Leitia writes:
I feel like I may go crazy, but am choosing to blame it mostly on the pregnancy hormones. We are expecting a baby girl in early May. We thought we had her name picked out: Norah. We chose that name when I was pregnant with my son 3 years ago. However we are pretty sure we want something different at this point. I am not bothered by a name that is popular, but we have met/know nine little Noras in the past 1.5 years-NINE!!! Four live in our neighborhood and five of them are children of people in our social network, all are under age 5 and three were born in the past two months. We are feeling like it is just too much, and the name has lost its special feel. Our son’s name is Levi, which is technically more popular, but I have only met 1 in person, and have one friend with a child named Levi, so I do not think it is just our hypersensitivity to a name.
Our last name is Irish and sounds like McFew. My husband is Ben(jamin) and I am Leitia(Layshuh), a name I have grown to appreciate, but has always been a pain. We want recognizable, easy to spell and pronounce names for our children. Our son is Levi Harper. And had this baby been a boy, he would be Simon Reid. We do not know at this point if this baby is our last or not.
We are avoiding family names for middles, and opting for names we like and/or have special meaning to us. We seem to prefer names that are classy, short and sweet, have good meaning, age well, and pair well with Levi and our last name.
I felt sure I had found the perfect name at one point: Miriam, but called Mira almost exclusively. It fit everything I was looking for so perfectly, and has such a special meaning to me. I was so sure it was “the” name that I felt confident we were having a girl before ever finding out. My husband has tried to come around to it, but says he just does not like it. I have passed the idea of just using Mira by him, or even the Irish Meara, but he still does not like it. So we need help!
Names on our short list, but none are jumping out at us:
Claire
June
Keira
Naomi
Myra
Hazel
Clara
Neva
Margo(t)My husband has thrown out just a few names. He seems to gravitate towards short and Irish: Bria, Keira, and Keela. None feel classic enough for me.
Names I love, but husband doesn’t: Caroline, Eliza, Nessa, Pearl, Daphne, Freya, Fiona, Sylvia/Sylvie, Thea, Vada. I feel like I am mostly into names that are classic or old, and a little spunky. The middle name will likely be one from our short list, probably June, Claire, or Naomi.
We need help! I am such a planner. Even though we still have a few months, I never dreamed we would not have chosen a name by now.
Thank you for any guidance!
It is really a shame your husband doesn’t like Mira, especially since he DOES like Keira and Myra. Perhaps Miriam will work as the middle name.
When I read that Nora was out, the first name that came to mind was Cora. It’s very similar in style to Nora; it’s easy to spell and pronounce; it’s classy, short, and sweet; and perhaps it will not have enjoyed quite the resurgence that Nora has in your neighborhood. Cora McFew; Levi and Cora.
Or Nina. Nina McFew; Levi and Nina.
Or Orla. Orla McFew; Levi and Orla.
Or Georgia. Georgia McFew; Levi and Georgia.
Or Mallory. Mallory McFew; Levi and Mallory.
Or Nadia. Nadia McFew; Levi and Nadia.
Or perhaps Eleanor, and call her Nell or Ellie instead of Nora. Then perhaps as she gets older, the Noras in your area will thin out and you can call her Nora after all. Eleanor McFew; Levi and Eleanor; Levi and Nell.
Or Noelle. Noelle McFew; Levi and Noelle.
Or Nola. Nola McFew; Levi and Nola.
Or Carys. Carys McFew; Levi and Carys.
Or Brin/Bryn/Brynne. Brin McFew; Levi and Brin.
I think Lydia would be lovely, if you don’t mind repeating the initial. Lydia McFew; Levi and Lydia. I thought of it when I was imagining a little Simon born later: Levi, Lydia, and Simon. The long-I sound and 2-syllable length ties Levi and Simon together; the L-initial ties Levi and Lydia together; and the 5-letter length ties Lydia and Simon together. And all three have a biblical sound.
I wonder if Anna might be just the thing. It’s simple and classic, and very easy to pronounce and spell. Anna McFew; Levi and Anna.
Or Audrey? Audrey McFew; Levi and Audrey.
Name update! Leitia writes:
Thanks for posting our baby name dilemma! It was so fun hearing everyone’s feedback. After going through time and time again and considering so many lovely names, we decided to stick with our original choice of Norah. It still felt special despite so, so many Nora(h)s around us. We tried so hard to agree on another name that felt as special. We went to the hospital with the name Norah June Miriam. We decided to add a second middle name since Miriam had such special meaning to me for this pregnancy. However, when I first held her in my arms, I knew Norah was not her name. I did not tell my husband at first because I was feeling so overwhelmed from the delivery. Later in the night, he asked if I felt Norah was the right name. I confessed, I was having a hard time seeing her as Norah. I told him I thought she was a Mira. He said he thought Norah or Mira would be equally wonderful names and suit her well either way I felt. So we had the nurses change all her signs to “Mira June McFew.” It is perfect and so is she. My husband and I are both thrilled with our choice. And I have secretly tucked away “Tessa Pearl” for a future daughter if there ever is one. Tessa was my favorite reader suggestion AND I was smitten with all the love for Pearl :)
Mira June, born April 27th. Photo attached!
Thanks again, Leitia
Well, the first thing I thought when you listed Levi, Simon, and Miriam is that they are all biblical names (Miriam being the Hebrew form of Mary).
Looking into a combo of Irish and Biblical names, I would suggest:
Moira or Mairin [perhaps changed to Marin?] – Irish forms of Mary
Within this same vein, I think Myra would be a very interesting choice. Myra could be “Mary” rearranged. Or could come from the latin “myrra” meaning myrrh (one of the three gifts presented to Jesus by the Magi).
You like Nessa but your husband doesn’t, what about Tessa? I LOVE that name. I think it fits your requirements of classic but spunky. Best of luck!
I came to suggest Tessa too! Tessa McFew, Levi and Tessa. Tessa Naomi, Tessa Claire, Tessa June? Love.
I really fuzzy heart adore Tessa. It is a great suggestion. We have a good friend called Tess so makes it seem harder to use, but I am not throwing it out just yet. And if not this baby, maybe I will tuck it away for a second daughter is there ever is one!
Obviously I don’t know your husband at all, nor the subtleties of your dynamics with each other around this issue, but I can’t help but think judging from your description that your husband is being a little unfair or difficult, or at least not giving you and this issue the proper attention and respect. It’s unfortunate that he has only suggested a few names himself, none of which make sense stylistically within your generous constraints, and just seems to be vetoing your suggestions willy nilly. A little lazy of him in my opinion!
Which makes me wonder, since you agreed on Levi, Simon, and Nora, all “classic” and compatible names– why is he being difficult now? Is it possible he was attached to Nora/Norah and is upset it’s off the table, but can’t express it? I think you aren’t going to find a solution unless you figure out what exactly is bothering him. Nora might need to come back into play– or at least be discussed.
I agree Nora is zooming, and it sounds like within your circles especially so. Swistle’s suggestion of Cora is great. I also thought of Laurel, which shares some sounds, and Etta, Willa, and Pearl, which all share the frontier vibe. Maura has the short Irish feeling.
Have you considered Eleanor, with the possibility of Nora as a nickname?
Good luck!
Ah, sorry, just caught Pearl on the list vetoed by your husband. Darn!
Also I second Swistle’s brilliant suggestion of Nell for Eleanor, with a possible future transition into Nora.
I love the name Maura. It feels so familiar and classic, but is rarely used. Mara would be pretty too.
Unless you think you’ll have more kids and want to save Simon for a future boy, how about Simone? Classic and nice with Levi, I think. Simone Claire perhaps?
I know your husband vetoed it, but I have to say I love Pearl! Levi and Pearl is an adorable sibset.
Since that is not an option I also love Swistle’s suggestion of Eleanor. Nell is a super cute nickname, as is Nella. Levi and Eleanor and Levi and Nell sound adorable together!
Noelle is one of my favorite names, it’s simple and beautiful so I also would vote for that. :)
Best of luck to you!
What about:
Alice
Rose
Vera
Adele
Vivian
Mercy
Audra
Iris
Eva
How about Stella? Or Evelyn?
Fiona
Faye
Rose
Thora
Seren
Tara
Gemma
Martha!
Zoe is the first name to come to my mind, either as a first or middle name, depending on how classic it seems where you live. Levi and Zoe are great together (Zoe Mira? Cute!), but it might also jazz up some of the other (already lovely) names on your list and make them more appealing to your husband: Clara Zoe, Fiona Zoe, June Zoe or Caroline Zoe for example.
Others on your list that I love with Levi:
June Margot
Pearl Veda
Margot Keela
Hazel Bria
In the comments someone mentioned the name Marin.
Such a beautiful name! It seems to fit both your styles. It may be too similar to Simon though.
Levi and Marin
Levi and Amelia
Levi and Molly
Levi and Lillian (Lilly)
It isn’t short & sweet, but for some reason I really like Josephine for you. You could use Josie or Fi as nicknames. Margaret/Maggie also seem like good fits for you, despite the longer length.
I do like Swistle’s suggestion of Cora for you. I’ll also suggest Lana, Lena, Ruby, Phoebe, Chloe, Willa, Lucy, Ivy, Isla, Molly & Hazel.
I too love Josephine nn Josie, but my brother in law is Joseph and (while great) not someone we want to name our baby after.
Some great suggestions here. Maybe if you look at classic Irish girl names with English spelling, you might find a few ideas. Ainsley, Anya, Hannah, Cassidy, Ciara, Maeve, Teagan? I also love Beatrix or Mabel as a sibset with Levi.
I know a real life sib set of Levi and Maia. Perhaps that would work for you. Or Levi and Mia, very similar to Mira.
I really like Mary for you though. Classic yet uncommon. Short yet sweet. And you could use the nickname Molly and your husband could have a real Irish Molly McFew.
It depends on how you pronounce it, but I find Mira/Meara to be a better nickname for Mary than for Miriam.
Good luck.
Oh! Your reply came in while I was typing mine, below. Molly! Yes.
Love your suggestions of Mia or Molly…sweet, classic, easy to spell/pronounce and with a little spunk!
What about Maeve Keira? Or Maeve Brigid?
My fave suggestion from Swistle is Orla: Irish, easy to say & spell, great with Levi. Orla June. I also love Roisin, but that does come loaded with saying & spelling issues in the US. But didn’t we all get past Sinead?
Or you could go out on a limb and use Mary. Mary Hazel, Mary June. Really unexpected and refreshing.
Good luck!
Lila! It has the “a” sound at the end that your husband seems to like AND its a classic for you. I think its a sweet pairing to Levi.
Levi Harper & Lila June Mcfew – love!
I truly love the idea of Mira for you, what about Mara?
Levi & Mara June McFew
Or Laila….
Oops meant “ah” sound!
I also thought of Mara June immediately. Such a darling name and different. Mara feels on trend sound wise, but not trendy at the same time. I believe it’s in the bottom of the top 1000.
Being drawn to Mara is how I got to Miriam/Mira the first time. Mara has a lot of negative associations with death/demons/etc in several cultures and I just cannot get past that. :(
I read your name list, and it (including your husband’s alternates) struck me as short, soft, ending in the -AH sound, and decidedly feminine. What about Irena, an alternate to Irene?
Alternately, one of our girls has her great grandmother’s name as her middle: Aldea. I’e never heard it before or since, but it is beautiful and we get lots of compliments on it. :)
Or how about Moira?
Levi and Irena McFew
Levi and Aldea McFew
Levi and Moira McFew
Really, all the names suggested (and on your list!) are lovely. Best wishes.
I totally understand your Nora predicament. I have long lived the name and just found out I am pregnant again but worry about the amount of Nora popping up. If you decide to go with it I still don’t feel it is overdone though.
Maybe Maris or Meryl?
Some other thoughts:
Iris
Maxine
Maude
Clio
Greer
Iona
Clairey
Sybil/Sibyl
Sylvie
Eden/ Edie
Elspeth/Elspeth
Lola
Jane
Quinn (too unisex?)
Delaney
Winslow
And I do love the underused Anna
*loved
Just realized you wrote he does not like Sylvie. How about Sadie or Isla?
So I love swistle’s suggestion of Cora, and think it seems to suit your style. I also love Orla.
I immediately thought of the name Alma as an alternative to Nora as well. I think it has the same vintage spunky vibe and while it is not biblical, it has a solemn feeling to it that I think fits with Levi. Levi and Alma.
I also thought the name Finola might be a nice fit, you get the irish thing but you could also shorten it to Nola, kind of like Nora. Levi and Finola.
Oh and one more what about Piper? Irish and spunky.
Malia!
How do you like Ada?
Or perhaps Deliah?
There’s Sylvia… very classic.
Or Geneva.
Best wishes to you and your growing daughter!
Mary nicknamed Molly is perfect, in my opinion.
I also wonder if you would both like:
Neve
Eve
Ruth nicknamed Rue
Nomi
Grace nicknamed Gray
Oh how wonderful to see my email get addressed. You guys are all amazing, and have given us a ton to digest. I should mention that Norah is still on the table to a certain extent. We had agreed we would find another name, but if she was born and Norah still felt right, we will go with it. But my husband does agree with me that we need to find a new name, so we are on the same page there. The problem is that he is the king of vetoing. Simon was nearly as hard to come to because he says no to nearly everything, and took a little time to grow on me. I really was all dramatic thinking we can never have another son because we will never find a name. :) To a certain extent, it is good because I am crazy about so many girl names! My husband took a bit of time to warm up to Levi when we named our son as well.
To that extent, my husband is trying to come around to Mira as a stand alone name so it is not off the table yet. How he likes Myra, Keira, and Mara, but not Mira is beyond me. Mira is not classy as I tend to like but was drawn to it for several other reasons, and am hoping he comes around to it.
I love Swistle’s suggestion of Cora, and it is definitely up for consideration. I also love Nina, and had thrown that one out many times only for my husband to veto. The idea for Eleanor is perfect for me, but I knew husband would nix it. While I cannot predict what names he will and won’t like, I know at the least, he only goes for short and sweet. Besides Naomi for some reason. Reasons why Miriam, Sylvia, and Caroline are out for him.
While tons of lovely suggestions, the comment that has stood out to me was the one that pointed out Myra as a rearrangement of the letters in Mary–which gets me back to my love for Miriam and Mary is my living great-grandmother, the only person I would consider honoring with a name. My middle name is Marie, a variation of Mary as well. That makes Myra a front runner in my opinion!
I love that so many people love Pearl with Levi, but I am pretty confident husband will not come around to that one :(
We have added Sadie to our list. It is lovely. While we like the sound of Mara, it has tons of negative meanings and associations, we just cannot come around to it.
So many other lovely suggestions. I will keep coming back to them and combing through. At first glance, most others that we really like cannot be used because of family duplicates. I love Lila and Laila, but when you add my name to the mix, it is too much “L”. Leitia, Levi, and Lila.
Thank you all. We will be sure to update come May!!
Thanks for chiming! And I hope he comes around to Mira. I wonder if there are any movies with an appealing character named Mira in them…or some way to give him good associations…
I suggested it earlier, but Maura also occurred to me. It rhymes with Nora and is a little bit more current than Myra.
Thinking of some more short and spunky names:
Petra
Clea
Mina
Mila
Aria/Arya
Good luck!
whoops, that should have read “thanks for chiming in”. :)
Myra Naomi or Myra Noelle are both lovely. Love the combination of Keira Noelle too!
Good luck!
Maybe Bridget/Brigid? Bridget McFew would be adorable.
I also like the suggestion of Maeve. Sharing the ‘v’ with Levi is cute, and it gets you the M from Miriam. Maeve McFew. Maeve Kiera is gorgeous.
What about Dierdre? I think it’s underused. Or Delia?
If Claire isn’t quite right, maybe Clara?
Jane?
Margaret, but called Maisie?
What about Miranda nn Mira? It means “Admirable” or “Marvelous”
Other people have already mentioned them but, as I was reading your letter, the names Moira and Isla came to mind. I also think Mary is a great option. So classic yet sounds so fresh in this generation. I was also wondering about Anora/Annora/Annorah (or even Annara)? I know it’s super close but sometimes a slight tweak can make it feel more distinct and special. Then you still have Nora as a nn if you want.
Laura?
Sounds like we have very similar naming styles, almost identical. Will share with you names on our short list.
I LOVE Orla. Is has the same feel as Nora but is much less common.
What about Brigette? Or Juliet/Juliette? Love these as you can use many nn with them. Birdie, Ette or Etta, Jules, etc.
I recently came across the name Ottilia, nn Tilly. It was so sweet. Classic yet very uncommon. Loving it. You could also go Otelia (o-tee-lia) and you could call her Thea… Even if your husband doesn’t like the name Thea, it could be your nn for her (my husband and I have different pet names for our daughter)
Other names that I like for you:
Esme
Ada
Noella
Vienne
Eve or Evie.
Willa
Lucy. Still love this classic. Levi and Lucy. very sweet sib set. Love this.
Variations of Rose. Rose. Rosa. Rosalie.
Theodora. Once again gives you nn Thea although not sure how you feel about Dora if it ends up someone starts calling her that instead.
Also, my girlfriend named her daughter Kora (different spelling of Cora and I think I prefer it. Makes it look a bit more spunky).
Good luck and keep us posted!!!
Oh meant to mention that I love June.
What about Keeva? Has that Irish feel and sounds fantastic with Levi, especially with the matching ‘v’ sound.
Levi and Keeva. Love it! Keeva Mary McFew perhaps?
Keeva is great!!
I heart Keeva and Levi
Awesome name! I had never heard of it before :)
Levi Harper is an awesome name! For his sister, I’d suggest:
Ada
Rose
Ellen/Nell
Daisy
Isla
Alice
Fiona
Caitlin
Cara
I think that Mary would be sweet. It honors your grandmother, and sounds lovely with your son’s name.
Levi & Mary McFew.
What about Nuala, Nola, or Nyla? For some reason Romilly, nn Romy, also comes to mind, as does Marilu and Marianne.
Neva on your list is also gorgeous. Neva Miriam, or Neva June :)
I’m a Myra Mc myself, and the name has served me well, lo these many years. I didn’t know any other Myras growing up, other than the woman for whom I was named. I recently heard a woman call the name Myra in a museum and a little blonde girl about seven came running.
One thing I would advise against is using Myra if you’re really set on Simon for another child, just due to the long I in common.
I really do love the sibset Levi and Pearl. I wish your husband loved it too. Naomi is pretty fantastic too. That might be my favorite of the bunch. Naomi June McFew. Levi and Naomi.
What about Ruby? Octavia? Anneka? Delilah? Delilah June McFew. Levi and Delilah.
My problem with Orla is that every time I see it, I read it as “Oral”, pause, think, “No. No one is named oral.” Re-read it slowly, and THEN get to Orla. I don’t know if that’s just me or not. I only know one Orla in my actual real life, and I have the problem with her, as well.
Ah, yes, I didn’t want to bring it up but I have the same issue. And “Oral” makes me think of, well…you know. I cringe about the teasing potential.
Yea, I agree. I am not feeling Orla so much.
I don’t know if it’s been mentioned but I also like Thora.
Oh, I like Thora. It’s very different and unique
How about Nuala (Nool-a)? It is Irish, pretty and a bit like Norah with a twist
I wanted to second the Clea or Clio suggestions. Short and sweet and spunky! And I love Swistle’s suggestion of Lydia. That’s one of my favorite names.
Has anyone suggested Selah? I love Selah & Levi together.
Or Mila? (Mee-luh). It seems like your husband likes so many names similar to this. Levi & Mila is super cute.
I just returned from Petra, Jordan and it was such an amazing experience that makes the name Petra that much better! Levi & Petra.
Congratulations. I have a Mira June as well. :) Great choice!
No way! That is awesome :)