Karen is expecting her first daughter soon, a brother for Theodore.
Karen writes: "We are both American, living in New York City. Big brother is Theodore James. We were surprised that there was another Theodore in his class of 12 children, and two more in his preschool (and another on our block), although Theodore ranked 99 in popularity (in America) in 2015, and 70 in New York State that year. So, although we still love the name, we wish it didn't seem quite so trendy. My consolation is that although we caught a trend, at least it is still a solid, classic name. We call him "Theo" as a nickname.
That said, we like classic names, that sound right on a little girl and a grown woman. No surnames or nicknames as first names. I would prefer something not too trendy, that doesn't immediately place the person in a certain decade.
Our list is down to Elizabeth, Vivienne, and Genevieve, but none feel quite right.
Elizabeth is a family name, and I don't think I would regret it (or that she would ever hate her name), I can't think of any nicknames I really like. The nickname I like the most is Libby. And although it is ranked highly, I don't know of any children named Elizabeth.
I'm afraid Vivienne is getting very trendy, but I think it's very pretty, and goes well with [our surname - beginning with B].
Genevieve was recently suggested to me as an alternative to Vivienne (and we could still use Vivi as a nickname); it's growing on me, but I don't know if it's a bit awkward with [surname - beginning with B].
Up until recently, Clara had been a front runner, but I really want to avoid a name ending with an "a" sound. That feels too trendy to me (almost all of the little girls in my neighborhood have an "a" at the end of their names), and a bit "princess-y." I know that eliminates a lot of names.
Also, because we use "Theo" as a nickname, I don't want to use a name that ends in "o" (I like Margot a lot, but would hate to call out "Theo, Margot"). I like Eleanor and Leonor, but the sounds and associations are too close to Theodore.
Names already in the family we have to avoid are Lillian and Caroline."
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You've nailed down a style, and what you do and don't want in a name. That's a tricky thing, and great that you've got this far.
It's not uncommon for the names that fit our "rules" to then just not feel quite right. Some of this can be a simple case of overexposure – we spend so long thinking over names that their impact becomes dulled. It's a bit like when you say a word over and over again and it starts sounding peculiar.
However, don't give up on your favourites just yet. Give yourself a little time away from them, and, when it comes to the crunch, one of these names may feel perfect.
Elizabeth – Elizabeth is such a sturdy classic with so many great namesakes that it is effortlessly timeless. The fact it is also a family name makes it even more special. Beyond Libby, nicknames could include: Beth, Bethan, Bess, Betsy, Betsan, Ellie, Ebbie, Izzy, Lizzy, Zibby to name a few.
I can also say from my own experience that duplicate names in classrooms can be totally random. In my decade of teaching, there has always been at least one name duplicated but it has never been the same name, and never even a top 10 name. Using a super popular name won't automatically lead to duplication; using a moderately used name won't save you from it either. It's pretty much down to luck of the draw.
Vivienne – Vivienne joined the US top 1000 in 2009 and rapidly rose to #233 in 2015. It currently ranks at #252 in the US - taking a slight dip in the last two years. This is encouraging, as it looks like Vivienne's usage is slowing down or possibly plateauing in the immediate future.
Genevieve – Genevieve is a beautiful solid yet soft name choice. It is currently #184 and on an upward curve. It has looked like it has slowed down a little recently, but it could be in the US top 100 in five years or so. This shouldn't put you off, as it would put you ahead of the curve.
Suggestions:
Evangeline – Put Elizabeth, Vivienne and Genevieve together and sweet Victorian Evangeline emerges. It is a literary name coined by iconic American poet Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1847. It was further popularised by the best-selling novel Uncle Tom's Cabin. It currently ranks at #267 in the US and is currently on a steady plateau.
Felicity – A sweet and lady-like virtue name with history and style. Like Theodore, its roots stem from classical antiquity and use in early Christianity -- there are two early Roman martyrs named Felicity, as well as several saints and popes named Theodore. This makes the too names harmonious, without being matchy. Felicity currently ranks at #347 in the US.
Verity – Another sweet and lady-like virtue name to match Felicity, Verity is much rarer in the US (not even in the top 1000) but it is easy to spell, has a lyrical sound, and has the same stylish 'v' as Vivienne and Genevieve. Vivi could still be used as a nickname.
Eloise – Eloise is a name of medieval romance which had its heyday in the early 20th century. It currently ranks #190 and is steadily rising.
Beatrice – Another classical name which matches Theodore's Byzantine heritage. It is Shakespearean, royal and classic without being overused. It is currently on a plateau at #559. Bibi, Bea, Bess, Bix, Betsy, Betty, Triss and more can be used as nicknames.
Annabel – Dating back to the Middle Ages, Annabel was coined in Scotland as a variant of Amabel (from the Latin amabilis "lovable"). It has a sweet Victorian Darling feel to it and works well with Theodore. Annabelle ranks at #118 (declining) and Annabel ranks #785.
Margaret – If you like Eleanor, you may also like Margaret. It is another classic, tailored name with a backbone. Like Eleanor, Margaret is a royal name, borne by indomitable queens, and many worthy namesakes. It is on a very gradual incline at #132. Nicknames can include Maggie, Molly, Maisie, Daisy, Greta and more. The French form, Marguerite, is also worth considering.
Josephine – A French staple borne by Empresses that has the same elegance as Vivienne and the same strength as Elizabeth. It currently ranks #107 and is steadily rising. Jo, Josie, Posy, Fina, Fifi and Jinny can be used as nicknames.
Matilda – Not all names ending in -a are created equally. I would argue that there is a wide gap between the likes of Ava and Isla to Philippa and Georgina. Matilda is a bold and feisty name with medieval and Victorian style that has a strong backbone. Far from princessy, Matilda is queenly! Ranking at #521, nicknames can include Mattie, Milly, Mally, Tilly and Tilda.
Juliet – Shakespearean Juliet has a classical quality and a long history, Juliette ranks at #207 and Juliet is #226.
Cecilia / Cecily – Cecilia is an elegant Roman name that was well used in early Christianity and became fashionable in both the Middle Ages and the 18th century. In the Middle Ages, the vernacular form was Cecily and, as such, was borne by queens and princesses. Cecilia ranks #168 in the US while Cecily is below the top 1000.
Clementine – Meaning "merciful, gentle," Clementine has the sleek elegance of Vivienne and royal usage. Clemmie, Minnie, Mena and Kitty can be used as nicknames. It currently ranks at #744 in the US.
Alice – Like Eleanor, Alice is a sweet name with plenty of backbone and worthy namesakes. It was a favourite in the Middle Ages and still has a timeless quality.
Annalise – Derived from the German staple Anneliese -- a combination of Ann/a and Elizabeth -- Annalise has a timeless quality with a twist. It ranks #391 and is slowly rising.
Isabel – Though Isabella is very popular, Isabel is her sleek and chic sister. Less frills but all the same history and gravitas. Isabel ranks #145 and Isabelle is #92.
Lucille – A sweet French form of the Roman name Lucilla. Lucille had its heyday in the early 20th century and is now sweetly stylish again. It ranks at #264 and is steadily rising.
Coralie – The sweet French form of an Ancient Greek name. It ranks outside of the top 1000 but is very chic and accessible.
Rosalie – A flapper favourite which is derived from the fragrant rose. It currently ranks #236 and is rising.
I hope this has been of use. Good luck with settling on the perfect name!
