Nia Elizabeth?

[DesperatelySeekingDistraction]

I think we've finally decided on a name for DD2. Interested in opinions please. Elizabeth is DH's late Nan's name, its not to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee!

Sensible choice: easy to spell & pronounce, not embarrassing, feminine without being girly or cutesy or childish.

I like longer names so it's not one I'd use but I think it's a fine choice. I've known plenty of Nias (grew up in Wales) so find it a bit hard to get excited over but it works well and, if you love it, go for it!

sorry think nia sounds awful, like just half of a name, not so bad if elizabeth nia

I came across this name for the first time quite recently and didn't know it was Welsh at first.

It sounded very odd to me; Near. And made me silently sing "...far, wherever you are!"

BUT it has grown on me and not everyone is as ignorant as I am! It's pretty and will be very easy for her to learn to spell. It seems to raise no eyebrows among the children who know our local Nia.

Go for it!

Drop the Nia

Keep the Elizabeth

I think it is really really lovely but Nina Elizabeth would be even nicer!!

Lovely.

Never heard of Nia before. I can't say I'm very keen on it I'm afraid. Sounds as if it must be short for something but it obviously isn't. Elizabeth is very nice.

Moonhare it's more like 'nee-ah' than 'near'!

I love Nia Elizabeth, two great names that sound good together :)

I think Nia is lovely - cannot understand why there is so much ambivalence about it on mumsnet when v similar names such as Mia or Thea would not raise an eyebrow (and the latter is positively feted!) I would use Nia if I was Welsh! Not really got an opinion on Elizabeth - it's ok, and the combination works. I also like Nina though am put off by it not meaning very much (I don't think) other than 'little one'.

Not the way I pronounce Near

I haven't heard of Nia before either. Have to say my first thought would be to wonder if it's a mispelling of Mia. But if it's known where you are, that probably won't be an issue. Elizabeth is lovely and so versatile.

I have a 3 month old Nia. Im Welsh but we currently live in England. I get the odd mispronunciation but not many. It is a beautiful name, it's popular in Wales but not overly so. I think Nia Elizabeth sounds lovely.

i know a few Nia's one spelt Niah, i like it, not so keen on Elizabeth, but its a family name and it sounds nice with Nia :)

Thanks everyone.

DottieRose - I too prefer Nina, however DH hates it so am happy to use Nia which I really like and so does he.

5madthings - I'm not exactly a huge fan of Elizabeth either but the other option was Barbara so no contest! It is important to DH and I that the DC middle names have family meaning, hence DD1 being Orla Winifred and DD2 almost definitely being Nia Elizabeth (when she arrives.)

Cwtchbach - good to know that you haven't had many issues with pronunciation in England as we're in England too.

I asked DD1 earlier if she could say Nia, and if she liked it as a name for baby sister. She instantly said "Nia Nia Nia" whilst stroking the bump so I think she approves (not that it matters!) but it confirmed to me that the name feels like the right one. Nearly brought a tear to my eyes (okay, scrap the nearly) to hear DD1 say what will almost definitely be her sister's name for the first time!

I love Nia. Also love the names Maeve, Niamh and Nola which have a similar feel.

What's your DD1 called?

ooh sorry, just saw that she's Orla.

Orla and Nia. How divine!

Smother - Thank you. It was down to Niamh and Orla for DD1, but Orla just felt right. Feeling very happy now we've found a name that feels right for DD2. I think Orla and Nia sound divine too - until they're screaming each other's names at me in a "mum, Nia / Orla just snatched my book / apple / new top / hair straighteners" way. Better start saving for an ensuite (with a lock and key) now so I can actually get into the bathroom and still have shampoo and conditioner left in 12 years time!