Scarlett Willow or Scarlett Arabella

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I was set on Scarlett Willow for ages (I'm due next month) but my husband has decided he's not overly keen on Willow and prefers Scarlett Arabella. I do like Arabella and think the short version Bella sounds pretty too but people seem to quite dislike Arabella.

I was wondering why so I looked it up (we're Australian so don't have as much cultural context in the UK) and it seems that it used to be a 'posh' name so it has potentially negative connotations of being spoilt/entitled. Either that or people just don't like the sound of it!

Do you think it would matter for a middle name given she won't use it day to day? Also we'll probably move back to Oz at some point where people care a lot less about class connotations.

Scarlett Willow Rae is the other option (so 2 middle names with a nod to me as my name is Rachel and we'll probably use my husband's surname)

Thanks!

This might not matter, OP but Scarlet Willow is a well-known ornamental tree. Very striking!

www.bowhayestrees.co.uk/scarlet-willow-cuttings-742.html

If Arabella sounds a bit much what about Scarlett Annabel? Annabel is quite classic and pretty imo. I prefer Willow to Arabella. Or Scarlett Rachel is lovely. I gave my first Dd my name as a middle name ( it's also my nans name so a double tribute)

My daughter has 4 Scarlets in a class of 25. Maybe go for Willow Scarlet instead.

@florascotia2 I know! We were saying we should plant one for her!

@Bubbletrouble43 is Arabella a bit much? Do you mean a bit 'princessy'. How about Bella or is that too Italian for people who aren't!

Drop the Scarletts, always think of her off Gogglebox when I hear it

@nettytree 4 Scarletts! I didn't realise it was that popular. Uh oh

I think Scarlett Willow flows much more nicely than Scarlett Arabella

I've never met a Scarlett! If you like it go for it. Arabella is quite frilly in my opinion, but OK. I'm just not a massive fan of frilly names. Still think you should give her your name as a middle name as I think a middle name should have a meaning, or family connection but that's just me. All your choices are nice.

And for what it’s worth - as a teacher, I’ve only taught 2 who are 10/11 now but I do know another two who are both preschool age.

In Southern Europe Arabella sounds more like a female underwear brand. Anyways sorry OP. Isabella would be the classier option in English in my opinion

@Stilllookingfor haha it does sound a bit like an lingerie brand now that you say it! My husband really likes it though... I think I'd prefer Bella to Isabelle but prefer Willow over both

Neither, both sound common and dare I say it Scarlett always sounds tarty to me.

Go for something classy like Elizabeth or Bethany or Hannah

I'm not a huge fan of Scarlett. It's quite common where I am. I love Arabella though. I'd use that as the first name myself.

Of your choices I'd go for Scarlett Arabella.

I prefer Willow; in fact when asked I tend to use Arabella as an example of a name that is the antithesis of my style, I absolutely can't stand it. Far too flowery for me, personally.

That said, it's a middle name, after the initial introduction texts and emails, nobody will even think about it, and who cares if they don't like it then, I'm sure nobody will be so rude as to say that to you. And going forward, the parents of your kid's future friends, future teachers etc will in all likelihood never even learn her middle name. It will be a nonissue, so as long as you and your DH like it, that's all that matters.

Sootikinstew I don't think the question was judge my name choices it was which do you prefer. If it's not your taste then surely it's kinder to not post. And your taste is clearly very different.

op I'd go for Scarlett willow because Scarlett is quite a strong name and willow is much softer whereas Arabella is quite a strong spikes name like Scarlett.

However both choices are lovely.

I'm not sure either pair work well together. Scarlett is bold and punchy whereas Willow and Arabella are more feminine.

Scarlett Willow just makes me think of a red tree!

I know a few Scarlett’s too, but that’s not a bad thing OP, if you like it why not, I think I would opt for a shorter middle name. Good luck

@OnyourOwn haha, I sort of assumed sootikinstew's post was parody! If it wasn't, all the more hilarious!

In my experience, there are only two kinds of people who speak like that - those who genuinely think like that and those who desperately want to be perceived as being part of that group. The comedic level of snark and the lack of manners makes me think it's the latter in this case. In any case, neither group's opinion is one that we'd be particularly concerned about.

It's a good reminder that internalised misogyny is alive and well when you hear a woman use a term like 'tarty' though. Hopefully she's part of an older generation, otherwise it's just sad.

I may be in the minority, but I love the name Arabella, OP! I also think Scarlett Isabelle sounds nice, too.

@thethoughtfox it's funny because I perceive Willow and Arabella to be 'soft' names too but another poster thought Arabella was also 'bold/strong' like Scarlett. However, I don't have an issue with the strong/soft combo together.

My only hesitation with Scarlett Willow would be that it almost sounds a bit 'hippyish' (for lack of a better term) and whilst I have nothing against that, it isn't really 'us'.

Potentially Arabella is a bit too 'frilly' (once again, for lack of a better term!)

@123Dancewithme we're ok with a red tree! In fact, we'd probably plant one in her honour! However you are picking up on the slight 'hippyish' sound of the two names together and whilst I don't have a problem with hippyish, it's not really us. This is probably my only hesitation of using those two names together

Scarlett Willow flows better.