Name 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!
Meghan writes:
We have two daughters, Wren Eliza and Briar Elin, and we’re expecting a third daughter in October. I love being mama to these sweet, crazy girls, but I’m feeling stuck when it comes to a name.
Outdoorsy names are our “thing.” Nature names seem to be mostly flowers and trees, or maybe birds. Because we have one of each kind of name already, we’d like something a little different.
We don’t like fussy or girly names, we also don’t want anything that seems like it’s meant for boys. (Especially because people seem to assume that we must be “trying for a boy” this time.)
So far our list is Ember, but I don’t love it with Briar. Also, her middle name has to start with El (a family thing!) so Ember El… might be a lot of E.
We’ve always liked that Wren and Briar are a little different, but not necessarily Kardashian-level different.
Is there a third name out there that goes well with Wren and Briar and works with all of my crazy rules?!
Please read on for my response, and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
Dear Meghan –
Congratulations on your new daughter!
And what a fun challenge. (Easy for me to say, right?)
I think you’re on the right track with Ember. It’s clearly a word name, and one that brings to mind the natural world. It feels feminine, but tailored.
Still, I do wonder if eliminating all flower/tree names might be a little extreme?
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- A name clearly drawn from the natural world, probably familiar as a noun.
- Something recognizable, but not normally used in everyday speech – so yes, Briar or Wren might come up. But it sounds like Star isn’t quite right, either. But then, neither is Calyx, which isn’t familiar outside of botany textbooks.
- A name like River might work, except it’s used in bigger numbers for boys, and we’re looking for something tailored, but not borrowed from the boys.
- And we’re (mostly) avoiding flowers/trees and birds.
That does leave lots of options. Colors, weather, gemstones, spices, water, night sky names … I think quite a few possibilities exist, even if we avoid every flower and tree name. But I think some really, really good flower and tree names feel different enough, so I might sneak one (or even two!) on to my list of suggestions.
Here goes!
NATURE NAMES (MOSTLY) BEYOND FLOWERS, TREES, AND BIRDS
Autumn – You’re due in October, so Autumn feels like a natural name. It’s more common than Wren or Briar, but not by much. And it fits perfectly – feminine, tailored, and clearly borrowed from the natural world without repeating a category.
Bay – River belongs to the boys, but Bay tends to read feminine, or at least unisex. That’s because television series Switched at Birth followed a teenager named Bay Kennish. It’s much rarer than Briar or Wren, but it fits your family’s style.
Clover – Does this count as a flower or tree name? It’s a flowering plant, technically. Maybe it’s too close to Briar, either in meaning, or maybe in that shared -r ending. But it’s an upbeat name that signals good fortune, and sounds just right with your girls’ names.
Jonquil – No question, Jonquil is a flower – usually yellow, a cousin to the daffodil. But unlike Lily or Rose, few are using it as a given name. In fact, this might hit Kardashian-level different. Except we’re living in the age of Marigold and Azalea, so I think Jonquil fits.
Lake – Lake has more history of use than you might guess. Actor Lake Bell puts in on the girls’ list, but it’s used as unisex, in sparing but steady numbers, since the early twentieth century.
Meadow – A meadow might be full of wildflowers, but it’s a habitat – a category of nature name you’ve yet to consider. Plus, it has a different ending sound that Wren and Briar, which is pleasing, and feels comparable in terms of popularity, too.
Sage – It’s a color name and an herb, with the bonus meaning of wisdom.
Vale – A poetic term meaning valley, Vale isn’t quite as obvious as Wren or Briar, but I think it works.
Overall, Meadow is my favorite. I think it answers every one of your requests, and would pair well with an El- middle.
But I know there will some great suggestions from the community, so let’s open it up for comments.
To go with your Wren and Briar I like:
Sage – name of a herb, wise
Luna – moon
Isla – island
Afton – river
They’ve got flora and fauna, so I would suggest either (merri-)weather or celestial names! My first thought was “Stella” until I read the middle-name-begins with “El-“, as that wouldn’t work. But Venus, or Sky, or Dawn, or something like that would work. Or even something a bit more out there like “Comet”. Or even “Constellation” (with a nickname Connie) is a possibility!
Rayne and Brooke are great but if repeating initials and sounds don’t suit…
Celeste and Skye is great!
there’s North or West/Westyn, Juno, Soleil, Luna or Stella, India or Indigo, Story or True, Phoenix, or Acadia.
There are so, so many names I love in this category- so of course I’ve forgotten most of them in this moment! But my big, big thought is gemstone names, or water-y names. So I would go with Pearl, which is both. 😉 But as a second choice, I think Opal hits a lot of the same appeal. To me, they don’t read “girly”, just feminine.
The hesitance I feel is that I’m not sure if you want broad nature names*, or specifically OUTDOORSY names. Pearl and Opal don’t feel like you’re hiking on the trail in the woods, but Wren and Briar do. Going from Abby’s list, Vale is my absolute favorite for your sibset, and it hits that sort of “finally walking up the crest of the mountain to see the view laid out before you” vibe your first two do.
*pun not intended
Ducky, that’s a really good distinction – not every nature name is outdoorsy!
Haven and Harbor came to mind but have been mentioned. Linnea is a flower pick but not too obvious. Poppy is all flower but has a different sound from your girls. Clementine would be super sweet! Or Posey! How about Delta? Beryl? Rosemary?
Cassia like the spice would be my pick.
I love your current sibset so much!
Other ideas…
Acacia
Tindra
Linnea
Thora
Nova
Azure
I guess I’m into the ends-in-a names!
I can’t wait to hear what you choose.
After further consideration- I would name her Rayne.
Sounds familiar, yet natural, water, yet feminine. Surely a name, just NOT a common one. I find Rayne to be lovely.
It has two ways to hear it. For you- natural, and calming raindrops pattering on the window. For family, and friends, Rain- no- Rayne. Ties in the princess element that Briar has. You have a arbor, and bird name, so why not a feminine and recognizable water name?
Rayne, Wren, and Briar. All different initials, endings, and natural ties, but are Wren and Rayne too similair?
Nicknames could be Rayney, later altered to be the more sophisticated Rae. Or, she may choose to stay Rayne. Rayne would give here room to grow into. I love the sophisticated nature of this purely natural name.
May your baby be a Rae of sunshine in the darkness, and as calming as rain, a reminder to slow down and take life a day at a time.
I know you don’t want trees, but Linden seemed like a nice unisex name that sounds really different from Briar and Wren. Lark is also good if you change your mind about birds.
Linden
Lark
For other ideas maybe look to what attracts you to the outdoors. I’m a mountaineer, so my head went to mountains. You might have other thoughts from where you live, but here are some West Coast ideas. I’ve met girls from outdoorsy families with the first two of these names…
Denali
Sierra
Rainier
Also, Chelan is a name from the native tribe, the interior Salish Tribe in WA. It’s also a popular lake. It means “deep water” and I’ve also met a woman with the name.
Chelan (pronounced Sha- lan)
Yes to Pearl! Wren Briar and Flora is also so adorable. Love your girls names.
I do like Meadow! But also have you considered Garnet or Opal? Still very much from the natural world, but a little less common. I also think Coral would be a perfect fit!
And Opal would be perfect for an October baby!
I love the suggestion of Vale, and also like Haven and Sylvie.
Your naming style is a lot like mine. Ideas for first names are Prairie, Lark, Season, and Juniper. My pick for a middle is Elena.
Ruby Eloise
Olympia Eleanor (my favorite!)
Brooke Elise
Vail/Vale Ellory
Lake Elodie
Opal Elaine
Winter Elisa
Nova Elise
I forgot to mention Laurel, but I think it’s stunning. I know it’s a tree/flower, but in my mind, a tree is distinct enough from a briar/brambles to make it feel unique in your group of daughters.
Wren, Briar, and Laurel sound lovely and serene together.
Vale seems perfect. Wren, Briar and Vale.
Vale Elyse
Vale Elaine
I also like Lake or Nova.
I love Arden, Vale, Maris, and Vesper of the previously mentioned. Aurora is beautiful, but with another daughter named Briar (which is gorgeous!), I think it suggests Sleeping Beauty a bit too strongly. Dawn could work instead. It might be a touch 1970’s, but it certainly would stand out in 2020.
Celeste could evoke heavenly stars, or Selene could suggest moon (and it’s a bit more distinctive then Luna these days).
I really like Arden Eloise, Vale Elizabeth, Maris Elaine, Vesper Elenora, or Celeste Elena. Arden Eloise is my fave.
Hi, great names and a great naming challenge. My first idea is Vesper. Evening star. I think Vesper Elena is my favourite.
If it’s not too odd to name an autumn-born baby Spring, I think the image of a water spring is lovely and the name fits really well in your family. I also wonder if Harbor would appeal to you.
I know of women named Prairie, Garnet, and Maine, and I also think any of those might be a fit for your family. Arden brings to mind the forest of Arden, so that’s outdoorsy in my mind and fits your tailored style.
Congratulations on your daughter!
Harbor
Ruby
Luna
Pearl
Coral
I also like Hazel with your girls’ names. It feels both edgy, like Briar, but with a softer quality and not as quite as rare, like Wren.
My first thoughts were Sky, Opal, and Pearl..
Queenly Marina might suit, too.
Wren, Briar, and Pearl is my favorite combo because Pearl is a new sound in the mix AND a new initial.
Pearl Estelle? Pearl Ember? Pearl Eglantine? (Those three middle are also nature names, but Eglantine is a flower… not sure if that bothers you).
Best wishes and CONGRATS on your newest little lady! Love your style!
My first thought was Lane. Wren, Briar and Lane. Has the same country, lazy summer day feel of the other two names but a sense of adventure yet grace as well.
I love the suggestion of Vesper though. Evening star? I mean how beautiful? And it fits nicely with the other two names — tailored yet sweet, strong r sound. Wren, Briar and Vesper.
I’d have to go with a name that has a tribute in my family- Olive. It has a more feminine touch than Oliver, and is more common noun, and natural than Olivia. Olive will stand out in a sea of Olivias. A cute nickname could be Ollie. Though a fruit that grows on a tree, I think it could be different enough to work in the sib set.
If not Olive, what about Fern, Ivy (too popular?), Rae (like a ray of sunshine), Clementine, Cascade(too much like the soap?), Chrystal, Willow, or Ruby?
I can just hear it now, Wren, Briar, Olive! Time for dinner!
Or, Marisol, goes by Maris. No matter what you end up choosing, I know it’ll be perfect. You have great taste in names!
After further consideration- I would name her Rayne.
Sounds familiar, yet natural, water, yet feminine. Surely a name, just NOT a common one. I find Rayne to be lovely.
It has two ways to hear it. For you- natural, and calming raindrops pattering on the window. For family, and friends, Rain- no- Rayne. Ties in the princess element that Briar has. You have a arbor, and bird name, so why not a feminine and recognizable water name?
Rayne, Wren, and Briar. All different initials, endings, and natural ties, but are Wren and Rayne too similair?
Nicknames could be Rayney, later altered to be the more sophisticated Rae. Or, she may choose to stay Rayne. Rayne would give here room to grow into. I love the sophisticated nature of this purely natural name.
May your baby be a Rae of sunshine in the darkness, and as calming as rain, a reminder to slow down and take life a day at a time.
Fern
Rosemary
Clove
Lapis or Lazuli
Plum
Jewel
Posey
I love Sage Eloise or Fawn Elise.
Maris!
It refers to the sea but has a different beginning and ending sound than your girls’ names.
November (nn Nova, Ember) or another month name might be a neat choice! Winter, Marigold, Echo, Mica, True, Ever, Sky, Wave/Waverly, Rosemary (nn Romy). Love the suggestion of Opal above as well- Peridot (nn Perry) and Olivine (nn Oli, Olive) might fit as well. I wonder if a location name might appeal to you, maybe something like a park or important city to you like Ridley or Raleigh.
Since Wren and Briar are associated with sky and earth, I’d be very tempted to go for something water-related. Lake, Coral, Ocean, Rain, and Delta are all great suggestions. What about Maris (or Maren / Marina), Pearl, Haven, Harbor, or even Blue?
I also thought of Lake or Vale as a sibling to Wren and Briar! Another one I think could be a great fit is Fern (I’ve loved that name since Charlotte’s Web) which isn’t a flower, although it is a plant. Ditto Maple, which I also think could be a good fit. Or what about an animal name to go w/ a bird and a flower name, like Cat or Sable?
Skyla, Willow, Lumi, Neve, Nova
I love Opal! Coral and Skye are nice too. Sunny, Aurora, or Vesper would be lovely. Congratulations!
Love Meadow and Autumn!
I know trees are out, but I thought Rowan sounded lovely with Briar and Wren.
Mazel tov on your new daughter!
I love the names Sage and Meadow, though I agree with others that Sage fits better with Wren and Briar (alright, I am kinda biased since my own name is Sage).
Since your other daughters are named Wren Eliza and Briar Elin, I think Sage Elloa works really well!
I’m including some repeats.
Coral — the L ending might not work when followed by a middle name that begins with El.
Jade
Topaz — I really like this name with Wren and Briar.
Brook(e) — won’t work if you don’t want to repeat initials.
Delta
Ocean(e)
Ivy
Magnolia — might be too fussy, but the nickname Nola is so great, imo.
Sage
Autumn — I know a baby Autumn, nicknamed Auttie.
Spring — references either the season or water
Dale — meaning valley. It hasn’t ranked in the top 1000 for girls since 1971, but reached a high of 237 in 1952. In 2009 it last ranked in the top 1000 for boys at 921. Dale Evans is probably the most famous woman named Dale.
Fawn
Kit
I’m sure you have already thought of these but:
Ruby
Pearl
Celeste
Layke
Cassia
Ginger
Hazel
Dawn
Rayne
Crystal
Isla
And of course there’s Amber instead of Ember.
Skye, June, Waverly, Isla, Daphne, Arbor, Holland 🙂 Good luck!
Lake and Sage are my favorites!
Also:
Caraway
Maren
Willow
Laken
Sterling
My vote is for Sage or Lake. I also love Rain, Nova, Opal or Teal !! Gorgeous names!! Wren and Briar are stunning !!! Happiness is having 3 fabulous daughters !!
Sage was my first thought, too. What about Ivy or Luna?
Or Fern!
Jonquil & Sage from Abby’s list are stunners. I particularly love Sage for you because it matches the short & sweet vibe of Wren & Briar.
Seconding Coral, too!
How about Jade, Rain, or Sky? Or maybe Delta, for something more unique?
Oooh I love the suggestion of Jade! Emerald would be another good one, though I think Jade fits better with the other two names.
What about Coral or Flora?
My two favorite nature names are both trees: Cypress and Olive. Good luck in your journey to the “perfect” name!