A reader named Liz, who already has a son named Eli, is now expecting a baby girl. Here’s her dilemma:
I love Caroline, my husband loves Marley, obviously we have different tastes and can’t seem to meet in the middle. I would like to use Ruth or Ellen for a middle name.
My first thought–and I’m sure Liz and her husband have already considered this: What about names like Madeleine, Marlene, and Marilyn? They have the feel of Caroline, but allow for the nickname Marley. (They don’t quite work with the middle name Ellen, though.)
There’s also the possibility of using Mary (or something similar) as a first name, Ellen as a middle, and Marley as a nickname for the combination.
My second thought: If popularity is an issue, they might want to be wary of Marley. It’s not too popular right now, but it’s steadily climbing the charts…and the movie Marley & Me could be what launches it into “trendy” territory.
Ok, enough thinking…it’s name time! On the left are formal names with fun nicknames; on the right are names that (by themselves) seem to be a good compromise between classic and cute.
| Antonia (Toni, Nia) Beatrix (Bea, Trixie) Clarissa (Rissa) Georgina (Gina, Gigi) Josephine (Josie, Phina) Matilda (Mattie, Tilda) Miriam (Miri)* Paulina (Paula, Lina) Penelope (Penny, Nelle) Theresa (Tess/a, Rese/a) Victoria (Vickie, Tori) | Celia Chloe Cora Daisy Lucy Lydia Mara Mia Phoebe Ruby Sylvie |
*I know, I know…also a recent movie name. I don’t think Zack and Miri Make a Porno is quite as widely known as Marley & Me, though.
What other ideas would you offer to Liz?
Could you use “Carly” as a nickname for Caroline?
Didn’t even think of that one. Thanks Angela!
I like Carley Ruth or Caroline Ruth and Carley as a nickname.
I’m definitely in Liz’s camp as far as taste goes. Caroline is beautiful.
Have you considered that Caroline can be nicknamed to Callie, at least according to Behind the Name? http://www.behindthename.com/name/callie
Callie might appeal to a Marley fan.
I love the name Leah and it souds adorable with eli