Emily writes:
We r expecting a baby girl in 3 months. We are having problems deciding on a first name and pairing middle names. We chose our first baby’s name with such ease. I am worried that my and my Husband’s taste in girl names are so different, that we may never fully agree on a name like we did our son’s. Please Help!
Possible combinations that we are looking at that we cant narrow down or decided on:Navy Lil (I feel like it gives it a girly touch and is my pick tho my husband isn’t sold. Lillian was a Grandparents name.)
Navy Jean (Jean is an aunt my husband is fond of) (I do think Navy Jean and Roland Deen sound cute…)
Navy Northern (I am afraid that it sounds too much like a boy name)
Navy Marks (Mark is my Husband’s name and for a girl I like with the ‘s’)
Capers Cruz
Capers Mark (Is it too much like a boy?)
Capers Lil
Kersey Cruz (Kersey is my Mother’s maiden name. I only like the names together and i don’t like Kersey alone.)Any suggestions or outside opinions are very welcome!
If we were sitting together having coffee and talking this over, I think I’d start by asking for the story of how you chose your son’s name, and how you arrived at the candidates on your current list. Roland is an old and solid name with romantic/knight associations, and Dean is an old surname name that came into style again in the mid 20th century. It’s common for parents to have a different style for boy names and girl names, but the gap between Roland Deen and names like Navy, Northern, and Capers is a large and unexpected one. I would have expected a pairing more like Roland Deen and Lillian Jean, or Roland Deen and Lillian Kersey.
Capers is not currently used as a name in the United States for either boys or girls. The first syllable, which sounds like Kay, is very familiar as a name segment. The second syllable is partially found in names such as Harper, Juniper, and Piper, but -pers is not used as a name ending for any names currently used in the United States. For me the name Capers brings to mind the recipe ingredient and the actions of a court jester; neither is a positive association applied to a person. I also think of capes and papers and vapors, and I see a rearrangement of the name Casper.
A similar name is Caprice: it was given to 27 new baby girls in 2013.
Or would you like Cypress? It was given to 40 new baby girls and 24 new baby boys in 2013.
Navy is more familiar as a name: 78 new baby girls and 13 new baby boys were given the name in 2013. Navy Wingate has an appealing look to it, I think, though I find it a little less pleasing to say aloud.
Kersey is an interesting one to consider; I love the idea of salvaging a family name from your mom’s branch of the tree. If you don’t like it alone, though, it seems like it would be wise to cross it off the list: it’s likely that even if you started by always calling her Kersey Cruz, the Cruz would eventually be dropped. Would you like it without Cruz if Kersey were the middle name instead of the first name?
My next choice from your list is Navy Jean. My one hesitation is that it makes me think of navy beans and navy jeans—but does anyone actually say “navy jeans”? I don’t think so, but the pairing made it come to my mind. Oh, I think it’s because of Old Navy jeans.
A similar name is Ivy. Ivy Jean Wingate; Roland and Ivy.
Or Silvie. Silvie Jean Wingate; Roland and Silvie.
Vienna has sounds similar to Navy, in a different order. Vienna Wingate; Roland and Vienna.
Or Neeve, or Neva, or Geneva.
Mark as a middle name does spin the first name boy for me, as does Cruz. Marks brings to mind Richard Marx, Karl Marx, and the Marx Brothers. I wonder if you’d like Marlie? Or my mother used to know a little girl named Marksy and really liked the name on her.
Northern brings to mind Kim Kardashian and Kanye West’s baby North; that association may lose impact with time, depending on how successful the family is in holding the media’s attention, and you’d be using it as a middle name anyway. But ____ Northern Wingate sounds very place-name to me—like an area of town, or a gated community. I also notice that Navy and Northern are both varieties of beans.
It seems like what you like in a girl name is something unusual and distinctive, unisex or at least not frilly-feminine, and possibly also a word name. I wonder if you’d like any of these:
Avalon
Avril
Briar
Britton
Calista
Campbell
Carlisle
Clarity
Darby
Devany
Ellison
Emlyn
Greer
Haven
Hollis
Jensen
Keatyn
Lark
Lennox
Lyric
Madigan
Merritt
Oakley
Opal
Padgett
Paisley
Sterling
Wren
Yeardley
Some of these have issues similar to the ones mentioned above: sounding like places with the surname, or getting rather noun-heavy, or being a surprising combination with Roland. But these are personal preference things: if they don’t bother you, they don’t need to be taken heavily into account.
My favorite two middle name choices are Jean (family name, sounds great with so many names) and Kersey (family surname), unless you only like Kersey as a first name. Or Emlyn might make a middle name similar to your own name. Avalon Jean Wingate. Merritt Kersey Wingate. Paisley Emlyn Wingate. Padgett Jean Wingate. Opal Kersey Wingate. Hollis Emlyn Wingate.
Name update:
We are excited to announce that Navy Amelia Wingate arrived September 9th! She was 6 lbs and 8 oz and was 19″ long! Thank you Swistle for all of the advice!
I agree with Swistle that while many people have different styles for boys vs. girls, the style differences here are very jarring.
I don’t mean to sound harsh, but Navy Lil sounds a bit like a name you’d expect for a pin-up in an off color comic or something. Navy Jean also makes me think of Old Navy (and it rhymes with navy bean) and Navy Northern screams “beans.” Navy Marks is also used when discussing navy uniform apparel & insignia. Even without this association, it does read very boy. I think Navy could work, but I’d want to pair it with something else. Navy Marley instead of Navy Marks perhaps? I notice you have some alliterative names on your list, so maybe you’d like something along the lines of Navy Nora, Navy Noel?
I’m also curious what it is you like about the name Navy. Is it the color association? If so, perhaps you’d also like Indigo or Azure? Either of these would eliminate any of the problems I see with the Navy first/middle combos. If you like Navy more for the sound, I think I’d suggest names like Maisie, Daisy, Avy, Ava, Aviva, Maeve, Octavia, Waverly, Avis or Haven.
Sorry, but Capers are a food. While I can see the name elements Swistle pointed out, it’d be a lot like naming your kid Pickles or Pimentos or something. Again, I don’t mean to sound harsh-it’s just that Capers does not work as a name for me. Swistle’s suggestion of Caprice seems especially inspired. I assume you are attracted to the sound of Capers, in which case I might suggest April, Paisley, Juniper, Capucine, Maple, Capri or Aspen. While I’m not usually a fan of boys names on girls, I wonder if you might like Jasper or Casper?
Kersey Cruz is really difficult for me to say as I find it a bit tongue twisterish. They also sound very masculine to me, alone and especially combined. I wonder if you’ve tried Kersey in the 2nd position of a double barrel name? Kersey Aspen, Kersey Jean, Kersey Lil.
I agree with all of these statements. Navy/Northern beans, blue jeans, and I too thought of a cartoon pinup girl with Navy Lil.
Capers are either as Swistle described or they are a food that I have in my fridge right now. Delicious on a bagel with lox and cream cheese.
Kersey is the least jarring to me but when I tried to say it aloud I had trouble with the repeating k and r sounds.
I know of a girl named Capri locally. I was surprised on hearing my daughter say the name, as it does make me think of pants. And then maybe Capri Sun drinks. It does have a bright summery feel though.
I’m not familar with capers as food – the name/word makes me think of “high jinx”. I looked it up and the definition of “harebrained escapade” defines what came to mind for me.
You have some really nice family names to choose from!
Unfortunately, I immediately thought of blue jeans when I read “Navy Jean”. And I use the phrase a lot to distinguish from, you know, black jeans, or mint jeans, or grey jeans. Navy Marks has a similar phrase-sound to me that makes it sound like a phrase more than a name. Since Navy can be an adjective, I think it would be best to find a middle name that is not also a noun, to avoid the phrase-sound.
Have you considered Avelyn? Pr. Av-a-lin or Ay-va-lin. You could call her Avi/ Ay-vee/ rhymes with Navy.
If you like Navy, I wonder if you’d like Saylor/ Sailor? Adorable and avoid some of the phrasing problems of Navy.
Saylor Jean Wingate
Saylor Lil Wingate
Disclaimer: I LOVE the idea of giving my (hypothetical) child a name no one else has. Popularity is, for me, about the biggest turnoff a name can have. However, I think it can be dangerous to choose a name that’s different just for the sake of being different–there’s a chance the kid loves it and feels special and distinguished, but there’s also a high risk of resentment or embarrassment. So I get where you’re coming from with this list, but I think it would be worth making an effort to expand the parameters a bit.
I couldn’t tell from this post whether the names you listed represent a combination of your husband’s and your different naming styles or whether these are just the names you like; but if it’s the latter, and if perhaps your husband’s style is a bit more traditional, I’d like to put in a strong vote for compromising such that, perhaps, you pair one name from this list with one that’s solidly recognized as a girl’s name, or at least a unisex name. This would give your daughter the option of using either, as she may not turn out to be the type of girl who wants a name without a safety net.
Of the names you’ve listed here, I think Kersey Cruz works best.
Both Navy Northern and Navy Mark(s) strike me as vaguely nautical and quite definitely masculine, if anything. Does your family have a military background? If not, and if there is no other link to these names, I worry that your daughter would spend much of her life explaining it thus: “My parents were just trying to be different [insert adolescent eyeroll].” What other explanation would she be able to offer? Perhaps it’s worth thinking through an answer to that question, since it’s likely it would come up for a female with either of these names.
Lastly, I cannot NOT red-flag Capers. In a vacuum, it sounds all right (though soundwise, it doesn’t fit into any category I’m aware of). But it is analogous to naming one’s daughter Pickles, or to naming her Hijinks. Different people will hear different associations first, but I think in either case it sounds quite cartoony–like a kitchen elf, or a mischievous pirate. I think if this is a name you’d like having, ’tis safer to consider a name change than to use it on a daughter. She’ll thank you if ever she winds up applying for a job as a bank teller!
Like the previous commenter, I don’t mean to sound harsh–I lovelovelove your spirit in choosing no-fear names! I just think you HAVE to offer her an “out” in case she turns out not to be as adventurous as these choices.
To be frank, I think that Capers ought to be stricken from the list of options: the vast majority of people your child meets will think about a jar of pickled flower buds. I also don’t really understand “Navy”. What if your daughter grows up and actually joins the Navy, or marries someone who’s a sailor? Maybe you are thinking of it primarily as a pleasing collection of sounds, but I think the vast majority of people your daughter meets will think of the service first.
What about Lilian Jean, “Lil” or “Lily”? Lilian and Roland are great sibling names, and I think that “Lily Jean” has a rhythm that might keep it in use. It sounds retro-fresh to me, too, in a way that matches your son’s name very nicely.
I agree completely.
What about Fable?
Fable Jean Wingate. Roland and Fable.
Forgot to add–“Capers Mark” is a pretty short leap from “Makers Mark,” the bourbon brand. Again, in the absence of a better explanation, people may assume that’s what you’re referencing (obscurely) if you use this name.
I know a family who have chosen GREAT names for their kids, and they have a daughter named Krusey. Pretty sure it’s after a family name of Krue. I’ve always thought it was awesome, and it seems like a combo of Kersey Cruz.
I’m going to be very blunt here, and I hope I’m not being TOO brutally honest, but it sounds like you are try to mimic movie stars’ baby names. Navy Lil –> Blue Ivy?, Navy Northern –> cross between Blue Ivy and North West?
Capers just reminds me of Twelfth Night Act 1: Scene 3.
I enjoy family last names as middle names – they are unique and give children ancestrial information. But Kersey as a first name?
Honestly, I think you should scrap the entire list and come up with some new ideas. especially with a brother Roland.. I’m not a champion of “matching” names, but I am a fan of COORDINATING names. And these are all more words than even names.
Sorry if this is harsh… but I cannot get behind calling a child any of these.
I am with you in that I think the writer needs to start completely over in the process. I kept reading down the list thinking “really?”. Usually I can find something positive in a naming suggestion the writer has but this is the first time that I absolutely cannot find anything good about any of these names. I’m not bashing the writer in any way but almost pleading that they reconsider!
I couldn’t agree more. I like your son’s name very much — good job choosing a fine vintage name that’s not overly used. But I was quite surprised (and dismayed) when I read through your list of possible names for your daughter. I hope you can come up with a name equally as fine/solid as Roland for her.
I also found this list of potential names very jarring in a negative way, but I think it was the combination of all these names in particular that made it so jarring, as opposed to any name individually. I especially think Capers and Northern are unusable. But if you remove the other names from the context of this list as a whole, I think some may be pretty cute, although unusual!
Navy is certainly rare, but it shares sounds with a lot of other names. I think it would be really cute with a recognizable girls name in the middle spot, but I would not suggest using a middle name that could be a noun, because then her name just sounds like a desciption of a thing. For this reason I think Navy Jean is out. But something like Navy Camille, Navy Kate, Navy Eliza… (not necessarily these specific names but you get the gist!) could be adorable.
I also don’t think Kersey is weird. Kersey Cruz reads a little on the masculine side of unisex to me but I don’t think it’s unusable. The similarity to the name Kelsey makes it sound like a perfectly nice but rare name.
My suggestion to the letter writer is that if you want to use one of these pretty out-there first names, maybe consider softening up your middle name choices to something more familiar and feminine and you might have a great memorable name on your hands that won’t seem so crazy.
Not my naming style, but I don’t mind the name Navy in theory. I think the two noun names together is throwing me. I do read Navy Jean as an object not a name.
Perhaps a non noun middle name?
I commenting for the first time to suggest a name i just saw on an adorable girl.
Jersey. It was surprisingly wearable.
Jersey jean seems like the sounds you like. (But both are fabrics, that may be an issue).
Like the suggestion of Sailor. Sailor jean is adorable.
I agree. I really like Jersey. SO CUTE.
Emily, please think really carefully about what it would be like to go through life with the first name Capers. While it might be really perfect for the right person– that person is rare, and it may not be your baby. If it’s not, it will be a burden as a name because it is so unexpected, jarring, and full of difficult associations (capers like the kind of genre movie plot, and the pungent food).
One suggestion– maybe try going into Starbucks or a place like that where you have to give your name when you order, and try giving it as “Capers”. See if you can do it without feeling awkward, and see what the reactions are from others. I’ve heard it referred to as the “Starbucks test” and it really does work. I realized some of my favorite “out there” choices are not ones I’d want for myself, really, nor ones I’ll ever use on a child. I got my partner to try it as well and it also cured him of a few of his wilder choices.
I’m not a big fan of Navy either, but it has more of a name sound and would be a lot easier to live with for most people I think. My 2 big issues with Navy as a name: military association, which is not neutral and not something I’d put on a kid, and the Rihanna association (it is used as shorthand for her fans– and she has a huge following). I also make the association with the kind of bean and with Old Navy.
Kersey is cute– I think that’s a nice choice especially with the family link. It does sound like “curse” though.
Sorry to be so negative. You say you aren’t happy with the choices, either, though– so maybe it’d be best to go back to the drawing board entirely?
Here are a few I thought of:
Echo
Cricket
Clover
Juniper
Canyon
Romy
Aria
Lyric
Paisley
Nova
Aurora
Yarrow
Willow
Maple
Kismet
Wren
Sonnet
Story
Blue
Yes–just what I was getting at, and more succinctly (the Starbucks part).
By the way, for clarification, I didn’t come up with the “Starbucks test” myself– I think maybe I picked it up from you, Swistle…? Credit should be given wherever it’s due, as it is a really useful method of testing names in real life.
I wish it HAD been me—I think it’s a great idea.
If this were Facebook, I’d be clicking “Like” right now. I’m going to pass the Starbucks baby name ‘test’ along to anyone I hear is expecting!
It’s a great way to envision a “real world test” of a name that may in the abstract seem really cool. Very useful!
It’s super useful! It’s amazing how swiftly it led me to let go of one of my long cherished yet problematic favorites, Clementine. I couldn’t even bring myself to say it out loud to the barista. I kept pausing. It so thoroughly brought me down to earth about it that I’m not even wistful over it.
I had the opposite experience! “Annabeth” went off without a hitch, weirdly enough. Very informative.
I also thought you might like Cadence!
Or Haven?
Overall, I agree with everything Swistle has said. But I wanted to add that I do know a girl named Caper. I think I’ve mentioned it here before. She’s around 13 yrs. old now, and when she was born her parents anguished over her name, spending 8 full weeks after her birth before choosing Caper. Our whole community was waiting with baited breath, partly because her older sister was named Kindle. (obviously happened before the reading device happened)…….They did pair Caper with a traditional middle, (P)auline, and many of us at the time thought “Why not simply use (P)auline? Classic, refreshing, & surprising all rolled into one.” I cannot report first hand on how wearable my friend’s young daughter has found her name–I’ve always thought it a bit too personal a question, and like Swistle, have reasoned that it’s not too analytically far from say, Piper.
Is it the age of Google that is making us stretch farther & farther afield for unusual names? I, too, appreciate unique names–I like Fable, as Lucy’s Mom suggested, and also Story, and Journey. And I know a teenage girl named Passage, as well…..But as a fairly introverted woman, I am happy that my name hasn’t been a basis for discussion when I meet others for the first time. Well, it can be, but it certainly doesn’t tend to be. There’s so many other more compelling things I’d rather talk about! I think this is worth considering when contemplating a child’s name–ideally, the name is a gift the parents are bestowing, and not a tricky-to-balance basin of water.
I can appreciate the name Navy, but only if paired with something feminine. If you go this route, I’d suggest Navy Guinevere as a way to coordinate with the medieval knight vibe of Roland. Best wishes!
I like the name Navy! But I would not pair it with “Jean”…immediately brought to mind blue jeans.
Good luck!
I have to agree with previous posters on Capers. I just can’t see it. Northern makes me think of the toilet paper brand or North West so I have trouble getting behind that too.
Kersey reminds me of Kelsey, so I think that works fine as a name, but I don’t like Cruz very much. I do like Navy though.
Would you consider Marchesa as a middle name to honor your husband? It’s pronounced Mar-kay-sah. I think it would add femininity to a gender-ambiguous first name. Navy Marchesa Wingate would be my choice for you.
Love this name suggestion. As an alternate spelling, I know of a Marquesa, pronounced the same as above. It’s an Italian name meaning “royalty” which would pair with Roland fairly well.
I gave my daughter an unusual first name and am grateful I chose a traditional, popular middle name for a couple reasons – she has another name (and style) to fall back on if she hates her name and in situations where I don’t want to get into an explanation (it happens) I can say her full name and it seems to cause less question. I love the Starbucks idea. I wish I had thought of that, don’t get me wrong I still adore my daughter’s name but there are some nuances I didn’t think of that come up now I’m saying her name out loud to more than my husband.
I actually enjoy the name Navy. I like the suggestion of Navy Guinevere. I’d add:
Navy Olivia Wingate
Navy Elizabeth Wingate
Navy Katharine Wingate
Navy Juliet Wingate
Also, I love the idea of using your mother’s maiden name and I think Roland & Kersey complement each other. I prefer Kersey Lillian, or another more traditional middle name for the same reasons listed above.
Oh dear… I’m afraid I have to agree with the general consensus on a lot of these. I actually ate something with capers on it for lunch. They are delicious, but they are very much a condiment. And caper as a synonym for cavort didn’t escape me either. I really urge you to drop Capers from your list.
Navy seems quite wearable to me. I think of the colour first, and I find the name Navy Wingate quite charming. Do you have a particular hesitation against using Lilian rather than Lil? Because Navy Lillian Wingate sounds really pretty, plus you could get away with calling her Nell!
A previous poster mentioned this, but I pronounce Kersey as “Curse-y” which isn’t very nice. If you plan on pronouncing it Care-sy or Kerzy, I could maybe get behind it. But it might be more trouble than it’s worth.
I hate to be a debby downer, but I agree with all the pushback above.
What about Kersey Jean? Genevieve nn Navy?
Oh dear…this list is well…creative. I do know a little girl by the name of Kersey. She spells it differently, but sounds the same. The first time I heard it I thought “well, that is interesting.” It has really grown on me and I find it quite beautiful. I feel that any family connection makes any name extra special.
Kersey Jean is my favorite combo from the list above. I think it sounds splendid with Roland. Roland and Kersey.
I hate to be a downer, but I think there are some serious problems with your list. A caper is a prank and a condiment, Kersey reminds me of the personality test, Navy Northern (especially with Wingate) is too brand-heavy, Marks is going to make people think you named your child after Marxism or Groucho Marx, Navy Lil sounds a bit incomplete, and Navy Jean sounds like a fabric.
I do like Navy, though, but I’m not sure I like it with Roland. It’s just a big mismatch in terms of siblings. Have you considered Nova? It’s still a little mismatched but at least there’s that strong o sound that pulls them together.
But, I agree with the other commenters when they say to scratch the list and start over. Super sorry :(
I like Swistle’s suggestion of Ivy. As an alternate spelling, my friend spells her name Ivey, and I’ve always liked that spelling better because it isn’t the same as the plant. Ivey, to me, is very similar to Navy (which is an ok girl name) and Kersey, but it avoids the issues identified above which may be related to those names.
Additionally, in my opinion, Ivey finds that sweet spot of being on trend but obscure, and it carries the vintage style that Roland has without being too matchy.
I like Ivey Jean Wingate, but you can really go wild with the middle. :)
Weird aside: I think Ivey Jean would give me great pleasure to write out every time and/or see written. Strangely enough, this is actually something I strove for with my children’s names – visual and writing (tactile) appeal, i.e., did I enjoy writing their names? Roland Deen has the same visual/tactile appeal; it’s a lovely name.
I love word and noun names.
Just wanted to say that I don’t mind Navy as a first name, but I’m in Australia and the military association is not a big one for me.
I think Caprice is much better than Capers and solves most of the problems whilst keeping the whimsical feel.
I’d pronounce Kersey as ‘Curse-y’ and it would put me off.
I like your list, I mean atleast your names are not boring and overused! My favorite is Navy! It was actually on my list when I was pregnant with my daughter, but I already knew two little girls named Navy. I think NAVY BEA is adorable!! It would fit your style and sound great with your son’s name. Roland Deen and Navy Bea. Another one I thought you might like is Navy Lux.
Some other suggestions I came up with are: Scout, Greer, Hadley, Channing, Dempsey (nn Demi), Fifer, Quincy (nn Quin), Sailor, Kensley, Collins, Lennon, Sonnet and Campbell.
I like: Hadley Jean, Greer Kersey, Channing Lil, Dempsey Cruz, Scout Capers, Fifer Marks, Collins Cruz and Quincy Jean!
Good luck!
is BEA said like.. “bia” as in “you’re a biatch/witch with a b”? If so, may want to rethink!
Bea is a common name for Beatrice and Beatrix. Often pronounced “bee” and fairly common. I’d never draw the conclusion that you drew.
Same here but it’s just one letter off from Navy Bean–back to the bean references.
I third, fourth, fifth, sixth, etc…the comments of doing a restart. Total restart. I understand being creative and unique, but I think that can be done without such off the wall names.
I guess I’d pick Navy as the one I’d like best, but I’d suggest another color if you want a color. Scarlett comes to mind. Scarlett Jean. Scarlett and Roland. Or Violet, Hazel or Ruby?
Or instead of Navy, what about Liberty? Liberty Jean. Liberty and Roland.
Or maybe something ending in y like navy? I love the Ivy suggestion. Maybe Lacy, Darcy, Darby, or Macy.
Seems maybe you would like noun names. Iris. That’s a lovely, uncommon, but known name that matches well with Roland. Roland Deen and Iris Jean?
Instead of Capers, what about more positive names like Olive, Pearl, Poppy, Fleur, etc…
Or just some simple, beautiful classic names that aren’t overtly popular, but not so outlandish that our grandmas would be confused. Alice, Mabel, Matilda, Margot, Sybil, or Agatha.
Normally when I hear the word “navy” out of context I immediately think of the colour and nothing else. I have to be reminded that it has other meanings. However, when I read Navy Lil on your list, my first (and unshakeable) impression was not of the colour but of a 1940s pinup girl surrounded by sailors in white uniforms. It’s a bit of a saucy image to bestow on a young girl.
I’m not against Navy as a name, but am also not sure it works with your surname sounding like a place name.
Aside from all the other comments urging against Capers as a name, I would also add that I think you should avoid any name ending in S with your surname:
Capers Wingate becomes Caper Swingate
Marks Wingate becomes Mark Swingate
Cruz Wingate becomes Crew Swingate
Kersey seems like it could be a name – it sounds similar to Kirsty and looks similar to Kelsey, so it has all the elements of a name. But that could work against it. She could spend her life correcting people who mishear or misread her name.
I would suggest using Lillian in full instead of Lil (too much of a Rugrats connotation for me). Or what about Lily-Anne?
If you like Navy as a colour name, would you consider Ebony, Grey, Sienna, Scarlett, Ruby or Ivory?
If you like Navy for the naval connection, would you like Scout, Ocean or Mariner? Or the fantastic suggestion already of Sailor.
If you want to use Mark, would you consider Marcia, Marina, or Marlene?
Instead of Capers, would you like Cassidy, Castile, Perkins or Parker? Caspar, Caspian or Percy would make great brothers for Roland, would you consider using them on a girl?
Good luck, you will find the right name. Please let us know what you choose.
Such a good point about the names ending in S/Z sounds! I hadn’t even thought of that, but yes.
Our naming styles are very different but I see no point in trying to talk you out of your style.
If you love Navy, I would use a longer while still whimsical name to complement it. Navy Lillian or Navy Juliette eliminates the issues mentioned above regarding Navy Lil or Navy Jean.
As for Capers, my first reaction was “that would be like naming your child Ketchup or Relish” But if Olive, Basil, Sage, Clementine, and Apple can be used as names, I suppose Capers can be. Again I would use a feminine middle name in the middle spot. Capers Jean would give your daughter the option of going by CJ is she really dislikes Capers. Capers Marley could become C Marley.
Of all the combinations you have, I like Kersey Cruz the best. In fact, I like the family names on your list: Jean, Kersey, and Lillian. I’d use the whole name and not just Lil, because it sounds like the contraction for little and makes the whole name seem like a nickname or a stage name, even when it comes second. I would actually like a lot of the possible combinations of those three– Kersey Jean, Lillian Jean, Jean Kersey, etc. But would you like Neve instead of Navy? That takes out all of the associations that are bothering people. Neve Kersey is nice for instance, or Neve Cruz.
I like Neve as an option for Navy! Great idea!
What about Kirby Jean?
Jacoba Jean, nicknamed Cobie
Davida Cruz, nicknamed Davie
Jamie Jean
Kinsley Jean
Delaney Jean, nicknamed Laney
This has nothing to do with the original question from Emily (although I agree with what most of the commenters have said about rethinking the list), but I just have to say that the Starbucks test is BRILLIANT. Truly brilliant. So many people want to give their children these off-the-wall bizarre “different” “unique” names, but if given the choice, would probably not be comfortable if that were their own name. I realize I am captain obvious here, but I just couldn’t help myself. No disrespect to Emily – if you do the Starbucks test and still love Capers and Navy, then they are probably right for you!
Kaela – Love it – thanks for sharing!
Hopefully the Starbucks test would include spelling the name for the barrister too. That would be the complete test of how it might be to be the bearer of a name one is considering for one’s child.
That should be barista…
What about
Navy Merritt
Navy Bea
Merritt Mae
Kerzy Dot
Dottie Lill
Percy Jean
A few suggestions taking inspiration from your list
Kelsey
Cadence
Nova
I love the honour name Jean for a middle with any of these.
I think Kersey and Navy are both workable, just not with the middle names you have with them. From your list I like the combos Navy Lillian and Kersey Jean. I’m sorry, but I agree that Capers needs to go.
Another suggestion: Lyric. Lyric Lillian Wingate would be very pretty, and has the alliteration you seem to like.
My favorite of your choices is Kersey, but I might pair it with Jean. My friend has a daughter named Navy, and it’s a cute choice, although a little tougher stylistically with Roland.
A few other names you may like, either as first or middle name options:
Ever
Luna
Cameo
Lux
My first thought as I had when I read your names was, “Whoa! I didn’t expect those names with Roland!” I’m not reading all of the comments here, but and likely beating a dead horse at this point that the name combos you are considering are jarring. It will be commented upon which you may or may not find annoying.
Since you are considering something to honor a Mark, I thought I’d throw out these suggestions (they all have MAR or ARC in them:
– Amara.
– Marlowe.
– Marta
– Darcy
My favorite combos would be Amara Jean (AJW / Roland and Amara) or Marta Kersey (MKW / Roland and Marta).
Capers made me think of Aspen, Olive, and Capella.
Other names that came to mind: Linden, Sloane, Petra. Veronica, Vera, and Milena.
From your list, I like Navy the best.
My favorite for you from the hive mind were Juniper, Olive, Scout, Jersey, and Sailor (or Sayler if you prefer). I would add in Tavy (or Tavi) – which has a similar sound to Navy but none of its color or military reminders.
I would agree with the posters that Navy Lil made me think of a 1940s pin-up (Lillian as opposed to Lil in the middle would mitigate this some), Navy Jean made me think immediately of clothes, and Navy Marks (especially with the s) went right to military insignia. I think Navy could work, but I prefer Sailor or Scout if you are looking at this seriously.
Octavia Jean “Tavi” or “Tavy” would be unique and classy.
Wow… I live in Australia where naming styles generally tend to be more traditional and baby girls are usually given female names – the current trend in America to use male names for girls is something I just don’t ‘get’. Clearly this style of naming is unlike anything I’m used to, but I’m going to agree with everyone else, please please reconsider capers as a name! It’s goes beyond different to bordering on ridiculous and I couldn’t imagine a child having to live with it. I’m a paediatrician and I see parents who come to regret an ‘interesting’ but hard to live with name when they or their child are sick of having to explain spelling/pronunciation/the story behind the name.
These names seem like a completely different style from Roland, which is a lovely under-used traditional name.
All the best with your new baby!
As an add on to the Starbucks test mentioned above, I always thought of the resume test: imagine the name of your child on a resume, being sent to a law firm, an accounting firm, a government office, whatever. For me, I just can’t see Navy or Caper being names on a resume. Navy as a middle name, maybe.
I am going to agree with the general consensus and many others. I would throw Caper and Northern out. Navy is workable, I can see it on a little girl, but not with those middle names. I would want to pair it with a middle name that was traditional and feminine, like Navy Eloise, Navy Marie or Navy Joanne.
Other names that might be up your alley – Cerise, Claret, Maisie, Vesper, Indigo, Daphne, Lacey
I forgot- Caprice. I would say no to that because of the definition of the word (sudden/unaccountable change in mood or behavior). For me, it’s a bit of a negative association.
I like Navy, but Navy Jean reads as “blue jeans” in my mind. I do not like Lil at all because of how commonly I see “lil” used in place of “little” (drives me crazy). Aren’t Capers a food? I think my husband is allergic to them. I’ve never heard it as a name, and would maybe like it if I hadn’t remembered they’re a food. I like Kersey until I say it out loud, and then it reminds me of Chrissy.
Lillian Jean would be lovely… especially with Roland Dean (or is it Deen like in the post’s title?).
You could call her Lil’ J or EL-jee or Little Lil.
Otherwise, I’m typically very supportive of thinking outside the top 500 names. I agree that Capers and Marks could be tough. Kersey reminds me of Guernsey and Jersey cattle. BUT! Maybe that’s only me! If the name is pronounced KEER-sey, that would make a difference. Then it would remind me of Kira instead of curses or cows.
Navy is nice. Navy Lillian would be a winner of a name. A percentage of folks are anti-military, but the majority of America is grateful for the freedoms protected by our armed forces. “Go, Navy!” would be pretty cute to shout at her soccer games, and you KNOW she’d love to wear the sweatshirts that simply say NAVY. But since Navy is such a androgynous moniker, a feminine middle name would go a long ways. And, yes, I can definitely imagine a Honorable Judge Navy L. Wingate.
When I smoosh Mark and Emily together, the name of Merrily comes to mind. Merrily Jean Wingate has some sweet sass. Romilly Jean, too. I wonder; do you ever call your son “Rollie?” Rollie and Romy could be darling together.
How are you feeling? Overwhelmed yet? Naming is crazy business sometimes! You two will find just the right label for your new addition. Best of wishes, and please let us know what you pick!
With your last name being made up of two nouns (win + gate), I would stay away from “word” names, which for me rules out Navy and Capers right off the bat.
As for Kersey, you said in your letter that you don’t like Kersey alone, which to me is a red flag. I would imagine that even if you yourself called your daughter “Kersey Cruz”, many people in her life may only ever know her as Kersey, and that may be out of your control. I would suggest that you put Kersey in the middle name spot and find something else for the little one’s first name.
I agree with a previous poster who offered some names that could honour Mark. I would add:
Mara (Mara Kersey Wingate? Roland and Mara?)
Marla
Mary
Maria
Mariana
Mariska (this has M-A-R-K)
Or, would using the name Kirsten feel like enough of a tie-in to Kersey for you? Kirsten Lillian Wingate, or Kirsten Jean Wingate? I know a Kirsten who has always gone by Kirstie and that sounds really similar to Kersey.
Also, I checked the SSA site and found that Roland was #665 in 2013. I took a look and found the lovely Mira at #665 on the girl names list! Mira Wingate; Roland and Mira?
Another pretty alternative to Navy could be Nova or even November. I like Desley and Halsey as alternatives to Kersey.
I think my favorite combinations are Kersey Jean, Lillian Navy, Lillian Kersey, or Kersey Lillian. Even though I am guessing Kersey rhymes with Jersey, I would pronounce it “Keersy” with a hard /s/ rather than a /z/ sound, making it more of an homage to the family name and more girly.
Another idea is Copper, which makes me think of the element and the pretty red-gold color on a new penny.
I love your surname! If it was mine, I’d be tempted to emphasise the ‘win’ element by calling her Edwina or Winifred. The repeating sounds are extra pleasing because ‘win’ is such a positive word. These names encourage the nickname Winnie, which would be a nice thing if she ever changed her surname later in life.
Really love the Navy Marchesa suggestion. How about Renn, Eleri, or Arden?
Another thought is the name Perry. Perry Lillian. Or Percy.
I wanted to suggest Mavis for you. I love it with Roland, and you could use “Mavy” as a nickname, and you have a bit of a link to your husband’s name as they would both start with M.
I was totally in love with a few completely unused names, and I relentlessly tried to talk my husband into using them. He refused, and now after I’ve introduced my 3 children and called their names (loudly) on the playground and at the mall and everywhere else thousands of times I am very glad that I didn’t go with my off the wall top choices.
Mavis is a great suggestion! I’m curious what your off-the-wall suggestions were? No kids yet, but the off-the-wall ones my partner and I have let go of as we get nearer to parenthood include Echo, Snow, and Wave…
I just remembered that I used to know a Cappy, short for Caroline. Obviously it’s very stylistically different from your list– but Caroline pairs really well with Roland.
I like Navy the best from your list and agree with the previous commenters that if you choose this one then it should be paired with a longer, classic and feminine middle name.
I LOVE Swistle’s suggestion: Ivy.
Here are some alternatives to Navy:
– Vivian / Vivienne
– Livia
– Aviana / Avielle
– Devin
– Eve
– Lana / Lena
Alternatives to Kersey:
– Elsie
– Kara / Cara
– Kelsey
– Casey
– Carys
– Kinsey
– Maisie
– Kerrigan
Alternatives to Capers:
– Harper
– Piper
I agree about the need to start over.
What about Neve? Has some of the sounds the OP likes, and still unusual, yet a recognizable name.
What about Avalon nn Avie/Avy? Roland and Avalon sound so dreamy together!
I like the idea of Percy too. Persephone with the nn Percy/Persy perhaps?
I’d also like to suggest:
Penelope nn Nell/Nellie
Jane nn Janie
Lucinda/India/Indigo nn Indy
October nn Toby
Tristan/Beatrice nn Triss
Emerald nn Emmy
Francesca nn Frankie
Josephine nn Joey
Good luck!
Oh….. What about Saffron nn Saffy? Absolutely love this name!
Saffron Wingate is adorable!
Suzanna nn Zanna would be great too! Roland and Suzanna. Love!
Let me first say that I think Navy is totally wearable, but my immediate reaction to the name Navy Wingate was that it sounds exactly like Navy Gateway Inn, the name of all military hotels on US naval bases.
I love love love your daughter’s name! Navy Amelia Wingate seems like a winner of a name to me. Very distinguishable. Good job and congratulations!