Are Emily and Ella too similar sounding for siblings?

[Nectar]

This isn't for me, my friend asked my advice!

She already has a little girl called Emily and is due to give birth to DD2 in March. She didn't actually ask whether I thought the names went well together, just said they'd almost decided on Ella and what did I think of it. I told her it's a lovely name, but just think people will be likely to confuse the two names throughout school etc.

Hmm, don't know whether to say anything or not, she seemed so sold on Ella!

I have an Ella, lots of Emilys in her class

they are always getting mixed up

I randomly call the wrong child's name and my DDs names are nothing like each other I'm turning into my mother!!

I wouldn't tell her it's a bad idea, just mention that they are quite similar, just enough to sew a seed of doubt and i a few days we might see a thread from her asking the question

too samey.

Sound too similar when you're yelling at them up the stairs calling them.

What about gabriella, Antonella, marella? Can all have nn Ella but without two dd's both with same initials.

Meant mariella, stupid autocorrect.

Too similar. How about Anna?

I agree with Salvadory - go with a longer version of the name I.e. Isabella/Arabella/Gabriella etc..IMO Emily and Ella are a little too similar for sisters...

Bit too simliar yes, DD2 may grow up thinking DD1 bagged your first choice and she got a similar variation! Also loads of Ellas around, but you'll know from having an Emily whether that bothers your or not. Both beautiful names though, I see the temptation.

Also, in light of Mrs Fitzgerals passing last week, how about Etta? (as long as surname is not Lott!)

it's up to your friend really. One of my DC name sounds a bit like another of my DC nickname which we didn't really consider (these aren't the names but a bit like having a Charlotte and a Harley and the Charlotte wanting to be called Charlie). It is a bit annoying as they both always think you are calling their brother and ignore you! So it's def something to consider as it grates a bit over time