American looking for UK Answers

[EmilyRoo]

Hi,

I'm changing my name (from Emily-perfectly good name but there are 4 other on my floor) and I am looking for UK input on some names I am considering, and would also like suggestions for other names in a similar vein. I'm looking for a longer, elegant and unusual name. I plan on relocating to England in a few years and would like to know how these names are perceived there, if possible.

Cordelia
Rowena
Clementine (my favorite right now)
Penelope

Any more suggestions would be lovely!

-Emily

Yes, Camille is lovely (so much nicer than Camilla) but you could use Milla as a nickname, which is a bit similar to Emily. Genevieve too, I think a good mixture of vivacious and dignified and good from the nn pov too, lots of possibilities.

I have a close friend named Camille, I'm also not fond of the "mill" part of my name.

Anyone have ideas for non-frilly somewhat classic girl names along these lines?

Harriet
Florence
Mirabel
Alice

Then of course, Clementine and Jemima.

You keep coming back to Jemima and Clementine. If you love these names, then that's a good enough reason to choose either one. Neither has any negative connotations in the UK. This is going to be your name, so whatever you choose, it should be something that you love.

Alexandra
Mira
Miriam
Naomi
Annabel

From your list, I'd use (in this order):

Alice
Harriet
Florence
Jemima
Clementine
Mirabel

Harriet -- Juliet - Julia - Juliana - Kate
Florence -- Flora - Frances - Francesca - Fiona
Mirabel -- Mira - Maria - Mariah - Marie - Marianne
Alice -- Alexandra - Elise - Eloise - Louise - Louisa - Anneliese

Actually, we should all take note of this when naming our own children - very popular names can indeed be a pain when you've got to share it with 4 or 5 others, not only in school but in working life too.

Sonnie where were you when my Mum was naming me and my DSister? .

Clementine is a fantastic name - I know a little Clementine. Have you looked at the top 100 names for the UK? They're names which are popular now, but may be less so in your age group. Also, the National Statistics office has quite interesting data on name trends

Rowena is also a good choice - my name's Rowan, and I love it, but it is unisex so you might prefer the more definite female version. Cordelia's a gorgeous name - Delia for short?

I wouldn't worry too much about the social class implications of your choice - maybe check on here before you commit for any clangers, but it doesn't really matter.

Other suggestions:
Beatrice
Veronica
Tabitha
Florence
Violet
Susanna