Esther or Bethany, or suggest an alternative?

[BobandBenway]

Found out we are having a girl! I was so sure it was a boy, and we had an agreed boy's name, but cannot agree on a girl's name!

The only one I really love, and it seems "the one" to me is Esther, but dp hates it (don't think he can get past Esther Rantzen association!).

He is really pushing for Bethany (Beth), which I'm a bit "meh" about - it seems a bit insipid to me, and a bit dated like a 90s name? Plus I don't really like Beth for short - it reminds me of drippy Beth from Little Women!

I am really struggling to come up with any other girls names. I sort of like Rachel, except it is far too over-used. I also like Ruth, but there are too many family members with this name. Although I like these names, they are not "the one".

Help! I'm starting to panic now as I can't see any name being right! Any suggestions? Don't think I will be able to convince dp of Esther!

[Cookit]

Rachel was overused quite a few decades a go, it’s barely used now at all.

I quite like Esther. Really don’t like Bethany.

[aliceelizaloves]

I love biblical names and love both Esther and Bethany. I had Lydia and Tabitha on my shortlist. Also how about Elizabeth? Plenty of cute nicknames.

[DianaBlythe]

Much prefer Bethan to Bethany. What about Betsan? Or is that getting too Welsh?

Unusual biblical names:

Carmel
Cherith
Keziah
Hepzibah
Zipporah
Ruth

[daisypond]

Esther is super and loads stronger than Bethany.

[Backhometothenorth]

We have an almost 3 year old Esther. Other names were Miriam, Edith, Eliza - so glad we went with Esther- it's a beautiful name and so lovely on a child. The meaning clinched it for us

[autumnkate]

I think Bethany is very dated.

How about Constance?