Baby Girl Names Poll!

I know I'm a late-comer, but wanted to put my two cents in.

I associate names with personalities (oh, I'd never name my child such-and-such, because he was mean to me as a kid). So, my oldest daughter is Kylie. I knew one in high school (where I was the new kid), and I since associated that name with kindness.

There is a family we know, whose youngest daughter is Maren. I have nothing but good things to say about her. Beautiful, inside and out.

I like Maren Bryn.

Congratulations and best wishes!
M.

I like Neeley, spell it the way you want it pronounced, do her teachers a favor. I like Harper and Maren too, names you don't hear every day. As a teacher I used to hate having 6 kids w/the same name in my class...

Forget No. 4. It will always be mispronounced. If you want it to be pronounced Neeley, then name her Neeley. Trust me. I have an unusual name that's always mispronounced.

Always consider how other people will say your child's name due to spelling. (Neele - at first I thought was pronounced Kneel.)
Also, consider your daughter older and her friends, teachers, nurses calling out her name. Then consider her as an adult and how her name will sound in the business world, etc. I wish I would have chosen a different name for my oldest daughter - something more classic and strong like Kate (Kathryn). My youngest daughter has a more classic name but I call her RinnyBeth and she loves it. (Erin Elizabeth).
You'll also refer to your children, a lot, in the same sentence. It's nice if the names flow. Mathis and Maren sound good together but this shouldn't be a deciding factor because they will each be individuals. :)

You can also think of your favorite color or flower in a different language.
For instance Midori is 'green' in Japanese. My daughters have always liked the meaning behind their names.

Harper reminds me of a boy's name.

Enjoy your blessing!

I like Violet the best, I love strong classic names though. My daughter is named Jane and my new daughter due in September will be named Lauren. I am with the others on Neele especially with the spelling and having to deal with the issues that will come along with it. I like Harlow better than Harper if you are gonna go with that. Good luck, a name choice is a big deal-I just read some interesting articles on this very topic and the were right on about how they affect us.

I vote Violet Beth. My daughter's middle name is Violet. Just wanted to mention not to forget your last name in the flow. We moved Violet to the middle name because our last name is Davis - didn't want the child to be saddled with the initials VD. Congratulations on your new baby!

I like Maren with either Bryn or Blake.

Great advice on having the name work with your last name for flow, initials that might spell something unfortunate. I like Bryn and Violet too. But you might want to consider Brynn instead of Bryn, as Bryn is typically a boy's name. I think you should be aware of what other people are naming their babies, I saw a list of 2009 baby names and you might want to research if don't want to see an onslaught of similarly named babies. In elementary school class there is Abby M, Abby S, Abbey A, Abbie Y etc. While I love Violet for the classic appeal, there might be a "flower"name trend going on ... I know an Azalea and her mother Violet and know of two Daisy's from church. We know Blakes that are boys and girls. Something to think about, what is Mathis' middle name ... would Bryn go with that?. A lot of girls have Beth for a middle name. On Harper, there are a lot of Disney Wizards of Waverly Place fans who might think you named her after a TV show.

Good luck!

I personally would scratch 1 and 3 to old in my opinion. I like Harper Blake or Neele Bryn, those are different. I also wanted different names for my kids, my daugters are Peyton Raelynn and Drake Ashton and Peyton's babies names is Abriella Rae. Goodluck!

Violet would be my choice from that list, but here's my advice:

Write the different names, including your last name with "MD" or "PhD" behind it and see how it looks. Then have someone stand up and read the name aloud like it would be read at graduation. And this one is the most important: Go to where the kids will likely play (the backyard, the playground, etc) and yell the name (first name or whatever she'll be called) as though you are calling her in, or telling her to do something or not to do something).

See how each name sounds that way and you'll know which one you want to have for your sweet child.

I agree with those who have written about the spelling issue. Having to explain his or her name to every teacher, coach and substitute teacher starts to effect a child's self image.

We are naming ours Olivia Harlow.

I will vote for Maren or Harper. Both names are different. Harper can be for both a girl or boy. Also, Maren does correlate with your son's name.

I like Harper and Violet a lot, with Harper being my fave. I know you've already heard it, but as someone who's name is mispronounced and misspelled often, i thought i would weigh in. My name is D.. And since it is not uncommon for "C" to be interchangeable with "S" and still have the same pronunciation, you wouldn't think it would be that big a problem. IT IS. I don't care anymore, i don't care that my name is always spelled wrong by people who have known me my ENTIRE life. But, it is rarely pronounced correctly, especially during any kind of a roll call. Dennis is what i get, it is actually what i got last Tuesday when i started my summer semester at college. So from the age of 5 until now (i am 40) i am referred to as Dennis until i correct them. I would rethink Neele unless you want her to be called Neal or Nelly.

I love love love Violet!!!

Congratulations on your baby girl! My 2 cents although I know this isn't what you asked...but of all these names including the middle ones, I like Bryn the best...for a first name. I like Bryn Harper :-)
Best of luck in your decision making and be sure to update on what you decide to name her. (Mathis is a cute name!)

Harper and Violet... very cute and sound good with Mathis :)

I really like Harper!

I like Harper Bryn. I would add a second -n to Brynn. Harper Blake might have others wondering if she is male or female. Harper Beth seems to be missing something in speaking the name.
If you decide on Neele, I would add a second e to Neelee to get the name pronounced correctly...my daughter loves the -ee ending, needless to say all of our pets names end in -ee, ex. Callee.
Remember to think how the name will sound as your child enters school, and even how it will be, as an adult and out in the business world.

Updated

An after thought...
If you go with the name Neele Bryn, why not spell it Neylee Brynn...the 2
-y's bring the name together.

I LOVE Harper Blake!

I like Maren---it is very unusual---maybe Maren Blake!

Of course, my kids have uncommon names--Kellan (girl) and twin boys, Dash and Cassian---so I'm a bit biased to the less popular names...Good luck!

Just not Neele. She'll have to clarify, spell and explain it every day of her llife. Lovely choices otherwise. Congratulations!

Without a doubt, I would name her Harper. Harper Blake!!

Maren Beth sounds good to me.

I hate criticizing the names people choose but you might reconsider the spelling of Neele. I think it will cause her a lot of frustration throughout her life, having to spell it out, pronounce it out for people, etc.

my friends daughter is Maryn Benae.......

I vote for Maren Bryn. I like Hazel too as it is an old school name and I am partial them.

I like Maren or Hazel. Maren matches well with Mathis. I advise agaisnt Neele, since it's hard to tell how it's supposed to be pronounced, without an explanation. I love the name Hazel, because it isn't heard very often. You could say that of Maren as well.

Sorry, I don't like any of them, as they are not names of this current time. Would you want your daughter to have a name that reminded everyone of their 85 year old great aunt? If I HAD to choose from these names, I could be ok with Maren Bryn.

My honest thoughts :)

I love Hazel... For me Harper is a boys name (I know 3 boys born in the last 4 years named Harper). Love Violet. I have only met one Maren in my life and I think it is a beautiful and interesting (unique) name. Neele is not my favorite of those you've listed, but only because I tend to find names you have to spell for people or will have to constantly tell how to pronounce a little bit annoying (sorry).

I am sure whatever name you choose will be perfect for your daughter!

J.

Violet Bryn, definitely

I like Violet the best. I like Neele. I wasn't sure if Maren was MAR (like the ocean) or MARE (like a horse), rhymes with Karen.

I agree that at first glance, Harper is a boys name, but I also totally see a beautiful little girl saying "My name's Harper!" If you do Harper, pick a more girly middle name (not Blake). Harper Beth or Harper Bryn.

out of those names i prefer harper beth =) good luck deciding!

My adopted daughter came with the name Hazel Brianne. When I first heard the name, before I met her, I wasn't sure that I liked it. Now, it's the cutest name. She is an adorable girl, and I can't imagine her with any other name. Everyone I know loves it too!

Harper is a bit over-done these days, IMHO.

I've always loved Violet. I just can't seem to get my husband on board.

I like Neele ~ it's different. I also like the name Reagan.

Good luck and may God Bless you and your family.

I love Hazel B. or Hazel Bryn. So cute! No Harper or Violet. Congrats on the new baby!

My fave is Violet...I actually considered that name very seriously for a girl! I guess I just love flower names! Maren and Hazel are nice too, Harper is ok, no go with Neele. Personally, I don't like the name Beth at all. Bryn and Blake are nice though. I like your taste, those are all classic names with traditional spellings. Let us know what you pick!

I just wanted to add that although I totally agree with not picking a name that people don't know how to pronouce or spell (like my name) I can't believe some people think because they are not trendy or "modern" you shouldn't pick them!! Not everyone is a Makayla, McKenzee, Kadence, or Rilee.

I like Neele and Maren. Congratulations!

Mathis is too cute! I love that. Follow your heart and you will pick out the perfect name for your baby girl. I love Hazel and Neeley. I like Bryn too! :)

I have had to spell my name my whole life so I would not suggest a name that she would have to spell. Neele would be assumed to be a boy's name (a new version of Neil) as would Harper. When I substituted as a teacher, I had to be very careful as a mispronounced name always brought laughter... Heaven forbid that I mixed up a male and female!

I think Violet is beautiful and unique for this era. I don't know any Hazels so that may also be a good name. Maren means "bitter" in Hebrew. Neele is listed as a boy's name. Harper means "one who plays the harp." By the way, Mathis means "gift from God."

I think a lot of people at some point in their life like to look up what their name means. What will your daughter find?

I like Neele, but I do think it'll be mispronounce too...

I love the name Violet.. Violet Beth or Violet Blake..

I was thinking of using the name Viola (my grandmothers name) so I think thats why I like Violet the best..

My vote is for Maren. I suggested that name to my sister and now have a beautiful niece, Marin Jade. I also like Hazel.

i'm digging "neele beth".

personally i'd have at least one of the names definitely feminine. whatever you choose will be great.

Love: Hazel Beth or Hazel Bryn, or Maren Bryn. Love the names Harper and Violet but not necessarily with the middle names you've listed...how about Harper Bea or Violet Bea?

I love old fashioned names :) and after reading others think Violet Beth is sweet too.

oh and instead of blake i like Blakeleigh or Blakely

I think Violet is so cute! I especially like Violet Bryn. I know a girl named Aspen and I like it and I knew a girl in HS named Ember, I think Ember Blake sounds great and I like both Aspen and Ember with Mathis. I don't think you could go wrong with any of your names though, Hazel is super cute as well. Congrats!!

Maren Beth sounds nice. :-)

Violet Beth would be gorgeous!!

I love the name Violet. Its always been a beautiful name to me.

I like Violet! I really REALLY do not like Hazel! I think Violet would sound good with any of the middle name choices.

I really love Harper, Violet, and Maren!! I think Neele would be mispronounced all the time with the way you spelled it (I too grew up with an often misprounced/misspelled name and hated it!), and I don't like Hazel, plus it's actually more popular than you would think (I work for about 30 midwives and have seen it a lot!) after Julia Roberts named her baby that. I like Bryn but spelled Brynn, LOVE Blake!

A lot of it of course depends on your last name, since the first and last name are said together much more often than the first and middle. But my favorite combination of what you already have is Maren Blake or Harper Bryn(n).

I like Hazel or Violet; both distinctly feminine. I'm not much of a fan for androgynous names. Neele is cute, but prone to mispronunciation. Besides, I like the idea of a name that fits a woman, as well as the little girl. My daughters' names are: Cecily Anne, and Coral Crandell (my maiden name). Like you, I like something out of the mainstream, but not strange.

i know im real late and i havent read any other post, i just read ur question... i like maren beth, but as i have a name dictionary it means "bitter" so if u want a name that would go with ur son MATHIS, i would suggest "SARAH" it means "PRINCESS" and its short for sarahi (pronounce SARAH-E).. but if not go well MAREN BETH sounds good, also SARAH BETH!!!!

good luck!!! and congrads!!!!

I would go with Violet. Neele is going to be hard to pronounce and Maren might often be confused with K.. Plus, Violet is not too common right now, so there won't be five girls in her class with the same name.

I just found out I'm having a baby girl. We're going traditional and naming her Sarah. : )

K.
http://www.citymommy.com
http://www.discoverytoyslink.com/karenchao

My first thoughts are Maren sounds best with your son's name. Try saying it together. "These are my children Mathis and Maren." =) If you do go with Maren, I like Maren Bryn. I like Violet Bryn, and a slighty different version Viola Bryn. Wow I guess I really like that middle name choice the best! =) Good Luck!
(PS I dont think I could ever confuse Maren with Karen! LOL)

Maren is pretty - also like Mabry

Hi J.,

Of course your current choice of names you may like, but I wouldn't even name a dog Harper much less a baby girl. Hazel and Violet sound too old fashioned. Maybe they are family names? On the middle name I like Beth or Bryn. Blake sounds too masculine. It is hard to pick names that two parents can agree on. At least you are not trying to name her, "Apple"! Anyway, don't mean to sound too critical and harsh. You opened up yourself for public criticism. Hopefully I won't be the only one! Good luck on your choice of names. JC

Updated

How's about Bridget? Cute Irish name. JC

I would never saddle a child with the name of HAZEL. Just wouldn't do it. I like Neele and Maren Bryn. Just my input. Good luck.

L.

Hazel Beth is my vote. I've always loved the name Beth.
These 2 names together sound beautiful to me =-)

I agree too that Maren sounds good with Mathis.

Congratulations on having a girl!

for something that sounds good with your son's name, how about martha? (my own DD's name!) of the ones on your list, I like Violet the best. the only Harper I've ever heard of is the pulitzer prize winner harper lee, a female, so if your daughter has literate teachers the gender issue shouldn't be a problem. congratulations on your new addition!

Just throwing this out, but how about Matilda Bryn? Mazel Tov on the birth of your daughter.

Montana Blake is really pretty

I know I am a little late, too, but thought I would answer since other mommies still are, too. I love the name Hazel Beth!! It sounds really pretty and just flows together nicely.

What about ravenna,

Personally out of your choices I love Violet (would use the french spelling Violette) but for you I think you should go with Harper. You obviously like unique names and I think this goes best with Mathis. (Plus they are both surnames so they kind of go together.) I think Hazel and Maren are too old fashioned and i really don't like Neele poor girl would be spelling her name forever to everyone!. I like all of your middle name choices.

Good luck!

I like Bryn for a first name! lol.

Bryn Harper!

But i also really like Neele.

Cute original names! Glad to see someone going outside the norm.

No Hazel or Neele(especially with that spelling). Violet is pretty, then Maren. Congrats on the upcoming birth!

I love Violet (my grandmother's name) and I also love Hazel and Neele.
Congrats and good luck with your choice!

They are all nice, but my favorite is MAREN BLAKE! That is an awesome name! Just throwing this out there, another B name that I love as a mn is BLYTHE!

HAZEL BRYNN (with this spelling) is my second favorite!

Good luck!

I love Violet Beth. Sounds really pretty. I personally think Bryn and Blake are boy names and agree Neele would always be mispronounced.

I like Harper Bryn or Hazel Beth. If you use Neele I would spell it Neeley or all her teachers will say it wrong.

You have an awesome list to choose from but my favorite is Violet Beth! When you see her you will be able to choose what she looks like. Congratulations.

I'm late on answering but I like Hazel!

Just my opinion:

--Hazel sounds like a great-grandmother
--Harper is nice if it's a family name, but otherwise, it sounds like a male, but with your last name starting with an H, it might have a nice ring to it with alliteration
--I like Violet, but it sounds a little like a great-mother name, might sound like "Violent" by those with Texan accents
--Neele will often be misprounounced as "Neal". Nice if it's a family name, but will cause confusion by those who hear it as "Neil" or "Neal" for a male.
--Maren is nice, unusual without being weird, and pronounceable. Will be misspelled frequently, but she could easily say "Maren, spelled like Karen with an M"

ALL of these names have good potential, and there will be people who LOVE and people who HATE each of them. Go with your gut feeling when you chose.

My parents wanted to name me Holley (the spelling for a family surname), and their friends hated it. So, they named me Diane, along with 10,000,000 other people of my generation. They named my youngest sister Holley, who hated it, because Hollie Hobbie was popular when she was small and 10,000,000 other people named their daughters Holly right after she was born. Too bad my parents didn't go with their gut feeling, and name the first daughter Holley.

Maren Blake is very beautiful :)

I like Maren, with either Beth or Blake.

I like Neele Beth, or Neele Blake. Congrats to you and your family :)

Oh I love different names and love those!!
I like Neele Beth the best!!! I know a girl name Neeley and it is so cuteI love the middle name Bryn!! Maybe Hazel Bryn...
My least favorite is Violet, but that is just me!!

Love maren and Harper as well!!

What about the middle name BLYTHE!!?? I have a neice name Adyson Blythe!

All good choices!!
good luck and let us know what you decide!!!

I like Maren Beth the best (I think it sounds the best with Mathis) but I also like Violet Beth or Bryn. Very pretty and unique choices!