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Name Help: A Sister for Alexander and Ezekiel

December 2, 2022 By appellationmountain 27 Comments

Name Help: A Sister for Alexander and EzekielName 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!

Jessie writes:

We have two boys, Alexander “Alex” John, 7, and Ezekiel “Zeke” James, 5. After thinking our family was complete, we’re expecting our third (and this time definitely last!) baby) early in the new year. It’s a girl!

With both of our boys, our girl name was Olivia Mary. Much as I still love the name, I don’t think it’s right for us anymore. We’ve heard it a lot, and there are Olivias in both of our boys’ classes this year. Maybe I’ve just sort of moved on. My husband is happy to still use Olivia, but he’s open to other names, too.

Here are the names that we’re considering now:

ELIZA – Except I don’t like the nicknames Ellie or Lizzie, and I love the way our boys have nicknames. (Olivia would’ve been Livvie.)

NORA – It just sounds so simple next to Alexander and Ezekiel, right? My niece is Eleanor, so that’s out, and I think Eleanora would be too similar, too. Someone suggested Honora or Annora, but they’re not really us.

VIVIAN – I do like Vivi, but Vivian is just kind of okay for me. Our last name is similar to Johnson, and I don’t like the N-N ending sounds.

We’d love some new ideas!

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

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new daughter!

Olivia could be the perfect sister name for Alexander and Ezekiel – Alex, Zeke, and Livvie. But I hear what you’re saying. After a few years, sometimes a name that we haven’t used just feels like it belongs in the past.

Plus, Alexander and Ezekiel are names with lots of sound. They’re not really different, exactly – but they’re distinctive choices. A name like Nora does get a little lost next to them, though it sounds more balanced with Alex and Zeke.

So let’s see if we can find some fairly mainstream names with stand-out sounds. We’re looking for something a little longer, with a sparky nickname, too.

A SISTER FOR ALEXANDER “ALEX” AND EZEKIEL “ZEKE”

CECILIA “CECE”

An obvious substitute for Olivia, Cecilia is popular and traditional, but a little less common. I think Cece goes beautifully with your boys’ names.

CORDELIA “CORA”

We all recognize the name Cordelia, but it’s currently outside of the US Top 1000. Nickname Cora makes it even more accessible.

GENEVIEVE “VIVI”

Since you like Vivi, but not Vivian, would the same nickname work for Genevieve? Or maybe another name with a strong VIV sound? There’s always romance language Viviana.

JUNIPER “JUNIE”

The first name that came to mind. Spirited nature name Juniper is actually in the US Top 200, and has more history than you’d guess. Nickname Junie is warm and high energy, but still traditional.

MARIANNE “MIMI”

Or Miriam called Mimi. Or Miri! There’s whole cluster of names related to Mary and Mary Anne with lots of potential. I think Marianne feels like an enduring choice, though it’s currently outside of the US Top 1000. Mariana is more popular.

ROSEMARY “ROMY”

Along the same lines as Marianne, would you consider Rosemary? It’s delightfully old-fashioned, but nickname Romy is all kinds of modern. Rosalie called Rosie is another good choice.

THEODORA “TESS”

There are a surprising number of nicknames for Theodora. I like Tess best with Alex and Zeke, but you could easily consider Thea, Thora, or any of these possibilities. My one hesitation with Tess, of course – maybe it’s too close to your name?

VERONICA “VERA”

A quirky classic, Veronica has history to spare and an arresting, unforgettable sound. But we don’t think of it in the same category as Margaret or Katherine, and I think that makes it a perfect sister name for Alexander and Ezekiel. My favorite nickname is actually Vica, but Vera might be the better choice for your family.

Juniper was my very first thought, and I’m still a fan. Except I’m not sure if it would clash with your sounds-like-Johnson last name or not. If not Juniper, I think I’d vote for Veronica called Vera.

Readers, over to you. What would you name a sister for Alexander “Alex” and Ezekiel “Zeke”?

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Comments

  1. FE says

    December 5, 2022 at 8:22 PM

    I know of someone named Livian … does that appeal?

    Reply
  2. GalNamedGuy says

    December 5, 2022 at 1:22 AM

    Love Druscilla nn Dru. So pretty.

    Reply
  3. Kirstin Garrison says

    December 4, 2022 at 10:54 PM

    Congratulations! Here are some other timeless classics that might go with Alexander and Ezekiel:

    Josephine
    Lydia
    Madeline
    Samantha
    Rosalie
    Juliette
    Camilla
    Eloise

    Reply
  4. Maclary says

    December 4, 2022 at 4:56 AM

    Jacqueline nn Quinn is genius! Love it.

    I realised that Octavia hasn’t been mentioned yet. Nn Tavi, Avi, Via or (why not?) Vivi.

    Other ideas:
    Felicity nn Fliss or Lici
    Bianca nn Bee or Bebe
    Natalia nn Nat, Tali, Nia or Lia
    Georgina or Georgiana nn Georgie or Gigi
    Keziah nn Kez or Kizzy
    Tatiana nn Tia or Ana
    Maxine or Maxima nn Max or Maxie
    Seraphina nn Sera or Fifi

    Reply
  5. Megan says

    December 3, 2022 at 7:43 PM

    Yes I came to suggest Olympia nn Pia

    Reply
  6. diane says

    December 3, 2022 at 2:20 PM

    I see a pp suggested Jacqueline. Great idea. Traditional name, multi syllable, letter Q. I’d like to offer the nickname Quinn.

    Alex@nder, Ezeki3l and J@cqueline
    Alex, Zeke and Quinn

    Reply
  7. DUTVH says

    December 3, 2022 at 12:39 PM

    Odilia nn. Odie, Dillie
    Isidora nn Izzi, Dori
    Lavinia nn. Livvie, Vinnie
    Victoria nn Vicky, Tori

    Reply
  8. LadyRay says

    December 3, 2022 at 2:02 AM

    My first thought was Alexander, Ezekiel, and…

    JACQUELINE Mary — “Jackie”, “Lina”, or “Leigh/Lee”

    Other recommendations…

    ZENAIDA Mary — “Zee”, “Zenna”, or “Zadi/Zadie” like “Sadie”

    LOUISA Mary — nicknames could be “Lou”, “Lulu”, “Isa”, or “Izzie” (definitely has my vote along with another commenter, so there must be some appeal?)

    ROSALIND Mary — she could be “Roz/Ros”, “Rosie”, “Sally”, “Rose”, or “Lindy/Lindie”

    Best of luck on your journey for the right name! Hope we’re not confusing you too much w/ options.

    Reply
  9. Maclary says

    December 3, 2022 at 12:30 AM

    Ophelia could be a good alternative to Olivia. Nn could be Fifi, Ollie, Lia or for a stretch I really like Opal.

    Lavinia is a fabulous suggestion and I second it! Nn Livvie or Vinnie.

    Reply
  10. diane says

    December 2, 2022 at 11:06 PM

    Olympia would give you another vowel different from A and E. Three syllables. Nickname could be Oly.

    Alex@nder, Ezeki3l and Olympia
    Alex, Zeke and Oly (Ollie)

    Using Elizabeth would give you all its many nicknames to choose from….
    Ibby, Zibby, Tibby, Liese……

    Isobel (Isabelle) is another great vowel name not beginning with A or E. Nickname could be Issy or Belle.

    Reply
  11. diane says

    December 2, 2022 at 10:40 PM

    Alexand3r Ezeki3l and…
    Elizabeth
    Elise

    Alex, Zeke and Libby, Lise or Lisi

    Reply
  12. Susanne says

    December 2, 2022 at 10:37 PM

    My oldest’s name is the same as your oldest’s but flipped. So… since my third baby was another boy, I offer you my girl names.
    Eliana, nn Anna or Annie
    Anastasia nn Sia or Annie
    Annika, nn Annie
    Adelaide, nn Della (I couldn’t figure out how to get Annie from this one )
    But maybe you don’t want to repeat initials. So how about
    Alexander, Ezekiel & Lucia
    Alexander, Ezekiel & Phoebe
    Or Alexander, Ezekiel & Gwendolyn

    Reply
  13. Andrea says

    December 2, 2022 at 9:55 PM

    Avianna — Ava or Vivi
    Beatrix — Bee, Bebe, Betty, Trix, Trixie
    Caroline — Carly, Caro, Carrie, Kiki
    Isabelle — Zazie
    Evangeline or Evelyn or Genevieve – Evie
    Liliana — Lili
    Lucinda — Lucy
    Margot — Maggie, Gogo, etc.
    Marigold — Goldie, Maggie, Mari, etc.
    Susanna — Zuzu or Zanna
    Virginia — Gigi

    Reply
  14. Hannah says

    December 2, 2022 at 9:13 PM

    Isabel, Isabelle, or Isabella (nickname “Isa”, “Izzy”, or “Bella”) – Shares the subtle Z sound of your other children’s names

    Eloise (nickname “Lo”, “Lolo”, “Lola”, or “Isa”) – Another subtle Z sound, not far from Eliza

    Livia (nickname “Livvie”) – Similar sound to Olivia, but ranked at #774 in the U.S. as opposed to #1

    Lenora (nickname “Nora”) – Another name that gives you “Nora” without being too close to Eleanor

    Magnolia (nickname “Noli”) – The nickname has similar sounds to “Nora” and “Livvie”

    Reply
  15. Emmy says

    December 2, 2022 at 7:24 PM

    Amelia has a similar feel to Olivia, I suggest Emilia as you won’t double up A names

    I’m going to suggest looking at Olivia again but change up the nickname to Ivy. Olivia matches well as it’s 4 syllables starts with a vowel and includes V which is a rockstar letter like X and Z. I think having the different nickname makes it fresh.

    Vivienne or Violet choosing a V name would bring in that V to match the boys rockstar letters Vivienne or Violet Vi, Ivy, Vivi

    Victoria is more traditional but there are lots of modern nickname possiblities.

    Evangeline or Evelyn nn Ever is another possibility as they start with a vowel.

    Matilda Going back to Mary… I was thinking Matilda has that sassy feel with lots of nickname possiblities.

    Florence nn Flora longer name with a nick name like Nora

    Millicent Milli Mila

    An9ther name suggestion that feels familiar but a bit sassy to me

    Saskia

    Reply
  16. Erin Beth says

    December 2, 2022 at 6:59 PM

    Lydia nn Lydie
    Susanna nn Zuzu or Suki
    Louisa nn Lulu or Isa
    Aurelia nn Goldie or Lia
    Mirabel nn Miri or Mimi

    Reply
  17. Maclary says

    December 2, 2022 at 6:04 PM

    Genevieve nn Vivi immediately came to my mind reading your comment about Vivan, so I endorse Abby’s suggestion. I also wonder if Vivienne might have that extra spark you’re looking for – it sounds the same as Vivian to me, but looks so much more distinctive. Or what about Viveka or Aviva? I also wanted to suggest Liviana as an alternative to Olivia, so I’ll add in Aviana as well.

    Reply
  18. Iris says

    December 2, 2022 at 5:45 PM

    Tallulah nn Lulu
    Gwendolyn nn Gwen
    Magnolia nn Nola
    Margaret nn Greta
    Beatrix nn Bea
    Penelope nn Nell
    Philipa nn Pippa

    Reply
  19. Anchors_and_Whales says

    December 2, 2022 at 5:35 PM

    It’s nice for the boys to have nicknames because their full names have 4 syllables. (Though using four syllable full names is also fine if you expect it and tell people those are their names.)

    If your girl name is shorter, she may not need a nickname. Even Olivia, at 4 syllables, doesn’t seem too long to use in full (unless you need to call all the children at once, of course – maybe just go with sounds-like “Johnson Kids!”)

    A pp pointed out your high value scrabble letters, and that sounds like a cool connection, if you did find a name you like that includes V.

    Reply
  20. Istas says

    December 2, 2022 at 5:07 PM

    Viviana- Vivi
    Viola- Vivi
    Helena- Nell, Nella
    Antonia- Annie
    Gwendolyn- Gwen
    Lavinia- Livvie
    Millicent- Millie
    Naomi- Mimi
    Wilhelmina- Mina

    Reply
  21. Marie says

    December 2, 2022 at 3:33 PM

    Amelia – Lots of nicknames
    Love the suggestion of Lenora
    Margaret – Lots of nicknames
    Josephine
    Olive instead of Olivia
    Love suggestion of Cecelia
    Audrey

    Since Mary is in the mix.

    Mary Maude as a double name seems very sweet

    Alex, Zeke, & Mary Maude

    Reply
  22. Jules says

    December 2, 2022 at 2:38 PM

    Sylvia or Sylvie, Violet, Victoria could other ways to have a “V” nickname like Vivi.

    Reply
  23. Liv says

    December 2, 2022 at 2:06 PM

    We have a niece Caroline goes by Caro. It’s super cute!

    Reply
  24. Renée says

    December 2, 2022 at 12:44 PM

    Leonora is my vote for a Nora long form! And she has so many other nickname possibilities that are awesome – Leo, Leni, Leonie! (I actually think it’s pretty cute with niece Eleanor.)

    Instead of Nora – Nova!? Gets you that pleasing V to complete your high value scrabble set, and distances it from your niece. Novalie is super sweet. Or Novella?

    Love Genevieve for you! Perfection. Other Vivi long forms: Violetta or Viola or Lavinia. I wonder if you’d like Oliviana? I think it works beautifully with her brothers and gets you to Liv.

    Good luck! What a fun surprise.

    Reply
  25. Mowse says

    December 2, 2022 at 11:27 AM

    For some reason my brain went to Drusilla/Drucilla with either Dru or Silla/Cilla as a nickname. The sib set Alexander, Ezekiel and Drusilla appealed to me.

    As for the names Abby suggested I love the idea of Veronica Mary. Though I personally prefer Nica to Vera for the nickname but that is just a me thing.

    Reply
  26. Willow says

    December 2, 2022 at 10:09 AM

    Cassiopeia “Cassia” is the first name that comes to my mind

    Reply
  27. Raquela says

    December 2, 2022 at 9:36 AM

    How about Caroline?
    Alexander, Ezekiel and Caroline.
    Alex, Zeke and Cali?

    Reply

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