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Original poster

Alternatives for Sophie?

25 replies

Chacha23 · 03/10/2013 16:26

We had our heart set on Sophie, until we discovered our popular it is in the UK. (It's not even top 50 in my and DH's respective countries! not fair!!)

I'm due in about two weeks, so looking for alternatives... ideally a name that is not top 20 in France, the UK or the US (learnt my lesson), but that still feels "classic". And that can be pronounced easily in both French and English... and that works with middle name "Emily". Please help?

So far I have Charlotte (but sounds a bit posh in French), and Lucie (but spelling may be an issue). DH is pushing Elizabeth, but I'm not keen on the double "E" sound with Emily.

OP posts:
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daughterofafarmer · 03/10/2013 16:38

If you love Sophie go for Sophie, I only know 1 and she's nearly 3...

MrsWobble · 03/10/2013 16:40

bear in mind that whatever name you choose it might well turn out to be popular. I felt exactly the same as you so didn't name dd1 sophie but by the time she was 3 months old I had come across 3 other girls with the same name, not having known anyone called it when she was born. so dd2 is sophie. it's a lovely name.

Original poster
Chacha23 · 03/10/2013 16:53

Hmm, maybe I am reacting too fast... I was just so disappointed to discover that. I don't think I'll find another name we both like as much!

OP posts:
emmelinelucas · 03/10/2013 16:58

sadie
Lorna
Sally

CordeliaRose · 03/10/2013 16:58

Aurélie
Catherine
Claire
Corinne
Hélène
Jeanne
Juliette
Madeleine
Susanne
Sophie

CordeliaRose · 03/10/2013 16:59

Oops - the last one was meant to be Sylvie!

DorisIsAPinkDragon · 03/10/2013 17:03

Just go with Sophie

mathanxiety · 03/10/2013 17:11

Sylvie (again)
Lucie
Leonie
Celine
Christiane
Camille (pretty popular in France though)
Gabrielle
Noemie
Josephine
Stella

I like Elisabeth and don't see a problem with the two Es

Littlecherublegs · 03/10/2013 17:14

I love Sophie too, beautiful name.
Also like Sofia.

Others Im currently liking are:
Chloe
Bethan
Lauren
Anya
Mia
Nicole
Carla / Cara / Cora

ConfusedandDazed24 · 03/10/2013 17:21

I agree with the others who say if you love it go with it! You never know what will happen in the future so I think it's more important that you love the name than that it may turn out to be popular. You could spend ages picking one that you think is rare and then all it takes is for one famous person to name their child with it and you're in the same position! My friend was stuck between a couple of names but went with George, even though it wasn't her first choice, because she felt it was rare and she didn't know any other George's at all. Enter Wills and Kate.....

ConfusedandDazed24 · 03/10/2013 17:22

But, if you are set on changing it Madeline is lovely.

justhayley · 03/10/2013 22:48

Names are popular when they are lovely. Sophie is beautiful name. I personally only know one & she's 18. I prefer Sophie Amelia to Emily think it flows better, but id honestly stick with Sophie if that's what you love. Otherwise your giving your daughter a name that's 2nd class for you just because people who love it as much as you went with it. X

NotYoMomma · 04/10/2013 09:30

I have a beautiful Sophie :D
it has a lovely meaning and is cute, classic and sturdy all in one name

happyrosie · 04/10/2013 11:46

We had the same situation - Sophie was my favourite, but then we were put off by its popularity and chose Alexandra instead

lestagal78 · 04/10/2013 22:59

Popularity is subjective. My DD is the only one in her year group and I don't come across many. My DD is bright, funny and has the most striking look.

It goes nicely with Emily. I love both names.

sara11272 · 04/10/2013 23:04

I have a Sophie (and her DT is Emily! - great minds!!)

We originally had second thoughts, like you, due to its popularity, but we stuck with it as we like it so much. There's only one other in her school year and I come across far fewer of them than I thought i would.

I'd say if you really like it best, go with it Smile

lottieandmia · 04/10/2013 23:08

I always wanted names that were not in the top 50 but 2 of my 3 children have names in the top 30 and I don't think it matters, honestly. I only know one Sophie (who's a child).

Yika · 04/10/2013 23:12

I'm a Sophie and strongly favour it :)

Other names that I think work well in both English and French would include

Zoe
Sara(h)
Nina
Claudia
Marine/a
Laura
Elise
Roxane
Matilda
Daphne
Alice
Anna
Marion
Rosemarie
Ariane

magicstars · 04/10/2013 23:14

Chloe is of similar ilk to sophie IMO, both lovely, soft sounding names. I think sophia is very popular in the uk but I've not come across many Sophie's under 25 so go for it if you love it.
Other suggestions-
Viola
Delphine
Camilla
Bethany

magicstars · 04/10/2013 23:17

Hannah/ Anna ?

lestagal78 · 04/10/2013 23:17

Sara we have both an Emily and a Sophie. E is DD1.

misdee · 04/10/2013 23:19

I have a Sophie Emily. She is 4.

I wasn't sure due to how popular the name is, but it suits her. And we love the name.

There is another Sophie in her class, but it doesn't seem to bother her.

sleepingbeautiful · 05/10/2013 04:13

Estelle/Stella
Seren
Zoe
Elise
Margot
Lydia
Maria
Julia
Juliet
Louisa

sara11272 · 05/10/2013 09:09

Lestagal, good taste Smile

williaminajetfighter · 05/10/2013 23:07

Solange? Same soft o sound but French...

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