Name Help: A Sibling for Isadora and Rafe

 

Kitty and Sam are expecting baby #3. 

Kitty writes: "We'd love your help with a sibling for Isadora (Dora) and Rafe. We don't know what we are having.

We like:

Alice
Ottilie (but too many of them)
Matilda (but can't settle on a short version)
Grace (but middle name of Dora)

George (but too many of them)
Algy (but sounds terrible with surname)
Ludo (but worried too doggy)
Edward/Ned/Ted

We have enjoyed using names that aren't the Olivia/Amelia/Oliver popularity but at the same time, having gone away from the norm we are quite tempted to go back for something more mainstream. Length not a factor although drawn to another a ending for a girl and short for a boy... but having said open to all!

 

I think our ideal name would go well with the other two and sound upright, possibly old school but NOT oh - groan - here they go with a wacky name type name!"

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You have a great list to choose from already. I think any of the names on your list would work well with Isadora and Rafe as they all have grace and lots of heritage. But, to give you a fresh set to shake up your list, here are some equally lovely names which I think would also work well:

 

Girls:

Apollonia –What I love about Isadora and Rafe is their quirky yet refined style. I get a fabulous Restoriation-era vibe from both. Although uncommon now, a name once used by the aristocracy in the 17th and 18th century is the regal Apollonia, which, like Isadora, is an ancient Greek theophoric name that was adopted by early saints. It lends itself nicely to sweet Polly as a nickname – the perfect complement to Dora.  If Apollonia is a little too grand, how about the pared-down variants Apollina or Apolline?

Sibella – Another 17th century gem which also harkens back to ancient Greece is stately Sibella, which feels antique and modern at the same time. Sibby, Bella, Silla or Sella all work as nicknames.

Cecily / Cecilia – Between Matilda and Ottilie sits sweet Cecily/Cicely/Cecilia. Once a noble Roman name which was also borne by a medieval princess (Cecily of York was daughter of King Edward IV).

Millicent – A charming name which evokes strength and a host of admirable women. Millie is the obvious nickname, but Missy and Minnie also work.

Primrose  – A delicate floral choice which has links to the nobility from the 16th century.The nickname options are bountiful including Mimi, Missy, Posy, Prim, Romy, Rose and Rosie.

Violet – Or how about the equally fragrant Violet? It's just as vintage as Jessamy/Jessamine, but a bit more mainstream. Nicknames Letty and Etty give the name an even quirkier refined edge. 

Juniper – Another botanical choice that has an ancient heritage. Like Isadora and Rafe, it is unexpected but recognisable with a quirky-refined style. Juno, Ginny, Jenna, Jenny, June and Junie can be used as nicknames. 

Lucinda – Sweet and stately Lucinda shares Isadora's ladylike-with-a-backbone qualities and classical heritage. 

Jessamy / Jessamine – Both Jessamy and Jessamine are the older poetic forms of the jasmine flower, associated with love, grace and good-naturedness. Both Jessamine and Jessamy/Jessamie have been in use since the 18th century as given names, likely evolving from the medieval name Ismenia. 

Penelope – Now in the top 100, it is more mainstream than Isadora and Rafe but doesn’t at all feel common. Like Ottilie, Penelope is a lengthy feminine choice with a gentle elegance. Nell, Penny, Poppy or Polly would make great short forms. 

Josephine – A quintessentially sweet and down-to-earth name. Not at all common, yet universally recognised and admirable. Posy, Josie, Jo and Effie make for a wide choice of nicknames. 

Other suggestions: Beatrix, Sylvia, Tabitha, Jemima, Cressida, Romilly, Guinevere, Aurelia, Louisa, Lowenna, Philippa, Sabina

 

Boys:

Jasper – A name with a fashionably dapper style, plenty of heritage and charm.

Hugo – Just as affable and quirky as Ludo, but a little more mainstream. 

Brooks – As dashing, sleek and cool as Rafe, Brooks is a formal and sophisticated name with a traditional but uncommon feeling thanks to its transferred surname use. 

Theron – A bold and dashing ancient Greek name, meaning "hunter", with a slick and modern sound. 

Ivo – Rafe's ancient Germanic heritage is reflected in knightly Ivo, which has several great namesakes.

Jago – That stylish -o ending again in this perfectly stylish and suave Cornish form of Jacob/James. 

Emmett – A sophisticated choice which combines Smooth, worldly elegance with an affable charm. 

Lorcan – An uncommon but accessibly stylish name with a great ancient, Gaelic heritage. In the same vein, but more common, is sleek Scottish Lachlan. 

Fergus –The same Gaelic charm can be found in friendly Fergus. Both debonair and amiable and equal measure.  

Fletcher – Smooth and cool, Fletcher has the same suave style as Rafe. Its medieval link to archery gives it added appeal and sophistication. 

Wilbur – Algy's preppy flapper style is reflected in genial Wilbur. Endearingly cute and urbanely serious at the same time. 

Blaise – A brisk and crisp name with both Roman and Old English heritage and saintly style. 

 

Other suggestions: Gideon, Maxim, Miles, Felix, Milo, Finlo, Tristan, Cosmo, Lysander, Hayes, Magnus

 

 

I hope this has been of use. Good luck with the name choosing!

 

UPDATE: Welcome, Edward Arthur George "Eddie"!