Miriam and Magdalena...

[Balonzette]

as sisters names (2 of 4 siblings, which I feel is relevant as it might water down the matchiness).

I love both of these names and can't decide which one I like best. Would they work as sister's names, or would they be too matchy together? Choosing one will be much easier if I feel I can use the other for a future sibling. But knowing I might never be able to use the other name (if everyone says they sound horrible together) will make my decision so much harder so please SAY YOU LOVE THEM

(Note: I know they're very religious, but so am I, so to me that aspect isn't a negative. 2 other children have biblical names too, although not beginning with 'm'! So not too Kardashian (I hope!)

They’re both really lovely

@Kindertonguehappierlife

They’re both really lovely

Thank you! that's what I wanted to hear!

Other than starting with M, I don't see them as similar names at all.

Both lovely names, I also like Marianne in stead of Miriam.

God, two of my very favourite girls' names, absolutely gorgeous. Lovely together I think. And still lots more great 'M' options if you have more...!

Much prefer Magdalena. Myriam is meh.

My first thought was that their siblings must be Jesus and Judas - sorry OP :-/

Love them!

And not too similar at all.

My first thought is that foul actress Miriam Margoyles. Not a nice association

@Tal45

My first thought was that their siblings must be Jesus and Judas - sorry OP :-/

Not a problem, I'm a Christian so religious connotations not a negative for me

Miriam is lovely. Magdalena is awful.

I love both names! They both have a number of nicknames e.g. Miri, Mim, Magda, Maggie etc. which I like.

Beautiful I think.

I love Magdalena. Slightly prefer Magdalene just because every Magdalene I've met is so sweet and lovely -- but regardless, it's a beautiful name.

Miriam is pretty too, but imo Magdalena has a stronger and more interesting sound. I don't think they're too similar -- they would work fine for sisters.

@SE13Mummy

I love both names! They both have a number of nicknames e.g. Miri, Mim, Magda, Maggie etc. which I like.

Yes, I love the nicknames too! Miri and Maggie are so cute

@WetShirtScene

I love Magdalena. Slightly prefer Magdalene just because every Magdalene I've met is so sweet and lovely -- but regardless, it's a beautiful name.

Miriam is pretty too, but imo Magdalena has a stronger and more interesting sound. I don't think they're too similar -- they would work fine for sisters.

I love Magdalene too! Actually, maybe even prefer it, but I often see on Mumsnet posters saying that it reminds them of the Magdalene laundries so I thought everyone might be a bit if I used it

@Balonzette I like Mim and Maggie as nicknames although I used to teach a lovely Magda so maybe Mim and Magda...

Magdalena is a bit of a mouthful imo, but I love Magdalene with nn Maggie.

Miriam is not my cup of tea really but perfectly nice.

I LOVE both. They are gorgeous. Not too matchy.

Thank you for the replies! I'm so happy that you have all told me what I want to hear!

Is Magdalene usable, do we think, as I always see it described as reminding people of the Magdalene laundries, so I crossed it off the list. Although I do love it!

I think Miriam Margoyles is fabulous.
I don't like the name Miriam though, to my ears it is fuddy duddy. Magdalena is not too my taste either. Too full on.

@Balonzette

Thank you for the replies! I'm so happy that you have all told me what I want to hear!

Is Magdalene usable, do we think, as I always see it described as reminding people of the Magdalene laundries, so I crossed it off the list. Although I do love it!

Magdalene is my friend's name (Mags). It's definitely usable if you are outside of Ireland I think. Most people would just think of Mary Magdalene. Only problem is my friend, who is from a devout Catholic family, hates her (beautiful) name as so many people mistakenly believe that MM was a prostitute. People have literally said, "what like the biblical whore?!" when she's given her name so now she only goes by Mags or Madge.

For this reason, I prefer Magdalena. Also less chance of people mishearing it as Madeleine.

Miriam and Magdalena are lovely names and go well together without being matchy

Magdalena in my fave. My friend goes by Magda as a nickname. Please use Magdalena.

I also love the religious connotations and always thought if I had a girl I'd like Maria or Marie in there somewhere as a tribute to Mary. Grace could be a good middle name too.