Sibling names that rhyme

[amymoom]

Hello

DH and I have DD, for the sake of the thread let's call her Gabriella.

Currently expecting DD2, still first trimester but we are already discussing names. We both absolutely love a particular name; again, for the sake of thread, let's say it's Daniela. So far, it's the only name we've both loved but I am concerned about the obvious similarity to Gabriella with the "Ella" sound.

I should add that we very very rarely call Gabriella by her full name, she is almost always known as Gabby.

I cannot get my head around using Gabriella and Daniela in the same sentence when talking about, or to, my girls. DH thinks I am overthinking it and that in 99% of the time I would be saying Gabby and Daniela (or maybe even Dani) so the fact they rhyme is a non-issue and I must admit he is probably right. I have been paying particular attention to what I say over the last two days and I only referred to her as Gabriella at the GP and then the pharmacy.

What would you do? Do you think we can get away with it due to the fact we shorten Gaby?

(Gabriella and Daniela are not the actual names but the issue is the same)

I think it depends on the rhyme. The Ella sound you can probably get away with. I know siblings that are Chanel and Danielle.

I used those names as examples but it's not actually an Ella sound. It would probably be easier to just tell you the names- we have an Amelia (known as Millie) and we want the name Ophelia for new baby.

P.s just realised I said we were first trimester in my OP - no clue why I said that as it's not true can we call it baby brain?!

They are quite similar. Ophelia isn't much loved on here, but if you love it, use it.

They do sound very similar and dare I say it slightly comedic when you say them together: 'Amelia and Ophelia'

@MrBirlingsAwfulWife that's my concern! Our friends and family would probably be complimentary to our faces but laugh behind our backs

On the other hand though, I think Millie and Ophelia sound ok

Yes Millie and Ophelia do not sound problematic. But have you considered what nickname might be adopted by or for Ophelia in the future (I have never met an Ophelia so don't know) Could she get called Philly by friends at school ..?

Millie and Philly

We didn't really foresee her being a Philly but I see your point

I wouldn’t do it personally, one of my favourite girls names now can’t be used if my boyfriend and I end up having children because it rhymes with the name of his youngest daughter and that put me off instantly!

They can’t be shortened though, so it is a slightly different situation to yours 🙂

I really wouldn't go with this combination of names, sorry.

Yeah I think it could sound a bit naff. Lily and Billie, Bonnie and Connie. Like people naming their kids all with the same letter.

I think it's nicer when they are very different.

So Amber and Jess.

Bea and Merisna.

Sorry but I think Amelia and Ophelia just sound too similar.

It’s not just that they rhyme, they actually sound very similar - sane amount of syllables etc
How about
Felicity
Harriet
Was going to suggest ottillie but that rhymes with Millie!
Jessica
Imogen
Catherine
Sadie
Victoria
Caroline

My SIL is Ophelia and Ophey for short. Ophey and Millie are fine together.

My brother and I have very similar sounding (but not rhyming) names. Think Alistair and Alice or Jason and Josie. But he’s always used a nickname so most people don’t even realise how similar are names are. I think it’ll be fine!

I wouldn't do it. They just sound silly together.

(That should obviously say ‘our’ not ‘are’...)

They sound to rhyming

Consider all manner of nn and say them together.
My neighbour had a Phillipa who became Phil by her own suggestion.

I honestly think they are just too similar.

Thank you all You've all confirmed my worries about this! Will need to have a think...