A reader named Kelley is looking for a female name to go with the surname Phelan (FEE-lan). So far, she likes Eleanor, and her boyfriend likes Megan.
This is a very open-ended question, but here’s my take:
I find it interesting that Kelley’s boyfriend likes Megan, because I actually have the opposite view. I think a first name that has both the same rhythm and the same n-ending as Phelan would sound a bit odd, so I’d cross Megan and similar names (e.g. Erin, Helen, Lauren, Susan, Jordan) off my list.
I do like Eleanor with Phelan, on the other hand. They share some consonant and vowel sounds, but each has a distinct rhythm, so (to me) they are similar without being “matchy.” A nice balance, I think.
Other names I might throw out there? Let’s see…
| Alicia Amelia Brianna Bridget Celeste Cynthia Daniela Elisa Julianna Lucy Lydia | Margaret Mara Maya Muriel Natalie Natasha Nicole Nora Rowena Theresa Valerie |
Sticking with the “Eleanor” pattern, most of the above are have sounds in common with Phelan, but rhythms all their own.
What other names would you suggest to Kelley?
Update – The baby has arrived! Scroll down to the last comment to see what names they chose…