Apologies if this is lame of me since I had already brought my name choice up a while ago, but I'm starting to have second thoughts on the name Magnolia Dean nn Maggie/Lia for a girl.
I got what I interpreted as generally positive feedback on the boards, only that it was distinctly southern sounding. DH is now totally on board with it (took him a little while) and my mom and sisters are obsessed with the name, but now I'm kind of getting afraid of it, like it might be too strong/bold of a name or something. I'm also in no way southern (Alaska born Buffalonian), so that's throwing me off a little.
If I change it to Magnolia Laurel would that work in diffusing the southern feel a tiny bit or is that just too much of a mouthful? Maybe I should just go back to the drawing board? I really do love the name for many reasons, but I don't want my potential daughter to hate it or get side eyes. Help please?
This also may have something to do with how I got my first negative reaction to it when I told it to my cousin the other day. heh heh... Can't tell if hormones are making me too sensitive or if new hesitation is valid...
I think the Laurel does not make it less Southern seeming and is actually harder to say. You could always use Magnolia as a middle name if you decide it's too much for a first name. It's cool when people have interesting middle names like that. I had a couple of names I liked a lot and my husband said no because they were Southern seeming, and that was kind of annoying. I guess it depends how much you care about it sounding Southern. I honestly don't see it as a big deal and don't even get why that word became associated with the South since the flowers are found throughout the world. Like you said she could always just go by "Maggie."
Apologies if this is lame of me since I had already brought my name choice up a while ago, but I'm starting to have second thoughts on the name Magnolia Dean nn Maggie/Lia for a girl.
I got what I interpreted as generally positive feedback on the boards, only that it was distinctly southern sounding. DH is now totally on board with it (took him a little while) and my mom and sisters are obsessed with the name, but now I'm kind of getting afraid of it, like it might be too strong/bold of a name or something. I'm also in no way southern (Alaska born Buffalonian), so that's throwing me off a little.
If I change it to Magnolia Laurel would that work in diffusing the southern feel a tiny bit or is that just too much of a mouthful? Maybe I should just go back to the drawing board? I really do love the name for many reasons, but I don't want my potential daughter to hate it or get side eyes. Help please?
This also may have something to do with how I got my first negative reaction to it when I told it to my cousin the other day. heh heh... Can't tell if hormones are making me too sensitive or if new hesitation is valid...
I don't like the name Magnolia for a first name.. If you people will resort to calling her Maggie, why not just name her Maggie? And I think Laurel as a middle name to Magnolia is complicated. It doesn't really flow well together since Magnolia is a name with a lot of syllables. I'm having a hard time explaining myself haha but those two names together just sound convoluted.
Thank yous! I had a suspicion Laurel might make it even more southy... not that there's anything wrong with sounding southern, of course. Just don't want real southern people thinking some yank is trying to pretend to be cool like them. My mom's name is Laurel Dean so that's where that came from.
I couldn't just name her Maggie. That sounds incomplete to me. I need a longer, more serious name to use when I scold her, after all.
Magnolia as a middle name is a super good suggestion, but I like to keep the mn reserved to family names... Ugh, stupid rules I make up.
Thanks for your thoughtful input, it's really appreciated!
How does everyone deal with criticism of their chosen names? I've had a lot of people say my name choice of Astrid is horrible ("BUT IT STARTS WITH ASS!"), and I think those comments are ignorant and rude. One of my best friends said that exact thing, and I got so annoyed that I said, "I've never been a fan of your name, to be honest."
I feel like a jerk for losing my cool like that, but honestly, it bothers me. This name means a lot to me, it's a homage to my Nordic grandmother Olga, and I've had it picked out since high school. It's not a made up name, it doesn't mean something horrific in another language, and it's pretty popular outside of the U.S. I'm fiercely protective over it as it WILL be my daughters name. So how can I curb rude comments without being a jerk myself?
Whenever I ask someone what they plan on naming their baby, I always respond politely and encouragingly. I don't get people who aren't the same.
@haiku16, if you don't want unsolicited opinions, I wouldn't give out the name until baby is born. Some people just love to give their two cents, and unfortunately it's tough to respond in a constructive manner. I would just stare at them (especially the "it starts with ass" comment) and ask if they were serious.
FWIW Astrid is not my style, but it's a perfectly acceptable name, and it's lovely that it has meaning to you.
Side note: one of DH's cousin's had a baby in July and named her Ella. While I kind of side-eye the reason (they are HUGE disney fans, at ages 30 and 42, and it's after Cinderella), it's a nice name and one I would have actually considered otherwise. His granny HATES the name and complains about it even now that the baby is 3 months old. You just can't please everyone.
@haiku16 I think Astrid is a beautiful name. Maybe when people make ignorant and rude comments you can explain to them what it means literally and what it means to you having Nordic roots. I bet once they see that it's not some made up name and that it does have actual meaning for you they'll feel like jerks for making such a horrible comment.
Also, to anyone who's received feedback for their choice in names because, "oh god! That kid will be teased with that name", I have a last name that is easily changed to "crotch". I grew up absolutely hating it. As an adult, there is a certain power to having an "easily made fun of name" and owning it. I honestly think it forced a unique confidence in me, as well as the ability to be able to happily make fun of myself. I can truly say it's built character in a way, and I beseech moms to ignore, "but he/she will be made fun of" comments.
How does everyone deal with criticism of their chosen names? I've had a lot of people say my name choice of Astrid is horrible ("BUT IT STARTS WITH ASS!"), and I think those comments are ignorant and rude. One of my best friends said that exact thing, and I got so annoyed that I said, "I've never been a fan of your name, to be honest."
I feel like a jerk for losing my cool like that, but honestly, it bothers me. This name means a lot to me, it's a homage to my Nordic grandmother Olga, and I've had it picked out since high school. It's not a made up name, it doesn't mean something horrific in another language, and it's pretty popular outside of the U.S. I'm fiercely protective over it as it WILL be my daughters name. So how can I curb rude comments without being a jerk myself?
Whenever I ask someone what they plan on naming their baby, I always respond politely and encouragingly. I don't get people who aren't the same.
Sorry for the vent. Advice!!
I love the name Astrid too! It is on my name list but I don't see myself using it as I decided there are a couple names I like even more (and I don't even know if I'm having a girl). I don't know how to deal with name criticism, but I don't think I will let it get to me because I know everyone has different taste in names and I just don't care much about other people's opinions. I don't foresee getting many negative comments though, because I may hate the baby names people I know choose, but I never tell them that! It's just rude so I hope people don't do it to me.
Oh yeah, and I was never sure, but is ass-strid really how it's pronounced? Or is it supposed to be uh-strid?
@haiku16 I agree with @AEG84. People often assume before they're born you would want their opinion or especially if they think there is a unfortunate nickname coming. Once the child is born and named most (sigh, most) people are respectful and polite enough to keep negative comments to themselves.
I ditto PP. But if you are telling people the name before LO is here, I'd think of something snappy to come back with. For example, if it were me, I'd say something like "Yeah, we thought about [insert commentor's name here] but we don't want to doom her to being a huge c*nt that loves giving unsolicited advice." Probably not appropriate for most, but my friends would both think it was funny and get the point.
@haiku16 I would echo not to tell anyone you know your chosen name until after the birth. We gave our daughter an unfamiliar name that my family would have made comments about in advance but after the fact, not a peep (only the truly socially clueless would say anything then, to your face anyway). When people asked me the name I would usually instead turn it around and ask for their suggestions and then respond "Oh, that's pretty." Also, Astrid is on our middle name list.
Also, to anyone who's received feedback for their choice in names because, "oh god! That kid will be teased with that name", I have a last name that is easily changed to "crotch". I grew up absolutely hating it. As an adult, there is a certain power to having an "easily made fun of name" and owning it. I honestly think it forced a unique confidence in me, as well as the ability to be able to happily make fun of myself. I can truly say it's built character in a way, and I beseech moms to ignore, "but he/she will be made fun of" comments.
This reminds me of a couple I know. Who have the last name Cox. And they named their son Holden. Cute name. But not when your last name is Cox!! He will have to own that for sure!!
I'm toying with Madison Marie for a girl. We both love it but I honestly can't stand "Maddie" I dunno if it's because I knew a girl that went by that when I was a kid or what but I'd like to know A) can I really keep people from shortening her name ( probably not ) what comes to mind when you hear the name Madison . Thanks !!!!
For the record.... I dunno if it's a boy or girl but we already have a boys name .
I'm toying with Madison Marie for a girl. We both love it but I honestly can't stand "Maddie"
I dunno if it's because I knew a girl that went by that when I was a kid or what but I'd like to know
A) can I really keep people from shortening her name ( probably not )
what comes to mind when you hear the name Madison .
Thanks !!!!
For the record.... I dunno if it's a boy or girl but we already have a boys name .
I think of President James Madison and the movie Splash since that's what popularized Madison as a girl's first name. Are there other nicknames for Madison?
I'm toying with Madison Marie for a girl. We both love it but I honestly can't stand "Maddie" I dunno if it's because I knew a girl that went by that when I was a kid or what but I'd like to know A) can I really keep people from shortening her name ( probably not ) what comes to mind when you hear the name Madison . Thanks !!!!
For the record.... I dunno if it's a boy or girl but we already have a boys name .
A) Unfortunately not. You can for a short time, but by the time she's in middle school her friends will pick a nickname for her. My first thought is that the meaning is "son of Maud". I know it's mostly been taken over by girls, but my first thought when I hear names like this (Madison, Emerson, etc) on girls is that the parents really wanted a boy. I'm sorry that that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but since you asked I want you to get both positives and negatives, since you'll likely only get positives from friends and family. Maybe Madeline as an alternative?
ETA: of course, that is something I would never point out after she was named, so it may never come up, but I wouldn't want any question if there she is interested in the meaning of her name. I think the same of Mallory because it means unfortunate.
I'm toying with Madison Marie for a girl. We both love it but I honestly can't stand "Maddie" I dunno if it's because I knew a girl that went by that when I was a kid or what but I'd like to know A) can I really keep people from shortening her name ( probably not ) what comes to mind when you hear the name Madison . Thanks !!!!
For the record.... I dunno if it's a boy or girl but we already have a boys name .
I love the name Madison, but both of the ones I know have always been called Maddie by their friends. I know at least one of them is still called Madison by her family though.
We are having a little boy and his name will be Xavier. I'm having a hard time coming up with a middle name though. My fiance wants it to be Alan because that's his middle name, but I just don't think it sounds right together.
@jonesl12 TBH, Madison Avenue and the year 2000 (I haven't checked the ss website, but I feel like that's when it was SO popular). I think it's hard to avoid nicknames when there is an obvious one. Your best bet would be to preempt "Maddie" with a nickname you like better. Maybe DeeDee??
I'm toying with Madison Marie for a girl. We both love it but I honestly can't stand "Maddie" I dunno if it's because I knew a girl that went by that when I was a kid or what but I'd like to know A) can I really keep people from shortening her name ( probably not ) what comes to mind when you hear the name Madison . Thanks !!!!
For the record.... I dunno if it's a boy or girl but we already have a boys name .
A) Unfortunately not. You can for a short time, but by the time she's in middle school her friends will pick a nickname for her. My first thought is that the meaning is "son of Maud". I know it's mostly been taken over by girls, but my first thought when I hear names like this (Madison, Emerson, etc) on girls is that the parents really wanted a boy. I'm sorry that that's probably not what you wanted to hear, but since you asked I want you to get both positives and negatives, since you'll likely only get positives from friends and family. Maybe Madeline as an alternative?
ETA: of course, that is something I would never point out after she was named, so it may never come up, but I wouldn't want any question if there she is interested in the meaning of her name. I think the same of Mallory because it means unfortunate.
Thank you for the response. I didn't realize Madison was a masculine name but I also like Payton and I've read that one is " unisex" I appreciate the input I forgot to add I did consider Madeline but I've heard it mispronounced quite a few times
Ever since I was 16, I've been deadset on naming my firstborn son Cameron and firstborn daughter Cecilia. SO has a 4 year old daughter from a previous marriage named Emmarae. He likes Cecilia but isn't a fan of Cameron. I showed him a list of names I had written down and he went through it and circled the ones he liked and crossed out the ones he didn't like. For a boy he absolutely loved the names Julian and Aiden. For a girl he loved Maggie Lee and Jettalyn....which I loved because I drive a VW Jetta and always thought it would be a pretty name for a girl lol!! I want a name that isn't too common because I don't want my child going to school with five other kids of the same name. We still have to narrow down the list a lot, but right now our biggest issue is deciding the last name. I want to give baby my last name since we're not married and he is not thrilled with that at all and wants the baby to have his last name.
@hime0021 Why not give her both of your last names as a compromise? I also like unusual names, but you can definitely find something lovely and obscure without resorting to naming her after your car!
For a girl he loved Maggie Lee and Jettalyn....which I loved because I drive a VW Jetta and always thought it would be a pretty name for a girl lol!! I want a name that isn't too common because I don't want my child going to school with five other kids of the same name. We still have to narrow down the list a lot, but right now our biggest issue is deciding the last name. I want to give baby my last name since we're not married and he is not thrilled with that at all and wants the baby to have his last name.
Why? Just why?
And what is wrong with giving the baby his last name?
Ever since I was 16, I've been deadset on naming my firstborn son Cameron and firstborn daughter Cecilia. SO has a 4 year old daughter from a previous marriage named Emmarae. He likes Cecilia but isn't a fan of Cameron. I showed him a list of names I had written down and he went through it and circled the ones he liked and crossed out the ones he didn't like. For a boy he absolutely loved the names Julian and Aiden. For a girl he loved Maggie Lee and Jettalyn....which I loved because I drive a VW Jetta and always thought it would be a pretty name for a girl lol!! I want a name that isn't too common because I don't want my child going to school with five other kids of the same name. We still have to narrow down the list a lot, but right now our biggest issue is deciding the last name. I want to give baby my last name since we're not married and he is not thrilled with that at all and wants the baby to have his last name.
My husband is weird I think, and totally doesn't care about the last name. He did think of what I thought was a good idea: girl babies get the mom's last name and boys get the dad's last name. It makes more sense to me than how Americans currently do it with all couples giving all kids the dad's name. But I said it was fine and either can have his name because I don't care either!
Ok so we have a daughter whose name is Melina Kay. DH and I have agreed on the name Carina Mae for a girl. But now I'm not so sure. I saw the name on one of those baby name websites and immediately fell in love with it. But now I think it rhymes to much with DD's name and it also doesn't have any special meaning to us like DD's name does. I just don't know what to think! For boy names I love Alaric Michael but DH doesn't agree. He likes Michael as mn fine because it's after my dad and his cousin who passed away, but he doesn't agree with Alaric. He wants the name Jack, but to me Jack Michael doesn't flow and I also don't really like the name Jack to begin with. But on the flip side I know he wants it because his grandpa's name is Jack and they are very close. So I guess what I need help with is a middle name for Jack that flows better than Jack Michael! Any ideas??
Jack Albert? Jack Thomas? Jack Lawrence? I don't know what flows with Jack really, but I do think Michael doesn't sound that good with it, but maybe it's because it reminds me of this annoying guy on the radio that was always saying his name, "John Michael." Can't Jack be a nickname for other names? Maybe you could use one of them and have Jack as a nickname if you don't like it that much?
Jack Albert? Jack Thomas? Jack Lawrence? I don't know what flows with Jack really, but I do think Michael doesn't sound that good with it, but maybe it's because it reminds me of this annoying guy on the radio that was always saying his name, "John Michael." Can't Jack be a nickname for other names? Maybe you could use one of them and have Jack as a nickname if you don't like it that much?
The only name I can think of that we could make Jack a nn is Jackson and that's my little cousins name. I started looking again after I posted and found another name I like. Conrad Michael. Which I don't think flows by itself but combined with our last name I think it works really well. DH hasn't told me yet if he likes it lol
My mom gave me two middle names and I've decided to carry on the tradition with my kids. This means they will have four names. Fortunately the middle names were easy. We decided to use either my sister's names or DH's brother's names. As for first names I was thrilled when a little girl name was agreed on almost immediately! Boys names are still up in the air though. We have Evelyn Megan Kathleen for a girl and Caden or Alan Patrick Francis.
My mom gave my sister and me both middle names too! I ended up dropping one and my maiden name when I got married. I feel like its lost forever. Did you keep both of yours? I like the idea lf carrying on the tradition, but I am afraid the same will happen with my kiddos when they grow up!
For a girl I absolutely adore the name Adeline. I love how classy and sophisticated it sounds. I love the name Silus for a boy. I haven't really came across to many that I'm in love with like these two. I can't wait to find out what I'm having!!
For a girl I absolutely adore the name Adeline. I love how classy and sophisticated it sounds. I love the name Silus for a boy. I haven't really came across to many that I'm in love with like these two. I can't wait to find out what I'm having!!
Love Adeline - we know a few and it's such a pretty name with out being "precious". I've never seen the spelling Silus - it's typically spelled Silas.
I like Charlee Jean or Rilyn Jean for a girl. Charlie John or Avery John for a boy
Aww my daughters name is Rylan (I tinkered with a ending it in lyn but I'm in the south and didn't want a southern looking name and -lyn names scream southern to me -emmalyn, etc)
We are sold on Hannah Louise. The boy name is up in the air. We love Anderson but I worry it's too 'cutesy' since my husband's name is Andrew. We also like Colin, Lucas, and a few others.
Re: Baby names !
I don't like the name Magnolia for a first name.. If you people will resort to calling her Maggie, why not just name her Maggie? And I think Laurel as a middle name to Magnolia is complicated. It doesn't really flow well together since Magnolia is a name with a lot of syllables. I'm having a hard time explaining myself haha but those two names together just sound convoluted.
I couldn't just name her Maggie. That sounds incomplete to me. I need a longer, more serious name to use when I scold her, after all.
Magnolia as a middle name is a super good suggestion, but I like to keep the mn reserved to family names... Ugh, stupid rules I make up.
Thanks for your thoughtful input, it's really appreciated!
I feel like a jerk for losing my cool like that, but honestly, it bothers me. This name means a lot to me, it's a homage to my Nordic grandmother Olga, and I've had it picked out since high school. It's not a made up name, it doesn't mean something horrific in another language, and it's pretty popular outside of the U.S. I'm fiercely protective over it as it WILL be my daughters name. So how can I curb rude comments without being a jerk myself?
Whenever I ask someone what they plan on naming their baby, I always respond politely and encouragingly. I don't get people who aren't the same.
Sorry for the vent. Advice!!
FWIW Astrid is not my style, but it's a perfectly acceptable name, and it's lovely that it has meaning to you.
Side note: one of DH's cousin's had a baby in July and named her Ella. While I kind of side-eye the reason (they are HUGE disney fans, at ages 30 and 42, and it's after Cinderella), it's a nice name and one I would have actually considered otherwise. His granny HATES the name and complains about it even now that the baby is 3 months old. You just can't please everyone.
I dunno if it's because I knew a girl that went by that when I was a kid or what but I'd like to know
A) can I really keep people from shortening her name ( probably not )
Thanks !!!!
For the record.... I dunno if it's a boy or girl but we already have a boys name .
ETA: of course, that is something I would never point out after she was named, so it may never come up, but I wouldn't want any question if there she is interested in the meaning of her name. I think the same of Mallory because it means unfortunate.
I forgot to add I did consider Madeline but I've heard it mispronounced quite a few times
The only name I can think of that we could make Jack a nn is Jackson and that's my little cousins name. I started looking again after I posted and found another name I like. Conrad Michael. Which I don't think flows by itself but combined with our last name I think it works really well. DH hasn't told me yet if he likes it lol