Seeking Traditional Names for Anna’s New Sister

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A LAST MINUTE CHANGE FOR THEIR FIRST BABY

Taylor writes:

We were all set to name our daughter Ruby Anne when something made us both stop. She was just a few hours old and it just kind of hit me. What if we named her Anna Ruby? Our last name is long and complicated, so I love how sweet and easy this name is, but I also like that it’s strong and feminine.

Our new daughter is due in May, and names are a lot harder this time. I work with children, so I hear a lot of names, but now that we’re in daycare and spending time with other kids Anna’s age, all the names really blend together.

Names we have seriously discussed so far:

• Ella – My husband loves. But every other girl is El- something, and we know an Elijah and an Elliott, too.
• Ruth – One of my favorites, but I don’t like how close it is to Anna’s middle name.
• Pearl – I feel like I should like this name more than I do. Maybe a middle name option if we decide to do a theme.
• Tilly – I’m obsessed with this name, but maybe it’s too different/too cute.
• Cora – Was on our list for Anna, feel like maybe I’m over it.
• Stella – Just doesn’t sound like Anna’s sister to me.

Our last name sounds like Call-plus-Mayer. I have mixed feelings about names starting with C/K. Absolutely no names ending with R, please. I know from my own name that they’re just hard to say together!

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

A SISTER FOR ANNA RUBY

Abby replies:

Congratulations on your new daughter!

It is harder to name a second child – for at least two of the reasons you’ve mentioned. First, yes – even if you knew children before, having a child of your own makes names familiar in a way that’s hard to explain. And of course, when you’ve chosen a great name for your firstborn, it’s the yardstick by which you measure additional choices. At the same time, it might rule out some names, like Ruth because of Ruby.

Looking at your current list, and considering Anna Ruby’s lovely name, I suspect the right choice will be:

• Traditional, if not too popular
• Timeless and strong
• Probably won’t end in the -ee sound
• Likely just one or two syllables

From your current list, I can see that Ella and Tilly don’t quite hit the mark, for different reasons. Pearl and Cora don’t sound like they’re quite it, though I agree that Pearl could be a great middle. I do think Stella might be closer to what you’re looking for. And while I agree Ruth isn’t ideal with Anna’s middle name, I don’t think it absolutely rules Ruth out. In fact, if I had to name Anna’s sister from your existing list, I probably would choose Ruth.

Let’s see if we expand your list a little.

TRADITIONAL AND TIMELESS GIRL NAMES

DELIA

Short and complete, but often overlooked. The sound is a little more complex than Anna, but I think it works.

JANE

Another name in the same category as Anna: classic, timeless, with a simplicity that appeals.

MATILDA

I know you’re thinking short. But you also love the name Tilly but find it too cute on its own. Matilda called Tilly is one possible answer. A traditional name that’s easy to love, balanced with a fun, sparky nickname.

MAURA

Is it possible I’ve never suggested Maura before? It’s a choice that never quite caught on. I think it might be that familiar-but-different choice you’re after. The spelling Moira is seen, too, but I think Maura-rhymes-with-Laura is easier to wear.

ROSE

Another name in the key of Jane and Anna.

SARA

I suppose I could suggest Sarah, which is the more consistently popular spelling. But something about Sara calls to me. It’s a little more understated than Cora, as traditional as Anna.

THEA

One of the first names that came to mind. I love the way Thea is brief and complete, but with a strong, distinctive sound.

VERA

Everything that I said about Vera applies equally to Thea. Another bonus? Anna means grace. Vera means faith or truth, so both names have a strong virtue vibe, as well as being visually balanced.

Overall, I think it’s tough to beat Ruth. Ruth Elinor, maybe? But I love the sound of Rose with Anna. Anna Ruby and Rose Estelle might work. If you’re in love with Tilly, though, I think Matilda is the logical answer. Anna Ruby and Matilda “Tilly” Ruth sound just like sisters to me.

Readers, over to you! What would you name a sister for Anna Ruby?