• Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Request a Name

Appellation Mountain

Where every name has a story

  • Baby Name Advice & More
  • Master List: Girl Names
  • Master List: Boy Names
  • Private Baby Name Consulting

Name Help: A Sister for Kinley and Aubree

June 23, 2017 By appellationmountain 28 Comments

Surname Names for GirlsName 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!

Brandy writes:
What would you name a sister for Kinley Olivia and Aubree Elizabeth? My husband and I aren’t coming up with names that stick!
For the first two girls I wanted a first name that would be considered modern, and I wanted their middle names to be classic. Now, we just want a name that will sound like a sibling of the other two girls. We really appreciate your help!
Please read on for my response, and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.

 Dear Brandy –
Congratulations on your third daughter!
I think a modern first with a classic middles makes for a good naming strategy.
And yet, I can see why naming a third daughter feels challenging. Kinley and Aubree sound very similar – they’re both surname names, two syllables, ending in the ‘ee’ sound. Both also share a certain nickname-proof quality. They’re likely to be called Kinley and Aubree most of the time, right?
Continuing the pattern works, of course. Hadley, Paisley, Colby, Riley, Darcy, Darby, and Marley fit. So might non-surname choices like Zoe, Chloe, or Sadie.
At the same time, some choices are ruled out. Naming Kinley’s sister Finley feels off, and maybe even Quinn comes too close.
Let’s focus on names that break some part of your established pattern.

Surname Names for Girls

Campbell – Campbell just crosses the line to feminine thanks to that -bell ending. There’s also journalism Campbell Brown – born Alma Dale Campbell Brown.
Cassidy – One option is to choose a three-syllable surname name. Cassidy peaked in the 1980s, but seems still approachable in 2017. Or, if Cassidy feels too dated, Kennedy might be another option. Though some parents prefer to avoid repeating first initials.
Delaney – No one named their daughters Delaney until the 1990s. Now it’s been floating around the Top 250, give or take, for twenty years. That makes Delaney modern, but not fleeting or trendy. It feels like a solid choice for Kinley and Aubree’s sister.
Everly – Everly makes an appealing name for Kinley and Aubree’s sister. But it is too popular? In 2011, it failed to crack the US Top 1000. Today it stands just outside of the current Top 100. And yet, with a great sound and the right modern style, Everly belongs on your list. If that popularity curve puts you off, another option might be Emery, which is rising quickly for girls, but not quite as dramatically.
Ellis – Ends with ‘s’ names could work nicely, too. Ellis often makes the girls’ lists because of that Ell- first syllable. (Though it remains much more popular for boys.) Other options include Hollis, Hayes, and Reese.
Harlow – O ending girl names have gone mainstream, with choices like Willow and Margot catching on. Harlow brings to mind Hollywood legend Jean Harlow. It’s gained steadily in use since Nicole Richie and Joel Madden welcomed Harlow Winter Kate in 2008.
Sloane – Most of the names I’m suggesting might be called unisex, but skew feminine in usage. Sloane fits this description. Ever since Ferris Bueller took his famous day off with gorgeous – and kind – girlfriend Sloane Peterson, it’s been in parents’ minds as feminine. Credit Princess Diana and Entourage for reinforcing that image. Today it stands just outside the current Top 250.
Teagan – Here’s a thought: transfer that long ‘ee’ sound to a different part of the name. Teagan shares sounds with Kinley and Aubree but seems different and distinctive, too. When it comes to two-syllable, ends-with-n names, I’d tread lightly. Some picks – like Dylan, for example – are used for girls, but I’d expect Dylan to be Kinley and Aubree’s brother. Teagan ranks far higher for girls than boys, which makes it a better fit.
I’ll admit that I like almost every name on this list. Teagan might be my favorite – but I think that’s simply because it’s the final entry!
While I find names like Hadley tremendously appealing, too, I’d encourage you to consider breaking the two-syllable, ends-in-y pattern. Maybe that’s because I grew up with two sisters, all of us sharing two-syllable, ends-in-y names. It felt a little sing-songy. Besides, options for just slightly different names abound!
Readers, what would you suggest to Brandy for daughter #3?

More names you might like:

  • Name Help: Unisex Surname Names for Baby 5Name Help: Unisex Surname Names for Baby 5
  • Name Help: A Name for Girl #5!Name Help: A Name for Girl #5!
  • Name Help: A Sister for HarperName Help: A Sister for Harper
  • Name Help: A Sister for Kellan and KendallName Help: A Sister for Kellan and Kendall
  • Name Help: Long and Lyrical Girl NamesName Help: Long and Lyrical Girl Names

Share this:

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email
  • Print

Comments

  1. Cassidy says

    October 2, 2017 at 7:10 PM

    Maybe Mallory, Bellamy, Blakeley, Lakelyn, or Lane for the first name?

    Reply
  2. Christian O'Sullivan says

    August 6, 2017 at 6:46 AM

    I have no clue about statistics, trends, or what goes on in the baby naming world. So here are the girls names together. Kinley Olivia, Aubree Elizabeth, Haden Leigh. It breaks the y, ee, syllable problem. Modern W/classic middle name. If it happens to that they screwed up the sex of the bairn, it still works! Congradulations!

    Sincerely,
    Christian O’Sullivan

    Reply
  3. Nameless wonder says

    July 8, 2017 at 11:15 AM

    Deiley, Hadley, Ellisent, Ambrine, Dorset, Kindred, Deighton, Temperley, Trilby, Foster, Embry, Gentry, Fallyn, Brier, Blake, Tully, Teal, Tabrett, Finley, Arleigh, Delyth, Kelsey, Ridley

    Reply
  4. Nameless wonder says

    July 8, 2017 at 10:52 AM

    Sibley or Brinley?

    Sibley Clementine / Brinley Alexandra idk…

    Signe could also be cool. Has the right sounds for you but breaks away from the surname theme a little

    Reply
  5. C says

    July 6, 2017 at 9:36 AM

    I think Delaney works best with Aubree and Kinley. They all have the same feel without seeming over done or forced. Teagan would be next best of suggestions above if you really want to break the pattern Cassiah (cass- see- a) would also work well.

    Reply
  6. Gena says

    June 29, 2017 at 11:49 PM

    I would go with Denali! I feel like Kinley reminds me of Mt. McKinley, which is the modern name for Mt. Denali in Alaska. Those two would tie in well. Also, all three have that -ee sounding ending that is really nice for a family. Delaney is really popular right now, so I’m not sure if you want a popular name, but the list suggests it and it’s great if you do, but it’s over used in my state, which is California.

    Reply
  7. Kim says

    June 26, 2017 at 1:21 AM

    Avery seems like a match, although it might be to close to Aubrey. For me, Darby runs into that same issue.
    Spencer, Morgan, or Riley? Of the list, I like Delaney a lot.

    Reply
  8. Carly says

    June 24, 2017 at 4:52 PM

    What about London, Brynn, Navy or Tatum?

    London Eleanor
    Brynn Abigail
    Navy Madeline
    Tatum Louise

    Reply
  9. Saraya says

    June 24, 2017 at 11:06 AM

    Two immediate thoughts: Eisley & Arden.

    Eisley, because it feels like the perfect stylistic fit, but each has their own strong sound – k, b and then S.

    Arden was next, because I also do think it’s a good idea to maybe beak away from the ee endings, and this has a modern spunky fresh sound that fits well with Kinley & Aubree.

    Other ideas:
    Twyla / Twila
    Danika
    Rowan
    Brenna
    Camryn
    Tatum
    Holland
    India
    Emerson
    Adara

    Good luck 🙂

    Reply
  10. Liza says

    June 24, 2017 at 7:34 AM

    Haven Sophia
    Skylar Jane
    Berkeley Isabelle
    Mila Louise
    Myra Catherine

    Reply
  11. Em says

    June 24, 2017 at 4:00 AM

    Tansy

    Reply
  12. Brittany says

    June 23, 2017 at 11:26 PM

    I say choose a name that inspires you and don’t worry how it goes with your other two! After you say them together enough, they become a matched set anyway.

    Some names I thought of:
    Names that came to my mind:

    Carys
    Darcy
    Camdyn (Camden)
    Sawyer
    Tessa
    Hazel
    Piper
    Eden

    Reply
  13. The Mrs. says

    June 23, 2017 at 10:56 PM

    Shelby Catherine. Like it?
    Kinley, Aubree, and Shelby.

    Josie Irene.
    Kinley, Aubree, and Josie.

    Chesney Sophia.
    Kinley, Aubree, and Chesney.

    Landry June.
    Kinley, Aubree, and Landry.

    Taysie Louise.
    Kinley, Aubree, and Taysie.

    Best wishes!

    Reply
    • Erin Beth says

      June 24, 2017 at 6:46 AM

      Ooh, Shelby Catherine is lovely!

      Reply
      • appellationmountain says

        June 24, 2017 at 7:25 AM

        I agree – I really like that suggestion!

        Reply
  14. Em says

    June 23, 2017 at 10:00 PM

    Hartley

    Reply
  15. Erin Beth says

    June 23, 2017 at 5:02 PM

    Maybe Tierney Jane or Sheridan Rose?

    Reply
  16. Jean C. says

    June 23, 2017 at 2:17 PM

    Campbell is so great because it hits that c/k sound in Kinley and the b sound in Aubree. If you decide to go with a non-ey/ee/ie/eigh sound, I think it is just perfect.
    The reader suggestion of Zadie is beautiful too. It sounds modern and fun. Or Zoe.
    Piper also feels modern to me, and Rowan. Mila maybe?

    Reply
  17. Andrea says

    June 23, 2017 at 2:14 PM

    Adair
    Anniston
    Aspen
    Blair
    Brielle
    Britton
    Ellison
    Emery
    Hadley
    Hollis
    Parker
    Payton
    Piper
    Sailor
    Tatum

    Reply
  18. liz says

    June 23, 2017 at 1:37 PM

    Related to the Teagan suggestion, how about:

    Keegyn
    Tieryn
    Reagan
    Reese
    Blair
    Cameran
    Emerson

    I think it might be good to break up the ‘y’ ending just for more variation.

    Reply
  19. Renee says

    June 23, 2017 at 12:05 PM

    Is this your last child? Because I’m thinking of the expression ‘Two is a coincidence, three is a pattern.’ Do you want to go with another -EE ending? Or are you just wanting modern?

    If you’re wanting a more matchy choice – I like a non LEE or REE ending and definitely a different initial. Darby is perfect, but I think I’d spell it Darbee for you. Darbee Isabel. I like continuing the vowel classic middle.

    Or:
    Zadie Annabelle
    Goldie Isabel
    Thandie Alexandra
    Sydney Imogen

    I think Goldie is my favourite! Kinley, Aubree and Sydney 🙂

    If you’re breaking the EE-ending pattern, I do love Campbell – Abby hit that spot-on. Also love Harlow and Marlow for you. Campbell Alexandria is gorgeous.

    Reply
  20. Jaime says

    June 23, 2017 at 11:12 AM

    Darby and Teagan would be great. I could also see Merritt or Collins or Shae.

    I think Darby is my favorite for the sibset as it continues the theme but doesn’t have the exact same ending as either Kinley or Aubree.

    Maybe Darby Rosalie or Darby Victoria?

    Reply
  21. Stefanie says

    June 23, 2017 at 10:33 AM

    Teagan is perfect.
    I also thought of Bronwyn or Lynden/Linden.
    Teagan Cecily
    Bronwyn Sophia
    Linden Amelia

    Reply
    • appellationmountain says

      June 23, 2017 at 10:56 AM

      I really like Linden Amelia!

      Reply
  22. Sargjo says

    June 23, 2017 at 10:22 AM

    Skyler/Skylar, Peyton for contrast names; Sidney, Shelby for matching names. The -lyn ending also seems very complimentary for your naming style: Ashlyn, Madelyn, Jocelyn. Good luck!

    Reply
  23. C in DC says

    June 23, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    Brandy, Kinley, Aubree, and:
    Josephine (this could be your classic middle if you go with a no –e first name)
    Harper
    Hayley
    Harley
    Evie (Evelyn – another great middle)
    Evangeline/Vangie
    Maisie
    Livie/Livia (the names that end with -ia said “ee-a” are a great match; I have girls who have names quite close to Aubree and Livia)
    Sylvie
    Lindsey
    Mallory
    Christine/Christie
    Amity
    Elyse
    Anneliese

    My favorites would probably be Harper Josephine or Evangeline Rose (called Evie).

    Reply
  24. Amity says

    June 23, 2017 at 9:45 AM

    Briony

    Reply
  25. Marie says

    June 23, 2017 at 9:44 AM

    I like Bailey Amelia for a 3rd sister. Or Riley Alicia.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter


POPULAR POSTS

Tweets by @appmtn
Visit Appellation Mountain's profile on Pinterest.

Copyright © 2023 · AppellationMountain.net on Genesis Framework · Privacy Policy · Log in