Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Are Anna and Emma too similar?

42 replies

RockCrushesLizard · 12/01/2016 10:13

So, I already have an Anna, and both DH and I like Emma for the DD we're expecting, but I think it may be too similar?

I like classic names - Emily, Alice, Kate, Elizabeth, Isabel - but worry that many of them are too popular, and there'll be three in every school class...

Any inspiration or opinions welcome!

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
KoalaDownUnder · 12/01/2016 10:18

It's much too similar. As is Alice, imho.

I'd go for Kate, out of that lot.

Hamsolo · 12/01/2016 10:19

I don't think they're that similar at all. I like all you choices though.

whatdoIget · 12/01/2016 10:21

I knew sisters called Anna and Emma when I was at school. It does seem a bit matchy to me

nextusername · 12/01/2016 10:24

I think they are quite similar.

NadiaWadia · 12/01/2016 10:47

They are both nice names (especially Anna) but I think they are too similar. Other people will get them mixed up.

You already mentioned Emily, which is a beautiful name, quite similar to Emma, but different enough from Anna, so what about that? Personally I actually find Emily more interesting than Emma, somehow.

Original poster
RockCrushesLizard · 12/01/2016 11:25

I'm glad it's not just me then (DH thinks they aren't similar!)

Back to the drawing board...

OP posts:
FunkyPeacock · 12/01/2016 11:27

I know sisters called Anna & Emma and not aware it has caused them any problems

SDTGisAnEvilWolefGenius · 12/01/2016 11:42

I think the names would end up getting elided into one name - Anneranemma. And I am afraid I do think they are too similar.

wigglesrock · 12/01/2016 11:47

Yes they are, sorry. I'm speaking from experience Grin. I have one and the other is her cousin and I find them very samey.

We have an Anna.
Other names that were on our "long" list and her sisters names are :
Stella
Olivia
Sadie
Tess
Cara
Mary
Frances
Sofia
Nina
Elizabeth
Elena
Claudia
Meg

Absolutelyfabulously · 12/01/2016 12:08

I think Kate is a name you could use and not find too many about.

Pteranodon · 12/01/2016 12:11

I am an Anna and people do sometimes hear 'Emma'. At my wedding the staff put up a big banner saying 'Congratulations Emma and Bernard!' It made me laugh, but I don't have a sister called Emma.

TheCatsMeow · 12/01/2016 12:16

I don't think they're too similar. Elizabeth is nice and has lots of nicknames I'd use that from your list if you don't want to use Emma!

LuciaInFurs · 12/01/2016 12:17

I don't think they are similar and both are beautiful names, I also love classic names. But if it really worries you Kate is lovely and wigglesrock has a good list. Esme would work well if you are set on a 'e' name.

Duckdeamon · 12/01/2016 12:19

Too similar IMO.

Decanter · 12/01/2016 12:31

This might sound strange, but to me, they are actually too different to be used for siblings, in that they don't have the same "feel". I liken it to using a modern name and an old fashioned name, which I get isn't the case here, but they just don't sound right together to me.

Original poster
RockCrushesLizard · 12/01/2016 12:52

Thanks all of you, for taking the time to give me feedback. I think we can safely say Emma is off the list!

How do we feel about

Alexa
Juliet
Elise

?

OP posts:
nextusername · 12/01/2016 12:55

Juliet is a lovely name. I find Alexa a little harsh. Elise is OK but I prefer Louise/Louisa.

wigglesrock · 12/01/2016 12:56

Oh I love Juliet, that was supposed to be on my list Grin. Alexa not so much but I'm not the biggest fan of Alex as a sound in any name. Elise is nice too, I know a 4 year old one, it's lovely on her.

Borninthe60s · 12/01/2016 13:01

Ella?

Flingingmelon · 12/01/2016 13:12

A dear friend went out with a chap three times before she realised he thought her name was Anna. Her name was Emma.

KoalaDownUnder · 12/01/2016 13:33

Anna and Juliet - perfect!
Anna and Tess - gorgeous too.

Or:

Esther
Celia
Rosie
Helena
Lola
Romy
Saskia
Daisy
Camilla

Bubbletree4 · 12/01/2016 13:36

Anna and Emma are great together. Both really nice. I'd definitely use them.

stopitcaroline · 12/01/2016 14:31

I think Anna and Emma are a bit too close. That said, what about Anna and Emily? Similar sound.

I like the same sorts of names you do. I wouldn't worry too much about Elizabeth being too popular. I mean, there are so many nicknames, so even if there are three Elizabeths in a class, they might be Elizabeth, Lizzie, and Betsy. I think Anna and Elizabeth are wonderful together. I also love Anna and Kate, though prefer Katherine for the full name.

Some more unusual suggestions:
Anna and Louisa
Anna and Leah
Anna and Clara
Anna and Audrey
Anna and Claudia

cecilelliott · 12/01/2016 20:52

Ye, agree that Anna and Juliet sound lovely together.

As do Anna and Kate (there are hardly any Kates around these days)

Not so keen on your the other suggestions I'm afraid

Good luck!

Hulababy · 12/01/2016 20:54

My nieces are Hannah and Emma and no one has ever commented on the names being too similar. Didn't cross my mind that they were when they were named.

Swipe left for the next trending thread