Baby arrived early - quickly need to choose between these names

[FriedaTheBreeder]

This was our shortlist that we were going to spend the next few weeks whittling down. Now we need to to it in a rush. Thoughts please. We want a strong name that’s unusual without being weird.

Eliza
Nina
Ariana
Tessa
Frieda
Alma
Theodora
Isadora

Congratulations!
I like Tess and Thea- not quite what you asked...

I know quite a few nina’s now so would go with tessa

Congrats

Theodora - Thea.

Although I am biased as we have one!!

I like Eliza or Ariana best.

Eliza is so lovely. Also love Frieda or Freya. Had a Nina at primary school who got teased a bit because of the ambulance sound (Nee-na, nee-na...).

Thanks all. I think she looks like a Nina or a Theodora. DH likes Eliza or Frieda. The nurses think she is an Isadora.

Eliza, Frieda and Tessa are all lovely.
I like Nina but wouldn't describe it as a strong name.

Ariana, Aria etc wouldn't be unusual around here, it's the 'in' name.

Nina!! It is lovely x

I like Tessa best from your list. Don't feel pressured into a rushed decision though, DH and I rushed into naming our son straight after the birth (having argued for 9 months about it) and I hadn't slept for four days and was practically delirious so there was a slight miscommunication about what his actual name was, and DH is still a bit upset about it over 2.5y later. If you're in the UK you have 6 weeks to decide, take your time. Congratulations!

Don’t panic you’ve got lots of time!
I vote Theodora or isadora with nickname Dora!
Congratulations!

My pick would be Tessa - lovely name, nice sound and familiar but not too popular. Second would be Nina. Also have a soft spot for Frieda, but lots of people still see it as clunky and irredeemably ‘old lady.’ Used to love Eliza but it’s quite popular at the moment and I’d worry it would date badly.

Maybe whittle it down to your top three and try each of them out over a couple of days? DD was nameless for the first ten days and I’m so glad we didn’t rush into a decision - we’re delighted with the name we (eventually!) chose.

Nina, Frieda, Isadora or Theodora (Theo for short as a pp said - has a precedent in Ballet Shoes!) would be my choice. If pushed to choose among those, probably Isadora.

I note lots of people are saying Eliza - it's having a popular moment (is zeitgeisty - fits a bit into the current Elsie/Evelyn mould - hence lots of people liking it here). Not the way to go if you want unusual.

Your DH is right ...choose Frieda!

Frieda Isadora works well, if you are not planning other middle names.

I really love Nina but as one of my ideal 'twin girl' names (Nina and Anna). For one baby I think I would go for something slightly less simple.

Eliza.

Never met one!

Ariana would be my favourite from your list

My DD arrived early 2 years ago, although 25th was her due date. She is Alma and we are often complimented on the name.

I’d go Elizabeth and have Eliza as known name.
Congratulations!

Nina or Tessa.

Congratulations.

Alma

Congratulations!

Eliza - ok
Nina - ok
Ariana - no, too long
Tessa - just Tess is lovely
Frieda - not keen
Alma - ok
Theodora - no. too long and to many Theos around
Isadora - no. don't like it.

I think that Tess and Alma are the only ones likely to be unusual, and I much prefer Tess.

Frieda. (My nan was a Winifred known as Frieda). Fab name

Nina

Eliza

Tessa is great! 😁 Congrats 🎉