@Koukonei I totally agree with everyone else...Adelaide is especially beautiful. I suggested it to DH but he shot it down. We're having a boy anyway so it doesn't matter.
My husband is sitting across from me right now, finally cracking open the baby name book and marking it up. He told me he has a plus, minus or neutral grading system. So far, ZERO pluses.
I'm totally not a name sharer...we don't even share with our parents. I worry about name shaming and "stealing"...buuut it feels good to finally have a 95% certain name for our son who was "supposed" to be a girl instead (in my perfect little world). So if we're facebook friends, don't tell anyone! He's still known as 2.0 for now, but when he arrives, we're going to call him Graham ;-).
@lovelongdog06, I think Graham is an awesome name. We have narrowed down names for our LO but haven't picked out one yet. We like Benjamin, Ronen, Jacob (Yakov) and Nathan. It's hard to choose. Maybe we'll wait until we meet him and decide then.
MMC @ 10w March 2016 Cautiously expecting April 5, 2017
Hi all. I've turned into a total lurker due to my husband's work schedule (which has been super fun being pregnant and have a toddler) - sorry. Despite that, I was hoping you ladies could weigh in on my name debate that continues to create much anxiety inside of me. Originally I had settled on Katherine Paige for our little girl, but I just... I don't know. I didn't think I was a "special snowflake" mom, but apparently I am, and am waiting something still traditional (at least heard of in the Southeast region) but not common. I'm thinking Paige as the first name or Ainsley. My friends all seem to love Ainsley but I've also seen a lot of negative responses on other name boards to that name.
For context, our last name ends in -son and is two syllables.
@kcasset Sorry you've had to be a lurker. Glad you're still able to pop on once in awhile. I personally love Katherine Paige, but possibly just because I love classic and my best friend's name is Kate. (Though I don't know what your nickname would have been). But I understand wanting something not common. That's been my debate too. Personally of the two of them, I like Paige better. Maybe it's just where I'm living, but there are a lot of Ainsleys around. Though I do like how Ainsley flows with a two syllable last name. Still, Paige is my vote.
It doesn't matter what other people think as long as you (and partner) love the name. I love name boards for things like pointing out nicknames you may not have thought of, suggestions on names to go with siblings/your style/as middle and opinions on which option flows better but wouldn't think to change my name bc of a few negative opinions on the internet, you'll never please everyone.
@kcasset I love Katherine Paige, and I think it would give her a lot of nickname options (Kate, Katie, Kat, Kathy, Paige, etc.). FWIW, Katherine also fits the bill of traditional, but not common, for me. It's in the top 100, but you don't hear it super often. In the 6 years that I've been teaching, I've only had a handful of Katherines (I can remember 4, 1 of whom I didn't teach but just knew).
If you want to flip it, I like the feel of Paige Katherine more. Ainsley just screams "redneck" to me, but I think that's a personal association based on the people that I know who have used it. Also, I hear it much more in Southern areas than anywhere else, so it might not be as uncommon as you think. From siggy stalking I see that your other daughter's name is Meredith, and I much prefer the feel of Katherine or Paige with Meredith than I do Ainsley.
At the end of the day, though, you and your H need to love the name. So if Ainsely is the one you love, that's the one you should go with!
@kcasset Like the others said, it's ultimately about what you love and think is best for her. I like all your options though, for the record. I love Katherine Paige (and you can use Kate). I like both Paige and Ainsley as well. I have a cousin Ainslie, which is a surname from her family, and it seems old and distinguished to me because of that association - I don't know any little Ainsleys. Paige is nice all-around. I feel like I heard it more a few years ago but it's always been really nice and classic and not overdone. I think all are great options and work fine with a two-syllable last name. Sorry if that isn't any help.
@kcasset My DD is Ainsley so I admit, I am biased. We chose it because it was traditional and loved that it was an old English surname. We also appreciated its uniqueness. Both my husband and I always had to be referred to as "first name last initial" because our names were very popular in the years we were born.
That being said, Katherine Paige is a beautiful name and you could always use a C instead of a K or call her by her middle name. No matter the name, someone will always have a thought on it so what matters is what you and your husband love.
PS. We have a one syllable last name but I think Ainsley would sound lovely with a two-syllable last name. Again, biased.
@kcasset In my opinion, Ainsley reads as a very trendy name, and the data from Social Security backs that up. It first enters the top 1000 in 2001, ranking in the 400s, and seems to have plateaued a bit the last few years in the mid-300s. So, something to consider if that would bother you at all.
My preference for classic/old-fashioned names has already been documented here, so my vote would definitely go to Katherine, but ultimately, as others have said, it really only matters what you and your husband think/feel, and if Katherine no longer feels like the name to you but Ainsley does, go for it.
@cafedisco I don't think so, unless you were in an area known for the brand or beer manufacture in general. If it goes with your last name I think it's useable.
@cafedisco my SIL just named their baby boy Miller. The beer never crossed my mind (not sure why though). It was her maiden name, and the name really fits! I think it's cute
I really like different names though too. We are naming our baby girl Murphy May (may as the middle name). To each's own
I can't stop thinking Miller Time. But it's a family name and would make me feel a better about not being able to name this baby after my grandmother. Miller was her last name....I like that it's unique without being too far out there. Our last name starts with M as well. Can't decide if that sounds too goofy.
Me: 31 DH: 36 Married 5 years DD born 8/30/13 #2 expected 4/25/17
Everyone has been referring to baby by the name DD gave him bc we didn't have a name for him.. and now I almost can't picture calling baby by another first name.. the middle name will be changed but my 4 year olds winning the name debate in this house haha
We've finally settled on names. Daniel Carl if it's a boy, and Harper Mae if it's a girl. Harper was our back up when DD was born. It's become trendier since then, but we've both loved it and I love the writer harper lee!
@cafedisco provided that miller lite is still a popular beer (and I imagine it will be) he will almost certainly have a nickname related to the beer in college. My maiden name is part of a liquor brand (that I don't even care for) and I got called that often.
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
@cafedisco My name is Brandi, the alcohol references never bothered me growing up.. to be honest it's been a joke of ours that I should keep the alcohol name's going since my dad is Bud and when my daughter was named I had a friend who pointed out Abigail = A big ale so it became a joke.. funny thing is the name my daughter likes is Walker.. maybe we could call him Johnny
@cafedisco I didn't think beer either, but I'm not a beer drinker. I think it's a nice change to hear a name that tons of people aren't already using. I love Abraham, too, though if that's still a possibility. Is it definitely a boy??
Anyone want to help me choose between Henry and Albert? Henry is still my favorite boy name of all time, but we know so, so many of them. I feel bad for him and he's not even born yet. Albert is a family name, and I love that it's not as common yet still classic (but I think I love those features more than the name itself). Is it selfish to pick a name I love, rather than prioritizing other factors? I have a common name and hated that growing up. DH likes both and doesn't mind.
@ladameperdue Since you asked, I really don't like Albert. It's an old man name IMHO. I'm actually married to a Henry (who got his name when it was nowhere near as popular as it is now.) I dislike Albert so much that I'd say go with Henry despite its popularity.
DD #1: April 2017 DD #2: May 2020 Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
@ladameperdue I love Henry but yes - so popular. I still love it though. Do you? We have a Liam despite the popularity and I don't regret it.
Albert is still in the "old man" stage I think. This may mean it's ripe for a comeback and you'd be on the cutting edge, but maybe not, and people may dislike it if that matters to you. Lots of great namesakes through history, and I love that it's a family name. Do you love it?
Everyone has been referring to baby by the name DD gave him bc we didn't have a name for him.. and now I almost can't picture calling baby by another first name.. the middle name will be changed but my 4 year olds winning the name debate in this house haha
One of my kids (6) just got up (well past his bedtime), walked into the kitchen, and declared "Mama, I know the baby's name! It's Sheila." Then he turned around and went back to bed.
I need some opinions. We really like Lincoln for a boy, however my H's sister has a BIL and SIL (does make sense?) who named their boy Lincoln. We see them once or twice a year. Would it be weird if we named a boy the same as a relative of a relative?
@rachelmiller03 Would the babies share a grandparent (I'm envisioning family trees in my head and failing)? That's the only time I think it's weird, honestly. DH and I loved Claire for a girl, but his cousin used it for their baby a few years ago, and our kids and their kids share grandparents, so we thought it would be too close for comfort.
ETA We don't see them too often (2-3 times a year), but it's almost always around those grandparents, haha.
@ladameperdue he's definitely a boy! Abraham is still in the running too.
And to answer your question, I prefer Henry! That was our top choice for years and we crossed it out for the same reasons you listed. I don't think it's the end of the world to have a popular name, but for us, it was an important enough factor. Albert is cute too though.
Me: 31 DH: 36 Married 5 years DD born 8/30/13 #2 expected 4/25/17
@rachelmiller03 As long as you don't see them often and don't share grandparents..so If I have it right it's your husband's sister who's kids would share a grandparent with them (her husband's parents) so I don't think it's too close.
We have decided on a name for dd, Laikynn Lee. I really do love it I'm just hoping it's not too off beat. I always feel bad for the kids that have their name pronounced incorrectly in school.
@ebloom3 My daughter is Harper after Harper Lee! I really wanted an author name for our 1st but, most of the authors I love are men so, it was between Harper or Agatha (Christie). The choice was easy.
@rachelmiller03 I wouldn't think it matters. Even if you did see them often, I don't think people within families can "own" names based on who has a kid 1st or who is dead set on a particular name. Everyone has their own identity even if they share a name.
@laceyrae25 I hear this lecture pretty regularly from my husband and its why we are still undecided on a name for baby #2. He has one of the oldest names around but, no one can pronounce it. Its Geoffrey, just simple, freaking Geoffrey. I have no clue why people have such a hard time. He hated it growing up and was teased a lot. I think Laikynn is a pretty name. If she has trouble in school, she will learn to get a sense of humor about it.
Thanks for the input- @catem07@cafedisco@teamla Yes, I totally agree Albert is still in the old man stage. If it helps, a girl would have been Agnes. : ) I wonder if it's unusual to pick names not because of loving them, but based on other prioritized criteria the child might appreciate down the road...classic, family significance, not overused. Our first daughter is Edith. I didn't "love" it at the time, but it's so perfect for her now. I think the same would happen with Albert, but it's hard not to choose a name I do love in the moment ...it just feels selfish. Might have to wait until we meet him!
Re: Baby Names
Still struggling to find this fierce little girl a name.
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
DD1 born 3.2014
DD2 born 4.2017
MMC @ 10w March 2016Cautiously expecting April 5, 2017
<a href="http://lilypie.com/"><img src="http://lmtf.lilypie.com/ZBoVm5.png" width="400" height="80" border="0" alt="Lilypie Maternity tickers" /></a>
For context, our last name ends in -son and is two syllables.
What do you all think??
Baby Boy due 04/07/17
If you want to flip it, I like the feel of Paige Katherine more. Ainsley just screams "redneck" to me, but I think that's a personal association based on the people that I know who have used it. Also, I hear it much more in Southern areas than anywhere else, so it might not be as uncommon as you think. From siggy stalking I see that your other daughter's name is Meredith, and I much prefer the feel of Katherine or Paige with Meredith than I do Ainsley.
At the end of the day, though, you and your H need to love the name. So if Ainsely is the one you love, that's the one you should go with!
That being said, Katherine Paige is a beautiful name and you could always use a C instead of a K or call her by her middle name. No matter the name, someone will always have a thought on it so what matters is what you and your husband love.
PS. We have a one syllable last name but I think Ainsley would sound lovely with a two-syllable last name. Again, biased.
Baby #2 due April 2017
My preference for classic/old-fashioned names has already been documented here, so my vote would definitely go to Katherine, but ultimately, as others have said, it really only matters what you and your husband think/feel, and if Katherine no longer feels like the name to you but Ainsley does, go for it.
DD1 born 3.2014
DD2 born 4.2017
DH: 36
Married 5 years
DD born 8/30/13
#2 expected 4/25/17
I really like different names though too. We are naming our baby girl Murphy May (may as the middle name). To each's own
DH: 36
Married 5 years
DD born 8/30/13
#2 expected 4/25/17
Baby Boy due 04/07/17
DD: 6/20/11
DS: 2/23/13
EDD: 4/15/17
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
Baby Boy due 04/07/17
DD #2: May 2020
Baby #3: EDD May 2023; MC October 2022
Albert is still in the "old man" stage I think. This may mean it's ripe for a comeback and you'd be on the cutting edge, but maybe not, and people may dislike it if that matters to you. Lots of great namesakes through history, and I love that it's a family name. Do you love it?
ETA We don't see them too often (2-3 times a year), but it's almost always around those grandparents, haha.
And to answer your question, I prefer Henry! That was our top choice for years and we crossed it out for the same reasons you listed. I don't think it's the end of the world to have a popular name, but for us, it was an important enough factor. Albert is cute too though.
DH: 36
Married 5 years
DD born 8/30/13
#2 expected 4/25/17
Baby Boy due 04/07/17
@SnarkasaurusRex- No, they would not share grandparents. Thank you both! I was hoping it would not be weird.
@rachelmiller03 I wouldn't think it matters. Even if you did see them often, I don't think people within families can "own" names based on who has a kid 1st or who is dead set on a particular name. Everyone has their own identity even if they share a name.
@laceyrae25 I hear this lecture pretty regularly from my husband and its why we are still undecided on a name for baby #2. He has one of the oldest names around but, no one can pronounce it. Its Geoffrey, just simple, freaking Geoffrey. I have no clue why people have such a hard time. He hated it growing up and was teased a lot. I think Laikynn is a pretty name. If she has trouble in school, she will learn to get a sense of humor about it.