Nicki is expecting her third child -- a surprise! -- to join Frederick Benjamin and Rose Kate.
Nicki writes: "We like Victorian-era classic English names. Our son is known as Freddie and our daughter as Rosie, so we are a fan of nicknames of their official names, but its not essential.
Names eliminated/already taken:
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Girls:
Florence – A gorgeous Victorian darling which brings to mind Florence Nightingale. An equally lovely alternative is vintage Flora.
Harriet – A British staple through the 18th and 19th century which brings to mind Jane Austen's sweet character and the first female sociologist Harriet Martineau. Hattie, Hettie, Harrie and Etta all work as nicknames.
Annabel/le – If Isobel is too close to Isabella, how about dulcet Annabel? The bonus part is that not only are Anna, Annie or Bella easy nickname choices, but you could also use Nell.
Imogen – A pretty Shakespearean name which the Victorians were also fond of. Immy and Ginny make for cute nicknames.
Christabel – If you love Kitty as a nickname, have you considered using Christabel as a longer form? It is sweetly Victorian (ala Christabel Pankhurst) and melodic.
Olive – If Alice floats your boat, perhaps Olive will appeal? It has a similar svelte and erudite style and vintage charm with the options of Liv and Livvy as nicknames.
Josephine – A genteel and elegant name with a feisty streak. Nicknames include Posy, Josie, Effie, and Jo.
Clara – Ladylike with a hint of sass, Clara is a literary lovely which the Victorians adored.
Eloise – Soundwise between Penelope and Alice sits historic and elegant Eloise.
Margot – Margot, Margo or Margaux. However you spell it, Margot is a refined French classic which became a hit with British Edwardians.
Tabitha – A sweet Victorian gem which is both delicate and cheery.
Ophelia – Grand, elegant and chic, Ophelia is a romantic Shakespearean gem which lends itself to the nicknames Poppy, Effie and Fee.
Boys:
Jasper – A dapper gentlemanly name with heaps of style. Jep would make a solid yet quirky nickname.
Arthur – Distinguished and kingly yet also friendly and affable. Arthur is a classic name which is now as stylish as can be.
Maxwell – A charming Scottish surname with plenty of style. It feel distinguished and down-to-earth all in one.
Magnus – From the Latin for "great," Magnus has a long history as a kingly name in Scandinavia where it was imported to Scotland and took root in Britain. Mac or Gus make for great nicknames.
Rex – Kingly yet quirky, Rex is a dapper and stylish choice which feel effortlessly cool but also friendly.
Rafe – In a similar vein is sleek and stylish Rafe -- a vernacular form of the Southern English pronunciation of Ralph.
Tobias – A debonair Biblical choice which has an adorable Victorian-vibe and sweet nickname Toby.
Fergus – A sturdy-yet-delightfully playful name (especially with the nickname Gus) which has plenty of Gaelic charm.
Miles / Myles – Down-to-earth, affable and charming. Not at all flashy but completely enthralling and interesting.
Barnaby – Playful Barnaby has old-style homeliness combined with dignified polish.
Laurence – A stately Roman name which now feels solid and homely -- particularly with the potential nicknames Lance or Laurie.
I hope this has been of use. Good luck with the name choosing!
