Posts
Well I brought up the subject in an earlier post 'Alphabet family" and it seems I was right! Claudia Schiffer continued on her 'C' themed name to call her newest bundle of joy Cosima Violet.
So there is Claudia (herself), Caspar, Clementine and Cosima!
I think the names flow beautifully together! Alot of people were not keen on the choice of names with the same letter, how do they feel about Schiffers choice?
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Mandy
I just stumbled on this blog while searching baby names, and thought maybe you could help me.I'm pregnant (due at the end of May) with our second daughter.
We're pretty sure her name will be either, Clover or Willa. We just can't decide between the two. I'm fine with waiting to decide until we actually meet her, but I'd love to hear your opinion on the names. We aren't sharing them with many people, so a fresh perspective would be nice.If we use Clover, we'll probably use Jane as a middle name (it's a family name). We have a very short, one-syllable last name, so I generally prefer a longer middle name, but for some reason, I like Jane with Clover.
However, if we go with Willa, I want to use Caroline as a middle name. My mom doesn't think it flows well. Thoughts?Oh, and we have an almost 3 yr. old daughter. Her name is Sadie Julianne.I should also mention that we aren't closed minded to other names; these are just the two that we like the most right now.
If it helps, we also like Zoey, Lucy, Maisie, Delilah (and those are just a few), but none of them are quite right for one reason or another.
Thanks Mandy
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Sorry Mandy for the late reply and hopefully we are not too late!
So first of all congratulations! Two little girls at home will be fantastic :D Busy but fantastic!
Your name choices, Clover or Willa. I’m leaning towards Willa.
I guess when I’m hearing Clover I think of Clove of garlic. Or four leaf Clover. But really is that a bad association? It fits in perfectly with the flower, and herbs names. So it really depends on your point of view. I have to say if you choose Clover, Jane makes an excellent Middle name. It continues the trend you set with Sadie Julianne, having a 1st name with and edge, followed by a modest but stylish middle name!
Willa. I just love the sound of it Will-Ah. Popular in the 1880s- 1940s its due for a come back! Caroline though is just sounding a little to long for it. So middle names, perhaps Rose, Lucia, Emmeline, Adaline, Kate, Charlotte, Madeline, Amanda, Alexis, Suzanne, Grace?
Other names I think could work well are
Arla
Poppy
Lyra
Ingrid
Claudia
Adelaide
Tabitha
Nina
Romily
I like Maisie and Lucy from your maybe lists, but if it doesn’t sound right I know from experience you can’t change your mind. Decide depending upon your gut feeling, and of course when you see your darling little girl for the first time!
Good luck and hopefully not too late!
We're pretty sure her name will be either, Clover or Willa. We just can't decide between the two. I'm fine with waiting to decide until we actually meet her, but I'd love to hear your opinion on the names. We aren't sharing them with many people, so a fresh perspective would be nice.If we use Clover, we'll probably use Jane as a middle name (it's a family name). We have a very short, one-syllable last name, so I generally prefer a longer middle name, but for some reason, I like Jane with Clover.
However, if we go with Willa, I want to use Caroline as a middle name. My mom doesn't think it flows well. Thoughts?Oh, and we have an almost 3 yr. old daughter. Her name is Sadie Julianne.I should also mention that we aren't closed minded to other names; these are just the two that we like the most right now.
If it helps, we also like Zoey, Lucy, Maisie, Delilah (and those are just a few), but none of them are quite right for one reason or another.
Thanks Mandy
-----------------------------------------------------
Sorry Mandy for the late reply and hopefully we are not too late!
So first of all congratulations! Two little girls at home will be fantastic :D Busy but fantastic!
Your name choices, Clover or Willa. I’m leaning towards Willa.
I guess when I’m hearing Clover I think of Clove of garlic. Or four leaf Clover. But really is that a bad association? It fits in perfectly with the flower, and herbs names. So it really depends on your point of view. I have to say if you choose Clover, Jane makes an excellent Middle name. It continues the trend you set with Sadie Julianne, having a 1st name with and edge, followed by a modest but stylish middle name!
Willa. I just love the sound of it Will-Ah. Popular in the 1880s- 1940s its due for a come back! Caroline though is just sounding a little to long for it. So middle names, perhaps Rose, Lucia, Emmeline, Adaline, Kate, Charlotte, Madeline, Amanda, Alexis, Suzanne, Grace?
Other names I think could work well are
Arla
Poppy
Lyra
Ingrid
Claudia
Adelaide
Tabitha
Nina
Romily
I like Maisie and Lucy from your maybe lists, but if it doesn’t sound right I know from experience you can’t change your mind. Decide depending upon your gut feeling, and of course when you see your darling little girl for the first time!
Good luck and hopefully not too late!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Sophie Kinsella
I was a little disappointed in her new babes name. Rex.
Her other children are Freddy, Hugo and Oscar.
*******
Update
What do you prefer, Sophie's children's names or the choice of children's names in Shopaholic?
Suze- Ernie, Clementine, Wilfrid
Rebecca- Minnie
Her other children are Freddy, Hugo and Oscar.
*******
Update
What do you prefer, Sophie's children's names or the choice of children's names in Shopaholic?
Suze- Ernie, Clementine, Wilfrid
Rebecca- Minnie
Saturday, February 20, 2010
Minnette
MINNIE!!!
A variant of Mina the meaning of this name is LOVE. And I'm loving this name or rather Minnie as a nickname, of course (what is my obsession suddenly with nicknames!!)
I heard the name Minnie a few years ago when reading shopaholic (what a laugh!!). Becky Bloomwood calls her child this and to be honest then it was a bit of a let down (I wanted her to call the child something shopping related or some name out of this world to suit her personality!). I guess really I heard this name back when I was little, Minnie Mouse, who hasn't heard of her?
This name I think girly, pink, cute, wonderful!
As the name means I'm in love possibly,
but with most loves, for names I'm sure it will fade and their will be another one next week!
In my defence I'm still in love with the name Hester! :)
A variant of Mina the meaning of this name is LOVE. And I'm loving this name or rather Minnie as a nickname, of course (what is my obsession suddenly with nicknames!!)
I heard the name Minnie a few years ago when reading shopaholic (what a laugh!!). Becky Bloomwood calls her child this and to be honest then it was a bit of a let down (I wanted her to call the child something shopping related or some name out of this world to suit her personality!). I guess really I heard this name back when I was little, Minnie Mouse, who hasn't heard of her?
This name I think girly, pink, cute, wonderful!
As the name means I'm in love possibly,
but with most loves, for names I'm sure it will fade and their will be another one next week!
In my defence I'm still in love with the name Hester! :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Saskia & Friends: A Dutch/Afrikaans Name for Merica
Dear Laura & Sarah,
I am 20 weeks pregnant I am having a girl. I really need some inspiration on unique and unusual names. I am from South Africa and my first language is Afrikaans. Afrikaans is a Germanic language originating from the Dutch spoken by settlers in the seventeenth century. I really want to stick to an Afrikaans name even though I live in the UK. I like simple names but also biblical names or maybe longer unique names.
A few names I like of some of my family members and friends:
Klara
Fleur
Lou
Ava
Mischa
Beatah
Nel
Hildegard
Rosa
Friedel
I hope you can help me. Looking forward to hear from you.
Merica
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Hi Merica,
Congratulations on your pregnancy. It is such a special time in your life (especially if it is your first) so just enjoy it now whilst you can and I think it is admirable that you want to honour your heritage with an Afrikaans name for your little girl (when she comes). The only advice I have for that is to make sure that you are choosing a name because you love it. If there is a name you really, really love don't discount it just because it isn't Afrikaans. Likewise, don't choose an Afrikaans name that you aren't absolutely in love with.
From your list I am loving Fleur. She is so pretty and delicate - however french she might be. Perhaps you might consider choosing a name you love as the first name regardless of origin, and bestowing a middle name upon your little girl with origins in Afrikaans?
I have complied what I think is a pretty solid list of Dutch/Afrikaans names for your little girl. In fact, I might have to pinch a few of them for myself (Wilhelmina for example).
I hope you like them. Remember to tell us how you go - we love hearing how our posts influence naming decisions!!
Good Luck!
Saskia - Simply meaning "Saxon Woman". There is some flexibility in pronunciation. SAS-kee-ah allows you to fit into your English surroundings (ala Sarah, Sophia, Sascha) where as ZAS-kee-ah gives you that international edge. LOVE it!
Marieke - A biblical name with great nickname flexibility meaning "Bitter".
Petra /Petronella - Technically the Dutch feminine form of Peter is Peta, but Petra or Petronella adds that bit of femininity that come through all of the names you said you liked with a splash of international charm. Plus, Petronella is a really sweet way to get Nel.
Nelleke - Another sweet way to get Nel meaning "a Horn".
Geneva - Meaning "Juniper Tree" who in old Dutch/Afrikaans was "genever". Could easily shorten to Gen, Eva, Eve, Gene, Evie, Genny, Neve or Neva.
Evelein - I love the look of Evelein. She looks so bubbly and suave. This is the darling Dutch form of Evelyn meaning "Life".
Jan - Short, sweet and understated.
Minuit - A little Minnie would be just delightful. This french name means "midnight" but is also the surname of the 17th century Dutch explorer famous for buying Manhattan Island from the Indians. Would make a really cute middle name too. Think: Fleur Minuit.
Lieve - I really like this delicate little name. She would fit right into a crowd of Lily's, Lila's, Leah's and Layla's. She is the short form of Godelieve and a possible feminisation of Levi.
Lorelei - The German Mermaids known as Loreley were legendarily known for luring sailors into the rocks to ultimately meet their death. Whilst this connection may seem dark the Loreley were renowned for their beauty, as I'm sure so will your little girl.
Anja - a variant of Anne meaning "Full of grace"
Skylar - A Dutch name meaning "Fugitive" with a touch of hippie flair.
Adelheid - The Dutch form of Adelaide. Adelke is the diminutive form. However, Ada, Elke, Elka, or the cutesy Addie all vaild nicknames. For you, its seems like Ada combines the simpleness you like with the heritage to boot.
Aia - "Eternal Mother". Aia could be used as the diminutive form of many other names.
Betje - A biblical name meaning "Devoted to God". I think we are to see the return of Bet- names in the near future. You could be setting a real trend with this one.
Ottoline - I thought I might try and suggest this one and see whether or not she is the type of longer unique name you are after. I personally think Ottoline or Ottilie is an adorable name. She is, of course, the feminine form of Otto or Otis, meaning "Wealth, Fortune". Whilst Otto may conjure up images of the stoner bus driver from 'The Simpson's', Ottoline is prim and sophisticated.
Sybella - We have talked about Sybella here before. Since then, a friend of the family bestowed this appellation on her brand new baby. It means "oracle" or "prophetess".
Elspeth/Elsbeth - Both valid Dutch variations of Elizabeth
Wilhelmina - I LOVE this name. She was a front runner for Rosemary for a while. She perfectly fits into your category of longer, more unique names and is ever so regally girly. A little Wilhelmina would certainly stand out from the crowd and offers an abundance of the most perfect nicknames; Willow, Willa, Mina, Minnie or Billie. In my opinion, you would be CrAZy not to love this girly version of the German name Wilhelm, meaning "Helmet, Protection".
Arabella - Although popular, this flighty, happy-go-lucky appellation would add a bright and "Prayerful" aura to any girls day.
Rosalie - This could be a neat way to get Rosa. Needless to say, I love the name Rose. Be warned though, this has the potential to start riding its 'Twilight' fame and start rising on the charts.
Anika - Last but not least, Anika. A very "Sweet-faced"' name indeed.
Hope this helps. Get Back to us soon!
Pictured: Saskia in Pompous Dress
-------------------------------------------------
Hi Merica,
Congratulations on your pregnancy. It is such a special time in your life (especially if it is your first) so just enjoy it now whilst you can and I think it is admirable that you want to honour your heritage with an Afrikaans name for your little girl (when she comes). The only advice I have for that is to make sure that you are choosing a name because you love it. If there is a name you really, really love don't discount it just because it isn't Afrikaans. Likewise, don't choose an Afrikaans name that you aren't absolutely in love with.
From your list I am loving Fleur. She is so pretty and delicate - however french she might be. Perhaps you might consider choosing a name you love as the first name regardless of origin, and bestowing a middle name upon your little girl with origins in Afrikaans?
I have complied what I think is a pretty solid list of Dutch/Afrikaans names for your little girl. In fact, I might have to pinch a few of them for myself (Wilhelmina for example).
I hope you like them. Remember to tell us how you go - we love hearing how our posts influence naming decisions!!
Good Luck!
Saskia - Simply meaning "Saxon Woman". There is some flexibility in pronunciation. SAS-kee-ah allows you to fit into your English surroundings (ala Sarah, Sophia, Sascha) where as ZAS-kee-ah gives you that international edge. LOVE it!
Marieke - A biblical name with great nickname flexibility meaning "Bitter".
Petra /Petronella - Technically the Dutch feminine form of Peter is Peta, but Petra or Petronella adds that bit of femininity that come through all of the names you said you liked with a splash of international charm. Plus, Petronella is a really sweet way to get Nel.
Nelleke - Another sweet way to get Nel meaning "a Horn".
Geneva - Meaning "Juniper Tree" who in old Dutch/Afrikaans was "genever". Could easily shorten to Gen, Eva, Eve, Gene, Evie, Genny, Neve or Neva.
Evelein - I love the look of Evelein. She looks so bubbly and suave. This is the darling Dutch form of Evelyn meaning "Life".
Jan - Short, sweet and understated.
Minuit - A little Minnie would be just delightful. This french name means "midnight" but is also the surname of the 17th century Dutch explorer famous for buying Manhattan Island from the Indians. Would make a really cute middle name too. Think: Fleur Minuit.
Lieve - I really like this delicate little name. She would fit right into a crowd of Lily's, Lila's, Leah's and Layla's. She is the short form of Godelieve and a possible feminisation of Levi.
Lorelei - The German Mermaids known as Loreley were legendarily known for luring sailors into the rocks to ultimately meet their death. Whilst this connection may seem dark the Loreley were renowned for their beauty, as I'm sure so will your little girl.
Anja - a variant of Anne meaning "Full of grace"
Skylar - A Dutch name meaning "Fugitive" with a touch of hippie flair.
Adelheid - The Dutch form of Adelaide. Adelke is the diminutive form. However, Ada, Elke, Elka, or the cutesy Addie all vaild nicknames. For you, its seems like Ada combines the simpleness you like with the heritage to boot.
Aia - "Eternal Mother". Aia could be used as the diminutive form of many other names.
Betje - A biblical name meaning "Devoted to God". I think we are to see the return of Bet- names in the near future. You could be setting a real trend with this one.
Ottoline - I thought I might try and suggest this one and see whether or not she is the type of longer unique name you are after. I personally think Ottoline or Ottilie is an adorable name. She is, of course, the feminine form of Otto or Otis, meaning "Wealth, Fortune". Whilst Otto may conjure up images of the stoner bus driver from 'The Simpson's', Ottoline is prim and sophisticated.
Sybella - We have talked about Sybella here before. Since then, a friend of the family bestowed this appellation on her brand new baby. It means "oracle" or "prophetess".
Elspeth/Elsbeth - Both valid Dutch variations of Elizabeth
Wilhelmina - I LOVE this name. She was a front runner for Rosemary for a while. She perfectly fits into your category of longer, more unique names and is ever so regally girly. A little Wilhelmina would certainly stand out from the crowd and offers an abundance of the most perfect nicknames; Willow, Willa, Mina, Minnie or Billie. In my opinion, you would be CrAZy not to love this girly version of the German name Wilhelm, meaning "Helmet, Protection".
Arabella - Although popular, this flighty, happy-go-lucky appellation would add a bright and "Prayerful" aura to any girls day.
Rosalie - This could be a neat way to get Rosa. Needless to say, I love the name Rose. Be warned though, this has the potential to start riding its 'Twilight' fame and start rising on the charts.
Anika - Last but not least, Anika. A very "Sweet-faced"' name indeed.
Hope this helps. Get Back to us soon!
Pictured: Saskia in Pompous Dress
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Elizabeth
Sorry for the very extended break in posting on my part. I'm now setting my self a-post-per-week goal regardless of family vacations, children starting pre-primary or dealing with my precious 5-month old.
Speaking of which, They say at around 5 months little girls and boys start to recognise the sound of their own names and will respond when you call them. Well if this is the case, and it certainly was with Edward, my little Rosemary must be so confused.
She is Rose to her Mom and sometimes Flora, Remy to her Dad and brother, Rosa to her Nonna and Nonno, Romy to her Nanna, Rosemary to her Pop, Rosie to her Aunties and sometimes even Rory. She could also be Mary, Maria, Molly or Polly.
However confused she might be now, I do believe that the flexibility we have given her in her name will work to her advantage. Rosemary is a name that will take her places. It has enough formality and history to be taken seriously and lends itself to nicknames for appropriate for any situation. When she grows out of Remy she has plenty of choice.
Rosemary though, is not the Queen of versatility in nicknames. Oh, not even close. If you want choice for your daughter look no further than our most elegant Elizabeth.
Don't be put off by her popularity. Their is almost more choices in diminutives than there is Elizabeth's in the world. My favourite is Betsy. I just adore Betsy. Isobel and Isabeau are tied for second place.
Here they are in no particular order. What's your favourite?
Eliza
Elle
Liz
Ellie
Ella
Liza
Lisa
Beth
Bette
Betty
Betsy
Bess
Elsavetta
Elikapeka
Bessie
Lizbeth
Buffy
Elisabetta
Elsa
Isobel
Ilse
Else
Elka
Eilish
Ealish
Elsie
Elise
Elspeth
Isabella
Zabel
Bella
Izzy
Iz
Lisette
Isabel
Belle
Elisheba
Elisheva
Libby
Ilsa
Effie
Lizzie
Bettina
Lise
Lissy
Alyssa
Betta
Lib
Lil
Lilly
Lila
Lillibet
Lizbet
Isabeau
Beau
Bee
Bettine
Ailsa
Alzira
Liesel
Elsbeth
Lizina
Liseta
Liselot
Liselotte
Yzabela
Ysabel
Lisaveta
Isbal
Ysa
Lisen
Lilike
Liesa
Elle
Liz
Ellie
Ella
Liza
Lisa
Beth
Bette
Betty
Betsy
Bess
Elsavetta
Elikapeka
Bessie
Lizbeth
Buffy
Elisabetta
Elsa
Isobel
Ilse
Else
Elka
Eilish
Ealish
Elsie
Elise
Elspeth
Isabella
Zabel
Bella
Izzy
Iz
Lisette
Isabel
Belle
Elisheba
Elisheva
Libby
Ilsa
Effie
Lizzie
Bettina
Lise
Lissy
Alyssa
Betta
Lib
Lil
Lilly
Lila
Lillibet
Lizbet
Isabeau
Beau
Bee
Bettine
Ailsa
Alzira
Liesel
Elsbeth
Lizina
Liseta
Liselot
Liselotte
Yzabela
Ysabel
Lisaveta
Isbal
Ysa
Lisen
Lilike
Liesa
Friday, January 22, 2010
Alphabet Family
Claudia Schiffer has two children, Caspar and Clementine. She has used two "C" names. I'm wondering if will she follow this trend and have a third 'C' named child? This led me to think if I had to choose a letter what would it be? I started thinking about A.
Araminta, Arthur, August, Aurora, Aurelia, Atticus
Maybe I would follow Claudia's trend and use my own first letter "L".
Lucasta, Lyra, Leif, Lucas, Louella.
Its a really fun trend to try out, because there are so many names I love with the same letter.
"M" Maizie, Milla, Matilda, Miles.
I think my favourite currently though would be 'H'
Hester, Harriet (so that's Hettie and Hattie), Henry also, and maybe a Hazel.
If you had to choose a letter what would it be?
For Claudia Schiffer I'm hoping if its a boy she chooses Caspian, or maybe Cassius. And for a girl Claribel, Charlotte, Cordelia or maybe even Caitria. We shall just have to wait and see!
**********************************************
Update: 12th Feb
I just thought of another Alphabet family though fictional, Charmed, the Halliwell sisters.
Prudence "Prue", Piper, Phoebe and Paige.
Their mother was Patricia "Patty" and grandmother Penelope "Penny".
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Maisie Middle Name Help
Hi! My husband and I are trying to conceive our 2nd child. We have a 2 yr old son, Beckett Reed. My husband loves the name Maisie (if we ever have a girl). I like it too, if we can find a middle name that works with it! I like to use family names as middle names but have run out of ideas for Maisie....some family names: Anne, Jean, June, Kay, May (and any related to those). Can you help us please??
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Hi Jamie! Sorry how long it has taken to replying to your question! I have to agree with both of you on what a lovely name Maisie is. Its an adorable name, with loads of character. It is on my list too. And Maisie and Beckett sound superb together!
My favourite from the list of middle names would have to be Maisie Anne. It flows really nicely. Jean and June could also work but I would rule out Maisie May as both start with the same syllable.
So here are some of my suggestions for a middle name. From the list of family names I’m presuming understated, classical type names.
Eve
Evelyn
Camilla
Louise/ Louisa
Alice
Lucia
Emma
Adelaide
Violet
Claire
Elizabeth
Jane
Frances
Elspeth
Elinor
Pearl
Olivia
April
Georgia/ Georgina
Lynn
Grace
Joan
Ruth
Annette
Katherine/Kate
Elise
Ellen
(In bold are my favourite ones!)
An idea, if you are having trouble finding the perfect and most fitting middle name, is to call her Margaret, with the nickname Maisie? Or Mairead perhaps?
I hope the list helps, and good luck choosing! If you have any other name questions, perhaps boys, don't hesitate to ask. I love to know what names other people are mulling over!
Thursday, January 14, 2010
A Book I'm Reading
Monday, January 11, 2010
Cadmium
My favourite name for a long, long time was Saffron. I loved that it was a colour and a spice. Who knows why we love a certain name, but that name had a hold upon me. Two years later I hear Saffron and I think "Well... it's OK, I guess you could still, maybe, use it, and I'll love it".Well, I stumbled across another colour name of which I am undecided upon, Cadmium.
While looking for a book I stumbled across "Saffy's Angel" by Hilary McKay. All four of the children have colour based names names (both parents being artists).
Cadmium or Caddy, Indigo, a boy, Saffron and Rose.
Saffron as I've already said, I've moved on from. Rose is a little to popular for me. Indigo, well the mistake would constantly be made for is it a boy or girl, and I feel I need something stronger for a boy.
And then I started brainstorming and thinking about Cadmium. I can see that it would not appeal to most people. Some maybe would say that it is masculine, but I think I like it. I love the three syllables and the sounds in Cadmium, its hard, but the more I say it, the more exotic it sounds to me. I'm a sucker for nicknames and find quite cute and non-quintessential.
Cadmium is a colour, yellow, adding to the exotic and vivacious feel. Its a mettalic chemical used in some batteries with the symbol is Cd and the atomic number of 48.
Its doesn't have a large history for name usage, especially here in Australia. Perhaps though I will introduce this name to someone who finds it as interesting and quirky as myself. Right now its on my maybes list but I will keep thinking about it, and get back to you on whether its going on my favourites lists. Right now I'm swaying to the favourites. And if that doesn't happen maybe I'll save it to use for a middle name, who knows, the possibilities are endless with Cadmium.
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