My shortlists

[Queazy]

Your thoughts on these please - thanks so much

Boys - Ben, Alexander, Robert, James

Girls - Alice, Otillie, Polly, Madeleine, Juliette, Felicity, Beatrix, Lucy

I like traditional/classic but not overly common names

No, well I suppose it's because I used to know a Pauline whose Dad used to call her Polly as a pet name. French Paul- names do sound more like Polly.

Ooh a French Pauline could be very glamorous. Pauline was used as an example of a dated name unlikely to make a comeback on the Barbara thread. It similarly has a very different feel in a European accent.

James and Alice, but biased as DH is James and DD's middle name is Alice

Great taste OP...I have a 7 year old Polly, wanted Juliet for this baby but DP vetoed so we have agreed on Felicity for DD due in July. Polly is classic, never been in fashion so can't go out of fashion, I've only met one other in my life and she's in her 20s.

Juliet Alice and Robert Alexander.

I don't think you need the extra -te on the end of Juliet, that tips it over to frilly territory for me.

Traditionally, Polly was a nickname for Mary.

I once met a very nice half-Greek Paulina.

I would pronounce Ottilie the original (ie German/Austrian) way: Ot-teel-ee-uh.

I've met a Dutch Paulina. I think it's a lovely name. Isn't there one in Shakespeare somewhere?

I like Lucy and Ben.