Stuck between two names

[squishousdelicious]

Expecting a little girl in the autumn and we're stuck between two names! We go for more unusual names, so I know they won't be to everyone's taste and I don't particularly care if people don't like them or wouldn't choose them for their own children.

I'm interested to hear thoughts on the names, potential for nicknames etc. Surname begins with M. Middle names are chosen based on family names, beginning with E and J, but not sure on the order yet.

So: Persephone or Octavia?

Irrelevant to most people but perse is ass in finnish so it always makes me think ass phone, and skoda octavia... Prefer Octavia tho

Depending on the E name, it might not follow either Persephone or Octavia very smoothly, so I'd be inclined to put the J one first.

I have to say Octavia does also make me think of a sensible family car, so I'd probably lean towards Persephone.

Persephone, no contest

Do you live a Persephone and Octavia lifestyle? I'm concerned that the people I know who do definitely wouldn't ask anyone else's opinion or consider these names unusual. I know you might not care that anyone is judging you but your daughter might.

Me too. Hartley Hare vibes!

Although I don't really like either I love Sephy so would go for Persephone.

Persephone. Octavia will blend into all the Olivias and Ottilies.
I'd think of a diminutive for both, as they are highly likely to be shortened.

Persephone - nn could be Percy/Persi, Pippi, Perry, Poesy and Pony
Never been keen on Octavia - it will always have mom's eight kid association to me

Percy/Persi, Pippi, Perry, Poesy and Pony None of those are nice. Posy might be OK. I don't like Sephy either.

Persephone. Love it, and the world needs more Persephones.
it was on my list but I had boys.

Both lovely. Hard to choose, Persephone I love think as I like Fi as a shortening.

I would have to choose Persephone, though both lovely. All I can think of is the Skoda Octavia, sorry!

But I am biased, my nickname is PJ because of my initials, so PJEM for me.

Of course. The skoda octavia! Having said that, I asked MN 17 years ago about my DD's name. I liked Charis/ Karis but people did it sounded like a car (Yaris). So I didn't call her that but I regret now as it would really have suited her.

@PrincessOfPreschool definitely not the 8th child!!! Highly likely to be born in October though, so the oct- would be aort of linked! Hadn't thought of the car association 🤔

@Marylou2 in terms of names fitting with lifestyle, neither name will clash horribly with our families, morals and way of life. But I speak of unusual in the sense that both names are a reasonable way down the ranking list for 2023 (338 and 558), meaning that few people could call them popular!

I LOVE Octavia - so strong and pretty at the same time.

Persephone is a beautiful name. I'd definitely choose Persephone.

Oh I love Persephone so much

Persephone

have you considered seraphina?

They’re both long names, so which name has a short version that you like? Personally I like Sephy so Persephone is better on that basis.

Definitely Octavia, especially if born In October!

Both awful!

I already commented that in my head, I read Persephone as Percy Phone until someone explains how its pronounced.

It just sounds similar to Steffanie, with added letters, for no apparent reason. I realise this might be just how I read and see it though.

Two of my favourite Classical names 😍 - so beautiful, romantic and elegant sounding (I don’t care that they are relatively uncommon).

I love Persephone with the nn Sephie or Effie and Octavia with the nn Taya or Vaya (I think because both names are 4 syllable that they will very likely get shortened, so nn’s are important to think about for these two).

I swing very slightly towards Octavia but only because I hate the nn Percy, and I’d be concerned a Persephone might get that.

Persephone is nicer and avoids being the name of a Skoda.