Dear Swistle,
We are in desperate need of help. We have a four year old daughter with a perfect name; Persephone Jane. We call her Effie, but love PJ as a nickname option if she chooses, too. Some of the many reasons we love her name: the nod to my Greek heritage; the badass myth (she rules hell!); the fact that all four “e”s make a different sound; the fact that it’s obviously very different, but has a reference point; and four syllables plus one syllable just rolls nicely. Unfortunately, we’ve set our bar way too high and are having a lot of trouble naming our second daughter and last child, due in late January. If she had been a boy, we’d have used Sullivan. We’ve had that boy name locked since we were dating but aren’t fond of the female nicknames for it. So far in the running are Ophelia (Ollie) and Delphinia (Finnie). We are a Matt and Jenny born in the 80s, so we want a name that isn’t on the top of any list. I’d love something in the same vein as Persephone, hence our top two choices, but we’re just not sold one way or another. We also love Comisa (Ozzy). I actually love Cossie but I know people will say it Cozzy so I’d rather just go Ozzy) and Coredelise (Lisey). We’ve mentioned Desdemona (Desi) but I don’t love the nickname. We love the nickname Lisey (lie-zee) but aren’t in love with any of the full-length names for it (Lisette, Liesel, Melissa, etc.). When naming Effie, we actually loved the nickname and worked backwards from there, after having dismissed Persephone originally for her being a villain in a terrifying Stephen King novel but then thinking better of it. As for a middle name, we’re currently thinking Lynn in honor of my aunt but aren’t 100% on it. Jane was initially just a toss-in; something simple to counteract the enormity of Persephone and give her a less crazy option if she wanted it later and we liked the J initial for nickname possibilities, but it ended up being absolutely perfect. I can only hope we’ll luck into the same situation again. We’re not afraid of crazy, clearly, and I’ve even tossed out Polemistis, which isn’t even a name but rather just the Greek work for warrior. We’re raising one fearless feminist and can’t wait to start on our second.
I’m sorry I’ve written you a novel. I’m so grateful for any help you can offer – I’m starting to seriously worry and that’s causing anxiety over the whole idea of having a second child. Really, what was I thinking?!
Jenny
I vote for Hermione. I think that name should be WAY more popular than it is, but perhaps we just need to wait a few years for all those Harry-Potter-in-their-formative-years kids to start having children. More options:
Amaryllis (I think you could get Lisey from this)
Anastasia
Andromeda
Appollonia
Ariadne
Artemisia
Athena
Calliope/Kalliopi
Cleopatra
Cordelia
Diana (Wonder Woman as well as a goddess)
Emerald
Hyacinth
Lilith
Lorelei
Lysandra (could get Lisey from this)
Magdalena
Minerva
Morrigan
Nightingale
Octavia
Olympia
Phaedra
Sapphire
Seraphina (might be too similar in sound to Persephone)
Sophronia (in The Five Little Peppers, the nickname is Phronsie, which I LOVE)
Valentina
Some sources for further browsing:
Women Warriors in folklore
Women in Greek mythology
23 Incredible Goddesses Who Kicked Patriarchy’s Ass
The Dangerous Woman Project
Roman Deities
I don’t know why but Cosima popped into my head while reading this. And, I love it. Although there are many great ideas above!
Persephone Jane nn Effie is adorable. I can see why you’re finding it hard to duplicate. I think a lot of us naming a second child of the same sex whose name we adore, find the same challenge.
I just wanted to say that Ollie and Finnie, while undoubtedly adorable, all quite common nicknames these days. Where I am, I’d venture to say they’re Top 10 nicknames, right behind Ben. Finley for girls is huge here. So I vote Cosima nn Ozzy.
But what nickname do you love? If the worked for Effie, let us try hard for you for whatever else you love? Is that Lisey (Lie-zee)? Cordelise is very pretty. I assume Delilah has already crossed your mind? Melisande?
Would you like Zipporah or Merriweather or Guinevere? I love Poe, Rue, Nevy with Effie…
Another vote for Cosima here!
The child Cosima I know goes by the nickname Zizi. Maybe that appeals to you? Coco is another Cosima nickname possibility. Ozzy actually feels much less intuitive to me than Zizi or Coco, for what it’s worth.
Also, I love Persephone! Can I suggest Hecate? I would normally think it would be too intense (goddess of magic & witchcraft), but in a family with a Persephone. She also assisted Demeter in searching for Persephone, which is a nice subtle tie-in. :)
Should have said, ” would normally think it would be too intense (goddess of magic & witchcraft), but NOT in a family with a Persephone.”
Oh, also, if Hecate turned out to hate her name as a grown-up she could default to Cate.
I love Delphine. It is my absolute favorite. I love the nickname Del or Feenie. Love
Hermonie and Cosima and also wonderful suggestions.
Sophronsia? Love!! I’ll add Amaranthe (nn Mary?) and of course Thalia (Tali or Lia) and any of the Thea’s-Anthea, Althea etc.
Oh one just popped in-Dorothea! Not goddessy but definitely bad ass a la George Eliot and also the nicknames-Dot??? Effie and Dot???? How could you not. Favorite.
Oh yes, I vote for Dorothea (or Theodora, but DOT!! I die).
For some reason Odelia popped into my mind with Odie for a nickname. Effie and Odie.
Odessa
Cordelia jumped to my mind, going by Delia or sometimes Deelie for short. Really, though, Delia could work for any name with “del” in it (Delilah, Delphinia, Odelia, etc.) and I like that it gives you an option to more clearly distinguish which child you want when necessary (e.g., calling up the stairs). I was the exception with Lauren, but I grew up in a big family with a lot of names ending in “-ie” – it wasn’t always obvious who was needed.
Lots of good suggestions here! I love Delphine and the Hermione suggestion from Swistle. What about the nickname Mona instead of Desi for Desdemona? I think Effie and Mona make a cute pair. Also, the author of the previous post mentioned Ariadne as one of her favorites and I could see it working here too! Ari or Addie as a nickname, though Addie may be too popular with all the Adelyns etc. these days.
I wonder if you’d like Theodosia/Docey? Berenice/Neecy?
Also, I kind of want to push back against the idea that people would pronounce Cossie as Cozzy. I mean, some people might, but I don’t think it’s automatic. Neither one is more familier than the other, or more intuitive spelling-wise, so I would expect that most people would follow your lead.
I immediately thought of Hermione with the nickname Hero. Persephone and Hermione. Effie and Hero. What a kick ass pair of names! Also Lynn works well with Hermione.
I do like Ophelia and Delphinia but I don’t think Ollie and Finnie are the unique nicknames you are seeking. I hear Ollie and Finn a lot these days.
I am partial to Athena as you being name for the goddess of wisdom is pretty cool. Effie and Thea or Effie and Attie.
You may want to consider Roman goddess as well. I like Minerva with the nickname Vim. Effie and Vim.
Cassiopeia! This is my favorite Greek mythology name of all time!
What a fun naming challenge! I love Hermione, Cordelia, Andromeda, Minerva and Lysandra from Swistle’s list. I also love Cosima and Ophelia.
What about Linnea, Esmeralda, Philomena, Calista, Ursula, Guinevere or Wilhelmina?
Perhaps Ottilie? Which apparently means prosperous in battle. Lots of good nickname options.
Aboslutely love this name, great suggestion!
There are some wonderful suggestions in the comments here but I think you already have it: Delphinia Lynn. I love the assonance between the ‘in’ and the ‘Lynn’ – it’s not too rhyme-y, it just sounds great. I like Finnie as a nickname but actually I want to suggest Delphie/Delfie instead. Effie and Delfie. I like how their nicknames match with the fie endings but their full names don’t – yet they DO feel like a name set to me. How wonderful is that? And also you have that beautiful 4/1 rhythm you love so much with both!
Persephone Jane and Delphinia Lynn
Effie and Delphie
What about Artemis nn Artie or Emmie?
Olympia nn Ollie or Oly or Oli? Similar in sound to the popular Olivia and yet unique!
Artemisia is my favorite name ever, so obviously, I vote for this one! Other ideas are Dandara (cool girl), Kyniska, Quitéria /Kiteria/ Kyteria (after Maria Quitéria), Titania, Nimuë, Chrysanthemum, Valeria (“to be strong”), Valencia / Valentine (“strength, vigour”).
Greek names (info from Behind The Name): Chara (happiness, joy), Sibyl (Sybilla nn Billie) and various forms of Alexandra (defender) – Alexandria, Lexa, Alessia/ Alessa, Alexandrina/ne.
Lisey: Laís, Lysandra, Eliza (Elysia?).
Xanthe was an Amazon. I’d love a Xanthe called Xan.
Callista and Artemis came to mind. I love Delphine but I don’t know if I love Finnie and Effie together. Maybe Della?
I love the suggestions of Cosima and Hermione. If you don’t mind leaving Greek/goddess type names maybe more obscure nature or gem names might appeal (especially if you’re planning on more and don’t want to box yourself in) Hyacinth, Esmeralda, Paloma.
Oh oh oh! Persephone was my choice for my second daughter’s middle! My first daughter’s middle name is Ariadne which is my Favorite Name Ever. Ariadne is a badass – but she does have tragedy befall her, as does every Greek woman in mythology (TBH I think Persephone’s story is a little sad too. I still adore the name). Anyhow, my husband chose our second daughter’s middle and he picked Nephele, which I also love. Also a sad-ish story, but the sound is so mellifluous. I love just saying it.
Some other names on my list were:
Ismene (SIL has a good friend with this name and husband didn’t like the associations)
Erato
Clio
Irida (goddess of the rainbow! Such a cool meaning)
Arete
And my secret love that my husband wouldn’t sign off on, Io. Such a effing cool name!
I think Clio would pair really well with Persephone. Can’t wait to see your update!
What about Danae? Danny, Nae, etc.
I like a more simple name to pair with Persephone.
If I have to choose from your list, I would choose Cordelia and call her Cordy/Cordie!
I’m partial to Corisande nickname Corey. Or, as someone said above, Melisande which could plausibly get you to Lisey. I’ve always loved Philomela, but her story is well outside my personal comfort zone.
I don’t see a nickname for Iris and it’s not as bold as Persephone, but it might be a good middle if you end up with a non-godess first name.
Apollonia and calliope are awesome!
Nicknames Polly and Poppy.
What about Antigone, An-tig-on-ee, nickname Tiggy! Cute!
Good luck!
I love these suggestions!
Honorine nn Honey? Persephone and Honorine / Effie and Honey.
My favourite greek names are Kalliope or Epiphany.
To go in another direction though – what about Genevieve? It has the the length and gravitas of Persephone and lots of great nickname options. Saint Genevieve was pretty awesome as well.
I love the suggestion of Sibyl or Sibella! I think both names are sweet on their own but they also have cute nickname potential if desired :)
I have always loved the made-up name Perardua, nn Perry. It’s after the Latin phrase “ad astra, per ardua” meaning “to the stars, through adversity” (often it’s written as per aspera, which has more of a meaning of bitterness rather than toil, and I think peraspera sounds too much like a deodorant. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ad_astra_(phrase)#Per_ardua_ad_astra)
Anyway, Perardua is probably too close to Persephone for your liking, but I’ve never had an opportunity to share it so there you go. Maybe someone else will take it.
If you are ok with another P name, I like Paloma or Paola.
But my suggestion for you is Xiomara, nn Zee or Mara. Ximena is more popular and also a neat option.
Maybe Thalia nn Tally or Lia? Or Terpsichore if you want to go full-on muse.
Or look at Latin names for flowers, plants, animals that you like? My wife’s favorite tree is the tulip poplar and she’d probably be into naming a kid Liriodendron Tulipfera if I agreed.
I love Cosima. I think it’s perfect. I think Ozzy (or Zizi, as another commenter offerer) has that badass element. The name is beautiful and unique and can hold its own against the AMAZING Persephone Jane.
Ariadne and Andromeda are my other faves, especially Andromeda. You could call her Romy which makes my heart happy.
Maybe it’s that Cosima Lynn doesn’t quite flow as well as Persephone Jane? Maybe a Cosima Juliet or a Cosima Delphine would work better? I actually really like Cosima Catherine but maybe that’s too much of the letter C. I could see calling her Cossie-Cate as a family nickname. Anyway, maybe try it out with a few different middle names that you like.
Also, I want to offer that I didn’t love my daughter’s name when I gave it to her. I liked it and it felt right, but I didn’t love it. But now that it’s attached to this amazing, funny girl? Just thinking about it melts my heart. I chuckle when I think about the other names we were considering because they’re so obviously not her. Your second awesome feminist daughter (yay!) will have the perfect name no matter which name you choose because she will be YOUR second awesome feminist daughter.
Definitely going to need an update, okay? Thanks!
Lots of great suggestions so far! I like Hermione (nn Hero), Artemisia (nn Aria), Andromeda, Apollonia (nn Polly), Calliope, Seraphina, Melisande, and Alexandrina.
Some more ideas:
Scholastica
Rhiannon
Theophania (nn Thea)
Aurelia (nn Aura)
Elysia (nn Lisey)
Zenobia (nn Zoe or Zen)
I once read a story set in the 1300s about a Theophania. It was pronounced like Teo-fa-NEE-a and her nickname was Tiffany.
I don’t know if that’s how Theopahania is pronounced these days or not, but I always found it interesting that a name that I thought was modern (Tiffany) was actually really old.
Andromeda nn Romi?
You have a lot of great ideas! My favourites are Ophelia, Odelia, Magdalena, and Ariadne. I also want to add Maia to the mix. Good luck!
I know a real life ~4yo Persephone (Sef/Seffie/Phe) and her little sister Euphemia (Euffie). Just throwing that out there so you can see what another set of parents has done in your situation.
Xanthippi with the nickname Pippi.
Araminta nn Minti
Octavia nn Tavi
Athena nn Thea
Calliope nn Callie
Helen or Helena nn Nell/Nellie!!!
I love Helena but would suggest the nickname Lanie/Laney for Helena. I love that.
I also know a set of twins Cordelia and Maretta – both of which would suit you here too. Cordelia nn dellie/delia or Maretta – nn possibly Etta.
Other ideas include Wilhelmina – nn Minnie, Azalea – nn Lea. I also have a friend named Honor which seemed strange to me when I first met her, but its so great now that I got used to it. Such a strong name. I also think other than Helena – where Lynn is kind of too similar, all the others work well with Lynn as a middle name –
Whilelmina Lynn (Minnie Lynn – so cute!)
Azalea Lynn
Cordelia Lynn
Maretta Lynn (Etta Lynn)
Honor Lynn
Good luck!!
Oh! I know an Antigone nicknamed Tig. In the Greek story she is brave and true to her family, but it is a Greek tragedy so doesn’t turn out so well. I always thought Tig had such a cool name.
What about Calypso with the nickname Coco or Sosie? 😁
I know a young Persephone with a little sister Winter. I don’t recall middle names but I know Winter is often called Winterbee.
Fiammetta! It’s one of my all-time favorite names. Fiammetta was the nickname of Boccaccio’s muse, and means “Little Flame.”
There’s an Athena at my kiddo’s daycare and it works well as a name. Athena, Minerva, and Magdalena are my favorites from Swistle’s list. I also like Calpurnia.
Demetria nn Demi. Jubilee.
Persephone and Hermione do sound great together!
Mimi, Minnie, Mya or even Honey would be sweet nicknames for Hermione.
Mimi is adorable! Effie and Mimi!
Katerina nn Kitty
Philippa or Phyllida nn Pippa
Hermione! Pick Hermione!
Antigone is also fantastic.
What about… Lysistrata?! Gets you Lisey, gets you a Greek feminist badass (and how!)… but the plot of the Aristophanes play involves the heroine coordinating a sex strike by the women until the men cop themselves on and end the war. It’s brilliant. It’s bold. But it may not be quite the connotation you want.
Lysistrata Lynn, called Lisey, though!
Calliope nn Poppy. Effie and Poppy. Gorgeous!
What about Eulalia, nickname Lolly?
There’s a news anchor in my area, of Greek descent, named Aristea. That would sound great with Persephone. Maybe Ari as a nickname?
Leocadia! No Greek figure, but there’s a Spanish saint. Nicknames abound: Leo, Cady, Dia, etc!
Second vote for Lysistrata, Cassiopeia or Sybil.
Wondering how you pronounce Lisey?
If it rhymes with Dicey, then I’d suggest Lysistrata, Lysander
If it rhymes with Missy, then I’d suggest Calista, Felicity, Alicia (a-liss-ee-a), Melissa
If it rhymes with Fleecy, then I’d suggest Annaliese, Charlise, Trelise, Elise
I also like Selene for you, Greek moon goddess and provides balance to Persephone.
Plus if you used it in the middle name slot you could pair it with a first name ending in -ly, such as Lily Selene, to get Leesee as a nickname. I wouldn’t have sisters Persephone and Lily though but perhaps you can find something better.
Good luck and let us know what you decide.
Not sure if it was suggested yet but Andromeda nn Romy?
Some fantastic suggestions! Shakespeare might provide inspiration – Cressida (Cressie – too similar to Effie though), Miranda (Miri), Rosalind (Roz, Rosa), Cassandra (Cass, Cassie) (and also Greek!). I think Genevieve (Vivi) also goes but probably to close to Jenny.
Hey all,
I’m the Matt of the letter, you guys are all awesome and we have a ton to think about! Thank you all so much!
I may be a little biased, but Delphinia definitely has my vote! ;) I usually go by Della to friends, but my older brother called me Fia as a baby, which has pretty much stuck throughout my family.
That being said, holy batman, I love Cosima and Cordeliese! I’m making big cartoony heart-eyes at this whole list if I’m being totally honest though.
I would also suggest Licinia (li-kin-nee-uh), because it’s a good nickname base (first one that comes to mind is Lina), and it’s Roman!
One thing that I thought should be pointed out is that Persephone and Seraphina are the names of twin sisters in the novel “The Distant Hours” by Kate Morton. I love the pairing, but you may not want the association.
Let us know your decision! Good luck!
This is the best naming exercise ever.
I am in love with:
Hermione (Mya, Oni)
Appollonia (Polly, Loni)
Seraphina (Phina, Phini)
Athena (Thena, Theenie)
Antigone (Tig, Tiggy, Goni)
Cassiopeia (Cass, Cassie)
Sophronia (PHRONSIE)
Calliope (Poppy)
Ophelia (Lia, Fia, Fi-Fi? Too similar to Effie?)
This might be a style mismatch but I’ve always thought Valkyrie would be a great name for a girl – strong, badass, feminine, and you get Val and Kyrie as nicknames.
I know people with these names:
Sophronia (sometimes goes by Sofro)
Athena
Antigoni/Antigone
Aphrodite (sometimes goes by Dite)
Alexandria (goes by Dri)
I’m really into these suggestions:
Danae
Diana
Xanthe
Zenobia
Cassandra (Cass, Cassie)
Calliope (Callie)
Demetria (Demi) — Demi could also be a nickname for Desdemona
Lilith (Lily)
Delphine
More ideas:
Aurora (Rory)
Zora
Echo
Lavinia (Liv, Livvy, Vinny)
Lavender (Liv, Livvy)
Alethea (Thea)
Leonora (could be a way to get to Lisey? Or Nora)
Thisbe
Augusta (Gussie)
Sefira/Sapphira
Gaia
Venus
Juno
Elara
Phoenix (Fi, Fia)
i am in love with this entire post and comments and if you do not update us the wrath of the internet will descend upon you.
i would like to (non creepily) show up at your house and BEG YOU to use Hermione. first of all, more people should use that name, and second of all, she is a FANTASTIC namesake. without her there’s no way Harry would have accomplished anything. let’s be real here. and it’s a cool name and it sounds great with Persephone Jane (AAHHHHH SUCH A GOOD NAME). i probably wouldn’t use it if you are planning to have more children because it’s SO perfect that you’d never be able to find a third with the same rhythm, but 2 fierce feminist little girls named Persephone and Hermione is basically the greatest thing I have ever heard.
If you MUST use another name I also like Ariadne, Minerva (another HP connection, similar amount of badassery, I like the nickname Minna a lot) Cosima (also has a great Orphan Black character namesake, a feminist scientist), Delphine, Andromeda (ALSO has an HP connection, that Rowling could really name….)
BUT OH MY GOD PLEASE USE HERMIONE.
You all are amazing, thank you so much! We have LOTS to think about and will definitely update! Thank you, thank you, thank you!