New Post
Search
HelpOpinions on some random names
What are your thoughts and impressions of these? Or if you like, pick your most and least favorite on each list.
Calista
Bethany
Elena
Susanna
Carissa
Tabitha
Christiana
Cameron (for a girl)
Silas
Simeon
Titus
Walter
Nicholas
Jasper
Moses
Thanks!
Calista
Bethany
Elena
Susanna
Carissa
Tabitha
Christiana
Cameron (for a girl)
Silas
Simeon
Titus
Walter
Nicholas
Jasper
Moses
Thanks!
This message was edited 9/9/2014, 8:44 PM
Archived Thread - replies disabled
1
Replies
Calista - One of those names I wish I came across more often in real life. Though I prefer the spelling Callista.
Bethany - It's a strictly "meh" name to me. I don't mind it at all, but I don't love it, either. Conversely I love Elizabeth, though that's a far more common name, and I'd probably use "Beth" as a nickname over "Liz / Lizzy." I don't know why Bethany never won me over, though...
Elena - One of my favorite names. I love the combo Elena Penelope (are those names too match-y?).
Susanna - I've never been a fan of any of the "Suze" names: Susan, Susanna/Susannah, Suzanne, etc. Never liked them. I mildly prefer the original Hebrew Shoshannah, but even then I'm not excited.
Carissa - Too cute & soft for me to picture on an adult woman. With the exception of Elissa (and on-and-off Clarissa), I don't really like "-issa / -yssa" names.
Tabitha - Either a tabby cat or a witch (not "mean girl I don't like," but a legit spell caster).
Christiana - My stepsister's name, and she goes by Christi. I think the story is that my stepmom fell in love with the name while on her honeymoon in Germany with her first husband (Christi's dad), when it was on some graffiti in... Frankfurt? It was something like "Christiana [heart] Franz 4Ever," but my stepmom loved the name. Anyway, Christi actually disliked her name growing up because people (especially teachers) always called her Christina, and her name was never on any personalized school products or "souvenirs." It's a very pretty name, but hard to carry off in the States.
Bethany - It's a strictly "meh" name to me. I don't mind it at all, but I don't love it, either. Conversely I love Elizabeth, though that's a far more common name, and I'd probably use "Beth" as a nickname over "Liz / Lizzy." I don't know why Bethany never won me over, though...
Elena - One of my favorite names. I love the combo Elena Penelope (are those names too match-y?).
Susanna - I've never been a fan of any of the "Suze" names: Susan, Susanna/Susannah, Suzanne, etc. Never liked them. I mildly prefer the original Hebrew Shoshannah, but even then I'm not excited.
Carissa - Too cute & soft for me to picture on an adult woman. With the exception of Elissa (and on-and-off Clarissa), I don't really like "-issa / -yssa" names.
Tabitha - Either a tabby cat or a witch (not "mean girl I don't like," but a legit spell caster).
Christiana - My stepsister's name, and she goes by Christi. I think the story is that my stepmom fell in love with the name while on her honeymoon in Germany with her first husband (Christi's dad), when it was on some graffiti in... Frankfurt? It was something like "Christiana [heart] Franz 4Ever," but my stepmom loved the name. Anyway, Christi actually disliked her name growing up because people (especially teachers) always called her Christina, and her name was never on any personalized school products or "souvenirs." It's a very pretty name, but hard to carry off in the States.
This message was edited 9/10/2014, 8:02 PM
1
Calista -- I like this and its meaning, however, I prefer it spelled Callista. It seems more balanced this way and I like the nn Callie.
Bethany -- Bethany has never been on my radar much. Still, it's nice.
Elena -- Obviously, I like my name and the fact that it isn't that common nor are there any preconceived notions about those who bear the name.
Susanna -- This is one of my favorites. I like how classic it is yet you don't hear it as often as Susan or even Suzanne.
Carissa -- Just okay; it's a tad fluffy for my tastes (all 'issa' names are, actually).
Tabitha -- I like the sound of Tabitha yet I will always associate this name with tabby cats.
Christiana -- This is lovely and has a completely different feel than Christina.
Cameron (for a girl) -- I'm not wild about the name as it is and I especially dislike it (and all spelling variants) for a girl. The meaning alone would make me avoid it with a passion for a little girl.
Silas -- NMS and don't care for the ending which could be used as teasing (ass).
Simeon -- Don't care for the sound of the similar GidEON.
Titus -- Again, don't care for the potential teasing with ass (Tight Ass).
Walter -- Frumpy and old fashioned.
Nicholas -- Very nice and handsome yet I'm tired of it.
Jasper -- Handsome, distinguished and perfect for someone else's ds. ;-)
Moses -- Definitely too OT for my tastes.
Bethany -- Bethany has never been on my radar much. Still, it's nice.
Elena -- Obviously, I like my name and the fact that it isn't that common nor are there any preconceived notions about those who bear the name.
Susanna -- This is one of my favorites. I like how classic it is yet you don't hear it as often as Susan or even Suzanne.
Carissa -- Just okay; it's a tad fluffy for my tastes (all 'issa' names are, actually).
Tabitha -- I like the sound of Tabitha yet I will always associate this name with tabby cats.
Christiana -- This is lovely and has a completely different feel than Christina.
Cameron (for a girl) -- I'm not wild about the name as it is and I especially dislike it (and all spelling variants) for a girl. The meaning alone would make me avoid it with a passion for a little girl.
Silas -- NMS and don't care for the ending which could be used as teasing (ass).
Simeon -- Don't care for the sound of the similar GidEON.
Titus -- Again, don't care for the potential teasing with ass (Tight Ass).
Walter -- Frumpy and old fashioned.
Nicholas -- Very nice and handsome yet I'm tired of it.
Jasper -- Handsome, distinguished and perfect for someone else's ds. ;-)
Moses -- Definitely too OT for my tastes.
1
Thanks for your comments. I've always preferred the Callista spelling with two Ls but this one seems to be slightly more popular so I was hoping it would be misspelled less. Although since neither is really standard it might always require explanation.
1
Calista - nice.
Bethany - nice
Elena - nice
Susanna - what, all these are nice names?
Carissa - I might be the only one who likes this. But I prefer Karissa because it doesn't look like caress. Have you thought about Calissa?
Tabitha - nice
Christiana - nice.
Cameron (for a girl) - well, it has a nice sound that could be a girl name, but it's not my style because it's too much of a surname to me.
Silas - I used to like it but then I heard it used and thought, oh no, it's so prissy sounding! :-( It's like Theodore that way. NMS
Simeon - I don't mind it, but I would worry about people saying it wrong.
Titus - like Silas only nerdier.
Walter - wow, does it ever clunk. I can't really like it personally, but I think it's a decent name.
Nicholas - I really like this name.
Jasper - nice.
Moses - fusty and bibledorky and sad-sounding to me
Bethany - nice
Elena - nice
Susanna - what, all these are nice names?
Carissa - I might be the only one who likes this. But I prefer Karissa because it doesn't look like caress. Have you thought about Calissa?
Tabitha - nice
Christiana - nice.
Cameron (for a girl) - well, it has a nice sound that could be a girl name, but it's not my style because it's too much of a surname to me.
Silas - I used to like it but then I heard it used and thought, oh no, it's so prissy sounding! :-( It's like Theodore that way. NMS
Simeon - I don't mind it, but I would worry about people saying it wrong.
Titus - like Silas only nerdier.
Walter - wow, does it ever clunk. I can't really like it personally, but I think it's a decent name.
Nicholas - I really like this name.
Jasper - nice.
Moses - fusty and bibledorky and sad-sounding to me
This message was edited 9/10/2014, 10:04 AM
1
Thanks - glad you liked many of the girls' names. I'm not sure how I feel about Karissa, because the K seems harsher to me, but I see what you mean with not looking like caress. Calissa is ok, but I think I'd prefer Calista.
Silas, Simon and Theodore all have that same kind of weak/soft vibe to me. I've really tried to like Simon but just can't do it. That's why I prefer Simeon because it sounds stronger to me somehow.
Good to see another like for Nicholas too. It ranks highly (#54) but I only know two and almost everyone seems to like it... if only it were a Bible name then it would be perfect for us ;-)
Silas, Simon and Theodore all have that same kind of weak/soft vibe to me. I've really tried to like Simon but just can't do it. That's why I prefer Simeon because it sounds stronger to me somehow.
Good to see another like for Nicholas too. It ranks highly (#54) but I only know two and almost everyone seems to like it... if only it were a Bible name then it would be perfect for us ;-)
1
Just to clarify ... I don't mean that biblical names or the Bible are dorky ... just I pretty much only associate Moses with the major Bible character, and that makes it seem dorky. It's like it's a super-self-conscious reference to the Bible... the religious equivalent of naming a kid Beckham.
1
Oh no prob. It made me laugh. . . As a pastor, I am positive I will be using the term.
1
Wow - thanks! I felt like it should be in there somewhere but didn't do a search to find it. Thanks :-)
1
Calista: Flockheart. What can I say, I'm a 90's bitch. :P
Bethany: I think it's fun and "bouncy" and bright. BETHANY. I would never use it myself, though.
Elean: Beautiful.
Susanna: I want to stick an 'H' at the end. Then it will be perfect.
Carissa: Meh. It tries to be super-pretty, but it fails.
Tabitha: Witchy.
Christiana: I don't like -ana names. This one is over-the-top.
Cameron: Love it on a girl.
Silas: Not my thing.
Simeon: Ditto.
Titus: Tight-ass.
Walter: Dorky.
Nicholas: Sparkly and pretty.
Jasper: Boring.
Moses: I would only use this if I were Jewish.
Bethany: I think it's fun and "bouncy" and bright. BETHANY. I would never use it myself, though.
Elean: Beautiful.
Susanna: I want to stick an 'H' at the end. Then it will be perfect.
Carissa: Meh. It tries to be super-pretty, but it fails.
Tabitha: Witchy.
Christiana: I don't like -ana names. This one is over-the-top.
Cameron: Love it on a girl.
Silas: Not my thing.
Simeon: Ditto.
Titus: Tight-ass.
Walter: Dorky.
Nicholas: Sparkly and pretty.
Jasper: Boring.
Moses: I would only use this if I were Jewish.
1
Thanks. That's another vote for Susannah with an "h" - I'll have to think about that. Although I'm Sara with no H and I get sick of saying that over and over, so maybe I should just steer clear on this one!
I'm always surprised Nicholas gets so much love on here, especially since it's fairly popular. I really like it though, and the NN Nick. It's one of a few common, nice and traditional boys names that haven't been taken already in my husband's HUGE family ;-)
I'm always surprised Nicholas gets so much love on here, especially since it's fairly popular. I really like it though, and the NN Nick. It's one of a few common, nice and traditional boys names that haven't been taken already in my husband's HUGE family ;-)
1
Well, names are popular because they appeal to a lot of people. Nicholas is a classic, so I think that's where the appreciation comes from.
1
Calista: The sounds are not bad, but this seems like such a faddish, short-lived, dated name. Nobody ever heard of it till Ally McBeal, and then it just faded out again.
Bethany: I like this, always have. My best friend in Oklahoma is named Bethany.
Elena: Cute.
Susanna: Getting so tired of hearing about it on this board. Never really liked it anyway. Suzanne is much nicer.
Carissa: It's better than Clarissa, not as nice as Melissa.
Tabitha: Not terible, but it sounds like somebody's tiger kitten.
Christiana: Much prefer Christina. Here in Delaware, Christiana is a place name; the big hospital upstate is the Christiana hospital, the mall upstate is the Christiana mall. Named after Sweden's Queen Christina, who I understand helped establish Delaware in the 1600's.
Cameron (for a girl) Obnoxiously androgynous.
Silas: Always gives off a creepy vibe to me.
Simeon: Simian, like an ape. Even Simon is preferable, and Simon has a sneaky, oily vibe.
Titus: Hate it. Tight-ass.
Walter: Almost comically stuffy and buttoned-up.
Nicholas: Very nice.
Jasper: Hate it. Ugly sound, hipster favorite.
Moses: Hate the sound, and it sounds like a 340-year-old slave.
Bethany: I like this, always have. My best friend in Oklahoma is named Bethany.
Elena: Cute.
Susanna: Getting so tired of hearing about it on this board. Never really liked it anyway. Suzanne is much nicer.
Carissa: It's better than Clarissa, not as nice as Melissa.
Tabitha: Not terible, but it sounds like somebody's tiger kitten.
Christiana: Much prefer Christina. Here in Delaware, Christiana is a place name; the big hospital upstate is the Christiana hospital, the mall upstate is the Christiana mall. Named after Sweden's Queen Christina, who I understand helped establish Delaware in the 1600's.
Cameron (for a girl) Obnoxiously androgynous.
Silas: Always gives off a creepy vibe to me.
Simeon: Simian, like an ape. Even Simon is preferable, and Simon has a sneaky, oily vibe.
Titus: Hate it. Tight-ass.
Walter: Almost comically stuffy and buttoned-up.
Nicholas: Very nice.
Jasper: Hate it. Ugly sound, hipster favorite.
Moses: Hate the sound, and it sounds like a 340-year-old slave.
1
Thanks. I didn't know about the Ally McBeal Calista connection (can you tell I don't watch much TV) but I'm sure others have that too so thanks for filling me in.
I like Christina too - Christiana is a family name for me, so I've been trying to like it as something more interesting than Christina, and I feel like I get a lot of negative or dated feedback for Christina. Glad there's someone else who likes that too.
I've had the Simon vs Simeon question in my head for awhile too. Not sure which I prefer. Simon sounds weaker to me, maybe just because of personal connotations. I don't have the Simeon/simian connection so if we ever seriously consider it, we'll have to see how many people do! Thanks.
I like Christina too - Christiana is a family name for me, so I've been trying to like it as something more interesting than Christina, and I feel like I get a lot of negative or dated feedback for Christina. Glad there's someone else who likes that too.
I've had the Simon vs Simeon question in my head for awhile too. Not sure which I prefer. Simon sounds weaker to me, maybe just because of personal connotations. I don't have the Simeon/simian connection so if we ever seriously consider it, we'll have to see how many people do! Thanks.
1
in all fairness ...
Delaware also has the Christina River and a Christina School District, so Christina is also a place name. However, Christina is used much more often as a person's name here (and just about everyplace else) than Christiana.
Delaware also has the Christina River and a Christina School District, so Christina is also a place name. However, Christina is used much more often as a person's name here (and just about everyplace else) than Christiana.
1
Yep, sounds right. I've only even known one Christiana (and she was German), but I've known lots of Christinas. Since the Christiana I know pronounces her name with a German accent, I think I prefer that over the typical American pronunciation. Or at least I think there would be more confusion on how to pronounce Christiana here in PA since it's not a place name here. In Delaware, I guess you'd automatically get the place pronunciation.
1
Calista - always think Flockhart, but I actually really enjoy this name. I would suggest it for a daughter, but we already have a Clarisse. I think it is classy and elegant, but still has some bite due to the "st". I would rally for this name if it was one someone's short list.
Bethany - another name that I love, I always have. However, it's popularity in my generation keeps me away from it in terms of usability. But, I love the soft sounds of any name with a "th". Plus, there is no simpler, sweet name than Beth (except maybe Anna or Mary).
Elena - I only like this pronounced Ell-eh-nah. That is how I am used to it (Italian), but I have heard many Americans pronounce it E-lane-uh, which is Elaina to me. I adore this in the Italian, but mostly because I have a Zia Elena (aunt).
Susanna - at the risk of soundling like I am too nice in critiques... I love this too! I miss Susan-names. I think it is reminiscent of prairie days. In any case, it's refreshing, and I would use the nickname Sanna (zanna).
Carissa - I like it. Not my favorite, because I adore Larissa and Marissa. I do prefer Clarissa (biased).
Tabitha - not a huge fan, mostly because of the Tabby nickname (cat). I do like it as a whole, since it sounds pretty and is rarely used, but I would nix the common nickname and go with Bitsy, Tabs or someone entirely different.
Christiana - Nope. I am sick and tired of Chris-names. I have a brother, and two brother-in-laws with Chris-names (Christian, Christopher and Cristofel). The only Variation I do like is Christoph and I don't go for any of the female variation.
Bethany - another name that I love, I always have. However, it's popularity in my generation keeps me away from it in terms of usability. But, I love the soft sounds of any name with a "th". Plus, there is no simpler, sweet name than Beth (except maybe Anna or Mary).
Elena - I only like this pronounced Ell-eh-nah. That is how I am used to it (Italian), but I have heard many Americans pronounce it E-lane-uh, which is Elaina to me. I adore this in the Italian, but mostly because I have a Zia Elena (aunt).
Susanna - at the risk of soundling like I am too nice in critiques... I love this too! I miss Susan-names. I think it is reminiscent of prairie days. In any case, it's refreshing, and I would use the nickname Sanna (zanna).
Carissa - I like it. Not my favorite, because I adore Larissa and Marissa. I do prefer Clarissa (biased).
Tabitha - not a huge fan, mostly because of the Tabby nickname (cat). I do like it as a whole, since it sounds pretty and is rarely used, but I would nix the common nickname and go with Bitsy, Tabs or someone entirely different.
Christiana - Nope. I am sick and tired of Chris-names. I have a brother, and two brother-in-laws with Chris-names (Christian, Christopher and Cristofel). The only Variation I do like is Christoph and I don't go for any of the female variation.
1
Thanks! I appreciate your comments :-) DH and I are starting to talk about kids, so I've been working on my lists again. I've fallen in love with Simeon but I don't know anyone with that name. Good to hear that your nephew is named Simeon. Walter is close to our hearts as we both have beloved great-grandfathers with the name... it might use get used in the next few years if we have a boy!
1
Thanks. I've been going back and forth on Bethany. I like the Biblical association and the sound but it does make me think of an 80s baby and almost like it should be a nickname for something because of the "y" ending.
Last night as I was working on my lists, I was blown away by how much I liked Simeon :-) Moses and Susanna also are new favorites for me.
Last night as I was working on my lists, I was blown away by how much I liked Simeon :-) Moses and Susanna also are new favorites for me.
1
Calista - don't mind it; wouldn't use it.
Bethany - very tired; prefer Bethan or Betsan.
Elena - doesn't happen where I live. I'd happily use Helen.
Susanna - prefer Susannah and would use it.
Carissa - where I live, it's a thorny shrub.
Tabitha - very nice except for the likelihood of Tabby; prefer Talitha.
Christiana - two of my great-grandmothers were Christiana, both called Chrissie. I'd consider it as a mn, but probably wouldn't use it, not being religious at all.
Cameron (for a girl) - doesn't happen here; I still laugh.
Silas - starts with a sigh and ends with an ass. No.
Simeon - too close to simian.
Titus - pretentious.
Walter - very nice except for Wally.
Nicholas - very nice indeed.
Jasper - a 19th-century music-hall villain, twirling his moustaches and planning the heroine's downfall.
Moses - a one-owner name, like Elvis and Errol. Also shortens to Mo, as does Mohammed, so there could be interesting misunderstandings.
Bethany - very tired; prefer Bethan or Betsan.
Elena - doesn't happen where I live. I'd happily use Helen.
Susanna - prefer Susannah and would use it.
Carissa - where I live, it's a thorny shrub.
Tabitha - very nice except for the likelihood of Tabby; prefer Talitha.
Christiana - two of my great-grandmothers were Christiana, both called Chrissie. I'd consider it as a mn, but probably wouldn't use it, not being religious at all.
Cameron (for a girl) - doesn't happen here; I still laugh.
Silas - starts with a sigh and ends with an ass. No.
Simeon - too close to simian.
Titus - pretentious.
Walter - very nice except for Wally.
Nicholas - very nice indeed.
Jasper - a 19th-century music-hall villain, twirling his moustaches and planning the heroine's downfall.
Moses - a one-owner name, like Elvis and Errol. Also shortens to Mo, as does Mohammed, so there could be interesting misunderstandings.
1
Thanks! Can I ask why you prefer Susannah with an "h"? Any reason or just a preference?
I like Talitha too - thanks for bringing that up! I knew one once and it fit her well.
Christiana would be after a great-grandmother too. I've got some hesitations about it - especially because I like it written more than said, but might use it as a mn.
Cameron - I asked DH out of the blue for his two favorite names yesterday and he mentioned Cameron, and said for a girl! I was shocked because he usually likes really traditional names. At least we're not expecting yet so I don't have to fight him out of it ;-)
For Moses, I see what you mean about a one owner name... but Mo as a nn isn't a problem for me. I guess because I know a Maurice "Mo" and have never met anyone named Mohammed around here.
I like Talitha too - thanks for bringing that up! I knew one once and it fit her well.
Christiana would be after a great-grandmother too. I've got some hesitations about it - especially because I like it written more than said, but might use it as a mn.
Cameron - I asked DH out of the blue for his two favorite names yesterday and he mentioned Cameron, and said for a girl! I was shocked because he usually likes really traditional names. At least we're not expecting yet so I don't have to fight him out of it ;-)
For Moses, I see what you mean about a one owner name... but Mo as a nn isn't a problem for me. I guess because I know a Maurice "Mo" and have never met anyone named Mohammed around here.
1
Susannah is the standard spelling where there is no influence from, eg, Spanish or other European languages. So I suppose it's what I'm used to. It therefore looks more complete with an h than without - like the difference between Deborah and Debra. And my DH's grandmother had it as her mn, so it does have family status as well.
Christiana ... I rather enjoy the spelling used by the author Christianna Brand. Also clarifies the pronunciation!
Christiana ... I rather enjoy the spelling used by the author Christianna Brand. Also clarifies the pronunciation!
1
Thanks! Glad to see someone else who likes Calista. I've known one or two so it doesn't seem that odd to me, but I'm always surprised when I see the numbers and other people's opinions. Bethany seems to be the least-liked of all the names from everyone - which is good confirmation of what I was thinking - it's time is past! Thanks.
1