Naming a Sibling for Phoebe: Finding Something Just as Fun

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FINDING FUN NAMES LIKE PHOEBE

Amber writes:

We have a daughter named Phoebe Jane. We never planned to call her anything but Phoebe, but we call her Pheebs and Bee and PJ. There’s no real reason behind the name. It was just the one that stuck for both of us.

Now we’re expecting our second baby. This will almost certainly be our last child.

If it’s a boy, we still like Cameron James. But does it go with Phoebe? We’ve had it picked out since before we got married. It seems silly not to use it, but I’m worried I won’t like it the way I like our daughter’s name.

For a girl, we’re really not sure. Everything we like feels a little too much like Phoebe in some way. Our list so far is:

• Josephine/Josie – But Josephine seems too formal compared to how fun Phoebe is
• Sophie – Probably the name we’d choose if we had to choose today, but I think it’s just sort of like a lesser version of Phoebe
• Poppy – I like it, my husband isn’t crazy about it, and I really don’t think we need two names starting with P
• Vivian – My husband likes, I think it sounds too serious with Phoebe

My mom’s favorite for Phoebe was Ava, and even though she doesn’t get a vote, I’ve been wondering if maybe we should think about that name a little more.

We love camping and being outdoors, and while we don’t want to name our baby River, we do want a name that sounds active, if that makes sense.

Our last name sounds like Milt, but with an H. My middle name is Leigh, so we might use that for this baby if it’s a girl.

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

HIGH-ENERGY, ADVENTURE-READY NAMES LIKE PHOEBE

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new baby!

Let’s start with the easy part: Cameron James is great! I think the name are well matched. They will absolutely sound right after you say “my kids, Phoebe and Cameron” a few dozen times. Or call “Cam and Bee” together.

You’re looking for a high-energy, adventure-ready kind of name, and I think Cameron checks those boxes.

Names for a daughter do feel a little more challenging, though. Let’s start with the names you’re considering.

CURRENT LIST

POPPY

I want to love this name for you, because I do think it checks all the boxes. But, but, but … Poppy and Phoebe are very similar names. Since you don’t imagine a third child in your future, that’s probably okay. But I think they’re still so close that I’d trip over them.

SOPHIE

Sophie and Phoebe do have similar sounds, but I don’t think they’re too close. Then again, Sophia and Sofia have been very popular names – combined, some years they’re effectively #1 in the US – so I wonder if that’s what you’re reacting to?

VIVIAN

Perception is such an interesting thing. I see Vivian and hear vivacious and lively. (The name comes fro the Latin vivus, meaning life.) With nicknames like Vivi and Vee, it could be very fun with Phoebe. (Bee and Vee!) But I do understand what you mean about Vivian’s more serious side, so let’s use it as inspiration instead.

AVA

Like Sophia, Ava has been really popular for years. Like Vivian, Ava has that appealing V sound. Let’s see if we can use Ava to think up some fresh ideas.

JOSEPHINE/JOSIE

While Josephine and Josie are more popular than Phoebe, I think this is the best match from your current list. It’s got history galore, but also plenty of spirit and verve. Phoebe and Josephine; Phoebe and Josie; Pheebs and Jojo; Bee and Jo. They’re just plain fun to say together, and that’s the test, right?

FRESH IDEAS FOR PHOEBE’S SISTER

AURORA/RORY

When I think of high-energy names, Rory is always near the top of the list. It can be short for lots of longer, more conventionally feminine names, including Aurora.

CAMILLE/MILLIE

If you’re fairly confident this child completes your family, and it’s a girl … then you’ll never use the name Cameron. I wonder if you’d consider Camille called Millie – or Cam? Or, of course, naming this daughter Cameron, though it’s not my favorite choice with Phoebe.

EMERY

I was toying with names like Dorothy, three-syllable names than end with the ee sound. But I wonder if you’d prefer something less vintage and more contemporary? Besides Emery, there’s Delaney, Avery, Romilly, Bellamy, Everly, Waverly, and so many more to consider.

HEIDI

Heidi peaked in the 1960s and 70s, but it’s making a quiet comeback in recent years. I love the way it ends with a strong D sound to mirror Phoebe’s B. And Heidi has lots of history, but also energy to spare.

MAISIE

Traditionally a nickname for Margaret, especially in Scotland, Maisie stands on its own today. It’s spirited and capable, the kind of name that – just like Phoebe – sounds like fun.

MEADOW

I know, I know. You’re not into names like River. Except … Meadow’s O ending is so great with Phoebe. I almost suggested Cleo or Margot to get something with that bright, cheerful sound … but I think Meadow is the right fit. While nature names are having a moment, we’ve used choices like Lily and Rose for our daughters forever, so I’d call Meadow traditional-adjacent.

SYLVIE

The middle V sound of Ava and Vivian is shared by Sylvie, but Sylvie is also a less common alternative to favorites like Sophie and Josie. That’s probably why this French form of Sylvia is rising in popularity now. Fun, subtle tie to all things outdoors: Sylvie and company come from the Latin word silva – forest.

WILLA

I’ve sometimes thought of Willa as sweetly old-fashioned, but I think Willa offers lots of spark, too. Plus you could call her Billie. Billie and Bee is seriously swoon-worthy – just so, so good together. One downside: Willa Leigh is a lot of L sound.

Overall, I’m most drawn to Maisie. I think it matches Phoebe’s vibe the best, and I love it with Leigh. It also keeps the door open to Cameron, should your plans change. Though I also think Maisie Cameron could be a great combination if you decide against the middle name Leigh.

Which reminds me: if this baby is a boy, and there’s no particular thinking behind the middle name James? You might name your son Cameron Lee. (Or Cameron Leigh.) It’s a sweetly subtle way to incorporate your name into the next generation.

Readers, over to you! What would you name a sibling for Phoebe Jane?