Girls Names that You Should Consider Instead

It is never fun to be one of many people in the same room that has the same name. It can be frustrating to children and hard on parents when mix ups occur because there are four kids with the same name in one class. At the same time, you don’t want to pick a strange name that no one will be able to pronounce or spell. Based on the governments list of the most popular names for 2012 here are some alternatives to the names that are really popular right now. Don’t get me wrong, I love theses names, but here are some other choices, based on the wisdom of babynames.com

Girls

1. Sophia – This name means Wisdom and it has Greek origins. The website says that Charlotte is a name that many who like Sophia also like. If you are looking for something with a similar meaning than there are a couple that don’t sound similar, like Athena or Minerva. If you want something with a similar meaning and sound, or just a similar sound there is a wide variety. The highlights include Sonya and Zofia.

2. Emma– The name is Latin and means Universal. Generally most things with that meaning are very similar to Emma, but some include Erma and Emmalia. In this case I’m definitely more in favor of a name that sounds similar because the names with similar meaning just aren’t that great. Some things with similar sounds, include Emberlynn, Eliani,

3. Isabella- Lets face it, this name is popular right now mainly because of the Twilight Saga, which is fine, but you don’t want your girl find out that her name is from a vampire romance one day. Contrary to popular belief the name means God is my oath, not beauty. Other names with a similar sound that are a little different are: Isolde, Adabella, Iris and Isley

4. Olivia- I really love this name. And there are many reasons that it is wildly popular right now. The name’s meaning is Elf Army and it is English. There are limited options available for names a similar meaning but the best choices I found was Elwyn. For a similar sound consider: Oliana or Olicia.

5. Ava– This name has a very sweat meaning, which is bird like. If you like the name for its meaning some really cute options are: Lark or Raven. For a similar sound try Avery or Avonlea.

6. Emily– This is a classic name with staying power so finding a strong alternative is a challenge. The one I found that seemed to work best was Emalynn or Emera.

7. Abigail– This is another classic name that I am finding it difficult to find alternatives for. This name has staying power for a reason. This name is Hebrew and means Joy of the Father. These names have similar meaning and sound: Agalia and Allegra. If you are more interested in the sound try: April, or Abrielle

8. Mia– This name is often a shorten form of Amelia, but in this short form it means of the Sea. There are many other M names that aren’t used often but are very pretty. For example: Melora, or Messina.

9. Madison- This name is English and its meaning is rarely the reason that people choose it. The name has a beautiful simple sound. Others that have a similar sound: Madeleine, or Madden

10. Elizabeth- This name has both Hebrew and English Origins. This name, not unlike Madison has a very simply elegant sound. Other names with that quality include Grace, Elisa, Elanore.

Of course only you can find the name that truly fits. If one of the names on the most popular list is just right for your child don’t be afraid to use. These are just some suggestions you may not have considered.