Not sure I can use my No1 girl's name but not sure I have one I love as much...

[Heatethelastrolo]

I am expecting a baby girl in December. From when I was little the girls name I always imagined I would use is Madeline. It is my Mum's name and to this day I think it is a beautiful name...classic, classy, timeless, not outstandingly popular at the moment. However as is always the case when it comes to actually giving a child a name for life, I have started to weigh up the pros and cons in my head and I have cold feet.

Part of me feels it would be nice to give my baby her own unique name. It feels a bit unoriginal seeings we have one already in our family and I worry people will think it's odd. My Mum is an amazing person and as well as loving the name I think she would be delighted so that isn't a problem, but at the moment it is very much her name so I worry about my baby having something to live up to.

However my dilemma is, I compare every other name I think of to this name and can't find one I love as much. Other names which come close for me (but are completely different I know!!) Are:

Saffron (Saffy) - this comes very close but bit worried it's not classic or timeless?
Orla/Orlaith - very pretty but not 100%
April - think am more likely to use as a middle name for sentimental reasons but do think its very pretty

Names I like but don't quite hit the mark are:

Ariana
Arabella
Anna
Farrah

All completely different I know, sorry. Thoughts or ideas appreciated!!

I love Camille! I think it's a beautiful, feminine name.

My auntie's best friend was a Madeleine. She was witty, warm and fabulously outrageous. I want to be her when I grow up.

Go for it!

I love Madeleine and Camille, they're miles ahead of your other choices.
I personally wouldn't name a child 'after' anyone, but wouldn't think it weird if someone did.
Also love the suggestion of Marina.

Also, as someone who didn't give her DD her favourite name and then changed it later, I'd say go with it, you'll regret it if you don't.

I love madeline and I have an Orla so I'm a little bias there :p

Pps are right I think in that Orla is becoming increasingly popular, mine is almost 4 and when she was born I didn't know of any but now I know of 2/3 under 2s but admittedly they're spread across the country.

Orla Madeline would be the way forward for me!