Baby Peters

Readers, Beverly needs your assistance please.  She writes:

 

My husband, David, and I are having a difficult time deciding on a name for our little girl.  Your help, and that of your readers would be appreciated!

Last time, I left name choices up to DH, while I retained veto power.  He chose Dawson Gregory for our son.  This time, he seems to be leaving naming up to me, other than vetoing most of my suggestions.

One thing we want to avoid is nickname hazards with our last name, Peters.  I suggested Beatrice, after my aunt who passed away early in my pregnancy, except that her nn was “Beats”.  DH nearly had a heart attack when he put the nn with our last name for our precious little girl!  I reminded him the last name was not MY fault.

Other names I’ve had on the list:

Adele

Adelaide–could have nn issues (addy laid). Not MY fault, remember!

Ainsley–he was ok with that too, until a couple we know just named their daughter that.

Amelia

Clara–he liked that one until I mentioned I occasionally used it as my “bar name” in my younger days.

Estelle

Gloria–DH’s mom is Glenda.  Too close?

Viola

Violet

He tends to suggest more popular names, and names that end in “son”.  I find the latter strange for a girl, especially considering our son’s name.

I can probably talk him into anything, but I would like to find something we both agree on.

Mae, Ann and Suzanne are family names that could be used as middle names, although it isn’t essential to use one of them.

I look forward to your insights!

Warmest Regards,
Beverly Peters

 

Hello Beverly!  I’m so glad you wrote us with your conundrum.  You’re too funny. His last name is not your fault.  I also laughed out loud at this:

I can probably talk him into anything, but I would like to find something we both agree on.

I thought the same thing!  Alas, even at the eleventh hour, it was not the case for us and we had to come to an agreement.  I’m hopeful that you and your husband, unlike us, can find one or two names you both love before the baby is born.  At least you know ahead of time that it’s a girl and can narrow down the field by 50%.

The names on your list are lovely.  Of course I love Beatrice and would never in a million years have a issue with Beatrice Peters, but if your aunt went by Beats?  Perhaps it’s best left alone.

I think Clara, Adelaide, and Ainsley should be off the list for reasons you mention above.  This leaves Adele, Amelia, Estelle, Gloria, Viola, and Violet.

Violet and Amelia are your most popular here, but they are absolutely ravishing and enduring classics, so they stay.  Adele, Estelle, Gloria, and Viola are more seldom heard.  Adele has been on and off my own list but ultimately I fear the Addie craze (Adalyn, Addison, etc.).  Does that scare you off?  If you love Addie, I say go for it.  Estelle has a lovely meaning and sound, and works well with Peters.  Viola has a kind of Southern charm, but there is the pronunciation issue there.  Long I or short?  Last my not least is Gloria.  I actually adore the connection with Glenda and think it could be such a nice tribute.

Middles of course depend on the firsts.  In addition to Mae, Ann, and Suzanne, you could expand to arrive at Mary, Anna, Susannah, Maryann, Zanna, Maisie… really any number of things to best suit the whole combo.  Do you all do this?  Change names to best suit the whole?  In our case Frenchified Alexandra to Alexandrine and Nancy to Anne.  I have no problem with this, but many people like to stick with the original.

You’ve done a great job finding names that work well with your surname and will wear well on a lady of any age.

Let’s put it to a vote.  I’m sure our readers can offer their experiences and opinions on these beauties, which I like so much I’m having a hard time choosing between!

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