Baby Girl: Clarisse, Lydia, or Eleanor?

Question

Clarisse Grainne Ruthven (nicknames: Clara, Clare)
or
Eleanor Grainne Ruthven (nns: Ella, Nell)
or
Lydia Grainne Ruthven (nns: Lia, Liddy)

Grainne is pronounced "grawn-yah," it's my mother-in-law's name, we're Scotch-Irish living in America and want a Celtic middle name.

I'm due in two weeks, and we're still deciding on names. Suggestions are welcome but we'd prefer opinions on these names we've chosen.

I like Clarisse and Eleanor, my husband likes Lydia, the kids like all three. Friends and family are all divided, which do you prefer?

other children: Nikolai, Zora, and Tess.

Answer 1

In order of my most to least favorite:

Eleanor -Eleanor Roosevelt anyone? She's a great namesake. Plus, Eleanor is a beautiful, classy name with fun, modern nicknames. By far my favorite. I also like how the "N" and "R" sounds are repeated in Eleanor and Grainne without sounding overly similar, and how they're an unexpected combination.

Lydia -Again, this is a beautiful, underused, classic name. It doesn't have the strong namesake or as cool of nicknames IMO, but it is still a really nice name. I don't like how Lydia Grainne sounds as much as I like Eleanor Grainne.

Clarisse -Meh. It's a fine, classy name, but Eleanor and Lydia are just so much better!

Besides, say it with me: Nikolai, Zora, Tess, and Eleanor. Sounds so nice.

Answer 2

Maisie Sophia Alannah Jade Chloe Peyton Harlow Maeve Savannah Ivy Lydia Alice Amelia Genevieve Jessica Rachel Aubrey Marie April Coral Gianna Matilda Elliot Casey Cheyenne Sunday Aaliyah Carly

Answer 3

Well, I do like all the options you've laid out for us. And the middle name too, I like. In the movie "Tristan & Isolde", isn't Isolde's handmaiden named Grainne? I think so. Anyhow - back to baby names. :)

My personal fav is: Clarisse Grainne Ruthven. As a nickname, Clare and Clara are names that I really love, and am considering for my future daughter (if I am so blessed).

And - on a side note - even if you haven't asked, I really, really like the name of your other children. They are lucky, indeed.

Good luck in your search.

Answer 4

I like Lydia Grainne Ruthven

Answer 5

I personally love all 3 of these names and were on the list of potential names when I was pregnant with our youngest. We went with Lydia (although we spell it Lydea) Gayle. We call her a variety of nicknames including Lid, Liddy, Lady Ma'am, and Chief (not sure where that one came from!). Clarisse was my great-aunt's name, my grandpa's sister. However,my grandma is still alive and really didn't like her sister-in-law so we decided not to go with Clarisse, but I really do like that name.

Answer 6

I love the name Eleanor (after Eleanor Roosevelt)! I would gladly give that name to a daughter, but I already named my first baby, my puppy, Ellie, after her. Guess I should have thought ahead on that one!

Clarisse is pretty too...You would probably get a lot of Silence of the Lamb's references.

Lydia is "ok"....Not a bad name by any means, but just not one of my personal favorites.

The middle name would not be my first choice, but given it is honoring a family member, that makes it good in my book!

Best Wishes!

Answer 7

I love Clarisse Grainne!

The middle name is especially pretty.

Answer 8

Lydia
It's more unique & it blends so well with the middle & last name
I really like the middle name, it's so pretty

Eleanor reminds of an elderly woman

& I know a few Clarisses

Answer 9

Lydia

Answer 10

I like the nickname Claire but I like the full name Lydia. Either name is really pretty.