We are adding a 5th baby to our brood after an almost 7 year break and we are absolutely stuck on names! We don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl so we need ideas for both. I have a list (but I’m not sold on any of the choices), but my husband just throws names around expecting one to “stick” and it’s driving me crazy.
We have a very Irish last name, McGrew, and the children’s names all have an Irish feel: Kenna Grace, Landon Farrell, Riley Owen, Galen Micah.
I like that they all have unique initials, but it’s proving very difficult to find another name that fits in.
For the most part, I do not like popular, common, trendy names for first names (although Landon and Riley are pretty much all three).
Middle names aren’t so much an issue if we can find a suitable first name. We will probably use a family name (Ann, Lynn, Lee, Daniel).
My boy list:
Archer
Avi
Alden
Calton
Calder
Carden
TorenI like Archer, but when you put a middle name with it, it sounds like a title instead of a name. Archer Lee makes it sound like archer is Lee’s profession! I love Avi, but my husband does not and the rest are just attempts to find something–neither of us love any of them.
My girl list:
Annora
Seren
Orly
Maddie
DellaI thought Annora might be the one, but hubby ran with it, posted on social media with a middle name, Anora Mai, and my gut reaction when I saw it was a firm NO and we got some not so positive feedback (mostly because of the spelling of Mai). He likes Mae because it honors both our maternal grandmothers (Margaret and Pearline) and his sister Megan and his paternal grandmother was named Nora. I’m not sure it fits with the siblings names, I’m not sure I like the two names together, and I feel like I’m leaving my paternal grandmother (June) out! With only one girl, we’ve focused more on boys’ names, but we still need a girl’s name.
Some names he likes, but I do not:
Connor
Finn
Thomas
all the more common Biblical namesWe also have 4 kids old enough to have an opinion. It’s going to be hard to please everyone.
Names we cannot use:
Willow and Asher (our babies born to Heaven)
Wesley (older half brother)
Leo, Leon, Leonard (would honor someone we don’t wish to honor)I hope you can help us!
Thank you!
Christa
To start with, I want to mention the spelling Honora instead of Anora/Annora, just in case that’s the issue. Honora doesn’t quite fit with the style of the sibling names, but nor does it clash, and I don’t know about you but by Child #5 I was dropping preferences left and right in my desperation to find anything that wasn’t ruled out by previous children’s names.
I also suggest Nora, which I think is better with the sibling names. The name Mai/Mae doesn’t feel to me as if it honors a Margaret and a Pearline and a Megan; I think I would go instead for something like Nora Margaret or Nora Pearl or Nora June: fewer people honored, but the honorees would know they’d been honored without needing the connection explained. Nora Margaret McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Nora.
Maybe Finley. Finley Margaret, Finley Pearl, Finley June, Finley Ann. Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Finley.
Or Fiona. Fiona McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Fiona.
I like Emlyn in this sibling group, but I hesitate because the most recent sibling name ends in the same sound. I feel okay using the -ley of Finley after the -ley of Riley, in part because of the name in between them.
I also like Maren in this group, but again hesitate using it right after Galen. Maybe it’s a non-issue. I can’t decide. Maren McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Maren.
Or maybe Morgan would work better? Morgan McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Morgan.
For a boy, I am having a harder time. All of the names I think of either repeat an initial, or repeat a major part of a sibling’s name, or don’t feel right with the surname. Rowan doesn’t feel too similar to either Riley or Galen to me, but somehow seems too close to the two names together. I like Keegan even though it repeats an initial, but when I started typing out the group it seemed like two Ke- beginnings was a little much. Maybe not, though: I had a late night last night and may be over-sensitive this morning. Graham McGrew feels like it just misses. Malcolm appeals to me, but saying “Malcolm McGrew” felt unpleasant in my mouth. Nolan seemed great until I noticed how similar it was to Galen and Landon. Kellen is too similar to Kenna and Galen. Griffin seems too close to Galen.
Maybe Kieran? It does repeat an initial, but I like it. Kieran McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Kieran.
I’m most drawn to Archer and Alden from your list (though I wonder if Alden repeats too many sounds from Landon and Galen). I know what you mean about the name Archer sounding like a title instead of a name: I feel that way about all of the Occupation names. But I’ve noticed that once I know a kid with the name, I lose that feeling: the kid is now Archer, and that’s just how I think of him.
It’s fun to bring older kids in on the decision, but oh man, it can also be such a pain. I recommend mentioning early and often that everyone is welcome to give opinions and suggestions, but that it’s the parents’ job to choose the name. This is a good opportunity to revisit Family Discussion favorites such as “There is no one solution here that will make everyone equally happy” and “You might not be happy with our choice, but we hope that with time you will come around to it” and “When you are grown-ups, you will get your turn to make these decisions.” We had to do it when naming a cat: what started as a fun family project quickly dissolved into fights and tears, and that was for a CAT.
I love your kids names. Congrats on #5!
Ian McGrew
Niall McGrew
Dylan McGrew
All Irish feel, unique initial, easy to spell and not trendy but not dated either.
can I convince you to like Finn? Finn! so cool.
Also Quinn? Because 5!
I love the suggestions – especially Morgan, Maren, and Kieran.
I met a baby recently named Eoife (I think that was the spelling; pronounced EE-fuh) and it was super cute. My daughter has a Maeve in her class, which is adorable and might work.
Other names that occured to me: what about Rory? Or Bridger? Or Bridget? Or Sian? Or if Kieran is close but not quite right, Kiernan? Flannery? Romily?
I believe it’s spelled Aoife
Boys:
From your list I like Calder best. I actually like Swistle’s suggestion of Morgan for a boy vs a girl in this sibling set. Boy list below.
Calder
Morgan
Dylan
Sullivan
Declan
Shane
Girl:
For the middle name I suggest Maisie. I love it for you for three reasons; it’s a nickname for Margaret, it means pearl, two syllables and starts with M like Megan. Because you have only one other girl I actually like the idea of repeating an initial or ending. Here are two suggestions
Kenna Grace & Keira Maisie
Kenna Grace & Orla Maisie
I also like Swistle’s suggestion of Nora, Nora Maisie. This might be a stretch but in order to honor all the women you mentioned what about Maisie June. Kenna & Maisie
That’s amazing about Maisie!
I love the suggestion of Quinn! Works for a boy or girl. Quinn Margaret would be lovely.
Or Quentin for a boy?
I also love Maeve with the other names.
I do like Swistle’s suggestions of Keegan and Kieran. I know a girl whose name is spelled Maryn, if you wanted that slight variation on Swistle’s idea of that name. It may help give it a different feel than your other kids’ names. I would also suggest Declan and Nolan.
I love the suggestion of Sullivan and also Calder. I love Cowan! I have one, actually, and first saw the name in an Irish baby name book. I spelled it Cowen because then I can say, “Owen with a ‘C'” but I wish I had used Cowan spelling. I also have a friend who stole it from me (we were roomies in college and I totally didn’t mind) and spelled it Coen.
I also love the Fiona suggestion. I’d throw out Annabel as well. I know Annabel was originally Scottish, but Scottish is pretty close to Irish, and it is such a great name!
For a girl I’m going to suggest Shay or a more Irish spelling Shae. If you want something longer and more formal for that kind of thing, our girl is actually Shayleigh. You could easily do Shaeleigh, or Shaelee or Shaylee . Shaeleigh Mae or Shayleigh Ann. Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen and Shay/Shae
For a boy I second Declan. I have a great nephew with that name and it’s really grown on me. Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen and Declan- hummm, maybe not. What about Sean? Kenna, Landon, Riley , Galen and Sean.
I love Nora June for you. For a boy, what about moving Daniel into the first name position?
For a boy I wonder if Duncan would work? Otherwise what about Silas? How would you feel about Bruce- that would seem to fit? (I also really like Declan)
For a girl with Kenna, someone already mentioned Maisie/ Maeve both which could work. How would you feel about Shelby? What about Maris? Seneca? Delaney? Aurora?
Good luck!
Oh, Celtic names, how I long to use you all. Alas I used none despite having these beauties for girls on my list:
Tierney
Tegan
Ribh (Reeve)
Rhian ( or maybe Reagan?)
Merrill
Moira (over Mai/Mae?)
Aislin
For boys…
Alec
Dermott
Eamon
Lachlan
Owain
Second try today, hoping this goes through…
I like Fiona, Maeve, Declan and Quinn from Swistle’s and commenters’ suggestions so much that I’m almost not motivated to make my own suggestions. But for a boy how about Eamon or Cormac? For a girl…I’m coming up dry.
For a boy I love Eamon! And Celian/Cillian or Callum.
For a girl, what about:
Catriona
Dara
Darcy
Iona
Oona
Roisin
I also love Teagan and Aislin suggested above (although Aislin might be too close in sound to your sweet Asher).
Girls – from your list I like Seren the best. I would also suggest Fallon.
Boys – from your list I like that Archer would bring some new sounds into the sibset. Alden and Calton make me think of Alton.
I also like Brogan for a boy or a girl.
Best of luck!
Love, love, love Orla!
Second choice would be Maisie and Maisie June would be so sweet.
I think Archer is a great name but would he get the nn Archie? Do Riley and Archie sound too similar? Maybe not.
I also think that having another surname/middle name lessens the ‘title’ effect of Archer. Such as Archer Beckett or Archer Reid. In fact, Beckett and Reid are great names too. Love Beckett with your sibset!
All the best!
What about Neely or Neala?
Brodie or Murphy?
From your boy list I like Calder the best
Sticking with C names for a boy what about Cavan and girl Cacia? Cortlund..
Other suggestions:
Devany
Blythe
Has anyone suggested Annika yet? Your name Annora made me think of Annika. Coming to suggest Emsley as well.
I can’t stop! What about Thatcher?!
I love Neely. Boy or girl. I’ve met both and love it.
For girl: Ainsley? I love Nora (and Quinn). What about Carys? It’s Welsh I think. Kenna and Carys. Just enough matchy to be sweet but different initials.
Omg. Carys Quinn. I’m in love with this.
Bridie
Isla
Garth
Angus
Is Logan too close?
Not sure if it has been suggested but what about Darcy? I always thought Darcy was handsome on a boy and daring on a girl.
I think Orla is a great option! We know a little Orla from an Irish family and she is very sweet. Orla Maisie, Orla Mae.
Emrys
Teagan
Quinlan
Aislinn
Meriel
Ione
I like the above suggestion of Orla.
Oh and fwiw, I would LOVE to meet an Annora Mae!!
Love Nora or Orla for girls. Tara, Maeve, Muriel, Rialta (means “star” in Irish) are some other options. Of note, Pearl actually honors BOTH Margaret and June- Margaret means “pearl” and pearls are the gemstone of the month of June! So my vote is for Nora Pearl.
For boys- I think a name that does not end with “n” would be good since you have a Landon and Galen. My faves for you would be Cahal, Colum, Conall, Finbar, Patrick, Niall, Rory, Sean, and Seamus. Colum Daniel would probably be my pick.
Oh, that made my heart sing! I didn’t think about the birthstone! I really like that connection.
Since Kenna’s name is clearly “girl,” whereas your boys (especially Riley) have more androgynous names, i would steer clear of gender-ambiguous names for another girl (Finley, Quinn, Tegan, Rory, Emlyn, Morgan, etc. …your own girl list is all “girl”).
I think Annora (or Honora) is nice, and you’ve gotten some other good suggestions…i especially like Nora, Bridget, Maisie, Orla, and Iona. Other girl possibilities…
Alanna, Molly, Maura/Maureen, Eileen, Doreen, Sheila, Tara
For a boy, i think Archie is pretty adorable. In terms of Archer sounding like a title…well, we rarely go around calling people Lawyer Kevin, Barista Pat, or Landscaper Deirdre. You would probably adjust quickly once you started using his name.
Otherwise…are you sure you can’t talk yourself into liking Connor? Or maybe Conroy? Quinn, Patrick, Alec, and Dermot were good ideas from other posters. More boy names…
Darby, Kyle, Desmond, Brady, Carbry, Beckett, Casey, Fergus, Nigel, Malachy
YES! I tried to leave this same type of comment earlier and the site wouldn’t let me for some reason. But yes, the names are to androgynous for boys, so definitely a girl-first name.
Maura or Fintan?
Adair nn Addie
Clair
Boone
Campbell (for boy or girl)
Annabel
Ramsay
We have good friends with Irish named kids and love the names Caelan (boy) and Ciaran (girl).
Nora and Ian. FULL STOP. PERFECT.
Lots of great ideas here! For a boy, I’d also suggest Corwin, Colm, and Donovan (Corwin McGrew is particularly pleasing!); for a girl, I’d also suggest Nola, Isolde, Aileen, or Mairead. This final name, usually pronounced to rhyme with “braid,” is especially nice for you both because it’s Irish and because it incorporates “Mai.”
Mairead is the Irish form of Margaret, which means Pearl, and Megan is apparently a “pet name” for the Welsh version of Margaret) so I think Margaret, Mairead, Maisie, Pearl, even Daisy, are good honor names for three women that were effectively all Margarets.
I particularly think Honora Mairead is lovely (and I think putting names that are tricky for North Americans to pronounce in the middle spot saves much explanation, spelling, and energy).
From the OP;s lists, I really like Archer and honestly don’t see a problem with Archer Daniel. For a girl, I like Della Margaret or Della June. (I like the parallel with Kenna).
From Swistle’s lists, I like Nora and Fiona for a girl.
I do have some other ideas .. not sure if they will be of help or not:
For a girl:
Nola
Flannery
Delaney
Iona
Shea
For a boy:
Declan
Dennis
Brady
Duff
Archer Daniels Midland is a HUGE company, nicknamed ADM. Archer Daniel McGrew is kind of close. Just an FYI
Sorry for any repeats
Girls:
Molly
Ainsley
Norah
Catherine
Maeve
Carys
Boys:
Shane
Morgan
Donovan
Grady
Brady
Brody
Colin
Desmond !
Jory
Rory
Dylan
Ian
I really like Molly and Desmond
My concern with Seren is the similarity to Sarin, a deadly weapon of mass destruction.
Me too
I was also coming to suggest Cavan (I know it was mentioned above) — for a girl or a boy. After County Cavan in Ireland. I think I’d also explore the Irish map for further ideas :)
Not a fan of Nora on its own (I could be biased because I don’t like that name in general, ha) … it feels too popular for this sibling group (even though some of your names are trendy, they don’t rise the the popularity of nora I don’t think? or maybe my world is just inundated with Noras!). Honora and Annora are pretty though …
Is Clara too common? Too close to Kenna maybe. Sawyer? Carrick? Cormick? Cormac? Annett? Warren? Sorcha?
I think Pearline is such a gem, too, and might be tempted to just go with that!
Oh also what about Callum?
Love the suggestion of Molly!!!
For a boy:
Reese
Gavin
For a girl:
Mavis
Molly
Boys: Liam, Rory, Ronan, Monroe
Girls: Delaney, Bryn, Caitlin, Kathleen
Oh! Also thought Magnus might be a great boy name for that sibset.
Or the Welsh name Macsen?
I don’t think I saw it mentioned; Callahan. Our son’s name is Callahan (middle name is O’Brien after a family last name) and our last name is Scottish. His nn is Cal. I have also heard Callaghan for a girl, nn Callie.
How about Callan for a boy?