@BusyZee - haha! I see you feel my pain! It's gonna be quite a ride to actually find something that works for us. And now I have my mom texting me lists! Oy. And thanks for noticing I've been MIA recently! Life has been extra crazy with family and work stuff so I couldn't really post much or keep up for a little. FX that it's mostly behind me for now!
@Kmomof3- I also noticed that Charlotte nn Charlie for a girl is trending up. I just had a friend use it and have definitely seen it on the baby names board a few times. But if that doesn't matter to you, Charlotte Lorelei could be a nice option!
Me: 36 | DH: 34 Married: May 2008 TTC #1 since August 2015 FET #1: November 4, 2016 BFP: November 13, 2016 EDD: July 25, 2017
@Kmomof3 I LOVE Lorelei - it's been a favourite name of mine for years but it doesn't flow with our last name (and I have a friend whose name is Lauralee, so it's too close). I'd say it's way less popular than Charlotte/Charlie.
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08 DD - 6 years old, March 17/11 #2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
Our name has been trending up a lot too from ~500 in 2000 to ~30 or so in 2015/6/7. I know that means it's still not THAT common (because #30 when we were born represents a higher percentage of the population w that name than #30 does now (allegedly)) but still it's making me second guess it for sure. I looked up the by-state list and it's even higher...! Frustrating for sure but I've now gotten to mentally calling her by the name too so it would be tough to just swap it.
@potterphile you are right, I think I posted this once before but popularity ain't what she used to be.
For example in 2015 Emma was the most popular name with a raw count of 20,355 named that year but if you go back to 1990 the most popular name was Jessica with a total of 46,470 monikers bestowed that year. Currently the top girls name, if you compare just total counts, wouldn't break the top 10 in 1990. Going further, the top 10 name in 2015 (Harper) wouldn't be in the top 20 in 1990 if that makes sense. Names have diversified and a popular name now is not the same as a popular name then.
I used 2015 as a basis since that year is the most complete as far as validity. And note the above does not account for Population growth which would again only make a popular name now even less popular in comparison to 1990.
@satsumasandlemons it's Nora/Norah. Not sure actually if combining the two spellings makes it even more popular... damnit I bet it does.
Our other choice was Claire which has been in the 30/40 range for many years and is also popular in our area.
I'm still a little bothered by it but it does help to think that in the year I was born Erica was like the number 30 name which is what Norah is now but I don't really remember knowing any Ericas growing up, maybe one or two? I wouldn't consider it a very popular name even though it apparently was.
I guess I'm just not as original and clever as I thought I was. But ultimately this isn't an unexplored field you know - everyone has to name their kid something... so if you're looking for a name that people know how to spell when you say it and know how to say it when they see it, chances are it is or has been in the top 50 in the last 30 years.
@Potterphile - DD's name is Norah. When we chose it 6 years ago it was less popular than it is now! Having said that, there is no other girl I know with DD's name. Not even in her school. There are 3 Abigails in her kindergarten class.
Do you know anyone with school aged kids you can ask to see how popular the name really is in your area? I know here Amelia is in the top 3 for our region and yet again I don't know of any girls with that name.
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08 DD - 6 years old, March 17/11 #2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
@hyperangel_8509 Oohhh how is Norah with an h going as opposed to Nora??
Im not really hooked up with the local kid scene.. but I haven't seen any Nora(h)s on my newsfeed locally or elsewhere so I'm hoping that is a good sign..? I almost feel like calling the daycare and asking if they have any others "hi, sorry to bother you with something so trivial but...."
@Potterphile We chose Norah because our last name is 3 letters, and Nora looked short. Haven't really had much issue with it, only random people will spell it without the H.
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08 DD - 6 years old, March 17/11 #2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
So we've decided on the name Mia for our daughter since 12 weeks when the ultrasound tech said she was pretty sure it was a girl. Well DH just dropped the bomb that he "doesn't know how he feels about the name Mia" uhhhh it's a little late for that- we've already told all of our family and have personalized things for her and when I said that he said "well no your right, Mia is fine." I don't want a name that's fine... Anyone else's hubs decide to wait 3 months and then change their minds?!
So we've decided on the name Mia for our daughter since 12 weeks when the ultrasound tech said she was pretty sure it was a girl. Well DH just dropped the bomb that he "doesn't know how he feels about the name Mia" uhhhh it's a little late for that- we've already told all of our family and have personalized things for her and when I said that he said "well no your right, Mia is fine." I don't want a name that's fine... Anyone else's hubs decide to wait 3 months and then change their minds?!
No, but I doubt the name all the time! That's why I never say its definite. Now DH might be coming around to my second choice name that he flat out said no originally...
Highly monitored internet and no cell service in the office, so I'm postin' and ghostin' while I'm workin'
@nktrodden826 That was me after our anatomy scan! Even though we had the blood work done, confirming it was a girl made me question the name. It's a family name and NOT common at all, so I asked my H on the way home if he was 100% sure cause I was having doubts. He was like, "yes, I'm not going through picking another name" So then I panicked thinking he didn't like the name but didn't want to pick a new name. Anyway, I feel much better now and am positive that's what I want to name her. I didn't have cold feet with DD's name so it was weird but calling her by her name and getting her personalized things helps. So especially since you've already been doing those things tell your H to suck it up! Haha
So we've decided on the name Mia for our daughter since 12 weeks when the ultrasound tech said she was pretty sure it was a girl. Well DH just dropped the bomb that he "doesn't know how he feels about the name Mia" uhhhh it's a little late for that- we've already told all of our family and have personalized things for her and when I said that he said "well no your right, Mia is fine." I don't want a name that's fine... Anyone else's hubs decide to wait 3 months and then change their minds?!
My husband told me at 31 weeks with DS that he didn't like the name we picked. I tried suggesting other names since he couldn't think of any he liked. He wouldn't agree on any so 2 days after our son was born we signed the birth certificate with the original name which he still doesn't like. He calls our son by his middle name
DH and I have agreed to Emma. But my concerns are that it's too popular and a little far removed from our heritage. I don't think everyone should stay within their heritage generally speaking, but for my family it doesn't sit right. So I threw in a new suggestion which DH didn't hate, but will it sound well in English?
The name I'm thinking of for DD2 is Ayala, which is Hebrew and I think it means gazelle or something like that animal. Our first daughter is Danielle. I think the names go together. Danielle and Ayala. I like that in Israel it's known but not trendy, yet regal in a way, elegant. It's a little unexpected but somehow still conventional in Israel. But here in the US it's not common at all. Ranked around #5,000.
So here's what I need to know, can you guys sound it on your tongue? Is it easy enough? Will she run into spelling issues when said out loud? Do you intuitively know how to pronounce it, and is it that bad if not?
Keep in mind my neighborhood has a large population of Jewish and Israelis, probably 25%-30%. There are many Hebrew names running around. So perhaps they can get used to it a bit more easily. Still, I'm unsure.
@nktrodden826 DH did the same with DD1. He suggested a name around week 16 and I started getting attached to it and then all of a sudden he says hmmm that name is a little blah. Eventually we used it and it is right for her. He still had regrets because if #2 were to be a boy he wanted the male equivalent of that name but it was already taken, and he kept commenting how we made a mistake using that name. Luckily we're expecting a girl. And closing shop after that.
@plumpous - I knew a boy growing up whose last name was Ayala and people seemed to do okay pronouncing it. It seems like it could be a bit of a tongue twister at first but once you have said or heard it once, you automatically know how to say it.
I did a social experiment yesterday and went to Starbucks and told him my name was Norah. The woman said "n-o-r-a?" And I responded with "h". Here was how the cup turned out...is this real life
I did a social experiment yesterday and went to Starbucks and told him my name was Norah. The woman said "n-o-r-a?" And I responded with "h". Here was how the cup turned out...
Oh geez @Potterphile. People are insane. FWIW, my name is Brianne, and it is CONSTANTLY being spelled Breanne. I don't even try and correct strangers. (At Starbucks I tell them my name is Bri and they always put Bree.) It's not their fault my parents pick the non traditional spelling.
@plumpous... I had no hesitation on how to prounounce it!
@hyperangel_8509 I'm telling myself not to put too much stock into it for that exact reason
@MamaRN13 - I also have a "one letter off" "unique" name spelling so I'm kind of trying to avoid that... it's almost like a Brittani but not so...popular? I'm hoping that Norah (vs Nora) isn't doing the exact same thing to my daughter that my parents did to me. I feel like it might be nice for someone to not have to spell out their name every time they say it to a business colleague or a Starbucks barista (I normally don't bother either) or ..anyone. But I think I'm doing it to her..? Hard to say. if the point is to have a name that is easily spelled then maybe I shouldn't be looking at a name that has two popular spellings?
@Potterphile lol this is especially hilarious because Nora is my fake Starbucks name. My actual name is Noa and they always add H to the end or they hear Nora or Nella. So I stopped bothering.
Re: Ayala. There's agreement it is pretty and people can get used to it, but sadly looks like I'm having a hard time pronouncing it myself! I tried asking my friends and they looked quite puzzled. Thanks everyone for the feedback. But.... I think I'm going in an Amy direction lol. Similar to Emma but feeling a better connection to it. Let's just hope my big sis doesn't take it herself next month for her baby girl ha ha!
@BusyZee, thanks! @ginger1228 - Really? I have older boys, so I'm not as in-tune with the younger kid names. I do get a lot of "Oh, Gilmore Girls," when I say Lorelei, though. Thanks for you input!
My first thought with Lorelei is the song by Styx, which I love so I really like that name!
@plumpous@Potterphile- Nora is my fake Starbucks name too!! My real name is an uncommon middle eastern derivation of the name and I thought this would make my life easier, but....nope!! I get Laura more often than not.
Me: 36 | DH: 34 Married: May 2008 TTC #1 since August 2015 FET #1: November 4, 2016 BFP: November 13, 2016 EDD: July 25, 2017
DH and I are still going through the process of making a short-list of baby names, which I find a little bit funny since we both agree on our favourites for a girls name and (amazingly) a boys name. We're aiming to have a top 3 of each gender by the time baby is born, but since we both love the names so much, I'm pretty sure we're going to end up with a Ruby or an Asher no matter what other names make the cut
So I went to eat at this hole in the wall place with Pakistani/Indian food and I got to see all my possible name choices and I must say I was put off. The three most annoying people in that place happened to be Haider, Eesa and Ali. Wwwhhhyy?!
My friend use to work at Starbucks. It's in the training that if you do something memorable such as spelling your name wrong, the customer is 75% more likely to post it on social media. Obviously if you post to fb, insta, snapchat, anywhere you're giving starbucks publicity. It's a marketing tactic.
So this is random, but does anyone have thoughts about using traditionally Jewish names if you are not Jewish? We really like the name Mara for a girl (team green here), but the only people I've known with that name are Jewish, while we are not (although my DH does have a very German sounding last name which could lead people to believe we are). I don't mind if people were to think we were Jewish based on the name, but would it be considered appropriating a culture that is not ours??
Re: July 2017 baby name ideas
@Kmomof3- I also noticed that Charlotte nn Charlie for a girl is trending up. I just had a friend use it and have definitely seen it on the baby names board a few times. But if that doesn't matter to you, Charlotte Lorelei could be a nice option!
Married: May 2008
TTC #1 since August 2015
FET #1: November 4, 2016
BFP: November 13, 2016
EDD: July 25, 2017
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08
DD - 6 years old, March 17/11
#2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
not it as much of a fan as charlie because it's just so common now.
@Potterphile, curious to see what this name is!
For example in 2015 Emma was the most popular name with a raw count of 20,355 named that year but if you go back to 1990 the most popular name was Jessica with a total of 46,470 monikers bestowed that year. Currently the top girls name, if you compare just total counts, wouldn't break the top 10 in 1990. Going further, the top 10 name in 2015 (Harper) wouldn't be in the top 20 in 1990 if that makes sense. Names have diversified and a popular name now is not the same as a popular name then.
I used 2015 as a basis since that year is the most complete as far as validity. And note the above does not account for Population growth which would again only make a popular name now even less popular in comparison to 1990.
Our other choice was Claire which has been in the 30/40 range for many years and is also popular in our area.
I'm still a little bothered by it but it does help to think that in the year I was born Erica was like the number 30 name which is what Norah is now but I don't really remember knowing any Ericas growing up, maybe one or two? I wouldn't consider it a very popular name even though it apparently was.
I guess I'm just not as original and clever as I thought I was. But ultimately this isn't an unexplored field you know - everyone has to name their kid something... so if you're looking for a name that people know how to spell when you say it and know how to say it when they see it, chances are it is or has been in the top 50 in the last 30 years.
Do you know anyone with school aged kids you can ask to see how popular the name really is in your area? I know here Amelia is in the top 3 for our region and yet again I don't know of any girls with that name.
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08
DD - 6 years old, March 17/11
#2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
Im not really hooked up with the local kid scene.. but I haven't seen any Nora(h)s on my newsfeed locally or elsewhere so I'm hoping that is a good sign..? I almost feel like calling the daycare and asking if they have any others
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08
DD - 6 years old, March 17/11
#2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
Now DH might be coming around to my second choice name that he flat out said no originally...
Highly monitored internet and no cell service in the office, so I'm postin' and ghostin' while I'm workin'
So then I panicked thinking he didn't like the name but didn't want to pick a new name.
Anyway, I feel much better now and am positive that's what I want to name her. I didn't have cold feet with DD's name so it was weird but calling her by her name and getting her personalized things helps. So especially since you've already been doing those things tell your H to suck it up! Haha
The name I'm thinking of for DD2 is Ayala, which is Hebrew and I think it means gazelle or something like that animal. Our first daughter is Danielle. I think the names go together. Danielle and Ayala. I like that in Israel it's known but not trendy, yet regal in a way, elegant. It's a little unexpected but somehow still conventional in Israel. But here in the US it's not common at all. Ranked around #5,000.
So here's what I need to know, can you guys sound it on your tongue? Is it easy enough? Will she run into spelling issues when said out loud? Do you intuitively know how to pronounce it, and is it that bad if not?
Keep in mind my neighborhood has a large population of Jewish and Israelis, probably 25%-30%. There are many Hebrew names running around. So perhaps they can get used to it a bit more easily. Still, I'm unsure.
Thanks for reading my long post!
I did a social experiment yesterday and went to Starbucks and told him my name was Norah. The woman said "n-o-r-a?" And I responded with "h". Here was how the cup turned out...
@plumpous... I had no hesitation on how to prounounce it!
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08
DD - 6 years old, March 17/11
#2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
@MamaRN13 - I also have a "one letter off" "unique" name spelling so I'm kind of trying to avoid that... it's almost like a Brittani but not so...popular? I'm hoping that Norah (vs Nora) isn't doing the exact same thing to my daughter that my parents did to me. I feel like it might be nice for someone to not have to spell out their name every time they say it to a business colleague or a Starbucks barista (I normally don't bother either) or ..anyone. But I think I'm doing it to her..? Hard to say. if the point is to have a name that is easily spelled then maybe I shouldn't be looking at a name that has two popular spellings?
Re: Ayala. There's agreement it is pretty and people can get used to it, but sadly looks like I'm having a hard time pronouncing it myself! I tried asking my friends and they looked quite puzzled. Thanks everyone for the feedback. But.... I think I'm going in an Amy direction lol. Similar to Emma but feeling a better connection to it. Let's just hope my big sis doesn't take it herself next month for her baby girl ha ha!
They have to be doing this on purpose.
I like that it's a "normal" name, but not common.
Married 8 years - Aug 23/08
DD - 6 years old, March 17/11
#2 due July 19th! (It's a boy!)
Married: May 2008
TTC #1 since August 2015
FET #1: November 4, 2016
BFP: November 13, 2016
EDD: July 25, 2017