Update: He’s here! Lindsay writes “For a girl we stuck with our original ideas of Sadie and Remy … my husband and I had committed to the intuition that Remy would be entering the world. So imagine our surprise when our now beloved Bennett popped out instead! He was instantly ours, instantly loved, and instantly Bennett.” Welcome to the world, Bennett! What a great name – and so beautifully said.
Lindsay writes:
I stumbled upon your site while pregnant with my first child and was led to the name Nova (middle name Lee, which is a family name). I’m now pregnant again and I need to find an equally stunning name for Nova’s brother or sister.
Of course, there are some catches.
First, I’m a teacher which has irreversibly destroyed some of the best names ever! Second, my husband and I come from large families and we are the last of the bunch to be popping out kids … thus leaving the well of family names a bit dry. Third, my husband is Middle Eastern which you would think could offer a cool collection of names. However, most of the ones that work well between Arabic and English have already been taken by a family member or they have more of a Muslim connection (my husband’s family is Catholic).
And finally, any of the names we gravitate toward all seem to have a big “however” attached to them.
For boys, our top contenders are Anderson, Caleb, and Zane. Or should I say, my top contenders! My husband is not really a fan of any of these. Anderson is my least favourite of the bunch, but the only one my husband sort of likes. My biggest issue with it is that it will always be “Nova and Anderson”. I just dislike the way the repeating “and” sounds. Caleb is a favourite of mine, but apparently in Arabic it sounds similar to the word for dog. As a canine lover, this doesn’t even slightly offend me. But I’m not sure my mother-in-law could forgive me if we went ahead with it. Zane was our number one choice for a boy’s name through my first pregnancy. Unfortunately, we made the mistake of sharing this name after the birth of our daughter and received a lot of criticism. I love the name Zane because it has connections to the name John which is an important name in my husband’s family. Plus, other variations of Zane (Zain, Zayn) have Arabic roots, but apparently those roots are more in the Muslim tradition. Oh, it’s so confusing! I’m pretty sure if it comes down to it, I’ll be fighting for the name Zane because I still love it.
For girls, it’s a bit less complicated because I like hundreds of girl names. The biggest problem is that I want to love the name as much as I love Nova’s name. (Is that possible?) I also want it to compliment the name Nova. We can’t have a Sarah now that we have a Nova. It needs a little bit of spunk, not so much that we end up with a Cinnamon or Rapunzel. We are also definitely against the celestial names. Even though I love the name Luna, it’s just way too cutesy to go with that theme. My top contenders are Sadie and Remy, but I’m not completely sold on either of those. My husband thinks Sadie sounds like the name of a dog (again… that’s not offensive in my books) and he’s just not a fan of Remy.
Any name suggestions or guidance would be excitedly welcome!
Please read on for my response, and leave your thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
Dear Lindsay –
I absolutely laughed out loud at your description of the right name for a daughter! I agree – Nova’s younger sister can’t be Sarah, but, well, it’s very easy to go too far, too, isn’t it?
This feels like the perfect storm: teachers come across hundreds of names, and inevitably these attach to certain children. When you do find a name that feels unspoiled and new, there’s an excellent chance it won’t pass your husband’s Arabic-but-not-Muslim test.
In short, you have a lot of reasons to say no to nearly every name.
For now, I’m going to ignore the language concerns. After all, Nova Lee is not an Arabic name. It’s just a name that happens to be easily pronounced in Arabic. If that’s your standard, then your pool of possible names is much larger. Plus, you mentioned that all of the obvious crossover names are taken, so I’m guessing that Lila/Layla and company are already in use.
Nova literally means new, but it also feels fresh and original without seeming invented. I know you’d like to avoid celestial names like Luna, but maybe other borrowings from myth will have that same quality? Or maybe just something that feels fresh and modern without being too new?
A Sister for Nova Lee
Alix – Promise this isn’t just some funky re-spelling of Alex. It’s a medieval French form of the Germanic Alice, which just happens to coincide with the Greek Alexander. You’ll find it in the history books. But maybe it’s too obscure?
Cleo, Clio – Full disclosure: I’m mom to a Clio. And while I love, love, love her name, it can get confused for Chloe. Still, a bright, o-ending name for a girl might be just the thing, especially one that feels rooted in history. As for the ‘e’ versus ‘i’ spellings? Cleo is typically associated with Cleopatra; those in the know might recognize Clio as the muse of history. Strictly speaking, it’s the same name.
Edie – Sadie reminds me of Edie, only Edie is less common. (Which means you probably don’t know any pets by the name!) I think it falls exactly in between Sarah and Cinnamon. Another option: name her Eden, with or without Edie as a nickname. Eden has ties to the garden, of course, but that’s far from a theme.
Esme – Esme is the kind of name that no one over the age of 50 seriously considers as a given name. Oh, they might recognize the JD Salinger reference. Or even the Twilight character. But Esme is one of those names that’s been hiding in plain sight for years, seldom heard, but just waiting for wider use.
Marlo – If not Cleo/Clio, maybe Marlo? It has the same vibrant o-ending, but feels a little more retro. One issue: Marlow and especially Marlowe are also rising in use for girls, so you might face a little bit of a spelling conundrum. But I do think that Nova and Marlo sound very much like sisters, both balanced on the edge of retro and modern.
Micah/Mika – I first thought of Mika, pronounced with an ‘ee’ sound. But maybe Micah, which typically sounds like Mike+a is a better option? Micah is an Old Testament name that we typically think of as masculine, but it comes from Micaiah, which used for men and women in the Bible. Mika might be Japanese, or it could be another feminine form of Michael. I think both work well with Nova.
Sylvie – Nova’s ‘v’ is so appealing that I wondered if another ‘v’ name might work? Names like Vera seem awfully close to Nova, but maybe Sylvie works? It means forest, so it’s another subtle nature name, but not one borrowed from the night sky.
Thalia/Talia -Depending on your spelling, this name could be Greek or Hebrew in origin. It’s the tiniest bit frillier than Nova, but only a bit.
A Brother for Nova Lee
Ben, Bennett – I’m certain you’ve taught a little Benjamin or two, but does Bennett – called Ben or not – offer an alternative? I’m not sure how Bennett works in Arabic, but I suspect that Ben would cross cultures.
Everett – Since we’re on the ends-in-t train, have you considered Everett? It shares Nova’s middle ‘v’ but doesn’t sound similar.
Ezra – Because Ezra exists in Greek, Latin, and Hebrew, I’m guessing it imports nicely to Arabic. But maybe I’m wrong? Google tells me that Azra is feminine in Arabic, which might make Ezra a non-starter. Still, I like it with Nova, so let’s leave it on the list.
Hayes – Zane reminds me of Hayes. Is it possible that Hayes shares the same general sound, but without the problematic associations for your husband’s family?
Reed/Reid – Like Zane, Reid has a short, upbeat sound. Again, there’s a spelling choice. Reid is more popular as of 2016, so I’d probably suggest that spelling.
Sullivan – Is there another three-syllable surname name that might work, if Anderson is close-but-not-quite? Sullivan made my list for two reasons – first, the whole three-syllable, surname-name thing. But secondly, it shares the ‘v’ sound of Nova, which might make for an appealing, subtle connection between the siblings’ names.
For a boy, my favorite is Hayes. It has the same different-but-not-too-different vibe as Nova, seems like a style match for Anderson, but shares sounds with Zane. Of course, I should also add that Zane would be my first pick – if only it wasn’t so controversial!
I’m less decided when it comes to girls. Edie keeps leaping out at me. It’s similar to style to Sadie, and even shares some of the same sounds. So I think I’ll put that at the top of my list, though I can easily hear Nova having a sister with a name like Marlo or Thalia, too.
Now let’s turn it over to the readers, because I know you’ll have some great ideas: what would you name a sister or brother for Nova?
granddaughter just had a baby girl and named her Nova Alexandria after reading all the comments and suggestions the chosen name seems absolutely appropriate. Her brothers name is giovanni joseph
Congrats on your new granddaughter, Diana! What lovely names. 🙂
For Nova’s sister, I like other nature-inspired names:
Willow, Willa
Summer
Autumn
Winter, which comes with the super cute nickname Winnie
Iris
Hazel
And for her brother:
Reed
Asher
Parker
Ryder
Rhys
Good luck!
Love th suggestions if Eden and Silvie with Nova.
I think Zane is a great name despite the criticism you you have received. But I also love Reid!
I would also like to suggest Juniper, Maeve, Karis (I have a Karis so I’m biased) for girls and Maxwell or Hudson for boys. Good luck!
If you love Zane, go with Zane. As your family and friends fall in love with the baby, they will simultaneously grow to love his name.
With Nova I like staying celestial, Luna or Estrella. For boys Pollux, Oryan.
I like Zane, but if you end up with a second daughter, I’m going to add my vote to Zadie! Love it. I also love the name Zareen with Nova. And I like the already suggested Xavier and Xander. Lorelai, Lewis, Griffin, Estelle.
If you’re planning on having more than two children, it’s worth considering that the “And” would only be an issue for a short time.
Nova Lee and
Sister:
Roxy Jean (gets the John reference)
Zipporah
Zellie
Saffron
Brother: I like the Micah and Reed suggestions,
Javon
Jasper
Cyril
Cyrus
Nova Lee and Cyrus John.
Nova Lee and Roxy Jean.
If you like Garrison, you might like Harrison or Harris.
For girls, maybe Arden or Haven?
I thought of Olive too before seeing the post below. Other ideas
Lark
Avalon
Iris
Juno
For boys, Abby’s suggestion of Bennett made me think of Benson.
Your love of Anderson and Zane made me think of Zander/Xander.
Ella Mae
Lennox Blair
Zara Grace
Brynn Kate
Ivy Maren
Just some names I like. I do pove Nova Lee so maybe we have similar taste?
I adore the name Brynn, CLM. But I had an old pretty named Brynn. Would it be too weird to babe my daughter after an old rabbit??? Lol
Darn! My first boy probably would’ve been named Jack if we didn’t once have a cat named Jack.
I saw a Remi Olive on another site today.
I think Zane is absolutely *perfect* both on its own and with Nova!
Other suggestions:
Mazen- I once knew two brothers with Arabic names and ones name was Mazen, the A sounding like the A in apple. His brother’s name was Malik, rhyming with Alec
Zair
Quaid
Viggo
Dexter
Xavier
For girls:
Maven
Maren
Zoe
Zara
Zadie
Wren
What a lot to consider! I like Abby’s suggestions of Talia & Marlo. I also
think Idris, Sana (or Sanna, a diminutive of Susanna) and Zara (or Zahra or Zahrah) are great ideas.
A few more thoughts for consideration:
Mariam, Maryam – I imagine you’ve thought of this, but I’ll mention it just in case. Arabic, but it works well for a child with a Catholic heritage. Mira or Myra might work, too
Dalia – Another Hebrew (and Spanish, and Lithuanian!) name that might wear well in Arabic.
Una, Oona
Fatima – this Arabic name is associated with Islam (daughter of the Prophet Mohammed) but also with the Virgin Mary (via Our Lady of Fatima).
Nahla – I know a young Nahla, and the Lion King reference doesn’t seem to be a problem. I’m not sure whether it’s considered a Muslim name, though.
Aida – too operatic?
Zelie, Azelie – not Arabic, but it is the name of a Catholic saint and it has a similar spunky feel to Nova.
Aquila – Aqila is a feminisation of the Arabic Aqil (which could be an option for a boy). Aquila seems like a more intuitive spelling I’m the West, and is also the name of a (male) saint. There’s also a (female) St Aquilina, who lived in what is now Lebanon. It’s also the name of a constellation, but doesn’t seem obviously matchy with Nova to me
Mina.
Boys
Rafi – could be short for Rafiq or Rachael/Raphael, or Ralph, or Randolph, etc, but I think it could stand on its own too. I like it for girls too (short for Rafaela/Raphaelle, or on its own). Raif is another option (or Rafe, which has an ‘ay’ sound like Caleb, Zane & Hayes).
Ilyas, Elias
Reuben
Zair, Zahir – possible alternatives for Zane?
Blane – also reminds me of Zane. There’s also a saint Blane, which might make the name more appealing to your in-laws.
Vaughn
Salem – or Salim, if the town’s associations bother you. For some reason, though, Salem is striking me as a closer fit for Nova (and again, it had that long ‘ay’ sound).
Becket, Beckett – reminds me of Garrett, and could reference St Thomas a Becket. Barrett might be another option
Ansel, Benson
Good luck, and Congratulations!
Jonty for a boy could honour the Johns in the family, but still be different enough to sound like a brother for Nova.
Nova & Jonty.
It sounds like a real conundrum!
Nova and Zora
Nova and Petra
Nova and Coral
Nova and Taja
Nova and Yamina
Nova and Yara
Nova and Idris
Nova and Aza
Nova and Xavier
Appreciate how and why Sarah is out … but how about Zara?
Nova & Zara do sound like sisters to me.
Zora or Zelda might work too!
Or Zola.
I know a young Nova with a younger sister named Arbor, which makes me think of Auden (based on the sounds), which makes me think of Ellory (both poets).
I also like Hayes. How does Moses fit in your puzzle? The “and Anderson” issue could be solved all sorts of ways — “Anderson and Nova,” “This is Nova, this is Anderson,” etc
How do you like Boaz for a boy?
It comes with plenty of history, is underused (two of my in-laws are retired teachers, so I hear where you are coming from), and is easily recognizable.
Nova & Boaz
Since you are open to surnames as a first name (Anderson), here’s another to consider: Zolt.
He means ‘ruler’ and shares the same root as the title ‘sultan’. Perhaps he’s not popped up in your classroom yet.
Nova & Zolt
If you like Zane, how about Zadock? Too much? Or totally rad? He can be found as a faithful friend to King David and a mighty enforcer to boot!
Nova & Zadock
Ion is another form of the classic John. He’s pronounced like the scientific ion which might make him an ideal brother to Nova.
Nova & Ion
My last boy suggestion is Enoch. He’s biblical, has a positive association, and people know him when they hear him.
Nova & Enoch
For a celestial girl, how about Celeste? The theme is not so in-your-face, but it’s there. Both have two syllables, aren’t especially popular, and have different sounds.
Nova & Celeste
There’s also Estelle.
She means ‘star’ and carries the same virtues listed above as Celeste.
Nova & Estelle
My final girl suggestion is Marina. She’s royal, understandable, and represents the sea. Your girls would be the stars and the sea. Delightful!
Nova & Marina
Best wishes!!
Lindsay from the email here! Thank you Abby and commenters for so many great ideas!
Some that I adore but can’t use since a family or close-enough friend already has include Everette, Dane, Watson, Cleo and Briar.
You have all given me a lot of confidence to keep Zane on as a contender. But I also really like Hayes, Garrison, and Bennett. Some of the other suggestions are growing on me as well.
The Zadie suggestion is fitting timing because my mom just started strongly suggesting that one last week. It’s pretty cute I have to admit. And I’m unexpectedly drawn to the suggestion of Raven Mae! From Abby’s list my top runners are Esme (if I can convince hubby), Eden/Edie, and Marlo.
Lots of thinking to do! Thanks so much for suggestions, everyone. And I can’t wait to see if there are any more!
Aziza could work here! It’s an Arabic name and easy to pronounce and spell. It also has lots of nicknames available like Izzy or Ozzy. And the “z” I think adds the same sass as the “v” in Nova. Nova and Aziza
I love Marlo, Mika and Remy for a girl with Nova. For a boy, Zane seems like the best fit. Or maybe you’d consider Dane or Levi?
Additional girl suggestions:
Romy
Rory
Darby
Blair
Sloane
Bevin
Ainsley
Britton or Britta
Merritt
Daphne
I love Arabic names! Even if you are open to Arabic-speaker friendly ones, I’ll throw out some of my favorites that cross over but might not have been used.
For a boy, I love Mazen. It can work for Christian boys, so that shouldn’t be a problem. (Btw, I also *love* Zane – it inspires the z here.)
Nova and Mazen.
For girls, I am not sure if these skew towards the Muslim community or not, but:
Hala
Hana
Sana
Ayda
Raisa
Ines
I love the name Nova! It was a big hard no from hubby. I know only one little Nova and her big brother is Dane – would that make it sound less like ‘dog’? Of course, I know in English it could actually sound more ‘doggish’ with its relation to the Great. But I do really like that set. My other boy suggestions that might have the same feel as Anderson but without the ‘and’ – Garrison and Iverson (or just Iver) or Watson? For some reason, I’m feeling the high-value scrabble letters for a sibling (voting for Abby’s suggestion of Everett!.)
Which brings me to Zadie instead of Sadie? Nova and Zadie are perfect sisters in my mind. Alix and Cleo are also super here, although I fear Alex (sounds the same) is much too popular for boys and girls these days. Juno? Briar? Winter?
Farrah or Haven sound pretty with Nova too- I would add those to your girl suggestions. If Luna is too cutesy in meaning, maybe Lumi would work?…
Nova and Farrah/Farra
Nova and Haven
Nova and Lumi
Good luck and congrats!!
Sylvie and Sullivan are my favorites of Abby’s suggestions!
I wonder if you’d consider Raven as a sister for Nova Lee? Maybe with a 1 syllable vintage name like Mae?
Nova Lee and Raven Mae is really charming to my ear
For another star-inspired name, how about Lyra or Vega? Or Veda would be a cool choice too!
For a son, I love the story of Zane for you, but maybe you’d like other galaxy inspired names like Orion or the more obscure Rigel? Wonder what you’d think of Soren?
Best of luck!
l love the suggestions of Sylvie, Edie, and Esme and I would add Daphne, Olive, and Carmel. I really like Zane and am a fan of Zeke as well, but I wonder if you would have more luck promoting Shane? A final idea is Blaise.