DH has vetoed my girls names because they’re “too middle class”

[MonicaFaloolaGeller]

I’m gutted!

We have a son called Edward, I’m currently pregnant with no. 2. Pretty much got a boy’s name locked in but still shortlisting girls.

Two girls names I said I loved are Ophelia and Arabella. Both go fine with our surname.

He said no to both on account of them being too posh/middle class. Nothing wrong with the names themselves, just the association (in his mind).

He has a thing about anything he thinks is too middle class (even though he is, by definition, middle class himself.)

Can anyone think of names in the same vein that I would like that won’t offend DH’s ridiculous class sensibilities?

Other names I like are

Alexandra
Evelyn (with a short “ev” like in never)

DH so far has said he likes Orla and Georgia. I’m not into Orla, and don’t like Georgia.

Middle names Mary, Rose.

Edward and Charlotte

Don't like Bella, or anything that can be shortened to Bella. Bella is/ was the top of the list for female-dogs' names, so too many Bellas around!

I don’t understand why you came back OP but didn’t comment on any of the hundreds if names that posters have been kind enough to suggest to you?

They are both perceived as being 'posh', not 'middle class'.
All pony club and private school.

It’s entirely possible that our kids could ride horses. I used to...

They could end up going to private school. DH and I both did...

So I'm not sure now why your dh is worried about the names if those are the circles you mix in ?
I mean, anyone is entitled to not like any name, but his reasons now sound odd with this additional information.

Ophelia tits?

Sorry I couldn't resist

Alexia (Lexi) ?

Just dipping in and out.

Isn't the middle class massive now?

And names will vary depending on region.

In my part of the world pretentious names are standard. In other parts it's different.

I think just

Something you like (obv!)
Something people will recognise and be able to pronounce
Something people can spell

Other than that, just go for it.

I mean a name.

Not like calling a kid All Bran or similar.

Edward is very MC. What about Olivia or Cassandra.

@HaveringWavering

I don’t understand why you came back OP but didn’t comment on any of the hundreds if names that posters have been kind enough to suggest to you?

I am reading them all, but to be honest nothing is jumping out at me... they’re all names I know about and plenty are fine, perfectly nice and lovely names, but none that make me think oooh, actually I really like that...

I do think enough people have mentioned the Ophelia/feel ya thing for that point to be considered made now. so please stop it

For the person who asked, the name we have lined up for a boy is Joseph, after DH’s Grandpa. I’m not really crazy about it to be honest but it’s important to DH and DS has the same name as my GP so I’m not going to take it away from him. It wouldn’t be fair.

Another thing is that a lot of the suggestions, while lovely, are just way too popular. I wouldn’t want my DD to get lost in a sea of other Amelia/Emilia/Olivia/Sophia/Sophies. I had that problem growing up and ended up being called by my surname, which I absolutely hated.

With that being said, Eleanor is growing on me. Not sure which spelling I’d go with though, I can think of 4 off the top of my head...

Eloise?

Daphne
Pandora
Cleo
Tallulah
Ivy
Zoe
Mila
Noelle
Alvy
Iona
Greta
Eva

I am reading them all, but to be honest nothing is jumping out at me... they’re all names I know about and plenty are fine, perfectly nice and lovely names, but none that make me think oooh, actually I really like that...

Shame, I thought I had cracked it with Cordelia.

If you like Eleanor, what about Leonora?

Elara?

Eleanora?

@HoppingHamster

I’d say Ophelia and Arabella are not typical middle class, they’re generally more people trying to assert themselves as middle / upper class (whether they are or not). We live in a very very middle class area and there aren’t any/many of either of them.

This ^^

I love classic names, but sorry OP, these sound very pretentious to my ears.
If you choose very classic middle names, why not choose a first name in the same style ?

Daphne
Agnes
Elizabeth

Isabella is similar to Arabella and your DH might like it as well.

Sorry OP I agree with him. Maybe less so Ophelia but Arabella definitely has associations for me of very plummy, upper class, horsey (not really middle class tbh, posher than that)
Octavia is similar sounding and very pretty but he may feel the same about that

Isabella sounds less plummy to me.
But there are 3 in my 5yo dds class!

Arabella is becoming very common - chavs use it to look more posh

Eleanor is a lovely name if that is what you eventually choose (have read all your posts!) but would be careful of any alternative spellings as your daughter won't thank you for it.

Lara, Lana, Lisette, Delphine.

Why not Josephine or something similar after DH’s grandpa?