Isolde and Constantine are struggling to find a style compromise for the name of their firstborn daughter, due in February. The one aspect they have agreed on is that they would prefer a lengthy first name and are drawn to names with nice potential familial nicknames.
They are also concerned that most of the long names they like end in -a, and aren't sure if that clashes with their "A" surname (much akin to Amory).
Isolde writes: "I love unique and vibrant names, while Constantine prefers names that are very traditional and Slavic ones to honour his Russian heritage."
Some of Isolde's favourites include Andromeda, Cassiopeia,
Constantine likes traditional staples Margaret, Elizabeth, Catherine,
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What a great pair of lists! I can see the clear differences, yet there is a lot of common ground to work with. I love that there is both Russian heritage that can be honoured and think it would be wonderful if an astronomical tie could also be linked in to make the name even more meaningful.
In terms of the surname clashing with an -a ending name, I think it rather depends on the name and where the stress falls. My tongue trips a little over Isabella Amory, for example, but has no trouble with Jessica Amory. It can also be rather subjective. My parents dismissed "Melissa Nickerson" when choosing my name as being too heavy with 's' sounds, so opted for Eleanor. I, on the other hand, have no problem saying the former, yet trip up on my own name many times (Eleanor Nickerson has a lot of 'n' in it for me to get my mouth around).
Alliterative names can actually be strikingly pleasant with the right combination. Think Piper Perabo, Kelly Clarkson, Veronica Varekova and January Jones.
Exotic Traditional:
One of you likes traditional names, the other likes exotic antiques, so perhaps the balance can be found in exotic-traditionals: names that are just as polished as Catherine, but with the same stylish chic as Jessamine and Chantelle. Some even tick the box of having an astronomical connection. All have the added bonus of being below the top 500 in England and Wales.
Cordelia – A pretty and lady-like name used by Shakespeare for the faithful daughter of King Lear. Perfectly historical, yet below the top 800 in popularity. It also has the advantage of being the name of a moon of Uranus. Callie, Clea, Cora, Cordy, Cory, Della, Delia, Didi, Dolly, Dora, Edda, Lia and Orla could all be used as nicknames.
Juliet – Another lovely Shakespearean name is the romantic Juliet, also the anme of a moon of Uranus. Jules, Lia and Etta can be used as sleek nicknames.
Sabina – Taken from the place in Italy, Sabina was a well-used Roman name, later picked up by the Victorians to quite popular use giving it a genteel vintage vibe. It brings to mind the abducted Sabine women who courageously put themselves in the firing line to end a war. The French form is Sabine, which is also given to a lunar crater.
Sylvia – Saintly, stylish Sylvia has been used since the days of the Roman Republic right up to elegant ladies of the Victorian era. The name is also used in Russian in the form Silviya. The name is also shared by an asteroid in the Cybele group.
Delphine – Meaning "dolphin", this chic and melodic French name has ties to the stunning and revered ancient Greek sanctuary of Delphi and is a nod to the constellation Delphinus.
Rosalind – Romantic literary heroine Rosalind has many great namesakes, including screen siren Rosalind Russell, Rosalind Howard "The Radical Countess," a promoter of women's political rights, and a moon of Uranus. Rose, Rosa, Rosie, Roz, Rona, Ronda, Lolly, Linny and Lindy could all be used as nicknames.
Clementine – Slightly nature-orientated thanks to the sweet orange, Clementine is the sleek French form Clementius "merciful, gentle" which was used by the Georgians and Victorians. Nickname potential ranges from Clemmie, Mena, Cleo and Tina.
Celestine – Meaning "heavenly, of the sky", Celestine shares the same alluring, striking style as Zephyrine. Even more uncommon is the Germanic variant Zolestine.
Vibrant Russian:
There are so many great Russian names to choose from that it can be overwhelming. Finding one that translates nicely for an English-speaking audience is more tricky, but this selection I feel work easily in Britain, while still feeling exotic.
Ekaterina – Easily pronounceable, Ekaterina (Екатерина) is the Russian form of Catherine, borne by the famous Catherine the Great. It also has the fabulous inbuilt nickname Katya, however Etta, Ettie, Kate, Katie and Trina work equally well.
Aliona – A diminutive form of Elena (Елена), the Russian form of Helen. Aliona/Alyona is very rare in Britain, yet easily accessible, and familiar thanks to dancer Aliona Villani.
Danica – Another very underused yet highly accessible Slavic name is Danica, the name meaning "morning star." In Slavic mythology it was the name of a goddess who personified the morning star / Venus.
Varvara – While Barbara is currently considered fusty in the English-speaking world, the Russian equivalent Varvara (var-VAH-ra) sounds mellifluous, modern and stylish, yet dates right back to ancient Greece and borne by a revered saint.
Inessa – Inessa is an undiscovered Russian gem which works seamlessly in English. Seen either as a variant of Agnes or as a diminutive form of the Russian (top 10) name Inna, which could be from the Greek inna "little girl," or from the Gothic word for 'strong water, a torrent'.
Avdotya – Alluring and exotic, Avdotya is unusual, but with a quite intuitive pronunciation. In Russia it is a form of Eudocia, an ancient Greek name meaning roughly "what seems good," or "pleasingly contented." The name has been used in Russia since at least the 17th century, and was borne by Russian novelist Avdotya Panaeva (1820–1893), and a character in Crime & Punishment.
Ilaria – The sleek and chic Russian form of Hilary from a Roman name meaning "cheerful."
Oksana / Ksenya – Two Russian forms of the Ancient Greek name Xenia, meaning "hospitality," which was borne by a 5th-century saint, venerated by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
Olesia – Also found as Olesya, Olesia is a Russian form of Helga, a name derived from the Old Norse heilagr meaning "holy, blessed".
Zima – You have mentioned Winter is on your list as a possible middle name. How about the Russian cognate Zima? It may be a little short as a first name for you, but would tick a lot of boxes as a middle name. Jessamine Zima, Rosalind Zima, Juliet Zima...all are strikingly lovely.
Feya – Speaking of Russian nature-inspired names, there is also Feya meaning "fairy." Again, it would make a nice middle name choice to honour Russian heritage.
Molinya – Finally to add to Zima and Feya is the Russian word for "lightning." With the nickname Molly or Linny, Molinya could even be used up-front as a first name.
Cross-overs:
Larissa – Borne by the ancient city of Larissa in Thessaly and a nymph in Greek mythology, Larissa is a longstanding Russian name, used to honour a 4th century saint of the Orthodox Church. The name is also given to one of the moons of Neptune.
Isidora – A name used in both Britain and Russia with routes back to ancient Egypt. Possible nicknames abound, including Dolly, Dora, Dory, Isa, Izzy, Ria, Rory, Sadie, Sidra, Siri, Zadie and Zora.
Florentina – An elegant late Roman name, used in both countries, derived from florens "prosperous, flourishing". Flo, Florrie, Flora, Ren, Finnie, Fenn, Finty and Tina could all be used as nicknames.
Eugenia / Evgenia – A genteel ancient Greek name which is found as Eugenia in English and Evgenia (ev-GEN-ya) in Russian. It is also borne by a main-belt asteroid. Eva, Ginny, Geanie and Ena work as nicknames: the Russian form also sports the fabulous diminutive Zhenya.
Roxana / Roksana – A sassy name in both languages, derived from a lovely ancient Persian name meaning "shining, radiant." Roxy, Ana and Xana make for stylish nicknames.
Zenobia / Zinovia – A striking and romantic ancient Greek name, borne by an ancient ruling queen and a 3rd century saint.
Lilia – The Russian form of Lily which has now migrated over to British shores.
Livia / Liviya – This dramatic and elegant ancient Roman name is found in both countries. Underused, yet easily accessible.
Wild Card:
Mimosa – In a similar vein to Amethyst is Mimosa, which, for me, ticks lots of boxes. Not only is it the name of a plant, it is the name of a minor planet. The mimosa also grows in Russia and is given as a traditional gift on the 8th of March for International Women's Day.
UPDATE: She's here! Welcome Rosalind Zima Larissa "Rose". Congratulations Isolde and Constantine.
