Middle name for Francesca

[Burburburburbur]

Hello, expecting a baby girl who will be named Francesca! Our surname begins with C and has 2 syllables, think like "Calwell". She has a sister with the middle name Robin.

We have a fondness for nature inspired, slightly unusual, preferably unisex middle names. A bit like Robin! But, I've already thought about and don't really like River, Fern, Rain, Ash, Rowan, Laurel (sorry those names!)

None of the above criteria is an absolute requirement; however we won't choose a middle name (however beautiful!) that is also a long, frilly, feminine name, if that makes sense. So she won't be a Francesca Ottilie, or a Francesca Evangeline.

These are the 3 top contenders at the moment:
Francesca Merle "Calwell"
Francesca Eden "Calwell"
Francesca Linden "Calwell"

I thought about Francesca Lyra but don't ultimately want to choose a name from fiction (no offence to any little Lyras out there).

We have considered Francesca Wren "Calwell" but I feel like Wren has no / very little tradition as a given name (am I wrong about this?) and is potentially too diminutive/cutesy. It does flow quite well though.

Unfortunately, you may have noticed that Francesca Eden "Calwell" creates the initials FEC. Is that a no-no or am I overthinking it?

Which of Eden, Linden or Merle (or possibly Wren) do you prefer, and are there any other suggestions?

Thank you

Francesca Rowan.

Francesca Alice, Claire, Maud, Lydia.

I like the Linden version. I don’t think Francesca Eden flows.

Linnet? Also a little bird, like Robin.

I like Linden though.

I like Linden from those options. It also sounds as though it could be a surname, which I think makes the name sound rather grand (I'd like this, you might not).

I agree with you about Wren.

Some other somewhat unisex nature-y options might be
Sage
Sorrel
Briar
Dale
Leigh
Star

Francesca Jay
Francesca Jade
Francesca Lily
Francesca Rose

I like Linden of your options although my first thought before I read your full post was Wren!

Francesca Myrtle
Francesca Rose
Francesca Dawn
Francesca Wren
Francesca Willow
Francesca Eve

I think it needs to be short, one syllable, Francesca Bea, Franscesa Wren both fit the bill.

What do people think of Merle?

I am drawn to it by the meaning (blackbird, or thrush in French and Dutch) whilst sounding more unisex and "grown up" than Wren. And agree a single syllable probably flows better. But noone has commented on it (perhaps because noone likes it?)

I like (and agree with, obv!) the positive comments about Linden.

Are the initials FEC to be avoided at all costs, or does that not really matter (regardless of whether Eden otherwise is a good choice this would be good to know)

Thank you all

My first thought when I read your nature criteria was Wren. I quite like Merle but makes me think of a Merle Haggard. Do you like his music? I like Myrtle which sounds similar but is not as unisex.

None - just stick to Francesca - it's fine on it's own with lots of options for dimunitives.

I like Eden and Wren.

@WildCherryBlossom

My first thought when I read your nature criteria was Wren. I quite like Merle but makes me think of a Merle Haggard. Do you like his music? I like Myrtle which sounds similar but is not as unisex.

No, never heard of him! Whereas I can't not think of "moaning Myrtle". I am a child of the 90s.

@YourenutsmiLord

None - just stick to Francesca - it's fine on it's own with lots of options for dimunitives.

She will definitely have a middle name, not least because her sister has a middle name. But thank you anyway :)

It's a lovely name by the way. And Yes, needs to have a middle name the same as sister.

Francesca Holly?

Francesca Swan
Francesca Dove
Francesca Lark
Francesca Jay/Jae
Francesca Raven

Non-bird related
Francesca Mae

Francesca Iris

Francesca Hazel
Francesca Ivy

I love Merle. What a great name. And it goes well with Francesca. That's my first choice. Then Linden, then Eden.

I'm not sure about Merle - Wren is nicer, I think.

How about Bryony, as a lesser known plant? I also love Holly, Ivy or Iris as flower names.

You could go for a gemstone like Jade, Pearl or Ruby, as something different from the natural world, maybe.

Personally I am not wild about Merle. It sounds like something out of the 1940s. Just my 2 cents.

I don't think FEC is an issue on the other hand.

Francesca Bronwen

Francesca Lilac