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Baby names

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

Girls name conundrum

56 replies

Uhohmummy · 07/09/2017 20:16

Here's the issue:
We have a very boring, one syllable surname (think: 007),
BUT
Would like a traditional English girl's name...
The problem is the sort of names we like sound too boring and/or serious with our surname - e.g. Anna, Emma, Caroline, Susannah, Elizabeth, etc.
Any suggestions for a traditional girl's name that sounds pretty and interesting with our surname?

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Sugarpiehoneyeye · 07/09/2017 22:09

Emmeline
Kimberley
Jacqueline
Adeline

Uhohmummy · 07/09/2017 22:48

Emmeline is beautiful! Thank you. Will try to get some of these past DH.

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MacaroonMama · 07/09/2017 23:18

Two of my cousins have this surname (which I love and think is cool rather than boring!) She is called Eleanor, which goes beautifully. Her brother's three daughters are Amelie, Hettie (Henrietta) and Sophie, all of which I think are lovely too.

helensburgh · 07/09/2017 23:26

Martha
Maude ( maybe doesn't go with your surname!)
Etta
Eadie

Sophronia · 08/09/2017 00:08

Caroline and Susannah are lovely.

Louisa
Margot
Alexandra
Miriam
Katherine/Catherine
Esther
Georgina
Josephine
Lydia
Tabitha
Cecily
Eleanor
Frances
Genevieve
Joanna
Vivienne
Sylvie

ChocolateCrunch · 08/09/2017 07:35

With Carolina, I think people will say it either way, so it could be frustrating having to correct it to your chosen pronunciation.

Of the Felicitys I know, they go by their full name, apart from one who is known as Flick or Liss!

pear123 · 08/09/2017 10:09

Autumn
April
Lilly
Emilia
Jennifer
Emily

Bubblesoup · 08/09/2017 13:33

FWIW I love all your name suggestions and don't think they're boring with your last name. I especially love Emma, Caroline and Susannah.

What about. ...

Juliet
Celia
Imogen
Kiara
Georgia
Vivienne
Thea
Natasha
Loretta

sheepflower · 08/09/2017 13:37

I think you need a 3 or 4 syllable name. Some lovely ones above.

Uhohmummy · 08/09/2017 13:46

Thanks everyone. Yes 3-4 syllables needed I think. Adding Cecily and Natasha to the list.

OP posts:
pear123 · 09/09/2017 00:28

Adelia or Fidelia

NC4now · 09/09/2017 00:35

The surname is like a full stop, so I think a meandering first name works, if that makes sense? It can definitely take three syllables.
Susannah is lovely.
Savannah
Elouise
Louisa
Sophia

NC4now · 09/09/2017 00:36

Anastasia

NC4now · 09/09/2017 00:39

Eleanor

FastWindow · 09/09/2017 00:42

I love Caroline. Best friend growing up in the 80s.
But how about Coraline? Pretty, but not overused. I also met a Corina.

BertrandRussell · 09/09/2017 00:46

How can a name be "boring"?

Caroline is lovely and unusual. Go for it!

stevensupersquirrel · 09/09/2017 08:20

I love Meredith.

pilates · 09/09/2017 08:56

Yes a longer name works better.

Emmeline is gorgeous

WeeBeasties · 09/09/2017 09:14

I second Coraline, not just because I love the book but I also think it's a bit prettier than Caroline.

It also lends to the nn Cora which is also nice.

user1459464195 · 09/09/2017 13:15

Caroline would be very refreshing on a baby born in 2017. Having said that I really like Coraline (suggested above). All your list are nice though.

FizzyGreenWater · 09/09/2017 14:36

Marianne
Cassandra
Carenza/Kerenza
Alexandra
Arabella

Fifthtimelucky · 09/09/2017 14:55

I've been trying out some of these combinations and think the best sound with a one syllable surname is a 3 syllable first name, with the emphasis on the middle syllable.

So I think names like Rebecca, Miranda, Natasha and Samantha work really well. But I also think 2 syllable names like Anna sound good.

Uhohmummy · 09/09/2017 15:22

Thanks all - I agree with the poster who said the surname is like a fullstop. So the first name needs some rhythm.
I'm not keen on Coraline. I think people would just see Caroline and it would be confusing.
Miranda and Marianne are nice. Some more for the list!

OP posts:
FizzyGreenWater · 09/09/2017 16:01

Marianne Juliet Bond or Marianne Rosa Bond are beautiful, and super classic without being boring.

MikeUniformMike · 10/09/2017 20:17

Kate Moss has a short name and a short surname.

I like Emma Bond, Gemma Bond and Annie Bond.

Some people consider James to be Ok for a girl. Or how about Brooke?