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Name Help: A Sibling for Mabel

July 24, 2020 By appellationmountain 32 Comments

Name Help: Sibling for MabelName Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Every week, one reader’s name questions will be discussed.

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!

Jessica writes:

I’m hoping you might have some suggestions. I’m pregnant with baby number two due in December. We have a daughter, 22 months, named Mabel.

We were using the name Mabel for about five years before she was born, so couldn’t imaging another name for her.

However this time round we are struggling for boy and girl names. I don’t want a name in the Top 100 – as a Jessica born in the late ’80s I was never the only Jessica in the classroom!

I like vintage with a bit of sass. A boy name that we are toying with is Chester. I also like Etta for a girl. Nothing is really something we love though.

Any ideas?

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

Dear Jessica –

Congrats on your new baby!

When you’ve known your first child’s name forever, it can feel impossible to think of a name for her sibling. But the good news is that you have a good idea of what you’d like. It’s just a question of accelerating the process. We can help with that!

So, we need boy and girl name ideas. They need to be:

  • Not currently ranked in the US Top 100 … or heading that way fast.
  • Vintage, rather than modern, in style.
  • With a little bit of spark!

And, of course, they need to be a good match for Mabel. This makes me think we’re looking for tailored, nickname-proof girl names, rather than something more elaborate.

A SISTER FOR MABEL

Daphne – At #383, Daphne feels familiar, but not common. And it’s a spirited name that’s not tied to any era. (Though this Django Reinhardt piece sounds like the names you’re describing – and it’s called Daphne!)

Dorothy – Dorothy Gale went over the rainbow in 1939. By 1985, Dorothy Zbornak was retired in Miami. But today, it has come full circle, and feels like an adventurous girl’s name again. It currently ranks #586.

Edith – Downton Abbey boosted this name a little, but at #586, it’s still a comfortably underused vintage gem.

Flora – Nora and Cora rank in the US Top 100, but Flora? It’s not even in the Top 1000.

Louise – Louise Brooks stamps this name as effortlessly vintage, but Louise also feels like a classic. It ranks #800.

Ruth – In some ways, Ruth is serious – an Old Testament figure, a Supreme Court Justice. But on a girl, it’s sparky Ruthie – and that’s a name that feels perfectly paired with Mabel. It ranks #265.

Simone – Simone might feel sleek and sophisticated next to friendly Mabel, but I think the names share a tailored style that’s quite compatible. It ranks #733.

Vera – A vintage name that’s on the upswing, but, at #257, remains far behind Ruby or Stella.

A BROTHER FOR MABEL

Archie – As approachable as Mabel, and every bit as vintage, too.

Calvin – Another throwback name that, like Mabel, feels quite current today.

Dexter – If Chester is close, but not quite, how about Dexter?

Felix – It’s tough to beat the meaning of this name: lucky.

Hugo – Arlo, Leo, and Milo are quite stylish. Hugo shares the same ‘o’ ending, but isn’t nearly as popular.

Otis – Originally a surname form of Otto, Otis and Mabel feel like they’re from the same era.

Philip – Maybe a little more buttoned-up than Mabel, but both names are downright fun to say.

Rufus – An ancient Roman name mentioned in the New Testament, Rufus has been out-of-favor in the US for years … but that might make this the perfect choice.

Overall, I love the idea of Archie with Mabel, but I wonder if Archie feels like it needs a formal name? I’ve been toying with Arthur called Archie, but that might be a stretch. Still, I think just Archie works well.

If not Archie, then how about Dexter? Yes, there’s the serial killer. But Dexter has that great, vintage appeal, while the X makes Dex a thoroughly modern nickname.

Back to girls’ names: Etta is great, but I like Edith just a little bit more. I think Mabel and Edith both benefit from strong, bright vowel sounds. Plus, they’re feminine without being frilly, traditional without being too expected, and nickname-proof, but with great built-in nicknames: Edie and Mae.

Readers, over to you: what would you name Mabel’s sister or brother?

More names you might like:

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Comments

  1. Jinny says

    September 26, 2020 at 10:05 AM

    Hallie is the female form of two traditional names, Henry and Harold, which also means ruler. The female name can also mean lovable, delightful and springlike.

    Reply
  2. Jonquil says

    July 27, 2020 at 11:18 PM

    Rosa and Mabel
    Perla and Mabel
    Tara and Mabel

    Reply
  3. Amy3 says

    July 27, 2020 at 1:08 PM

    If these have already been mentioned, consider them seconded:

    * Lois
    * Doris
    * Dean
    * Wendell

    Reply
  4. Marmo says

    July 27, 2020 at 12:11 AM

    I have a Mabel and I’m also looking for a sibling name. Funnily Etta is top of the list. I love Ethel but feel it’s too similar to Mabel. For a boy I adore Elliot and I would also consider it for a girl.

    Reply
  5. Nieke says

    July 26, 2020 at 6:48 PM

    Love the suggestions of Flora, Simone and Dorothy with Dolly as a nickname. I’d also add Esme, Agnes, Pearl, Greta and Tess.

    Chester is perfection. But before reading suggestions I also thought of Calvin, Otis and Rufus. Also Victor and Francis (or Frances for a girl).

    I also adore the suggestions of Nell and Gene.

    Reply
  6. Shaina says

    July 25, 2020 at 11:24 PM

    Chester and Etta are great with Mabel! What about
    Orson
    Viola
    Scarlet
    Richard

    Reply
  7. Janine says

    July 25, 2020 at 2:26 PM

    What a fun naming style!

    Absolutely love Etta and Chester, but here are some others that came to mind:

    Harriet nn Hattie (a lot of suggestions for this one)
    Poppy/Pippa (feels very spunky)
    Willa
    Winnie

    Gus (was the first name that sprang to mind for a boy, but August/Augie works too)
    Bram/Abe
    Walt
    Ralph

    Good luck!

    Reply
  8. Zoe Hare says

    July 25, 2020 at 1:39 PM

    I love your choices but the first names that came into my head were Meredith and Murray

    Reply
  9. Marisa says

    July 25, 2020 at 8:15 AM

    Etta! I’d absolutely stick with Etta! If you’re not sold, there are lots of other good suggestions from others, Zelda being my favorite for runner up!

    Chester is so fun! And very unexpected. I was going to suggest Clyde but someone beat me to it. I also thought of Harvey. Gilbert is a great suggestion, and, if you’re feeling brave, Gordon might be tempting.

    Reply
  10. FE says

    July 25, 2020 at 1:31 AM

    My first comment was supposed to be in response to the comment from Iris, below.

    I also wanted to suggest Clive or Gilbert and to say I’m sure you could use Etta as a nickname for Harriet.

    Reply
  11. JMV says

    July 25, 2020 at 12:52 AM

    I love Etta! For a boy, Abby’s list is fantastic. I’m really digging Rufus and Calvin. I’d toss Ira and Carl onto the list as well.

    Reply
  12. Jean C. says

    July 25, 2020 at 12:00 AM

    I love Dorothy as a suggestion. I feel like Gloria would work—it’s my daughter’s name and if I had had a second daughter, I would have liked to consider Mabel but it has an odd family situation (step grandma sort of thing) that would have unfortunately made it unusable. BUT I still love it! I also think Dinah would be so perfect with Mabel.
    For a boy, I do like Chester and Archie. I feel like Oscar would also be very sweet.

    Reply
  13. Nathalia says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:26 PM

    Etta is nice. It reminds me of Etta James – cool and sassy and creative. However, it also shares a lot of sounds with so many other popular E names – Emma, Ella, Ellie, etc. – that are starting to go cold and are somewhat ubiquitous in my area. Would that bother me? I’m not sure. I also love Chester – it has just the right tone. Some other ideas for a sibling to Mabel (some may be repeats):

    Hollis
    Coral
    Celeste
    Opal
    Hester/Esther (rules out Chester in the future)
    Susannah
    Marina
    Jeanne
    Agnes (Aggie)
    Nancy

    Wilfred
    Clarence
    Harold
    Leonard
    Alistair
    Marshall
    Nigel
    Van
    Perry
    Francis/Frank
    Patrick

    Reply
  14. Andrea says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:16 PM

    Eloise, Estelle, Frances, Francine, Hester, Ida, Iris, Lucille, Luella, Lulu, Maxine, Nola, Rosalie, Roxanne.

    Baird, Barney, Clyde, Elmer, Frank, Guy, Hal, Hank, Roger, Stuart, Vincent, Warren, Wiley, Zane.

    Reply
  15. Zena Eve says

    July 24, 2020 at 8:36 PM

    Viola
    Opal
    Zelda
    Irene
    Fern
    Estelle

    Ira
    Clark
    Seth
    Clovis
    Gregory
    Paul

    Reply
  16. Virginia says

    July 24, 2020 at 8:03 PM

    Antonia or Nina for a girl, Evander or Samson for a boy.

    Reply
  17. FE says

    July 24, 2020 at 7:51 PM

    You’ve jusr suggested three of my five children’s names in one swoop! I have a Harriet, Alistair & Edwin!! I see Susannah mentioned by others, so only Curtis is left ..but I realise it’s a bit of a different vintage.

    Great suggestions

    Reply
  18. stefanie says

    July 24, 2020 at 7:11 PM

    I love Jean with Mabel. Actually, I love Eugene/Gene, too!

    Reply
  19. Jaime says

    July 24, 2020 at 6:19 PM

    I saw that someone suggested Della, which I love with Mabel. This made me also think of the even more unique Zella which I’ve only heard a handful of times but love.

    Reply
  20. Carrie says

    July 24, 2020 at 4:48 PM

    I was going to suggest Chester!!! It’s my fave. Also Willard! (They can be Mae & Will later if they want.)

    You’ve got so many good girl options. I think I’d go with something super-vintage. Edith, Vera, Pearl, Iris. I DO think Etta is a an appropriate choice, but maybe more popular, less fusty? & I love fusty lol.

    Good luck!

    Reply
  21. Aine says

    July 24, 2020 at 3:14 PM

    Lots of lovely suggestions here. From the comments, I especially like the idea of Harriet or Clementine. Abby’s suggestions of Flora, Dorothy, and Edith also seem to be pitch-perfect. Mabel strikes me as a name that is vintage, sweet but capable, and slightly Southern. It’s also intuitive to spell and pronounce.

    Della
    Estelle/Estella
    Irene
    Agnes
    Tallulah
    Florence
    Tabitha
    Maude
    Hattie
    Susan/Susanna/Susannah
    Lucille/Luella/Lucinda
    June
    Joy
    Rosalie/Rosalind/Rosemary
    Georgette
    Elsie
    Cleo
    Gemma
    Beatrice/Beatrix
    Celia/Cecily
    Geneva

    Reply
  22. Patricia says

    July 24, 2020 at 2:50 PM

    My 6.5 year old granddaughter Mabel has a has a slightly younger sister named Camilla. Their parents had a personal reason for choosing the name Camilla, but also liked it because she would sometimes be called Milla (Mabel and Milla). Runner up girl’s name was Matilda; for a boy they liked Marshall or Theodore.

    Reply
  23. Marie Thomas says

    July 24, 2020 at 1:35 PM

    Loving Chester!

    Maybe Georgia or Sylvie?

    Reply
  24. Turanga Leela says

    July 24, 2020 at 1:08 PM

    Have you thought about Clementine? It feels like the right era to go with Mabel, and it’s so sweet. If you’re okay with other M names, Millie and Marguerite have a similar vibe. (And Marguerite can be Rita or Daisy.)

    For boys: My son is Raymond, and it’s been a perfect vintage name. Everyone can spell it, we never meet other Rays his age, and a lot of people say “That was my grandfather’s name!”

    Reply
    • Turanga Leela says

      July 24, 2020 at 4:33 PM

      One more girl’s name: Henrietta? You could still use Etta as a nickname, although Etta also works perfectly well on its own.

      Reply
  25. MKey says

    July 24, 2020 at 12:02 PM

    I know Elizabeth is a forever classic (so certainly common), but the nicknames Bette or Betty are so vintage and sassy – I love them! – and they are rarely heard. I also love Kit (could be short for Katherine or Katrina).

    One of my favorite vintage names for boys is Roger. I also like Royal, Rhett, and Gard (could be short for Gardiner). Alfred could be cute, or Francis (nn Frank/Frankie).

    Reply
    • MKey says

      July 24, 2020 at 12:06 PM

      Three more girl names: Bernadette, Birdie, and Dolly.

      Reply
  26. Jaime says

    July 24, 2020 at 11:03 AM

    I actually like Chester (nn Chet) and Etta for you.

    From Abby’s suggestions, love Daphne and Rufus the best.

    A few additional suggestions:

    Helen
    Esther
    Nell
    Greta
    Frances
    Lottie
    Olive

    OR

    Barnaby
    Finnegan
    Calvin
    Callum
    Peter
    Amos
    Gus (or August)

    Reply
  27. ab says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:57 AM

    I had a great-uncle Chester who went by Gus. I never thought to ask why.

    For a girl I like:
    Ada — 251
    Esther — 153 Etta could be a nickname for Esther
    Irene — 637
    Pearl — 647
    Rosetta — never ranked in the top 1000; Etta could be a nickname for Rosetta
    Vera — 257

    For a boy I like:
    Arthur — 230 Art is a great nickname
    Dale — 921
    Glenn — 864
    Jay — 399
    Louis — 263 pronounced LOO ee,, although the pronunciation of Lewis (and the name at 546) is good too.
    Ray — 728

    Reply
    • Edie says

      July 24, 2020 at 7:19 PM

      I like Etta, Dorothy, Vera, Harriet (called Etta), or Matilda for a girl. A few other suggestions:

      Ivy
      Clover
      Rosemary
      Vita

      I like Chester or Rufus for a boy. Other possibilities:

      Leonard or Leopold (called Leo)
      Edmund
      Kester (very close to Chester)

      Reply
  28. Iris says

    July 24, 2020 at 10:21 AM

    For a boy: Edwin, Alistair, August.
    For a girl: Thea, Winifred, Harriet. But I prefer Etta!

    Reply
    • Iris says

      July 24, 2020 at 11:37 AM

      Or Petra

      Reply

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