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IS OUR FAVORITE NAME TOO SIMILAR TO HER SISTER ISLA?
Julie writes:
We named our sweet baby girl Isla June two years ago. Her sister will be here in November, and we both agree on our favorite name: Ivy.
But my mom, my sister, and other people I know are saying Isla and Ivy are too close.
Also, we’re thinking about maybe Ivy Jules or Ivy Julie-Anne because my husband is Ivan and that way she’d have part of both of our names. Anne is my middle name.
My husband doesn’t mind that other people don’t like it, but if it does cause her problems, I know I’ll feel guilty.
Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
NO RULES, BUT LOTS TO THINK ABOUT
Abby replies:
Congratulations on your new daughter!
Are Isla and Ivy very close?
Yes.
Are they too close?
If I rattle off all four of your names – Ivan, Julie, Isla June, and Ivy Julie-Anne – I hear the same sounds repeating over and over again. It does give me pause.
Except that lots of families go this route, choosing similar names for their children on purpose.
Here are the questions I think you should consider:
- Do you imagine growing your family after this baby? It’s hard to think about, I know, but having two children with similar names is rarely a problem. Setting a pattern that you feel obligated to follow for a third, fourth, or even fifth kid is where things can get dicey. Because Isla and Ivy is one thing. Isla, Ivy, Isa, and Ike is a slightly different scenario.
- Is there a runner-up name? It sounds like you both agree on Ivy. But did you have another favorite? People will disagree on whether Ivy is too close to be a sister for Isla. But you can weight Ivy versus another name. Because if nothing tops Ivy? Then that’s a sign you should proceed.
- Do you have any experience sharing a name yourself? Did you have a childhood friend name Jenna or was there a Julia in your class? If so, did you mind any occasional confusion, or did you appreciate the similarities? If you’ve ever had to refer to Isla by her first and last name to distinguish her from another Isla, how did you feel about it?
Notice that “what other people think” isn’t actually on that list. It’s hard, but ultimately, if you name your second daughter Ivy, people will get used to it.
Just in case you don’t have a list, let’s come up with some names for a sister for Isla that share Ivy’s best qualities but are a little different.
NEW IDEAS FOR ISLA’S SISTER
AVA
A long-time favorite with the same middle V sound. Ava opened the door for Ivy, but in your case, maybe Ava would appeal?
DAISY
Sweet nature name Daisy is just as appealing as Ivy, but with a different sound.
EVIE
If Ava isn’t quite right, would Evie appeal? It’s just a slightly change of sound, but it might be enough.
LILY, LILLIE
Another nature name to consider. Lily is the more popular spelling, but I love the visual impact of Isla and Lillie. And the shared L sound links the two names.
STELLA
Speaking of shared L sounds, Stella goes nicely with Isla without feeling at all duplicative.
SYLVIE
My first thought, and a logical substitute for Ivy. It add just a little more sound.
VERA
Lots of V names trend a little longer: Vivian, Veronica, Victoria. But short and sweet Vera sounds like the perfect sister for Isla.
WILLOW
Another nature name worth a closer look.
Overall, I think Ivy is tough to top because it’s based on your husband’s name. And that adds a layer of meaning that Sylvie or Willow or Daisy just can’t offer.
I do wonder if you might like Julianne better than Julie-Anne? Or even Ivy Juliette, which is probably my favorite. It creates a little extra space between her name and yours. Not necessary, but it can be nice.
That said, I really like the sound of Isla and Sylvie, and that would be my second choice. Another factor: Ivy is a bit of a wintry name, and Sylvie’s similarity to silver and the name’s meaning – woods – takes it in that direction, too. So you’d have summery Isla June and autumnal Sylvie Anne, which seems like a great combination.
I do like Abby’s suggestion of Sylvie. That definitely takes it away from the sounds in sister’s name, but same vintage sweet category.
I don’t want to offer my opinion on too close or not, because it really is at your discretion. I would probably jokingly call them La and Vee if I knew you 😉
Have you considered getting to Ivy by using the initials I.V? If you can find another ‘I’ name you also really like, it gives some space to pivot for you or your daughter if Ivy seems too close at some point. Here are some suggestions I think go well with big sis and I’d use Vivian in the middle as an honour for Anne.
Iris Vivian
Indie Vivian
Ines Vivian
Ingrid Vivian
Forgot to add – if it’s a balanced mix of mom and dad’s names you’re trying for – flipping them for this kid seems fair and takes you away from too many ‘I’s in one family. Annabel Ivy would be my vote, she seems like a sweet little sis for Isla June.
Isla June and Ivy Julie is too close. What about Juliet Ivy? Or Ava Juliet? Or Kaia or Maya? Or Anna Ivy. That way each girl gets a middle name inspired by one parent.
Hi- I love both names, Isla and Ivy; however, they are very matchy. Whether that is your preference, it is up to you. Some other names that might work instead of Ivy include:
Hadley
Dagny (means new day)
Linley
Maelys (Breton name and I love the “ys” at the end…kind of balances “Is” of “Isla” in a way)
Ines – another I name, but different sound, so this one really might be great for you
Daphne
Hattie
Sophie
Chloe
All best wishes!