Amelia - too popular? And thoughts on other girl names

[Chatty987]

I had my heart on Amelia but when I found out it was number 1 girls name in 2013, its put me off worried it will date (and have feeling it might stay at the top for a while). Any thoughts on that front? I like strong classic names which are feminine and possibly with nn potential if it's a long name.

Others we like though no out right winner:

Sophia
Alexandra
Arabella
Layla
Camilla (love this but Parker Bowles puts me off...)

I really like 3 syllable names so any inspiration for those and views on the above?

Thank you!

I really like Alexandra, it's classic and won't date to any particular time period.

I wouldn't let popularity put you off if you love a name, you will regret it if you don't use it. I have only ever come across 1 in all the many baby and toddler classes I've attended over the last three years!

My sil has an Emilia, that spelling is not so common

It would definitely put me off. I do think huge popularity takes the shine off a name.

I love Camilla, and don't think of Parker Bowles. It's classic, strong and unusual.

While Amelia is a fine name, I wouldn't use because of its popularity. I like its style, though, and would use an alternative, classic name in the same style. Here are some suggestions:

Louisa
Susannah
Francesca
Helena
Virginia

and here are my opinions on your other options:
Sophia - this is super common, at least in the US. I imagine it will date a badly, if not worse, than Amelia.
Alexandra - this is a nice name that I don't hear very often anymore. It feels more serious and substantial than Amelia.
Arabella - I don't like it. It seems kind of pretentious. Of the -bel names, I prefer Annabel or Isabel.
Layla - I just don't like it. I have no good reason.
Camilla - see Arabella.

I know a Camilla and I have never thought of CP-B in relation to her.

I love Amelie but Amelia is a little over used imho.

Alexandra is beautiful but I think it's the number one girls guess for Kate Middletons future child so don't know if that bothers you?

If you love Amelia, how about Emilia or Amelie?

I don't like Amelia due to it's alternative medical meaning.

Arabella and Alexandra are both very nice.

Amelia isn't pleasant. It sounds whiny to my ears is very popular and will most definitely date.

Alexandra is lovely.

Camilla vote here.

How about Camellia?

Thanks all. Camellia is a great suggestion....added to the list!

Popularity puts me off too. I love Amelia but it is just too popular for me.

I like Sophia, I think it is climbing in popularity too though and no good nicknames.

I live Alexandra very string, pretty, not too popular and great nicknames: Alex, Lexie.

Arabella is pretty.

Layla is very pretty but doesn't fir your three syllables and a nickname remit?

I really like Camilla, very pretty, I wouldn't be put off by associations with the Duchess of Cornwall and Millie is an adorable nickname.

Other suggestions: Adelaide (Addy), Katherine (Kate/Katie/Kathy/Kitty) Eleanor (Ellie), Jessica (Jessie), Rebecca (Becca/Becky, Theresa (Tessa)

I vote Sophia, but that's because it is on my list as well! I don't think it is quite as popular as Amelia.

Dd1 is Emilia. I've always loved the name, and especially that spelling. We do spend a lot of time correcting people when they write it out though!