Choosing a Short Girl Name to Match Ella Grace

Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, we discuss reader’s name questions, usually on Tuesdays and Fridays. We’re relying on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow down their name decisions. Thank you in advance for sharing your insight! To have your question considered, email appmtn (at) gmail. Looking for your own private #namehelp post? Order one here.

CAN ELLA’S SISTER BE NAMED NORA?

Justine writes:

When we were expecting our first, my favorite girl name was Eleanor. My husband thought it was too old lady. We compromised on Ella Grace. I love her name, but now that we’re expecting a second daughter, we’re having even more trouble agreeing.

My husband suggested Nora Rose. Ella Grace and Nora Rose.

It’s kind of like I’m getting the name I always wanted, but I almost feel like it’s one of those two-person horse costumes.

His other favorite name is Emma, which I think is much too similar to Ella, and overall too popular, though I think I like the combination Emma Rose better than Nora Rose.

My list:

• Esme – not sure about two E names, and my husband says no one will know how to spell or pronounce it
• Cora – I might like it less than Nora, but I feel like it’s less of a matched set, my husband says it’s good, but he still likes Nora better
• Gemma – My husband is okay with it, but thinks she’ll always be called Jenna, and that it’s a really “different” name
• Lyla – I do like this, but Ella and Lyla is a la-la-LOT of L
• Maisie – A name I like so much lately, but I’m not sure if it will be a little too cute by the time she’s a teenager?

Our last name is Paul-plus-son.

Please read on for my response and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

A SISTER FOR ELLA

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new daughter!

Let’s start with the Ella-Nora question.

If I met sisters named Ella and Nora, I might have the same reaction you do. As if they’re two parts of the same name, like being called Eliza and Beth. Except that’s not really the case, is it? Ella and Nora are independent names, and I think they could be absolutely lovely together.

But here’s the thing: you’re not keen on naming your daughter Nora.

And so you should not name this baby Nora.

Think about it:

• You feel it’s unfair to your younger daughter.
• You’re busy trying to find substitutes.
• And, perhaps most significantly, you’re asking for help.

It sounds like your husband has strong opinions about names, and he got more of what he wanted with your older child’s name. That’s absolutely fine – it’s almost inevitable that one partner compromises a little more. But given the amount of time you’re focused on this question? I feel like it’s your turn to put a thumb on the scale.

(It’s always risky to wade into such dynamics based on the few sentences of information I have available to me. But the whole she-suggests, he-vetoes dynamic is common in naming, even when she clearly cares much, much more about the naming decision in general. It’s worth pushing back on this, I think.)

Let’s look at your current list:

• Esme – I agree with your husband that it can sometimes present a spelling/pronunciation challenge. But Esme is increasingly common, and I think it would be a very occasional hassle. As for the repeating initial? If you hope to grow your family in the future, and know that you’ll feel stuck in an E name pattern, then yes – best to move on. But if you’re fairly confident that this child completes your family or if you’ll believe me that it’s possible to match Ella and Esme lots of different ways? Then I think it works beautifully.
• Cora – Normally I’d be enthusiastic about Cora, but it sounds like it’s not a favorite for you or your husband, so I think it’s best to move on.
• Gemma – This name is hovering around the #200 mark in the US, which is pretty mainstream. I think it’s a perfect choice for your family.
• Lyla – I cannot imagine having daughters named Ella and Lyla. As you say, it’s a LOT of L sound.
• Maisie – Names age with their generation. Name your daughter Maisie in 2025, and she’ll grow up as part of a generation of girls called Sadie and Josie. I don’t think it’s too cute or too much of a nickname. But if you’re hesitant, we can find some more alternatives to consider. Also noteworthy: Esme and Maisie share a strong Mae sound. Is that something you’re drawn to?

So while I think it would be absolutely fine if you named your daughter Nora Rose, I like Esme, Gemma, and Maisie from your list, too.

Let’s find some more fresh suggestions for Ella Grace’s sister.

FRESH SUGGESTIONS

ANNA

Make no mistake, Emma is a classic name. But it’s very much an early 21st favorite, a Top Five name since 2002. Anna is every bit as classic, but it’s also a little less common. One hesitation: Ella and Anna is a little close to Elsa and Anna, of Frozen fame. I don’t think it’s a dealbreaker, but if it echoes the problematic closeness of Ella and Nora, then that’s a factor.

CLARA

There’s something of Nora about Clara, with that R sound in the second syllable. But Clara is a distinct name, strong and pretty at the same time. I think it’s the perfect substitute.

GRETA

Maisie is a traditional nickname for Margaret, so I had Margaret names on my mind. I almost suggested Margot, but I think Greta has more of the qualities of Nora and other names on your list, like Cora and Gemma.

LUCY

If you’re unsure about a casual name like Maisie, I wonder if Lucy would appeal? It shares Lyla’s L initial and ends in the “ee” sound. But Lucy is a complete English given name, just like Mary or Henry. Ella and Lucy are distinct enough that the repeating L sound is far more subtle, just a connection between sisters’ names, not a tongue-twister.

MAYA

A 21st century classic, Maya has multiple origins and meanings from all across the globe. While it’s a been a steady, Top 100 favorite since 2002, it’s never become all that popular. It’s a little like Maisie, but more like Nora/Cora/Lyla.

ROSE

Is there any chance you’d promote that middle name to a first? It’s classic and lovely and you could call her Rosie, which has serious Maisie vibes.

SOPHIE

Another thought on the substitutes-for-Maisie idea? Sophie. It’s a little cozier than elegant Sophia, but has that same timeless quality.

ZOE

Here’s the thing about Esme: in some ways, it’s part of the girl-names-ending-with-E trend. Except it’s also not, because Esme ends with a long A sound, while Zoe (and Chloe, Phoebe, Daphne, and Penelope) ends with an EE. Still, I wonder if Zoe – or one of those other names – might be the ideal substitute?

I think I’d put Clara and Lucy top of my list, but Esme, Gemma, and Maisie from your list are equally strong.

If it’s important to use the middle name Rose, then I think I’d lean towards Lucy Rose or Gemma Rose.

But have you considered another middle? Because I think Clara Mae could be lovely, or maybe Esme Louise or Maisie June or even Justine, after you?

Readers, over to you! What would you name a sister for Ella Grace?