Naming question

[Anonymous]

My sister is Eleanor/Elly. Considering Elizabeth nn Ellie for soon-to-be baby. Is it weird? Haven’t talked to her about it yet.

[Anonymous]

So Elly and Ellie? Pronounced the same way? Yeah, weird. But all you can say is, “Won’t that be confusing?” When she says no, then you keep your mouth shut. The kid will probably end up with a different nickname anyway.

[Anonymous]

I do think you should talk to her about it if you really want the name and might use it. Do not surprise her with "Welcoming Baby Ellie to the world!"

As for whether it's weird, that is entirely dependent on your relationship with your sister, what your family is like, what her personality is like (I know people who would LOVE to share a name with their niece, and I know people who would be annoyed about it and never get over it).

You say you are "considering" it. Does that mean you have few names you like and are deciding among them, or you are really struggling to agree on a name and this is one you both like except there's the issue with your sister? If this is just one option of several that you both like, I might scrap it just to avoid the issue. If you both love this name and don't have other options you both like as much, then it might be worth dealing with this issue.

[Anonymous]

Yes, sorry.

[Anonymous]

This doesn’t strike me as weird because they’re in different generations, but obviously every family has a different dynamic. I personally find it strange when first cousins share the same name, which happens in some families.

[Anonymous]

It's fine. Even if you were Jewish (based on choosing the name Elizabeth, I'm guessing you're not) it would be fine too.

[Anonymous]

Yes weird, especially when there are 20 other nicknames you could use and keep Elizabeth, or just use Elizabeth.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It's fine. Even if you were Jewish (based on choosing the name Elizabeth, I'm guessing you're not) it would be fine too.

The name Elizabeth is a variation of the Hebrew name Elisheva, which means "My God is an oath" or "My God is abundance". Could be Jewish, although not a super common Jewish name. I know Jewish Elizabeths and FYI Elizabeth Taylor converted to Judaism late in life.

[Anonymous]

Do you love your sister?

I think it's incredibly sweet -- if you have a good relationship. It's a link without being an overt tribute.

[Anonymous]

Just so you know Ellie/ella is Sooooo common now. There will most likely be at least one other in your daughter’s class.

[Anonymous]

Ask your sister. My daughter and sister share an uncommon nickname for two totally unrelated names and they both love it, even moreso as my daughter has gotten older.

[Anonymous]

This makes me think of the Beezus and Ramona books (in a good way) - Beezus (Beatrice) is named after her mother's sister and always has an affinity for her as a result.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:This makes me think of the Beezus and Ramona books (in a good way) - Beezus (Beatrice) is named after her mother's sister and always has an affinity for her as a result.

Love this! Why not name your daughter Eleanor and call her Nora?