Theresa and Michael are awaiting the arrival of their second child soon, a brother of sister for their son Raphael Ethan "Raffi".
Theresa says they liked the name because it has: "biblical reference, unusual but not too out there, multi-syllable, strong sounding, shortening options. We like to have a longer name with shortening possibilities. For example, we tend to call our son Raffi as a more familiar, everyday use but still like to use the more elegant or potentially formal Raphael at other times.
They are looking for the same criteria for another child, boy or girl, and as Catholics would like a biblical name, but it is not essential.
Their List:
Gabriella Maria – They not sure if having another angel name is a bit too much.
Thaddeus – They don't like Thad as a nickname.
Emmanuel – They don't like Manny.
Tobiah – They have a short B surname and are not sure that it goes well.
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Looks like you already have a solid list so far. I personally think that Gabriella is enough removed from Gabriel as to not be too obvious connected as another archangel name, but then I can't say whether it would be so for you family and friends.
Girls
Trying to find good unusual but not too out there biblical names for girls is a difficult task. There are few biblical names for girls that aren’t either very well known (Elizabeth, Abigail) or incongruous sounding to English ears (Hoglah, Bashemath). And, of the uncommon names which do have a pleasant sound, several don't have very emulable biblical stories (Athalia, Jezebel etc)
Bethia – I’ve mentioned it several times before on this blog, but Bethia (the anglicised form of the Biblical Bithiah meaning “daughter of God”) really is a great choice for parents looking for a usable yet uncommon biblical name. Beth makes an easy nickname, and, with your surname, Bibi (BB) would also work.
Martha – A sweet and solid Biblical choice which isn't too popular but easily accessible. St Martha is a lovely biblical namesake -- she's even a dragon slayer -- with a name that has Regency style. Mari, Marty, Matty and Patsy could all be used as nicknames.
Kezia – Kezia, or Keziah, was one of the beautiful daughters of Job. The name means "cassia," from the spice tree. In use since the 16th century, Kizzy was once a common nickname.
Cassia – A sweet spice related to cinammon and also the feminine form of the Roman name Cassius. Since the 16th century, it has been used as an alternate form of the biblical Keziah not only in sound but also in meaning.
Jedidah / Jedida – A rare yet pleasant sounding biblical name meaning "beloved."
Sepphora / Seffora – In the Old Testament, Zipporah is the estimable wife of Moses. The Greek form of the name is Sepphora, which became Seffora in Latin. Seffie or Effie would make great nicknames.
Mariana – I notice that you are planning on using Maria as a middle name, but would you consider a Maria variant? Mariana is chic and pretty with lots of nickname potentials from Mari, Mia, Maia and Ria.
Eliza – Speaking of variants, Elizabeth may be too homespun for your taste, but vintage Eliza has just enough wow factor while still retaining its biblical heritage.
Liliana – Other forms of Elizabeth are elegant Italian Liliana, Slavic Lilia and Scottish Lilias.
Annika – The Hebrew Hannah features in the Old Testament, and the Greek Anna in the New. Annika is an exotic yet accessible Scandinavian form.
Josephine – As Gabriella is a feminine form of a biblical name, sweet Josephine is worth considering. It is familiar yet much underused, only ranking #257. It also has a whole host of fabulous nicknames including Josie, Posy and Effie.
Francesca – Speaking of feminine forms, Francesca is a chic multi-syllabic import which is familiar yet not overly used in Britain. It isn't biblical, but it does evoke the estimable St Francis.
Eliana – A later form of the Roman Aeliana, which was born by an early Christian martyr. In modern Hebrew Eliana has also developed the meaning "my God has answered."
Eliora – A pretty Hebrew name meaning "God is my light."
Ramona –A feminine form of Raymond, a name born by no less than five saints. Romy would make a sweet and stylish nickname with Raffi.
Penelope – A stylish and fashionable choice which is still underused at #130. The nickname options are numerous: Penny, Poppy, Polly, Nell, Ellie, Lola. Penelope was the birth name of St Irene of Thessaloniki.
Aurelia – A mellifluous Latin name, born by a saint, which means "golden."
Zelie – A pretty French name most famous for being the name of Blessed Marie-Azélie Guérin Martin, known as Zelie, the mother of St Theresa, due to be canonised in October this year. In terms of longer forms, Zelie could be used as a nickname for botanical Azalea (of which Azélie is the French form). Zelie is also a name used for St Solange (Solene), whose name derives from the Latin solemnis "religious, consecrated."
Natalia – The Latin form of Natalie, born by a saint, and with lots of nickname options.
Boys
Phineas – An uncommon but stylish biblical choice made more appealing with the nickname Finn.
Asher – I'm astonished by how uncommon friendly Asher still is given its stylish sound and easy nickname Ash. Even better it has a great meaning: "happy".
Barnaby – In the New Testament, St Barnabas was an apostle and companion of St Paul. Affable Barnaby is the British form.
Matthias – With a Matthew in the family, you might consider the related Matthias, a name of another apostle. If Matt is too close as a nickname, you could use Ty.
Nathaniel – A great underused yet familiar staple with charm and class. Nate, Thane and Nat are cool nicknames.
Eliezer – Eli is a stylish biblical choice at the moment, but may be a little short for what you are looking for. Beyond Elijah or Elias, Eliezer is a solid biblical choice, meaning "My God is help," which Eli could be a nickname for.
Ezekiel – The name of a estimable prophet meaning "God strengthens," with Zeke as a nickname.
Malachi – Another prophet is Malachi. Mally or Kai both make accessible short forms.
Solomon – The great and wise King of the Old Testament. Though Solomon is a grand, strong name, Sol or Sonny are great choices fro everyday names.
Zacchaeus / Zacharias – Friendly Zack is cool and stylish. While Zachary may be too common for you, Zacchaeus or Zacharias are stylishly uncommon.
Xavier – A sophisticated Spanish (or more specifically Basque) choice, made famous by St Francis Xavier. Xavi as a nickname would make a great parallel next to Raffi.
Benedict – A saintly name, meaning "blessed," borne by no fewer than fifteen popes. Ben or Ned make great nicknames.
Augustine – A prominent saints name in use from the Middle Ages. I'm also a fan of the Continental form Augustin. Gus is an adorably friendly nickname, or you could go for the medieval vernacular, Austin.
Leander – A saintly ancient Greek name meaning "lion of a man." Potential nicknames include Lee, Leo, Lando or Anders.
Maximus – Another saintly name, meaning "greatest" in Latin. Gentlemanly Maximilian is also worth considering.
Laszlo – The name of a Hungarian saint, sometimes found spelled Lazlo.
Best wishes on your new arrival! Please keep us updated.
