Baby Girl or Boy T!lt, Sibling to Molly and Thatcher

51 Replies

Ok here’s the deal…
Our last name is T!lt – not a love for me but chose the guy, not the name.
We have a 3.5 year old daughter – Molly Cutler (goes by Molly)
And a 1.5 year old son –
Thatcher O’Shea (goes by Thatch/ Thatchy/Thatcher)
Baby No. 3 will be here on our anniversary! – Oct 21st – and we aren’t finding out the gender.
I’ve heard your advice ab thinking of potential sibling names when picking your first baby name and well… I didn’t. I broke a cardinal rule of adorable sibling sets by changing genres (I’m as irritated by this as anyone) however independently I LOVE their names.
We are pretty set on the boy name – Shepherd O’Shea. Feels similar to Thatcher to me. Good nickname, occupation name in a “nonobvious” way.

It’s the girl name that’s giving me anxiety.
We will use Cutler again as a middle – perhaps odd I know.

I love the name Maggie and would absolutely use it however my husband had a childhood dog named Maggie so he’s not 100%

Everly – I love it but rising popularity bothers me
Halsey
Linden
Greer
I worry that these names are odd for a girl whose sister has such an obviously girly name.

For whatever it’s worth my husband is Michael and I am Cassidy and we are… Stumped.
Help us pls!

 

Looking at the list of four finalists and imagining what I’d GUESS if I saw the names with no other cues, I’d guess:

Everly: girl
Halsey: not sure at all
Linden: girl
Greer: girl

In order of perceived femininity, which is very very subjective:

Everly
Linden
Greer
Halsey

I had a little trouble ranking Linden and Greer: I’ve only encountered Greer as a girl’s name, while I’ve only encountered Lyndon as a boy name and haven’t heard of any girls named Linden, so Greer seems more obviously GIRL to me. And yet the look and sound of Linden seems more FEMININE to me; and although I’ve only encountered female Greers, I know it can be used for boys (60 new baby girls and 18 new baby boys in 2013). So I went back and forth about how to put them in order.

I looked it up just now, and Linden is even more unisex than I thought. In 2013, the Social Security Administration reports 65 new baby girls and 53 new baby boys named Linden. (The spelling Lyndon adds another 17 new baby girls and 136 new baby boys; the spelling Lynden adds 33 new baby girls and 28 new baby boys.)

Halsey is interesting. It’s not a name I’ve ever encountered, and it’s not in the Social Security Administration’s data base at all for 2013. It reminds me of names such as Haley and Kelsey, so it should strike me as Girl—but something about it is throwing me off. It could be the Hal, but that doesn’t catch me with Haley. It could be that it makes me think of Halston, a male designer. It seems like a surname, so I think that makes me want to put it with the name Thatcher. But if I picture the name Halsey on a boy, it doesn’t seem quite right, so I think if I had a longer time to look at the name I’d ultimately guess girl. I think pronunciation will be a larger concern: Hal to rhyme with pal, or with ball, or with pail? and then is it -see or -zee? My first guess was Hal-like-hall and sey-like-zee: HALL-zee.

If I were choosing purely on the basis of which name seemed most feminine to me, I would choose Everly. Despite the Everly Brothers, the name hits my ear as entirely feminine, like Evelyn and Beverly. The current usage is entirely girl: the Social Security Administration reports 804 new baby girls with the name in 2013; it’s not in the data base at all for boys.

You rebuke yourself for changing name styles between Molly and Thatcher, but I think those are very compatible in a sibling set. I prefer not to change styles between two brothers (Thatcher and then, say, Andrew, or Billy), but having different styles for the boys and the girls in a family seems just fine. I would still avoid clashes, or styles that seemed to say something about differing expectations (girls named Poppy, Trixie, and Lulu with brothers named Theodore, Everett, and Sebastian), but I think the names Molly and Thatcher go very nicely together, and wouldn’t have thought of it as changing styles. And I think your choice of the name Shepherd shows a consistent style for boy names.

For girl names, one thing you have going for you is that Molly is a name that goes with a lot of styles. I had trouble thinking of a clash example for the previous paragraph. Molly and Everly are different styles (one traditional/early-American and the other modern/surname), and yet I don’t think they clash per se. They feel similarly energetic and neither of them seem overly girly-girl.

Molly and Linden, Molly and Greer—those both seem fine too. It’s a style/popularity change, but not a style clash. I think Molly and Greer makes a great sister pair: I like how they both have double letters, and they’re both five letters long. Molly and Linden strikes me favorably, too: definitely a change in style, but I don’t get the “off” feeling I get with, say, sisters named Clarissa and Cameron, which feels like the set-up for a sitcom about a princess and a tomboy.

I feel less sure about Halsey, but I think that’s because I feel less sure of the name overall. If it’s a family surname, I would think it a far better choice than if it’s a modern invented name.

I also like Everly best with the surname. Everly T!lt. Linden T!lt. Halsey T!lt. Greer T!lt.

Because you like Maggie, though, I wonder if we could find something you like that’s closer in style to Molly. My first association is with early American names, and with names that used to be nicknames (Molly was a nickname for Mary) but are now also/primarily stand-alone names. Names such as:

Betsy
Daisy
Eliza
Ginny
Katie
Kay
Libby
Lily
Lucy
Maisy
Mandy
Milly (not with Molly)
Mindy
Nancy
Nora
Polly (not with Molly)
Sadie
Sally
Tessie

But I don’t at all think the name needs to be “nicknamey”: Molly has been stand-alone for so long, many people don’t even know it used to be a nickname. So I’d add a ton of full names to the list: Abigail, Clara, Anna, Violet, Charlotte, Phoebe, Hannah, anything from the vintage revival category. I suspect, though, that most of these are too popular for your tastes.

I wonder if you’d like the name Darcy? It seems similar to Molly, but it’s not common at all: not even in the Top 1000 for 2013. Darcy T!lt; Molly, Thatcher, and Darcy.

Or Delaney? Surnamey like Thatcher and Shepherd, but feminine. Delaney T!lt; Molly, Thatcher, and Delaney.

Linley has some of the sound of Linden, but currently used only for girls. Linley T!lt; Molly, Thatcher, and Linley.

 

 

Name update!

Just remembered I owned you an update as I was nursing the newest and decided click over and read your blog…
The baby came early! On October 12, 2015 Shepherd O’Shea T!lt joined us and our hearts – and hands! – are overflowing!
Thank you to you and your readers for pointing out things we hadn’t noticed with the potential names!

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51 thoughts on “Baby Girl or Boy T!lt, Sibling to Molly and Thatcher”

  1. A

    I adore Linden for a girl, it’s on the top of my list. Halsey sounds displeasing to me, like halitosis, but maybe you are pronouncing it differently. But I agree with Swistle that Everly would be the most obvious girl name with sibs Molly and Thatch.

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  2. Christine

    I like Everly and Linden best from your choices. I wonder if you would like Eden or Arden for a little girl? The sounds remind me of Everly and Linden – and I especially like Eden (maybe with a nn of Edie) with Molly. Linden was a town near where I grew up, so Linden T!lt sounds almost like a ride or a name for a particularly tricky road or something, but unless you also grew up around a place named Linden, I wouldn’t worry about it.

    Good luck!

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  3. Kim C

    I think Molly and Thatcher are great names together!

    Swistle’s suggestion of Lucy is my favorite as a sister for Molly.

    Molly, Thatcher and Lucy

    I’d also like to suggest Evie (adorable) and Bridie.

    Molly, Thatcher and Evie
    Molly, Thatcher and Bridie

    Zoe would be great too!

    Good luck!

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  4. Anne

    So, Halsey makes me think of the WWII admiral of the same name (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Halsey,_Jr.) who is prominently discussed in the book and movie The Hunt for Red October. It’s obscure, but, because of that reference, the name seems entirely masculine to me.

    Haley seems like a good alternative. Though I love Maggie, so I hope your husband comes around!

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  5. Colleen

    For the record, I don’t think that your sibset is any less adorable because you “switched” naming styles. Molly and Thatcher are fantastic names, and Shepherd would be an adorable addition.

    Personally, I’m not wild about the four names you listed. The only one I think fits with your family is Everly, but I know you’re not wild about its popularity. Here are some other names to consider:

    Lucy – Molly, Thatcher, and Lucy. Loved Swistle’s suggestion and this might be my favorite.
    Jane – Molly, Thatcher, and Jane. Also lends itself to cute nickname of JC when paired with Cutler as the middle name.
    Josephine – Molly, Thatcher, and Josephine/Josie. Again, cute nicknames of JC or Josie.
    Lydia – Molly, Thatcher, and Lydia.
    Alice – Molly, Thatcher, and Alice. I do know that this is getting more popular, so I’m not sure if that would bother you.
    Cora – Molly, Thatcher, and Cora. I think this sibset is particularly sweet.

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  7. BKB

    I like Lucy for you. It’s a great name. I also really like Linden, and it sounds very feminine to me, even though I know it’s also a boy name. I don’t know that it goes with Molly really well, but I think it’s more important to have individual names that you love.

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  10. Alaina

    I love the suggestions of Lucy and Sadie. Ruby is cute too. Would you like Julie, Elinor/Eleanor (nn Ella), Norah, or Charlotte (nn Lottie)?

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  11. Stephanie

    For a one person data-point, I’ve never heard Greer as a first name and I would guess it to be a Boy with the sibset Thatcher, Molly and Greer.

    What about Greta? I also love the previous suggestions of Ruby and Cora.

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  12. Britni

    Hm, I don’t really think any of the girl names “go well” Molly to me is a more classic name.. I like the suggestions of Josie or Lucy. I would suggest something like Elsa/Elsie or Grace.

    One note on the boys name – when I read it I think “Gray’s Anatomy” to the max.. because Thatcher is the main character’s father and Derek Shepherd is her husband… and Molly is her half sister. : / Sorry!

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    1. Cassidy

      Haha this has been pointed out to me before – totally inadvertent as I’ve never seen a full episode of the show. Though I think perhaps I’m the only human in the US that hasn’t! :)

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  13. Tracey

    For me, Maggie and Thatcher lead me to Margaret Thatcher. For me, it is a neutral association, but i would wonder a bit.

    I like Lucy, Kate, Sara, Carrie for you.

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    2. Cassidy

      Oh wow. Never would have thought of that! I can’t help that A. I LOVE Maggie and B. It seems like the sweetest match to Molly

      Reply ↓
  14. Kate

    I love these names! but i definitely think of Greer as a boy’s name. My favorites are Linden and Halsey. Like Hallie or Kelsey. It’s cute.

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    2. Cassidy

      Seems like that would probably end of happening and I think it helps the “sibling set” (which I keep telling myself is only an issue for 18 years :) I mean most people I encounter don’t know MY siblings names)

      Reply ↓
  16. emily

    I prefer Greer with Molly from the names on your list. I also liked the suggestion of Lydia. Maybe consider Cecilia, Tessa or Fiona?

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  18. Kat

    I honestly think Molly and Thatcher are quite lovely together and a throw back to old English names. I like the name Greer if you have a girl. I see it as all feminine and think it fits in really well with the other two. I also adore Shepherd for a boy. Congratulations on your new addition!

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  19. Reagan

    Shepherd is an excellent choice for a ploy with Molly and Thatcher. Shepherd O’Shea has a nice flow. While I like Maggie, it seems to matchy with Molly to me. My favorite of your girls choices with your sibset is Greer. I think it works with bridges both sibling names.

    But I also like the suggestions of sweeter girls names that are more similar to Molly and Maggie. Lucy and Ruby are lovely choices but seem very different than the names on your list.

    Instead of Everly, what about Erin or Eden?
    Instead of Halsey, what about Maise, Sadie, or Heidi?
    Instead of Linden, what about Linnea or Lydia.
    Instead of Greer, what about Grace or Gwen?

    Reply ↓
    1. British American

      I completely agree with you! :)

      I also think that Maggie is much too close in sound to Molly. I do think Molly and Thatcher sound great together. Shepherd too. I think a much less feminine sister name does highlight a change in style. I like Everly best from your list. The similar ending sound to Molly makes it sound compatible and girly to me.

      I would pronounce Halsey as “Hal-see”. Not sure if that is your intended pronunciation – possibly not.

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  20. Kanah

    I actually know a family that have a Molly and Shepherd sib set and think it goes well with Thatcher, as well. My niece is named Lynley, like the Linley Swistle suggested, and I think that would be a great fit for you!! I also like Linden nn Lindy.

    I also suggest Natalie, Sadie, and Ainsley for you. Best of luck!

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  21. Elizabeth

    I think Molly and Thatcher are nice together, and Shepherd fits in well. I don’t really like Maggie for your family, because 1) it sounds too nickname-y (Molly is solidified in my mind as a stand-alone name, even if it originated as a nickname) and 2) the Margaret Thatcher association (not necessarily bad, just very noticeable).

    I *love* Swistle’s suggestion of Nora for you, and also the commenter’s suggestion of Cora. To me it both sound feminine without being flowery — much like Molly. Nora/Cora T!lt is DARLING! (I like 1 syllable last names!) A sibling set of Molly, Thatcher, Nora/Cora, and Shepherd would be really nice, in the event you want to consider even more future children! :)

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  24. Laura

    It’s probably a good thing that you can’t use Maggie (though I love it too) since, as someone already mentioned, you’d have a Maggie and Thatcher … Would definitely seem like a Maragret Thatcher tribute to some.

    And as another commenter mentioned, I also noticed the Grey’s Anatomy trend with Shepard and Thatcher, so that’s at least something to be aware of. Wouldn’t bother me, personally. It’s not like the show will be around forever (though it does soldier on after 10 seasons)…

    I love the suggestion of Arden. I’ll also suggest Winslow and Merritt. Of your listed choices, I like Linden and Everly.

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  26. Elby

    Love your children’s names. And Shepherd is perfect for a boy!

    I’m not crazy about the girls list, but I think it’s mostly because I can’t quite see those in the sibling group. However, siblings are also individuals and they won’t always be called as a group. In fact, the majority of the time, their name will be heard on its own. So, if you find yourself really loving one of those names, go for it. I love things to “flow” as much as anyone, but I would rather go with a name I love than with the perfect sibling set. Life is imperfect – and sibling names can be too!

    If you’re looking for more girl options, I really like the suggestions of Sadie, Nora, and Lucy. I would also suggest Gracie, Lila, Maisie, Brynn, and Ivy.

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  27. Deborah

    I love these suggestions from above: Fiona, Grace, Sarah, Cora, Nora, Clara, Eliza

    Because Molly is such a popular dog’s name, I would avoid other girls names that are also popular for dogs – Maggie, Abby, Lucy, Daisy, Sadie, etc. I might even avoid the -y ending all together as a formal name.

    A few other suggestions: Leah, Clara, Sonya, Lauren, Alice, Annette, Regan, Noelle, Adrienne, Brooke, Layla

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  30. Kate

    I LOVE the sibling set Molly and Thatcher and Shepard will be a great addition if your little one is a boy! I can see your hesitation with your current girl list…

    I like Swistle’s suggestion of Lucy

    Linley > Linden (Linley is on our list too)
    Blair > Greer
    Hallie or Hollis > Halsey

    Everly seems a bit too on trend to me with Molly and Thatcher, but that’s just one opinion.

    Would you like:
    Peyton
    Ainsley
    Kate

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  31. Blythe

    I know someone else has already said this, but I do feel the need to chime in– if you use Shepherd, you will have a very “Grey’s Anatomy” themed sibling set!

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  32. Kelsey D

    First of all, I agree, I don’t think that Molly and Thatcher are mis-matched at all. Plus, even though as toddlers/children we introduce them as sibling sets (generally speaking) as they go to school and into adulthood, they are individuals so I think it’s great that you love their names individually! :)

    I love Shepherd, especially with Thatcher as a brother’s name. :)

    I also like that you are using the same middle name for both girls. Kind of ties them together, I like that.

    I am a bit thrown off by Linden. Perhaps it’s because I live in Canada and we see Lyndon/Linden mostly used 100% of the time for boy names. I have a nephew named Linden, so I was surprised when so many people commented that it was feminine or that they liked it on a little girl. Not that it makes it unusable as many names are unisex and used for either gender, just if I saw the name, I would automatically assume it was a boy.

    I do also love Maggie… hopefully your hubby can get over it.

    Otherwise, I LOVE LUCY. Sigh. Love it.

    I also really like the previous suggestion of Ruby.

    When I read Greer (my favourite by far on your list), I immediately thought of Briar. What about Briar?

    What about Blythe?

    Otherwise, I think you have a ton of really good suggestions above…. Fiona. Nora. Eve/Evie.

    Keep us posted!!

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  33. Marelle

    The name Halsey make me think of / rhyme with Palsey, as in cerebral palsey, which would be deal breaker for me.

    From your short list Ilike Greer the most as i am familiar with it as a name. Greer and Linden both feel very no fuss, no frills to me. Reminds me of names like Briar, Blair and Sloane. Also Gretchen.

    I would like to suggest the name JANE. It has the vintage of Molly, the English Ness of Thatcher, and the no frills of Greer.

    Good luck.

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  34. Ash

    What about Maisie?

    Othere suggestions:
    Tenley
    Kennedy
    Kensley
    Mariam
    Gentry
    Halle
    Brinley
    Callie
    Daphne
    Elsie
    Eden
    Janelle
    Corinne
    Corinna

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    1. Brooke

      I second the suggestion of Daphne (or possibly Zoe).
      Others I’ve liked are Sadie, Heidi, and Lucy. I feel like I should suggest Lindsey, but I’m not feeling it for some reason.

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  36. Carolyb

    I would avoid Maggie. My daughter is Molly and one of my good friends is Maggie and when we are all together I’m constantly calling both of them by the wrong name because they are so similar! Lily and Lucy are my favorite to go with Molly.

    Reply ↓

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