M Y “ P O R T F O L I O ”
Baby Naming Consultation Examples
Baby Name Consultation Example #1:
A and her husband wrote:
We've been trying to come up with names for baby #2, and are not LOVING anything we've brainstormed so far, so we need all the help we can get!
Here's what we're thinking so far: Our daughter's name is Lola, which we were dead set on from the beginning, which was lucky because the sex was a surprise and we had zero boy names lined up. This baby is also a surprise. We have a girl name ready to go for this second baby, but we are again struggling with boy names and boy middle names.
So far we have Killian, Otto, Maddox, Merrick, Jameson, and Malcolm. I'm much more open to non-traditional names than my husband is, but I think I could probably sway him if it was the perfect fit. I'm also a teacher and would love something that's a little less common or recent. We would both love for the name to flow with our daughter's name.
For the most part we're not nickname people, so we would prefer to have names that can stand alone or not be shortened unless the shortened version is something less traditional.
For middle names, I think we're leaning towards names that we generally like and would go well with the first name. I think the only possible family name we would use as a middle name would be Thomas, however I'm not a huuuge fan.
Names that my husband has vetoed include Silas, Micah, Jonah, Booker, Felix, Luca. I've vetoed Banks (because all I can think about is the Mighty Ducks) but honestly have forgotten most of the others he's recommended.
Consultation Details
First of all, I love your daughter's name Lola, such a bold, feminine name and one I don’t hear too often! I also love the girl names on your list for this baby, fantastic options! From all of the names you’ve listed (both boy and girl names), your style feels very vintage, timeless, and ahead of the trends. All of your boy names are quite uncommon*, but not at all trendy. I get a “guy-in-the-beanie-at-the-coffee-shop”, old soul kind of vibe. They are all very cool names; familiar, and yet I don’t think I personally know anyone with these names.
I’ll start by commenting on the list of names you’re currently considering. I’ll include other ideas that are similar to the name on your list since theoretically, none of these have been “the one” for you yet. *When I comment on name popularity, this is from the 2020 social security data.
Malcolm:
Malcolm is a strong name; very familiar yet very uncommon. I really like it and think it goes well with Lola. Malcolm Xavier was coming to me as a solid first/middle combo, until I realized you would then have your very own little Malcolm X. I also like the alliteration of Malcolm Maddox. Other names that have a similar vibe that you could consider are Calvin, Harvey, and Tucker. They’re old school names that don’t feel outdated.
Otto:
Extremely uncommon at #386. While aesthetically it’s different from Lola (very German, a bit more harsh sounding with the double “t” consonant in contrast to the soft “L”s in Lola), I think it compliments Lola nicely in that they’re both 2 syllables and 4 letters. I like Otto Jameson or Otto Merrick. Another “O” name that has a similar feel, though more on the vintage side, is Oscar, with Oz as a cute nickname.
Maddox:
Of all the names you listed, this is the only one that has a slightly trendy feel and doesn’t fall into the generally vintage style. It had a big jump in popularity in the early 2000s, likely as a result of Angelina Jolie’s adopted son, but it actually plateaued and has stayed around #150 for some time now (it is between the names “Jesus” and “King” in popularity…if that gives you a sense of how often you’d come across another Maddox).
Killian:
This is the other name that is slightly different from the rest of the names you have listed (including the ones from your second email)...the only Irish name! It does not have a real Irishy-Irish feel like Sean, Patrick, Aidan, etc, in fact, I’m sure a lot of people wouldn’t even know it’s Irish. It definitely fits with your list in what I’ll call the “cool factor”. I can see the guy in the coffee shop…sipping his nitro in his beanie…having this name ;) Killian Thomas works well together, as do Killian Jonah and Killian Merrick. A few other Celtic names that I think fit your vibe are Seamus (pronounced Shay-mus), Rhys (pronounced Reese or Reeze) Ronan and Flynn.
Merrick:
Aside from Merrick Garland I have never heard this name used before, but I like it! Apparently it jumped into the top 1,000 for the first time after the Supreme Court saga with Garland back in 2016. That being said, I don’t think your kid would have to put “Merrick L.” on his worksheets at school to clarify which Merrick ;) For middle, I like Merrick Jonah. Lola and Merrick…I like it. A few other surnames as first names you could consider are Bosco, Wells, & Soren.
Jameson:
Another surname…Jameson is a great name! Of all the names you’ve listed, it’s the most popular at #79, which is still not very popular at all. I think it’s slightly less playful/more regal sounding than some of your other names, stylistically. It would sound great with a one syllable middle name if you have one you like, for example Jameson Mac or Jameson Brooks. Harrison, Graham, & Miller are some other surnames of similar style to consider.
Okay, moving on to my list of 8 fresh ideas (and I’ll add that I actually had Silas, Micah, and Felix on my short list until you told me they had been vetoed! Glad you mentioned that so I could go back to the drawing board).
As I considered your style, the first names that came to mind were Ezra, Sebastian, Oliver, Julian, Jude, Asher…all names I like for you however, these are common enough names you’ve likely already thought of/considered.
The common denominator between all of your names is that they are quite uncommon; I tried to keep this in mind as I thought of some new ideas for you to ponder.
Jennings:
This surname is pretty phonetic and filled with familiar sounds, but is not a first name you hear often, if ever! It feels related to Jameson but a little more unique and maybe a little less preppy? I think Lola and Jennings both have the “cool factor” and make a great sibling set. Jennings Merrick/Jennings Thomas are my favorite first/middle combos, but Jennings would also sound good with a one syllable middle. Simon: A familiar classic that’s rarely used these days! It has an old soul feel. Simon and Lola definitely drives home a vintage aesthetic. I like Simon Xavier, Simon Jonah.
Briggs/Brig:
This is another surname that reminds me of Banks, but a little less Mighty Duck! It feels like a fresh take on “Brooks” which is getting quite popular. I knew a kid growing up named Brig (hard “g”) which I actually like better, though more likely to be mispronounced! Surnames that end in an “s” have a slightly preppy feel, but Briggs also brings a bit of a western feel to add a little grunge to that prep. Briggs and Brig are both great options.
Penn:
Penn and Lola go so well together! I love that Penn is short and sweet, but original and fresh without feeling trendy. Penn Merrick, Penn Jameson, and Penn Booker all sound great!
Hugo:
Hugo definitely has the old soul/vintage vibe. It’s a sweet name that works on a baby but also suits an adult. Hugo Malcolm and Hugo Merrick are nice combos.
Callum or Callan:
Both Celtic surnames and are similar to Killian, and equally as uncommon. Their style is light and modern but “Cal” is a natural nickname that gives the name a more old-school vibe. Callum can actually be used as a nickname of Malcolm (which doesn’t totally make sense since it’s not any shorter) but just to say I do think both Callan/Callum fit your style and go great with Lola!
Remy:
Remy is a sweet name that matches your style, though perhaps a bit more modern. Remy and Lola sound attractive together; for middles I like Remy Jonah and Remy Felix.
Gideon:
Gideon is in the same family as Hugo- definitely vintage. It does have biblical roots but is no longer pigeon-holed in that name category as it has become somewhat more popularized, likely from use by a few celebrities. That being said, it is still very uncommon (#323) and would be a unique name for your little guy! Gideon Otto and Gideon Merrick are strong names!
I hope that this baby name consultation has given you some food for thought and either helps you feel more sure of one of the names on your list, or has given you some new ideas to consider! Happy naming!!
Baby Name Consultation Example #2
Rachael was expecting baby number 2 in June to join big sister Alina Monroe. After recently going through the name debate for their first daughter, they needed some fresh ideas for #2.
Rachael writes:
My favorites are Marin, Aubry, Lily, Rosie, Kennedy, Isla, Nora, Charlotte/Charley, and Ava. I also love Addison/Addy but unfortunately it rhymes with our dog’s name. [Her husband’s] favorites are: Andie, Lyla, Laila, Piper, Paisley, and Reagan. I also like Andie a lot too. Some family names we’re interested in using as middles are Irene, Rose, and Marie. My grandma was Josephine which I also like. I think we both feel like we had such common names growing up that we want something a little different for our girls, so I wouldn’t use Charlotte, Ava, and Nora for that reason. I also want the girls’ names to sound good together.
Consultation Details
Definitely some great options on their list! First of all, the one thing I’ll say about wanting to avoid a “common” name: these days the top names aren’t nearly as commonly used as the top names 30 years ago. In 1950, almost ⅓ of kids born had a top 10 name (think: Mary, John, William, etc). With so many parents these days striving for uniqueness in a name, we don’t see the top 10, 20 names used with as much frequency. So I say, if you really love a “popular” name, just go for it! Now for some comments on your existing ideas (and I have to add- it’s hard to find a name that doesn’t sound good with your last name, everything just has such a nice rhythm with it it makes me like them all!).
Comments on Existing Ideas
James’s likes:
Piper, Reagan, Lyla, & Paisley all have a trendy feel, and yet aren’t overly common. I think Lyla fits the best with Alina stylistically, though it is a lot of “L”s when you say them together, if that matters to you!
Andie
I love this. Andie Rose is my favorite option; it balances a more androgynous first name with a feminine middle. Andie and Alina would be very cute for sisters.
Rachael’s likes
Marin
I love Marin! Such a pretty, simple while also unique. As another variant of the name Mary, it can also honor your family member with the name Marie.
Isla
Not too different from Lyla, although it is more common at #44 (vs #118 for Lyla). Again my only hold up would be that it is somewhat similar-sounding to Alina. The spelling Ayla is much less popular, though probably mispronounced more often.
Charlotte/Charley
I know you said your friend just used Charlotte/Charley. A less common, but very cute nickname is Lottie. Alternatively, you could use Scarlett instead of Charlotte, still pretty trendy but not quite as popular as Charlotte.
Josephine/Josie
Josie is so cute and you don’t hear it much these days, and I love that it would honor your grandma. The only thing you’d have to be careful about is if she picks up the nickname Jojo, you may not like the sound of that with your last name.
Lily
Lily is a great name. Because Lily and Rose are such classic feminine names, I don’t think of them as floral so I think it’s okay to use Rose as a middle with Lily.
Nora
Nora is a very sweet name. It may feel overused to you, but it is actually #30 most common girl name, surrounded by names like Chloe, Hazel, Grace, Victoria, & Lily. So it may feel more common than those names based on the geographic area you’re in. If you like Nora, perhaps you like the less popular but similar-sounding Cora?
Ava
Ava is a beautiful name but yes, at #3, she will most likely come across other Avas.
Avery
is similar-sounding, but less common.
Kennedy
This feels trendy right now, I know 2-3 that have been born in the past few months, I wonder if it is catching on and will jump in popularity over the next few years?
Name Haul (new ideas)
Evie: Can be full given name, or can be short for Evelyn, Everly, Eva. Alina and Evie are both feminine and sweet.
Evie Rose would be a really cute combination. Since you want to incorporate the name Irene for your mom/grandma, but it is a little outdated, you could use “Ren” as a way to honor them. Evie Ren is a great combo. You could even add a “w” and use Wren as a first name if you like it. Two-syllable names that end in an “-ey, -ie, -ee” sound especially good with your last name.
Emmy. Nickname for Emerson, Emery, or Emilia.
Emerson Rose is cute, or Emilia Ren, though Amelia was the #6 most commonly used name in 2020. Emmy would also work if her given name had the initials “M.E.” like Marin Eleanor, etc.
Violet
Flows with your feminine aesthetic. I think it could be cute to use James as a middle name for a girl [after her husband]. Violet James has a balanced aesthetic!
Poppy
Such a sweet little girl name. Poppy Rose feels heavy on the florals, but Poppy Ren, Poppy James, or Poppy Josephine would all be great options!
Remy
This name is a little less in line with your general style, but I thought of it since James had Reagan on his list, since both are used across genders. Remy Rose would be a cute combo. Could also spell it Remi if that sounds more feminine to you?
Ruby
An oldie but goodie making its way back on the scene. Such a sweet name for a little girl, and works when they become a grandma too ;). Ruby Rose, Ruby Ren, and Ruby James are all solid combos. Bonus if she ends up being born in July, it’s the birthstone!
Eloise
So many cute nickname options- Ellie, Loulou. Eloise Rose is tough to say with the double “se” ending but Eloise Marie, Eloise Josephine both sound great!
Vivienne nn Vivi
Another one I think goes well with Alina. Vivi Rose, Vivi James both cute options. Though rising in popularity, it still hasn’t broken into the top 100 girl names.
Clementine
This is my hail mary. It’s definitely different from your general style, which is why I wanted to throw it in there for you to try on. Alina and Clementine?! Precious. Clementine Rose is very cute combination. (Can be pronounced Clemen-teen or Clemen-tyne. Clemmie is a cute little nickname.
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