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Baby names

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

Original poster

Help us name baby girl please!

69 replies

kiwiblue · 12/09/2019 14:16

We had a baby girl two days ago but we are really struggling to name her! We didn't find out the sex beforehand and didn't really have any names we were sure about.

Older brother is Theodore (Theo).

Names we have considered:
Xanthe
Ariadne
(We were thinking of a Greek name to go with Theo but wondered if these are too out there)
Also on our list are:
Charlotte
Samantha (we don't like Sam though so not sure about this)
Camille
Naomi

Help please! Nothing is really grabbing us.

Thank you so much for any suggestions!

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IceCreamConewithaflake · 12/09/2019 23:27

Xenia

Bambii · 13/09/2019 00:03

Best way to decide:

  1. Would you like to be called the name if it was you?
  1. Is it easy for her to say and spell out over the phone when doing everyday life things like applying for a mortgage etc.
  1. Does it sound like a stripper name?
  1. Does it sound like the name of a successful adult?
  1. Does it rhyme with anything nasty?

Many people I know end up really disliking their unusual given names for these main reasons.

JudgeMeNot · 13/09/2019 00:51

Naomi is a beautiful name, but not popular on MN. No idea why?
Helena is also a stunning name. Lots of shortened versions you could use too.
Not a fan of Ariadne, Xanthe or Daphne. The last name always reminds me of a character from early years Neighbours.

OddshoesOddsocks · 13/09/2019 01:24

Dd1 was very nearly Tula which I believe is Greek and very pretty.

Samantha could always be a Sammy if you don’t like Sam as a nn. Both Samantha’s I know are Sammys.

Naomi is pretty but I fear that I’m one of those who pronounce it wrong! And I’m not sure how to pronounce Ariadne either Blush Arietty is similar (I think!) and pretty but not overly flouncy I think

Original poster
kiwiblue · 13/09/2019 08:00

Great suggestions. A lot of these, eg Lara, Genevieve, Thalia, Natasha were on the list too.

I also like Cecily but we are Kiwis so people will think we are saying Sicily so that's always been ruled out for me unfortunately!

Bambii that is really good advice!

Had a long night with the baby and the name Aria kept popping into my head, a bit surprisingly! It just seems to suit her. Xanthe was definitely my front runner but now I'm not so sure...

OP posts:
TheVoiceInTheShed · 13/09/2019 09:14

LOVE XANTHE

Bambii · 13/09/2019 10:34

@kiwiblue - sounds like Aria is the right choice. It is a very beautiful and timeless name and it is not a pain to spell over the phone.

As a fellow kiwi (50%), I think you should go with your gut instinct darling 😘

Bambii · 13/09/2019 10:36

@kiwiblue

By the way, a recent study found that kids whose names begin with A are more likely to be successful in life. Most CEO's names begin with A apparently! It has something to do with being first and it driving confidence.

Original poster
kiwiblue · 13/09/2019 11:09

@Bambii DH's name begins with A so he's loving that!

DH is still really keen on Ariadne so we are talking about that with her being known as Aria. At least we're making some progress... Grin

OP posts:
IckleBear · 13/09/2019 15:57

Theodore and Astrid
Theodore and Ingrid
Theodore and Hannah

Bambii · 13/09/2019 16:08

@kiwiblue

Sounds like you might have a very good compromise there. Ariadne is very lovely and Aria is a beautiful shortening of it! You're getting two beautiful names with different meanings for the price of one. I just looked it up and Ariadne is a name derived from the Cretan-Greek word "Arihagne" which means "utterly pure", where as Aria means melody.

Ariadne was also apparently the first divine personage of Greek mythology to be immediately recognised in Crete.

ForGoodnessCake · 13/09/2019 17:28

I worked with a very successful guy called Roch (Rock) and his surname was Starr...... ISYN
Absolutely loved it.
My youngest is called Kash ❤️😍
I absolutely love Aria

My short list for #4 is

Otto or Otis for a boy and Alba or CeeCee for a girl ❤️😉

Original poster
kiwiblue · 13/09/2019 17:31

@Bambii thank you I really needed some reassurance in the plan!

Any ideas for middle name?! I'm thinking something quite plain/short as Ariadne is quite long?

OP posts:
Oneforposy7 · 13/09/2019 20:43

Ariadne with Aria as a nickname is gorgeous. Good choice OP!

Any nice family names you could use as a nickname?

Ariadne Kate
Ariadne Louise
Ariadne Rose

LarkDescending · 13/09/2019 20:47

Ariadne Camille? Not plain, or particularly short, but lovely!

Bambii · 13/09/2019 21:09

@kiwiblue

I agree that a short middle name is good. Ultimately you're the best judge as you know whether it will go with the surname!

I'd think a soft beautiful one syllable name would work well, like Ariadne Fay!

If you're curious:
Fay Name Meaning. English: name for a person believed to have supernatural qualities, from Middle English, Old French faie 'fairy' (Late Latin fata 'fate', 'destiny'). English: name for a trustworthy person, from Middle English, Old French fei 'loyalty', 'trust'.

Oneforposy7 · 13/09/2019 21:15

Oh yes that's lovely @Bambii

Original poster
kiwiblue · 13/09/2019 21:26

Oh thanks everyone! It's like you're psychic- I've suggested Ariadne Rose and DH suggested Ariadne Camille Grin

Fay is lovely but it's very similar to the name of a family member I really don't get along with so I will have to avoid that I think.

I think we may go with Ariadne Rose but we will mull over tonight Smile

Thank you all so much, I think DH is really impressed and now may complain less about the amount of time I spend on Mumsnet Wink

OP posts:
Twelve8Ts · 13/09/2019 22:18

Love Xanthe. Also like Ianthe which is similar / Greek.

Cecelia
Cece
Athena
Luella
Natalia
Elise
Claudia

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