personally, but out of your two choices I'd choose Alexa.

[breatheslowly]

Orla is a lovely name. I hadn't really thought about it, but when I just said it to DH, he agreed that it is nice and we could call another (as yet completely imagined baby) Orla.

[hermionestranger]

I like Orla lots!

Nothing wrong with the nn Lexy btw.

[Haberdashery]

I don't like either but would go for Orla. I think Alexa is a bit dated and 80s sounding, personally.

[FetaCheeny]

Prefer Alexa. I like Orla but prefer it spelt Orlaith

[Hippychickster]

I LOVE Alexa and Lexi.

[NotFromConcentrate]

Feta I initially wanted to go for Orlaith because to my mind it's the 'correct' spelling (although I have no idea how I came to that conclusion!) but wondered if she'd spend forever telling people either how to pronounce it or how to spell it! Now I'm wondering if people will think we just didn't know how to spell Orlaith!

I'm sure there are lots of people who don't like my name choices, or find them dated or whatever. Each to their own, I came up with my shortlist because other names weren't to my taste.

[madaboutmadmen]

Orla lovely, but isn't the traditional spelling Orlaith, or something like that?

[missmiss]

Not hugely keen on either but hate Lexy so I'd go for Orla.

[PercyFilth]

Don't like Orla. I prefer Alexandra to Alexa, as it can be shortened to Alexa if desired but will also offer her other options. I realise it's a bit long with the other names, but I don't think that matters. Obviously it's more important that it flows with the surname, so not in a position to judge.

[NotFromConcentrate]

Percy our surname begins with R and is also quite long, so Alexandra Surname becomes quite a mouthful. I'm not keen on Alexandra as a name, but thanks for the suggestion! Naming a child is an absolute minefield!

[FetaCheeny]

I think if you prefer Orlaith yourself then go for that, it's beautiful and spelt like that I prefer it to Alexa. (I'm a bit biased as I love Irish names) I don't think people would think you couldn't spell if you called her Orla though, so don't let that put you off.
:)

[deste]

Orla.

[hugebump3]

Alexa for me. It is a classic, timeless name that works beautifully in all languages.

[fromheretomaternity]

Orla is nice, Lexy sounds a bit 80s