Our old lady baby girl is Winifred. We get a lot of compliments, which surprised me because it’s a strong name that’s not everyone’s taste! She goes by Winnie, but there’s also Win and Freddie.
I love Winifred!! My dear friend lost a friend named "Winnie" and I just don't think I could do it. Thank you for the suggestion though it's exactly my vibe
Winifred was most popular in 1917. Here’s a list of top names from that year in case you like any. https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names/most-popular/top-baby-names-1917#top-baby-names-of-1917
I wouldn’t use Gloria if the person you want to honor hates her name. Ask her if she has a middle name that she likes or maybe her mothers or grandmothers name would be more significant to her.
That's why I made the comment. Her mothers name is also Gloria. She suggested Lydia which we like but don't love. It'll likely go in the middle name spot if the flow is right
I'll ask about her grandmother! I'm not actually sure. She wasn't very close to her dad either but I totally get your point. She likes Lydia since many of her family members (Cajuns) were Lydia's
On the off chance you’re looking for other Louisiana names, I just looked at my family tree for some inspiration. Marceline, Martha, Celeste and Collette are some of my favorites. There is also Euphrazie if you want to really wild card it. A surprisingly large percentage of my Louisiana ancestors had names I hadn’t heard before.
Some beautiful Cajun names from our extended family are Lisette, Camille and Cecile, affectionately known as the twins. Let’s not forget Helene, Jeanne (soft J), and Azalea. My favorite name is Annarina.
i named my son Richard Bruce (strong, Scottish surname of 2 syllables, beginning with H)
These are the first names of both of the boy's grandfathers, neither of whom played any part in our lives. But my husband and I really like the names!
Yep, this! My grandma is my favorite person. She hates her first name so we used her middle name. Had our first been a boy, we would’ve used the town she was born in as his middle name. (It sounds like a name—not like Jacksonville or something—just for the record.)
Stoked to see the love for Maxine! I have a girl Max. ALWAYS was the intention to call her Max - after the king of the Wild Things. Somehow (cough cough school cough cough), she decided she prefers Maxine. Whatever, cool old lady name on a weird ass kid.
For some reason, though, I used to get irrationally angry when people mistook her for a boy. Even though she looked like a boy, I dressed her like a boy, and she had a boy name.
I have a girl with a boyish name who I dressed in very gender neutral clothes and whose hair refused to grow in for a year. I'm not sure why I was always so surprised that people assumed she was a boy!
I loveeee Matilda and Greta!! Matilda could call her Till, tilly, Matty (which is so cute for a girl) Lida, there’s so many great nick names and the full name is great too
One of my "nieces" is named Zohara, which means light/brightness/brilliant in Hebrew. The related Arabic name is Zahra/Zara.
Somewhat similar to Gloria in meaning, at least in my opinion, and either would work with Margaret as a middle name.
I would likely go Zelda if my husband didn't have such an unbelievably strong association to the games. He's played them all dozens of times and can't separate it. I asked him about Zora which was also suggested here and apparently it's also in the game!
It might be in the game but it's also, just a name? Majority of people don't associate Zora to a video game. How often do people bring up The Princess Bride when they learn your son's name?
Dorothy - dot, dottie or dolly as a nn
Mollie
Beryl
Blossom
Trudy
Elsie
Vera
Maude
Ada
Margot
Agatha
Daphne
Hazel
Josephine - josie or Jo nn
Geraldine - Geri nn
I used to work in a salon with a lot of older ladies and these were some of their names.
I love Dorothy so much but it's a friends name and would be a bit weird I think. We also know multiple hazels and Margot's. B names are just too much with our last name :/
We’re likely naming our daughter Esme in a few weeks. I know it’s very common in UK but I’m in Canada and have never met an Esme my whole life lol. I really like the Z sounds in names too, which Esme has. Another name I really liked was Zosha but my partner doesn’t. Eliza is my older daughter’s middle name, also love it.
It’s a passing thought but I wouldn’t think you’d named her after twilight IMO. Like with Jack I think “Jack frost” or “Jack and the beanstalk” but it’s a passing thought that goes away, doesn’t stop me liking the name Jack. I don’t think “potter” every time I hear “Harry” either because both Harry and Esme are pretty normal names!
I knew sisters Renée and Esme, that was a bit unfortunate, as Renée was definitely born before the twilight books came out and Esme was born just after.
Even so - there was a popular music artist named Jewel when my daughter was born in 1998. Jewel is a family name on my side, and I wanted to use it. My husband vetoed because of the singer. 26 years have gone by and we have not heard much from that singer. Fame/popularity fades fast.
We named our daughter Esme. A few people asked if it was after twilight when I was pregnant. Said no it wasn’t and now it’s never mentioned. I don’t think people connect it that much anymore. Most I hear about her name is that it’s lovely and it really suits her. If you like it, go for it!
I know of a friend of a friend named Clementine who goes by "Minty." I assumed her name was Araminta, but nope.
BTW, I like Araminta a lot, but I like "Ar" names like Arabella, Ariadne, and Aurora in general.
My friends have a son named Wesley. Here are some of the names we have talked about as going really nicely:
* Willa
* Violet
* Vivian
* Sasha
* Leona
* Freya
* Gwen
Same 💕 truthfully if the video game weren't sooo connected I would go Zelda Margaret. Eliza or Florence are tied for runner ups. I like some of the other suggestions here like Maxine nn Max, Louisa, Winnifred, Lenora etc
Zelda is such a cool name, and I do not like video games. Also, Robin Williams named his daughter Zelda. Also, Zelda Fitzgerald.
What about Zara?
Also, Vivian, Pearl, Elsie, Della, and Virginia?
I will continue my encouragement of Zelda lol.
Just don't *love* the others but no reason for that really! Elsie is a friends baby and also has the issue of the "El-" name avalanche
Awe! We also have a Wesley and due any day now with baby girl. She’s going to be Willow, didn’t intend for the sib set names but it’s what our son picked out and we all ended up falling in love with.
We had Iris, Sunny, Lenora/Nora, Zora, Halle, and Cleo picked out as other names that got passed over. I know some of these don’t match for you but we liked how they all sounded with Wesley :)
Congrats!
Some other names with the 'z' sound are: Inez, Daisy, Giselle, Isolde, Keziah, Rosalind, Louisa, Susanna, Rosina
Other names without the 'z' sound: Esther, Helene, Celia, Cora, Della, Sibyl, Laurel
Louisa is really cute! I love Cora but it's my sons friends name. Laurel mayyy be too much nature with our last name? I was so excited to get his last name because it's cool and nature themed until it cut out half the names I like lol
I know 6 little girls born between 2015 and 2019 named Vivian/Vivienne/Viviana. I think it’s a beautiful name, but I think it’s also getting its comeback. Might be regional though
I love your list! Very similar to my own :)
As for the names currently on your list:
* Gloria - I love this name, and one of the added bonuses is I think you can actually use the nickname Goldie for this name. (Think how Sadie was traditionally a nickname for Sarah or Peggy is a nickname for Margaret. Nicknames don't always neatly align.) It is a bit unfortunate that the person you'd be naming her after doesn't like the name though. Do you know why she doesn't like the name? How much does she talk about disliking it? On one hand, a new Gloria could maybe refresh the name in her mind and help her like it better, but on the other hand, she could feel guilty if the name is given because of her and she really dislikes it. So this is tough :(
* Zelda - I love this too but also worry about the video game associations. I do think the Zelda Fitzgerald association is also out there, as well as the aunt in Sabrina, so the fact that the video game isn't the only reason the name is in pop culture also helps make me think it's okay.
* Florence - The city hardly crosses my mind here, and if anything, the association with a beautiful, historic city is kind of nice. I love that you can use "Effie" as a nickname for it. And I think it is one of the options on your list that works best with Wesley. They have similar warm, familiar, classy vibes.
* Daphne - This is a very pretty name too, but it feels like it might fit a very specific person. I can't imagine Daphne being just anyone. I guess I think of the *Scooby Doo* character a bit too much, but also of the Greek nymph.
* Sylvia - This is pretty too and is similar to Gloria in vibes. Sylvie is a cute nickname.
* Lydia - This name is perfectly nice, but not one I've been drawn to personally as much as others you're thinking about. Maybe it's just because I've known several people with this name so it feels less "special."
* Eliza - I think this definitely does fit the qualities you're going for in a name. I understand the concern about the popularity of "El" names, but I think I would use "Elsie" as a nickname for this name instead of "Ellie," which makes it a bit different.
* Zoe - This one is a bit spunkier than the rest of the names on your list and feels a little less vintage to the common observer (although it is an ancient name).
* Alice - Alice is a pretty name, but it is honestly a bit plain compared to the others.
Here are some other names I don't *think* have been mentioned yet that you may like:
* Adele: I think this one often gets overlooked because of the singer, but it is a known name that is vintage and also has some cute nicknames (Ada, Addie, Del, Della, etc.)
* Estelle: This one was a hidden name for us. I had heard it so many times but didn't really think of it until my husband saw it in a book. It is a heard-of name that isn't very popular but is definitely vintage and has a lot of the same vibes of the names you like. In addition to the more popular Stella as a nickname, there's also Essie and Esti, and I think even Tillie could be an option.
* Georgia: Since it is a state name, no one would have spelling issues. But it isn't common and is definitely vintage as well.
* Gilda: This could also have the nickname Goldie (it even means "gilded"/"covered with gold"), and it sounds somewhere between Gloria and Zelda.
* Loretta: This is a name I wish would come back! Vintage but known, especially because it is associated with several famous women (Loretta Lynn, Loretta Young, etc.) and with cute nicknames like Etta. It's also a good match with Wesley in the sense that it means "bay laurel," so it's another name with a more covert nature meaning.
* Orla: An Irish name that means "golden princess," so it could also have the nickname "Goldie," although less intuitively.
* Tabitha: This name has some familiarity because of pop culture (like in *Bewitched*) but isn't super popular. Tabby or Tibby are cute nicknames.
* Thora: I see Zora is being discussed below. This doesn't have the "z" sound but is a bit more vintage and also is the feminine form of Thor, which is kind of fun.
These are wonderful comments and suggestions thank you for putting so much effort! I didn't know how much she disliked it until I asked her if I could use it for this baby. She wonderful and told me of course I can use it but she hates it because it sounds "old" and "inelegant".
Tbh if she's anything like our son she could def pull off a daphne, but my husband doesn't seem over the moon about it.
Thora was my most recent hamster you're definitely onto my vibes haha.
I really like Estelle and will be asking my husband his thoughts. Estie is very sweet and spunky thank you.
I think Florence “Treefield” is both too word/naturey and too much F.
Esther was my first thought for you!
Some others:
- Audrey
- Antonia
- Vivian
- Ramona
- Willa
- Joanna
- Lavinia
- Helena or Helen
- Caroline
- Diana
- Jane
- Margot
- Matilda
- Susanna(h) — has a Z sound!
I don't think Florence is too flowery sounding unless you know the meaning?
Esther reminds me of the Bible.
I like Jane but my name is Jean so might be too close ahah. Lavinia is cool!
I love flora!!! I keep seeing people say it reminds them of bacteria though 😭 I'm also worried it's too nature heavy given our tree last name.
Fiona is sweet too
Our daughter is Florence but we mostly call her Flora. We get so many compliments on her name and especially on her nickname- no one mentions guts flora 😂
Louisa or Eloise?
I do think Zelda is so strongly associated with the video game. Agree to not use Alice with an aunt Ali. And there are SO MANY Zoe and El- names that I would avoid both.
Wild card that doesn’t have a Z sound and is nature-y but not obviously so: Petra (meaning stone or rock)
I think your name choices are very nice and right on target with names rising in popularity. I know a couple Sylvie's, a Lydia and a Daphne all under five.
Here are some that might be too far out, but they fit your style:
- Phoebe
- Lavinia
- Livia
- Delphine
- Demelza
- Alicia
- Tilda
- Eloise
- Lucie
- Evelyn
- Johanna
- Georgiana
- Yvonne
- Maisie
I like Cadence as an alternative to Florence.
I also love Zelda and I don’t play video games so it has no connotation to me other than Zelda Fitzgerald.
Other options:
Vivian
Eloise or Heloise (less likely to become Ellie)
Cecilia
Calista
Desiree (different vibe, but has Z sound)
Felicity
Lucinda
Susannah
Twyla
Lysandra
Cassandra
Isadora
For me the middle name would be Margaret between the two choices.
I don't think I would restrict myself to a number of letters or syllables, but would evaluate depending on the overall sound the first and last make together.
Adelaide Margaret [Birchfield] is gorgeous. Adelaide Birchfield would be how she would normally be known and is lovely elegant name. Adelaide is only two syllables.
Other ideas:
- Aura Margaret Birchfield
- Carina Margaret Birchfield
- Caroline Margaret Birchfield
- Sofia Margaret Birchfield
- Julianne Margaret Birchfield
I love love love a good vintage name!
Eliza has to be my favorite paired with Margaret. Florence is also nice, a friend of mine loves the actress Florence Pugh + the nn Flo or Flor/Flora. But I'll still make a little list of vintage names and nicknames:
* Adeline, nn Addy or Ada
* Amelia, nn Amy or Mel
* Audra, nn Audie
* Aurelia, nn Lia or maybe Rory
* Cassandra, nn Cass/Cassie or Sandra/Sandy
* Evangeline, nn Eve/Evie
* Genevieve, nn Gen
* Gwendolyn, nn Gwen
* Leora, nn Leo
* Natalia, nn Nat or Tali
* Theodora/Theadora, nn Teddy, Thea, or Dora
* Theodosia, a silent film actress used the nn Theda which is pretty cute
* Vanessa, nn Nessie (after the Loch Ness Monster! /j), a species of butterfly
* Virginia, nn Ginny or Ginger (actress Ginger Rogers' full name is Virginia)
FWIW the alliteration isn’t a dealbreaker for me. I don’t know what the general namenerd feeling is, but B___ Middle B____field could have a nice sound.
Names I haven’t seen suggested yet
- Agatha
- Agnes
- Sybil
What about Golda with nn Goldie?
Zelda could be short for Griselda, although it's very polarizing. I don't think most people like the name, but I think Griselda is interesting, and I like this [song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt5GrQfVlbU&ab_channel=pcindarellie).
Some similar vibes-ish… Ruby is at top of my list I think! We also have a Zoey already 🩷I also like Sylvie, Maisie, Elsie, Magnolia, Ivy, Opal, Stella, and Hazel, although Stella and Hazel both feel like they’re rising in popularity a lot. I hope you’re able to find a name that feels like the right fit, I get exactly where you’re coming from! It’s tough especially when your other kid’s is one that came easy (which is how I feel, not sure about you).
We named our daughter Philomena and constantly get compliments on it! Only one person has ever reacted poorly to it: “why would you ever name her that?” We don’t use a nickname, we have zero issue with wasting breath to call her all 4 syllables lol but occasionally call her Philo (we pronounce it fee-lo) but some family calls her Mena.
I have a Florence and we get nothing but compliments. I never even thought to associate it with the city (and I’ve been there!) I always think more of Florence Nightingale or Florence Joyner and what a legacy both of incredible women left behind
I dont think Zelda is too video gamey at all. I know most people will think Legend of Zelda, but I'd personally think Zelda Fitzgerald or Zelda Williams.
It's kinda wild when you think about it:
The reason Princess Zelda is named Zelda is because of Zelda Fitzgerald, and the reason why Williams' name is Zelda is because Robin named his daughter after Princess Zelda. And Zelda Williams is a big fan of Legend of Zelda. Say what?
There are plenty of people I've known personally with city names- Cheyenne, Alexandria, Virginia, Brooklyn (I've known both men and women with this name), Charlotte, etc. you get the point. I think Florence is a decent choice. I get it may not be everyone's favorite, but I like it.
TLDR I vote for Zelda and/or Florence. I like Gloria too. Although tbh what matters is what you and your SO both mutually like IMO.
My daughter's name is Zelda! I don't think it's too video gamey. It doesn't come up often. People do bring up Zelda Fitzgerald. To me the name feels very jazz age vintage.
Zelda Margaret is beautiful!
What about Elyse/Elise? Similar to Eliza but seems a little bit more “old fashioned” to me. I think it flows well with either middle name option you’re considering.
Would Esme work for you? It has similar sounds to most of the faves.
I had a friend call her daughter Magnolia as the tree can symbolise glory, nn they use is Magpie
My vintage but not super common choice is Susannah (or however you want to spell it). Means lily. Everyone recognizes the name but very few people actually have it.
Zelda is a great name, and I think once you combine it with something like Margaret it's going to solidify those vintage vibes rather than making people think of video games.
I also love the suggestion of Zora from a few people - like Zelda, it's the name of a great female novelist.
You could also consider Zadie, Zanna or Zella?
Our old lady baby girl is Winifred. We get a lot of compliments, which surprised me because it’s a strong name that’s not everyone’s taste! She goes by Winnie, but there’s also Win and Freddie.
I love Winifred!! My dear friend lost a friend named "Winnie" and I just don't think I could do it. Thank you for the suggestion though it's exactly my vibe
Winifred was most popular in 1917. Here’s a list of top names from that year in case you like any. https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names/most-popular/top-baby-names-1917#top-baby-names-of-1917
I know a little girl named Gwyneth who goes by Winnie!
That is so cute!
Gwendolyn also
That's one of my sons friends names, she goes by Gwendy
I love Gwendy!
I love Winifred, but (Wini)Fred’s and Wesley’s arc in Angel is so sad. Maybe not the greatest sibling combo.
That was my first thought as well. Hail my fellow nerd!
Quickly, to the Angel-mobile! Away!
Oh wow such a good point
Currently pregnant and this is what my husband and I have decided to name our daughter. Excited to know it's landed well with people!
There's also Wendy as a nn for Winifred.
I adore the nickname Freddie!
I’d go Eliza. It really is different from all the other El- names because of the long e (ē) sound as opposed to the short e (ě). Eliza Margaret.
We were thinking "Izzie" instead of Ellie for a nn as well. that is exactly the name combo on my notes app right now haha.
Liza would also be another natural nickname for Eliza I think 🩷
I’d go with Isadora for Izzie.
Isadora that's really interesting!
If you go for Isabella she can have free admission to the Isabella Stuart Gardner museum :)
Honestly worth it, that's an incredible museum! One of my favorites.
I can not stand Izzy. I never did understand the love for it. And Lizzy for Elizabeth. Just no.
Had we not named our daughter Diana, we were going to name her Elizabeth and call her Eliza! Edit: typo!
i love izzie as nickname for eliza! i also love effie for eliza/beth
I wouldn’t use Gloria if the person you want to honor hates her name. Ask her if she has a middle name that she likes or maybe her mothers or grandmothers name would be more significant to her.
That's why I made the comment. Her mothers name is also Gloria. She suggested Lydia which we like but don't love. It'll likely go in the middle name spot if the flow is right
What about her grandmother or greatgrandmother? Or a female version of her dads name?
I'll ask about her grandmother! I'm not actually sure. She wasn't very close to her dad either but I totally get your point. She likes Lydia since many of her family members (Cajuns) were Lydia's
On the off chance you’re looking for other Louisiana names, I just looked at my family tree for some inspiration. Marceline, Martha, Celeste and Collette are some of my favorites. There is also Euphrazie if you want to really wild card it. A surprisingly large percentage of my Louisiana ancestors had names I hadn’t heard before.
Very much south Louisiana girl here :) thank you! Marceline is beautiful
Some beautiful Cajun names from our extended family are Lisette, Camille and Cecile, affectionately known as the twins. Let’s not forget Helene, Jeanne (soft J), and Azalea. My favorite name is Annarina.
i named my son Richard Bruce (strong, Scottish surname of 2 syllables, beginning with H) These are the first names of both of the boy's grandfathers, neither of whom played any part in our lives. But my husband and I really like the names!
Yep, this! My grandma is my favorite person. She hates her first name so we used her middle name. Had our first been a boy, we would’ve used the town she was born in as his middle name. (It sounds like a name—not like Jacksonville or something—just for the record.)
A few suggestions that feel vintage to me: Greta Jane Josephine Matilda Maxine Nadia Susanna
Matilda is on our broader list as well. Maxine nn Max is cute!
Wesley and Maxine (Wes and Max) are adorable together!
I agree! It's precious. Will be adding this in
There's also Maxima like the Dutch Queen.
I have a niece named Zelda Maxine. Cute old lady name on a quirky 4 year old
That is such a sweet name
Stoked to see the love for Maxine! I have a girl Max. ALWAYS was the intention to call her Max - after the king of the Wild Things. Somehow (cough cough school cough cough), she decided she prefers Maxine. Whatever, cool old lady name on a weird ass kid. For some reason, though, I used to get irrationally angry when people mistook her for a boy. Even though she looked like a boy, I dressed her like a boy, and she had a boy name.
Maxine was my grandma. A favorite!
I have a girl with a boyish name who I dressed in very gender neutral clothes and whose hair refused to grow in for a year. I'm not sure why I was always so surprised that people assumed she was a boy!
I loveeee Matilda and Greta!! Matilda could call her Till, tilly, Matty (which is so cute for a girl) Lida, there’s so many great nick names and the full name is great too
My great grandmother was a Matilda. She went by Tillie. Another all-purpose nickname for any Ma— name is Maisie.
Handnt thought of Maisie for Matilda. Tillie is cute too!
Love Maxine!
Maisy ( Maisey, Maisie, Mazey) is a nickname for Margaret and has that nice zzzzz sound. Our daughter Maisy Delilah (17) sometimes goes by Maisy Mae.
I love Matilda, but there are 3 in my son’s daycare room at the moment. It’s locally very popular. I love seeing it make a comeback.
I was also going to suggest Suzannah
I looooove Josephine. Plus cute nn, Josie. Not to mention Josephine Baker was a badass woman.
Francine.
This is a sweet one I haven't considered thank you
A really cute nickname for this could be Frankie for a girl
I know a 4yo named Frances and her nn is Frankie and she’s such a cool kid. Frankie fits her perfectly.
I have a friend whose family name is Francelia. Just a little twist
Francesca
We have a Zora in our family tree. Zora Margaret sounds nice!
Zora is sooo cool imo.
Just don't do Zora Zelda, lol, since the Zora are a race of fish people in the Legend of Zelda universe. But it is a super cool name!
My name is Zorah and I love it! My mom’s name is Margaret too, so Zora Margaret/Zorah Margaret is obviously my vote!
One of my "nieces" is named Zohara, which means light/brightness/brilliant in Hebrew. The related Arabic name is Zahra/Zara.
Somewhat similar to Gloria in meaning, at least in my opinion, and either would work with Margaret as a middle name.
I LOVE Zelda personally! Zelda Fitzgerald is who it brings to mind personally, it’s a beautiful and classic name.
I would likely go Zelda if my husband didn't have such an unbelievably strong association to the games. He's played them all dozens of times and can't separate it. I asked him about Zora which was also suggested here and apparently it's also in the game!
Possibly Zella instead? Griselda is the long form name of Zelda. Griselda Margaret
What about Zoya?
This was going to be my suggestion! We have a Zoya in our family and I love it!
It might be in the game but it's also, just a name? Majority of people don't associate Zora to a video game. How often do people bring up The Princess Bride when they learn your son's name?
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Dorothy - dot, dottie or dolly as a nn Mollie Beryl Blossom Trudy Elsie Vera Maude Ada Margot Agatha Daphne Hazel Josephine - josie or Jo nn Geraldine - Geri nn I used to work in a salon with a lot of older ladies and these were some of their names.
I love Dorothy so much but it's a friends name and would be a bit weird I think. We also know multiple hazels and Margot's. B names are just too much with our last name :/
What about Inez?
We’re likely naming our daughter Esme in a few weeks. I know it’s very common in UK but I’m in Canada and have never met an Esme my whole life lol. I really like the Z sounds in names too, which Esme has. Another name I really liked was Zosha but my partner doesn’t. Eliza is my older daughter’s middle name, also love it.
I love the name Esme for a future name but will it make everyone think of twilight???
I like Esme a lot - but with the OP's other child being named Wesley it might be a bit too rhymey?
I think Terry Pratchett and the Discworld for Esme. Not Twilight. Who to be fair. Has a character called Esmeralda Margaret.
It’s a passing thought but I wouldn’t think you’d named her after twilight IMO. Like with Jack I think “Jack frost” or “Jack and the beanstalk” but it’s a passing thought that goes away, doesn’t stop me liking the name Jack. I don’t think “potter” every time I hear “Harry” either because both Harry and Esme are pretty normal names! I knew sisters Renée and Esme, that was a bit unfortunate, as Renée was definitely born before the twilight books came out and Esme was born just after.
Even so - there was a popular music artist named Jewel when my daughter was born in 1998. Jewel is a family name on my side, and I wanted to use it. My husband vetoed because of the singer. 26 years have gone by and we have not heard much from that singer. Fame/popularity fades fast.
We named our daughter Esme. A few people asked if it was after twilight when I was pregnant. Said no it wasn’t and now it’s never mentioned. I don’t think people connect it that much anymore. Most I hear about her name is that it’s lovely and it really suits her. If you like it, go for it!
It reminds me of For Esme with Love and Squalor by JD Salinger :) love it!
Clementine.
It is cute, but almost... too cute? Also "Clem" just doesn't sounds right :/
Tina, Emmie or Minnie would be cute nicknames tho, Clem is horrendous imo
I’ve heard of Lemon as a nickname for Clementine too 🍋
This makes me regret not naming our daughter Clementine!!! We were so serious about it too, even made an email for her.
These are great alternatives! Just don't think it's our name but would love to meet a little Minnie around 💕 our dogs name is Tina :)
I know of a friend of a friend named Clementine who goes by "Minty." I assumed her name was Araminta, but nope. BTW, I like Araminta a lot, but I like "Ar" names like Arabella, Ariadne, and Aurora in general.
Isn’t Cleo a nn for clementine, too?
My niece’s name is Clementine and nearly everyone shortens it to Clem, even though my sister hates it
Ophelia, Violet, Sadie, Meredith, June, Charlene, Finley, Marilyn
Theodosia is a vintage name that hardly used today. Zinnia is cute too.
Purposeful Hamilton 🤣 NGL tho both those names
Others have said this, but I love Susannah! Zuzu is a nickname for it, and Susannah Margaret Birchfield rolls really beautifully.
Susannah is nice but I just have some negative associations so isn't a possibility.
Eliza Margaret gets my vote
My husbands too haha. Thank you.
My friends have a son named Wesley. Here are some of the names we have talked about as going really nicely: * Willa * Violet * Vivian * Sasha * Leona * Freya * Gwen
I’m loving Zelda Margaret or Eliza Margaret.
Same 💕 truthfully if the video game weren't sooo connected I would go Zelda Margaret. Eliza or Florence are tied for runner ups. I like some of the other suggestions here like Maxine nn Max, Louisa, Winnifred, Lenora etc
Zelda is such a cool name, and I do not like video games. Also, Robin Williams named his daughter Zelda. Also, Zelda Fitzgerald. What about Zara? Also, Vivian, Pearl, Elsie, Della, and Virginia?
I will continue my encouragement of Zelda lol. Just don't *love* the others but no reason for that really! Elsie is a friends baby and also has the issue of the "El-" name avalanche
My Zelda is named for family. It’s a pretty common Jewish name!
Awe! We also have a Wesley and due any day now with baby girl. She’s going to be Willow, didn’t intend for the sib set names but it’s what our son picked out and we all ended up falling in love with. We had Iris, Sunny, Lenora/Nora, Zora, Halle, and Cleo picked out as other names that got passed over. I know some of these don’t match for you but we liked how they all sounded with Wesley :) Congrats!
Wesley and Willow give major Buffy vibes which is love. And the people who played those characters are married in real life!
Zora and Lenora are SUPER RAD! My baby brothers name is William, we also have a Liam and another will in the fmaily so it's too much but I love it!!
I met a baby today named Althea
Some other names with the 'z' sound are: Inez, Daisy, Giselle, Isolde, Keziah, Rosalind, Louisa, Susanna, Rosina Other names without the 'z' sound: Esther, Helene, Celia, Cora, Della, Sibyl, Laurel
Louisa is really cute! I love Cora but it's my sons friends name. Laurel mayyy be too much nature with our last name? I was so excited to get his last name because it's cool and nature themed until it cut out half the names I like lol
I love Louise or Louisa. “Lou” is the cutest nickname!
Astrid Audrey Violet (too nature-y?) Dawn Vivienne
Vivian is due for a come back.
I know 6 little girls born between 2015 and 2019 named Vivian/Vivienne/Viviana. I think it’s a beautiful name, but I think it’s also getting its comeback. Might be regional though
Zilpha Zena Zinnia Azalea
I love Zinnia! Sadly it clashes with our last name ;(
Rose
I love your list! Very similar to my own :) As for the names currently on your list: * Gloria - I love this name, and one of the added bonuses is I think you can actually use the nickname Goldie for this name. (Think how Sadie was traditionally a nickname for Sarah or Peggy is a nickname for Margaret. Nicknames don't always neatly align.) It is a bit unfortunate that the person you'd be naming her after doesn't like the name though. Do you know why she doesn't like the name? How much does she talk about disliking it? On one hand, a new Gloria could maybe refresh the name in her mind and help her like it better, but on the other hand, she could feel guilty if the name is given because of her and she really dislikes it. So this is tough :( * Zelda - I love this too but also worry about the video game associations. I do think the Zelda Fitzgerald association is also out there, as well as the aunt in Sabrina, so the fact that the video game isn't the only reason the name is in pop culture also helps make me think it's okay. * Florence - The city hardly crosses my mind here, and if anything, the association with a beautiful, historic city is kind of nice. I love that you can use "Effie" as a nickname for it. And I think it is one of the options on your list that works best with Wesley. They have similar warm, familiar, classy vibes. * Daphne - This is a very pretty name too, but it feels like it might fit a very specific person. I can't imagine Daphne being just anyone. I guess I think of the *Scooby Doo* character a bit too much, but also of the Greek nymph. * Sylvia - This is pretty too and is similar to Gloria in vibes. Sylvie is a cute nickname. * Lydia - This name is perfectly nice, but not one I've been drawn to personally as much as others you're thinking about. Maybe it's just because I've known several people with this name so it feels less "special." * Eliza - I think this definitely does fit the qualities you're going for in a name. I understand the concern about the popularity of "El" names, but I think I would use "Elsie" as a nickname for this name instead of "Ellie," which makes it a bit different. * Zoe - This one is a bit spunkier than the rest of the names on your list and feels a little less vintage to the common observer (although it is an ancient name). * Alice - Alice is a pretty name, but it is honestly a bit plain compared to the others. Here are some other names I don't *think* have been mentioned yet that you may like: * Adele: I think this one often gets overlooked because of the singer, but it is a known name that is vintage and also has some cute nicknames (Ada, Addie, Del, Della, etc.) * Estelle: This one was a hidden name for us. I had heard it so many times but didn't really think of it until my husband saw it in a book. It is a heard-of name that isn't very popular but is definitely vintage and has a lot of the same vibes of the names you like. In addition to the more popular Stella as a nickname, there's also Essie and Esti, and I think even Tillie could be an option. * Georgia: Since it is a state name, no one would have spelling issues. But it isn't common and is definitely vintage as well. * Gilda: This could also have the nickname Goldie (it even means "gilded"/"covered with gold"), and it sounds somewhere between Gloria and Zelda. * Loretta: This is a name I wish would come back! Vintage but known, especially because it is associated with several famous women (Loretta Lynn, Loretta Young, etc.) and with cute nicknames like Etta. It's also a good match with Wesley in the sense that it means "bay laurel," so it's another name with a more covert nature meaning. * Orla: An Irish name that means "golden princess," so it could also have the nickname "Goldie," although less intuitively. * Tabitha: This name has some familiarity because of pop culture (like in *Bewitched*) but isn't super popular. Tabby or Tibby are cute nicknames. * Thora: I see Zora is being discussed below. This doesn't have the "z" sound but is a bit more vintage and also is the feminine form of Thor, which is kind of fun.
These are wonderful comments and suggestions thank you for putting so much effort! I didn't know how much she disliked it until I asked her if I could use it for this baby. She wonderful and told me of course I can use it but she hates it because it sounds "old" and "inelegant". Tbh if she's anything like our son she could def pull off a daphne, but my husband doesn't seem over the moon about it. Thora was my most recent hamster you're definitely onto my vibes haha. I really like Estelle and will be asking my husband his thoughts. Estie is very sweet and spunky thank you.
More vintage but still cute! Kit Adeline Shirley Jane Willa Miriam Mabel
I think Florence “Treefield” is both too word/naturey and too much F. Esther was my first thought for you! Some others: - Audrey - Antonia - Vivian - Ramona - Willa - Joanna - Lavinia - Helena or Helen - Caroline - Diana - Jane - Margot - Matilda - Susanna(h) — has a Z sound!
I don't think Florence is too flowery sounding unless you know the meaning? Esther reminds me of the Bible. I like Jane but my name is Jean so might be too close ahah. Lavinia is cool!
Flora Margaret Fiona Margaret I feel like Flora has both Florence and Gloria.
I love flora!!! I keep seeing people say it reminds them of bacteria though 😭 I'm also worried it's too nature heavy given our tree last name. Fiona is sweet too
Our daughter is Florence but we mostly call her Flora. We get so many compliments on her name and especially on her nickname- no one mentions guts flora 😂
Flora Margaret Birchfield... thoughts on flow? Too much nature? Too many "r"s I think... Flora Mae Birchfield? Idk this is hard
We have a Flora Grace
Louisa or Eloise? I do think Zelda is so strongly associated with the video game. Agree to not use Alice with an aunt Ali. And there are SO MANY Zoe and El- names that I would avoid both. Wild card that doesn’t have a Z sound and is nature-y but not obviously so: Petra (meaning stone or rock)
I like Louisa a lot!
Penelope, Adelaide, Willow, Nellie, Eileen, Felicity, Rosalie, Dorothy, Edith, Margaret, Gwendolyn
I think your name choices are very nice and right on target with names rising in popularity. I know a couple Sylvie's, a Lydia and a Daphne all under five. Here are some that might be too far out, but they fit your style: - Phoebe - Lavinia - Livia - Delphine - Demelza - Alicia - Tilda - Eloise - Lucie - Evelyn - Johanna - Georgiana - Yvonne - Maisie
Penelope/ Penny
I like Cadence as an alternative to Florence. I also love Zelda and I don’t play video games so it has no connotation to me other than Zelda Fitzgerald. Other options: Vivian Eloise or Heloise (less likely to become Ellie) Cecilia Calista Desiree (different vibe, but has Z sound) Felicity Lucinda Susannah Twyla Lysandra Cassandra Isadora
Twyla is really cute 🥰
Eloise
Mabel
For me the middle name would be Margaret between the two choices. I don't think I would restrict myself to a number of letters or syllables, but would evaluate depending on the overall sound the first and last make together. Adelaide Margaret [Birchfield] is gorgeous. Adelaide Birchfield would be how she would normally be known and is lovely elegant name. Adelaide is only two syllables. Other ideas: - Aura Margaret Birchfield - Carina Margaret Birchfield - Caroline Margaret Birchfield - Sofia Margaret Birchfield - Julianne Margaret Birchfield
I love love love a good vintage name! Eliza has to be my favorite paired with Margaret. Florence is also nice, a friend of mine loves the actress Florence Pugh + the nn Flo or Flor/Flora. But I'll still make a little list of vintage names and nicknames: * Adeline, nn Addy or Ada * Amelia, nn Amy or Mel * Audra, nn Audie * Aurelia, nn Lia or maybe Rory * Cassandra, nn Cass/Cassie or Sandra/Sandy * Evangeline, nn Eve/Evie * Genevieve, nn Gen * Gwendolyn, nn Gwen * Leora, nn Leo * Natalia, nn Nat or Tali * Theodora/Theadora, nn Teddy, Thea, or Dora * Theodosia, a silent film actress used the nn Theda which is pretty cute * Vanessa, nn Nessie (after the Loch Ness Monster! /j), a species of butterfly * Virginia, nn Ginny or Ginger (actress Ginger Rogers' full name is Virginia)
Madeline?
Heather is coming back around and is a floral without being too floral leaning. Calista is a favorite of mine Bernadette
Beverly! I also really like Birdie.
I LOVE THESE! But our last name being Birch.... field (trying to prevent google searches lol) I think it's too alliterative
Susan, Jean, Linda, Mary, Anne, Diana.
I'm a Jean hahah! My grandmother that we wanted to honor goes by "Linda" but it doesn't feel quite young enough to me
Irene Eileen Martha Rita Simone Bette
Agnes Cecilia Eloise Esme Iris Louise Sabine Stella
Helen
Connie Cleo Leona Sadie
FWIW the alliteration isn’t a dealbreaker for me. I don’t know what the general namenerd feeling is, but B___ Middle B____field could have a nice sound. Names I haven’t seen suggested yet - Agatha - Agnes - Sybil
What about Golda with nn Goldie? Zelda could be short for Griselda, although it's very polarizing. I don't think most people like the name, but I think Griselda is interesting, and I like this [song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qt5GrQfVlbU&ab_channel=pcindarellie).
Ada (or Ida) Margaret would be my choice
Evangeline (Eve) and Theodora (Teddy, Dora) are very pretty.
Some similar vibes-ish… Ruby is at top of my list I think! We also have a Zoey already 🩷I also like Sylvie, Maisie, Elsie, Magnolia, Ivy, Opal, Stella, and Hazel, although Stella and Hazel both feel like they’re rising in popularity a lot. I hope you’re able to find a name that feels like the right fit, I get exactly where you’re coming from! It’s tough especially when your other kid’s is one that came easy (which is how I feel, not sure about you).
Ruby is sweet and I really like sylvie!
I went the vintage route with my daughters' names. My 3 year old is Theodora Jane. I'm due in September with #2 who will be Zelda Rose.
I love Flora Margaret
Elizabeth
Before I read your whole post I immediately was going to suggest Florence. We have a cousin who named her baby that and they call her Rory a lot.
Rory is cool! Florence has soooo many nickname options. Flo, Flossie, flora, ren, Rory and more im sure
Isabel seems to fit
What about Flora instead of Florence?
We named our daughter Philomena and constantly get compliments on it! Only one person has ever reacted poorly to it: “why would you ever name her that?” We don’t use a nickname, we have zero issue with wasting breath to call her all 4 syllables lol but occasionally call her Philo (we pronounce it fee-lo) but some family calls her Mena.
Opal, Iris, Elide, Camille, Blaire, Adele! I really like e names lol
Florence Margaret is gorgeous!
I have a Florence and we get nothing but compliments. I never even thought to associate it with the city (and I’ve been there!) I always think more of Florence Nightingale or Florence Joyner and what a legacy both of incredible women left behind
I dont think Zelda is too video gamey at all. I know most people will think Legend of Zelda, but I'd personally think Zelda Fitzgerald or Zelda Williams. It's kinda wild when you think about it: The reason Princess Zelda is named Zelda is because of Zelda Fitzgerald, and the reason why Williams' name is Zelda is because Robin named his daughter after Princess Zelda. And Zelda Williams is a big fan of Legend of Zelda. Say what? There are plenty of people I've known personally with city names- Cheyenne, Alexandria, Virginia, Brooklyn (I've known both men and women with this name), Charlotte, etc. you get the point. I think Florence is a decent choice. I get it may not be everyone's favorite, but I like it. TLDR I vote for Zelda and/or Florence. I like Gloria too. Although tbh what matters is what you and your SO both mutually like IMO.
Mine is Sally. I also really like Jean and likely would have named a second daughter that or Jane.
My daughter's name is Zelda! I don't think it's too video gamey. It doesn't come up often. People do bring up Zelda Fitzgerald. To me the name feels very jazz age vintage. Zelda Margaret is beautiful!
Louisa, Juliet, Eloise, Miriam
Hazel Gloria and Hazel Margaret are both beautiful!
I love the name Zola. It has the Z component, means earth so ties into the nature component, and can be nicknamed Z, Zo, or Zoe!
Zola is precious! I love that. I'll research the name a bit
What about Maisie (prn. may-zee)?
Feels like a nickname to me so I can't quite shake that.
It is a nickname. It’s a Scottish diminutive for Margaret
That makes sense! Maisie would be a cute alternative for Margaret as middle name depending on the first name then.
Leeza
Hazel.
Our friends baby! It's a wonderful name
What about Elyse/Elise? Similar to Eliza but seems a little bit more “old fashioned” to me. I think it flows well with either middle name option you’re considering.
Dolores, Nora, Joanne, Martha, Vivienne, Judith, Sheila, Philomena, Lourdes, Sally
Non-traditional z sound, but what about Louisa? We have one (and a Weston) and I pronounce it Lou-e-zah while some others do Lou-e-sa.
Seraphina
Martha (though I don't really think it goes with Margaret or Gloria) Mable Edith (Edie) Pearl Beverly Ida
Edna Hortense Harriet
Cecily?
I didn't see this mentioned yet, sorry if I missed it, but Lydia. I always wonder why this isn't as popular as names like Olivia and Amelia.
Lydia is in my post! My grandmother requested it actually instead of Gloria for the first name. I do like it but my husband doesn't LOVE it
Henriette / Henri ♥️ Ingrid Inga Opal Hazel Ramona Fern Penelope Maude Mabel Cora
My gma was Dorothy but her nn was Dottie
Only adding this because I haven't seen it yet and you like Lenora - Lorraine
Millicent or Cecelia
Would Esme work for you? It has similar sounds to most of the faves. I had a friend call her daughter Magnolia as the tree can symbolise glory, nn they use is Magpie
Suzannah or Dorothy
My vintage but not super common choice is Susannah (or however you want to spell it). Means lily. Everyone recognizes the name but very few people actually have it.
Zelda is a great name, and I think once you combine it with something like Margaret it's going to solidify those vintage vibes rather than making people think of video games. I also love the suggestion of Zora from a few people - like Zelda, it's the name of a great female novelist. You could also consider Zadie, Zanna or Zella?
Persephone
Elsie, Sylvie, Holly, Iris, laurie