Girl after two boys - the shortlist

[snowrevolution]

We've narrowed down the options to Phoebe or Helena. Her older brothers are Hector and Jasper. Our surname starts with F. So slight concern about an alliterative sound with Phoebe (although it runs together nicely). And Helena would share a first initial with Hector, but I'm not sure that matters too much.

Would be great to get some views on the following combinations of first name / middle name. Middle names all chosen because of significant meaning or association with an individual.

Phoebe Marianne
Phoebe Helena
Phoebe Maia
Phoebe Beatrix

Helena Marianne
Helena Phoebe
Helena Beatrix
Helena Florence

Thanks!

Phoebe is lovely. I always think of the "friends" episode where Phoebe spells her name.... "P as in Phoebe, H as in Heebee, O as in Ohbee, E as in Eebee, B as in Beebee and E as in... Ello there mate!"

Helena is also lovely, and would suit as she gets older. a bit more timeless I think.

both gorgeous names :) !

We will pronounce Helena as Hel-AY-na.

Oh, is that the English pronounciation? I didn't know that (am foreign). I like both names (I absolutely love both your sons names as well). I have a soft spot for Phoebe though because of a childrens book I used to have.

I've only ever heard Helena pronounced Hel-en-a like Helen but with an a. Or like Elena.

@cranstonmanor

I don't know about it being the English pronunciation- I'm English and have only ever heard it as Helen-a. It might be, but I wouldn't say its the most popular pronunciation in England. I do think the kid will end up responding to Helena in doctor's waiting rooms etc.

I don’t think you should pick the second name as a fallback... People get used to their name, even if they hate it. I don't love my name but it's mine and I wouldn't consider switching with my middle name (even though my middle name is so much cooler).

So, pick her name assuming she'll use the first one and the middle name will most likely rarely see the light of day...

They are both beautiful names. Phoebe is a lot more popular if that troubles you. Helena is more classic but does have the pronunciation problems as has already been pointed out.

I know a little Phoebe whose surname starts with an 'F'. I rather like the alliteration.

I like Phoebe and Hector together we they both have ancient Greek roots but non-specific. Whereas Hector and Helena are Iliad-heavy.

You've probably already registered now but I would have gone for Phoebe but had a single syllable middle name like her brother.

So Phoebe Rose or Phoebe Eve or Phoebe Grace or even gone for Phoebe May to represent her early arrival in that month!

Why not use all three? Phoebe Helena Beatrix? If all three are on the birth certificate she can use or not use them as she likes as she gets older.

I like Phoebe because it's two syllables, like your boys' names. Full name - Phoebe Helena.

Phoebe

Helena is beautiful ❤️

Thanks for the reply @snowrevolution it really is lovely name and great your son loves it :)

I wouldn't use Helena as a middle name in case you ever want to use it for a second daughter. I think Phoebe Helen would be nice.

Phoebe Helena gets my vote. Phoebe Beatrix is a bit awkward with the repeated 'be' sound.

I wouldn't 'save' a name for another child that may never come. There are so many lovely girls' names to choose from.

Another vote for Phoebe Helena. These are two names that you and your partner love, and both mean something to you. Plus, I like the flow of Hector, Jasper and Phoebe as a sibset.

Also, I have known people in the past who went by their middle names, so I always say to people if their stuck between two names, go with both names! One as a first and the other as a middle name.

I agree Phoebe Helena flows better.

I love Hector, Jasper and Phoebe together.

Those are def kids I’d want to know.

Phoebe Helena

Helena Phoebe