Harriet or Lyra?

[Stickyjellybean]

Quite torn between the two and would value some opinions. Have loved Lyra for ages but worried it sounds too a bit like Liar and don't want to give our child a name that is easily teasable. Recently thought of Harriet and quite like that now. I seem to come and go on other names but Lyra has stayed as a favourite but is it too unusual?
Other options have been Holly, Annabelle and Eloise but think they are off the list (at the moment - I keep changing my mind on them!). How on Earth do you decide?!

I know you didn't ask for suggestions... but how about this for the best of both: Araminta?
It has a Harrietty kind of sound to it, and is also a book character name (Moondial, was on TV too).

i think Harriet a lovely name lyra sounds a bit to much like lycra to me though

It's good to hear everyone's opinions, thanks all. What do you think about Annabelle as another option?

I prefer Harriet or Lyra.

I have a one year old Lyra, so that gets my vote. I was initially a bit cautious about using it but we loved the name so went for it and have no regrets.

I'm not keen on Harriet or Annabelle, Lyra ftw!

Annabelle is pretty, though I prefer Annabella.

I have heard of only 2 DDs locally with this name, both go by the NN Anna, 1 is 13, the other is 5

I love both Harriet and Lyra - I'd perhaps waver towards Harriet just because it has more options on shortenings.

Annabelle isn't at all the same sort of name IMO - much more commonly used, and a little on the frilly side.

I don't see Lyra as being very now at all. The book was written in 1995, 21 years ago!

My name is Harriet (Harri when shortened) and I love it. My whole life people have told me what a nice name it is. There's a lot more little Harriet's now than when I was young though (I'm 28) I think it is timeless, and has many different possible shortenings depending on what suits the person. Also means Ruler of the House, which has stood me in good stead .

I love Lyra though, the character is excellent and I think the name is stronger than it initially sounds.

Lyra would be my favourite but I like Harriett too. Both are preferable to Annabelle

I forgot to say - I still much prefer Lyra & have never met one yet

Annabelle is nice.

I prefer Harriet to Lyra but don't have terribly strong feelings about either. I definitely don't think Lyra is a marmite name nor a lap dancer. I would say 100% to go with that if it's what you and your partner like best - even if someone doesn't particularly like it, it's not unusual or offensive enough to prevent you from using it imo. Fwiw, I know of two little girls called Lyra and both sets of parents are quite cool, slightly hippyish types. One is in NE and the other in Cornwall.

Alternatively, how about Arabella, Arabelle or Lilah?

OP, Annabelle is slightly frilly, but Anna is beautiful, and timeless.

Both lovely names - Harriet will always be a classic and I think Lyra will go that way too... Neither are too popular, but both are recognisable and easy to spell. I know 3 Lyras and have never thought of Lycra!! I wouldn't worry about that.
I prefer both of them to names like Annabelle.

Annabel pretty and feminine. Lyra to me sounds like a. Brand, or a made up name.

I'm not too worried about the Lyra/Myra thing, I'm not sure that the babies today will really know about the Moors murders on the same way we do. Enid, I'm amazed you know 3 Lyra's, I've never met 1. But it makes me feel like it is a bit more of a normal name.
Really appreciating everyone's thoughts on the names.