Name Help: Something Like Blair

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!

When your favorite names don’t quite work …

Claire writes:

I’ve always liked my name, but wished it were a little more updated, if that makes sense. Instead of Claire, I loved the idea of being Blair. For years, I said I’d name my daughter Blair.

But now that we’re actually expecting our daughter, it’s clear to me that being Claire and Blair is a terrible idea.

My husband has a very ordinary, Top Ten kind of name and tends to like anything that isn’t overly common, but not too different, either.

The other name I like a lot is Sloane, but my daughter will have my husband’s last name, which sounds like Sadler. I think S first names are a lot. My husband suggested Reese, which I would consider, but again, it sounds wrong with the last name.

I feel like there’s a good reason to say no to every name. Can you help me find some that are like Blair/Sloane/Reese but without all the problems?

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

Finding a tailored, short name for a daughter

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your daughter!

If it’s any consolation, I think your challenge is one many of us face. There are names we love in theory … and then names we can actually use in our real lives!

I can think of lots of names like Blair, Reese, and Sloane, including plenty that don’t have a strong S sound. But I wonder if we should also consider names that are little bit longer, or possibly slightly different in style, just to see if any of them appeal?

Why? Considering names that don’t quite fit your ideal name profile might build your confidence in one of these substitutes for Blair. Or take you in a different direction, which is great, too!

NAMES LIKE BLAIR

BLYTHE

Blythe is brief and complete, but instead of a modern surname name, it’s an archaic word meaning happy. Still, I think it fits the tailored vibe you like.

BROOKE

If Brooke hadn’t been big back in the 1980s and 90s, it would be huge now. Instead, it feels a little bit mom name … then again, that might not be a bad thing. It’s immediately familiar, but not nearly as common as, say, Grace or even your name, Claire, would be for a child born today.

JADE

As with Brooke, Jade has been trending since the 1970s. But Jade is actually at its most popular now, circa 2024. It fits with colorful names like Violet and gemstone choices like Ruby, too. Vivid and strong, Jade might be perfect.

JEANNE

Just like Claire, Jeanne is a French classic for a daughter. A feminine form of John, Jeanne was big from the 1920s into the 40s. If the one hundred year-rule applies, that might mean Jeanne is ready to feel fresh and new again right about now.

GWEN

There’s no question that Gwen is brief and complete, but it feels more like a sparky retro choice than a sleek, twenty-first century one. But it works beautifully today, too.

MAREN

Possibly a Scandi form of Marie, Maren got a boost from country-pop singer Maren Morris. But it’s still relatively uncommon, and feels like a surname name, even if it’s something different.

REEVE

The first name that I thought of, a sort of Reese-meets-Eve alternative to so many of your favorites. Back in the Middle Ages, Reeve was a title, akin to sheriff. It’s been used sparingly as a given name since, but is so familiar as a surname that I think it would wear well.

RORY

Yes, there’s Rory Gilmore. And lots of other famous Rorys, male and female alike. It’s a strong sound that might be exactly right for your family.

TATE, TATUM

Tate feels like the obvious Sloane/Blair name, but Tatum is trending, too.

VALE

A poetic word meaning valley, Vale feels as brisk and strong as Blair or Sloane.

Overall, I think my favorite is Reeve. It hits all the same notes as Blair, Sloane, and Reese, but sounds great with your sounds-like-Sadler surname.

If you’re willing to consider something a little different, Maren might be my favorite – even if it’s a little longer/more traditional than your current favorites.

Readers, what would you suggest as a name in the key of Blair and Sloane?