Hi everyone,
We’re expecting our second daughter in January and naming her has been so much harder than we expected. Our first daughter is Quinn and we both loved her name from quite early on in the piece in pregnancy. She gets Quinnie, which suits her so much. This time nothing feels right and we’re driving ourselves a bit crazy over it. Well, correction, I am. My partner thinks that I come up with excuses for most of the names that we like, which, there is some truth in.
Here’s our current list (which was hard to get to):
Annika
Clare
Remi
Niamh
Wren
Zoe
Isla (I feel too common)
Lana
Evie (I feel too common as well).
Bianca
Billie
Audrey
Laila
Lara
Juliette
Juno
We had Lucy on there too but it came off after some not so nice comments from my parents in law. They also said it was too British (they are Irish). It’s kind of tainted the name.
My partner’s favourites are Wren, Remi, Juno, Layla and Zoe. I am stuck
Juno: our surname starts with O so the ends in O / starts with O thing bothers me, and I can’t stop thinking of the movie.
Zoe: this one is the hardest because I really love the name, but every time I look up people named Zoe I weirdly find stories where their parents are divorced or passed away early. I know that’s completely irrational but I just can’t get past it.
Wren and Remi, Layla: both are lovely but I don’t love them and I can’t see myself as a mother to these names. You know how you hear a name and think it is nice, but think not for my child.
We don’t want anything too common but also not totally out there. Something simple, strong and feminine without being frilly. With my other daughter, in the early days she was mistaken for a boy, which is my only regret.
At this point I feel like I’ve looked at every name on the internet and none of them even sound real anymore. Would love some honest opinions on what fits best with Quinn or if any of these jump out as “the one.” I’m getting quite analytical and stressed about it. At this point, I’m considering waiting and seeing what she looks like, but I’m still not convinced I would be decisive then.
Thanks, we are so stuck and could really use some outside perspective.
Thank you 😊
Zoe. You and your husband both love it and it’s a classic. The whole internet stories thing is psyching you out right now but it’s also totally irrational and I think that’s going to fade when you meet your baby.
Zoe never goes out of style and never gets too popular either. Great name
Zoe is #6 where I am… I still love it but we know tons.
Zoe and Quinn also sound so cute together
This was on our list too, great name. It’s familiar but not super popular, simple but nice, not too cutesy.
Zoe's one of the most common names on the list though
Also if scared of internet stories name her “Zoey” lol
I love Juno and it goes really well with Quinn. If it is a classic Irish O’ name, I actually think it’s fine with Juno. Juno O’Brien sounds fine to me. The movie association I’m sure will go away once the name is attached to your baby :)
I like Zoe a lot too. I sounds like your objections to it might just be plain old hormones or normal baby anxiety.
Other ideas: Fern, Arden, Darcy, Esme, Eira, Maisie, Sophie, Cora
Edit to add: I would stop discussing names with everyone except each other.
I love Arden and fern. My partner vetoed both. Sophie was originally in our list and we may need to revisit.
Zoe and Juno would be my picks too!
Maisie and Sophie are great, matches wonderful with Quinn!
I had a great aunt, Fern, and have always liked the name.
Love Remi and Bianca.
Bianca is what I call a sweet spot name. It's been around for decades, it's pretty, it's known, but it was never so popular it became oversaturated. If you hear Bianca she could be from any decade so to me it's a timeless name.
Remi is cool, modern, may come to be dated to the 2010-2020's era, you just don't know.
I love Bianca on this list for the same reason. It’s super well established but not ever been overly popular and it’s very wearable on different types of people. It’s sweet but also quite cool. Quinn and Bianca is a wonderful set.
Not sure about other names that remind me of this, maybe Francesca? Stella has some of the same qualities but I think has gained popularity where I am, might depend on your area.
Other girls names I file as sweet and established but also a little peppy: Claudia, Melody, Pippa
I knew a Pippa. It was short for Phillipa.
I love Remi, but it is a boy’s name that’s still mostly used for boys, so I would stay away from it if you don’t want her to be misgendered!
I know a million male Rémis and it was shocking to me when I saw female ones. Like having little girls named Jeff.
I’ve always found it odd that you get little girls called Madison but not Jefferson.
Any other “sweet spot” names?
Eliza
Willa
Zara
ETA: Logan
OP, Willa is a good one! To me, one of the problems is that you have a lot of really girly names on your list but gave your first girl a masculine name (albeit one that has increased usage on girls in the US). The very feminine names only serve to highlight the masculinity of your first’s name.
Willa is soft and feminine but also similar to Will, so it isn’t so stark of a contrast next to Quinn. They are also similar length, which I appreciate, but the balance is part of my preferred sibset aesthetic.
Here are some other names I consider sweet spot names for girls.
Noelle Celeste Callie Sloane Naomi Sabrina Sabina Brooke Cassie Vanessa Miranda Lilah (has become a little more popular lately) Savannah Gabrielle Natalie Isabelle/Isobel (not Isabella or Bella, which became super trendy the past 2 decades)
Right? I’ve never met a bad Bianca; they’re always the coolest.
Thank you!
How are you feeling with all the feedback?
I think you should go with Zoe. It sounds like you and your partner both love the name and that it feels like the best fit for your family.
The part about you finding stories of different Zoe’s that have unfortunate family lives has no actual connection to your family. It’s called confirmation bias and it’s probably stressing you out because of the pregnancy hormones. There are lots of Zoe’s in the world that have happy and healthy parents! And lots of people in the world who are named other things and have unfortunate family lives. Try not to think about this. Or if you really feel worried about it, try to find stories about happy Zoe’s.
I love Zoe and Audrey.
I would say with Zoe, I love the meaning of "life" because I think living a full and complete life is a great meaning to give a kid. It also goes well with Quinn because they both start with an unusual letter. Plus, I know a Zoe who hasn't had that happen. I don't know if that's enough to overwrite your negative associations, but I think if you both like it, it's a great name.
Yes! Q and Z initials are both very cool and unique.
I also know a Zoe who's family is happily intact :)
Do you like Juni instead of Juno? My friend’s baby is Juniper nn Juni and I think that sounds cute with Quinnie!
From your list my faves that go with Quinn are: Audrey Niamh (although I’m also from Aus and I feel like it might get butchered) Wren Evie (but maybe Eve nn Evie so it’s not always so cutesy?)
I have a Lila, it reminds me of Isla/Lara/Layla on your list?
Good luck, I’m also expecting a second daughter and feel the exact same way as you!! We had our firsts’ picked out before I was even pregnant haha - I’m finding it really hard not having that ‘perfect’ name feeling this time around and I am also very fussy haha
Juniper is super popular right now. Like Noah was a decade ago.
I like Annika. It's not common at all and it also has some strength to it, it's not cutsie.
I do love Romy but it’s a friends babies name. Mira is a friend and indie is one of my partners very good friends daughters name. This is what happens when you have children later, people steal the names!
I feel this. We're having our first at 39 after five years of infertility. One by one, all our boy names were taken in that period. Luckily we're having a girl and my favourite name (after my nan) is still free since everybody had boys!
Posts like these always fascinate me, what were the boy names that got taken?
What about Lila (lie-luh)? I feel it works so nicely with Quinn
It was on one iteration of our list. I’m not sure what happened to it!
I used to know a set of twins, Leihla (lay-la) and Jonella.
My friends daughter is literally named Lyla Quinn... Sooo cute 🥰
How about Mila?
I love Quinn and Juno but see why you wouldn’t want the double o sound.
Some other ideas are
Quinn and Orla
Quinn and Maeve
Quinn and Carys
Quinn and Evanna
Quinn and Lyra
Quinn and Hazel
Quinn and Nova
Quinn and Aoife
Quinn and Aisling
Quinn and Blair
I think Romy sounds better than Remi with the sibling’s name. Wren feels too similar to Quinn. Everett with Evie as the nn would be cute.
Aww LANA is the prettiest name!! It’s my 1 yo niece’s name.
I don't hate it, but I knew several Lanas throughout school and they were always relentlessly mocked for what Lana spells backwards. I know kids will find a way to make fun of anything, but that one is definitely too easy.
We named our daughter, who will be one next week, Solana, and we call her Lana from time to time.
Lana on its own just wasn’t quite unique enough for us. But I love it as a nickname. We also call her Na-Na quite a bit too.
I love Juliette! So many cute nicknames too like Juli, Jewels, etteie
I absolutely love Quinn & Billie, but I might be biased because that was my mother’s name. Bianca & Clare also sound lovely with Quinn.
Don't discuss name choices with parents or friends. They don't get a say and will put you off a name that you like. Tell them when you have chosen after the birth and they can keep their negative thoughts to themselves.
Particularly racist in-laws!
I love Annika, Layla and Bianca.
Annie and Quinn are sweet together!
From your list I love Audrey, Bianca and Juliette.
Have you considered Fiona? My daughter's name will be Fiona Quinn, so I feel like the names make a good pairing (but I may be a bit biased).
I'm not a fan of Juno, but my inlaws have a dog with that name. I don't personally feel like it fits a human child, even before they got their pomsky.
Yes I get you. I also feel like I can’t see myself with a daughter with the name Juno. Maybe I just need to see her to believe her lol
Name her January
I'm going to be really honest - not to be harsh but to try and help with some of your decision fatigue by approaching it in a logical way. It of course has no bearing on your feeling of the "right" name. Please, please take this as me trying to be nhelpful and not critical. I'm Irish so I'll admit I have a bias to Irish names
First of all - Quinn. You want a name that meets Quinn where she is in terms of style, popularity etc. Not sure where you are but you mentioned your in laws being Irish and most of these names are used in English speaking countries. Given Quinn is an anglicisation, I'm making an assumption you are in the US or UK - apologies if this is incorrect.
In the US, Quinn for girls currently ranks #96 and has been in the top 100 names for a decade. In the UK, Quinn for girls currently ranks #471 so it's a bit of a jump between the countries in terms of popularity. In Ireland, Quinn is also not in the top 100 as it's more commonly a surname. For this reason, I'm keeping an interest in names that are around or below the top 100 (but above 500) in either country.
You also mentioned you do not want the next child to have a more feminine sounding name and your surname begins with O/O sound. I'm also taking consideration British sounding names. Based on your list/criteria, I would veto the following right away:
Remi - gender neutral and will read Remio
Wren - see Remi
Zoe - you're not set on it and the O sound is repetitive
Billie - see Remi
Juno - repetitive O sound
What we have left are the following:
Annika - Annie is a cute nickname but may be a bit matchy with Quinnie. Popularity is around #946 in US and #1114 in UK. Unless you have heritage where Annika makes sense as a name, I'd veto based on clashing styles with Quinn. As a side note Áine (Anya) is an Irish girl's name. It's not a top 1000 name in either US or UK but is around #89 in Ireland.
Clare - I personally love this spelling (Co Clare represent). It's definitely not as popular as Quinn - it hasn't made the top 1000 since 2005 in the UK and just creeps in at #949 in the US but Claire is very popular at #67 in the US and Clara is very popular at #84 in UK and #78 in US. In fact, Clara is a perfect name statistically to go with Quinn but I love the Irish nod in Clare.
Niamh - personally my favourite on your list. My best friend's name so I'm really biased. Niamh has shot up in popularity in recent years. In the UK it is #193 but in the US it is still very rare. As much as it pains me to say it, if you are in the US I'd veto due to the staunch difference in popularity from Quinn. Niamh and Quinn sound great together but she will struggle with people knowing how to say her name. If you are in the UK or Ireland (#94), Niamh hits the popularity sweet spot and people will have no problem saying her name so I'd keep it in your list.
Isla - #35 in US and #4 in UK - agreed, too common to match Quinn and reads British to me.
Lana - read it backwards, don't do it to your kid
Evie - #29 in UK and #284 in US so too common if you are in the UK but a sweet spot if you are in the US. However, Evie adjacent names (Ellie, Evangeline, Evelyn) are all on the rise so it may feel more common. If you think it's too popular, veto. Reads very British to me.
Bianca - #583 in UK and #460 in US. Hits the sweet spot and sounds good with an O surname.
Audrey- #355 in UK and #82 in US. Hits sweet spot, goes well with an O surname. Reads very British to me.
Laila - #333 in UK and #370 in US. Hits the sweet spot and sounds good with an O surname.
Lara - #740 in US and #98 in UK. Feels a little less common than Quinn but I actually love this name.
Juliette - #620 in UK and #129 in US. Stylistically it feels a lot frillier than Quinn but Jules is a nice neutral name that goes well with Quinn and avoids the problem of her being misgendered.
From these calculations, your short list might be:
Clare
Niamh
Bianca
Audrey
Laila
Lara
Juliette
I hope this helps with either affirming or reducing your choices. At the end of the day, go with the name you connect with most.
Some alternative suggestions:
Clara - See Clare
Fiadh (Fee-ah) - this name ranks #374 in UK but not at all in US, however, it's #5 in Ireland and #2 in Northern Ireland so it gets a special mention. Means "wild".
Órlaith (Or-la) - again doesn't rank in US but the anglicisation (Orla) is #58 in the UK. The traditional spelling is around #95 in Ireland/Northern Ireland. Means "golden princedd".
Cara - since you liked Clare and Lara, Cara is very popular in Ireland and Northern Ireland (around #30). In the UK it is around #454 so fits the sweet spot for the UK. Its last ranking in the US was at #909 in 2020. It's very straight forward to say and means "friend" in Irish or "beloved" in Italian which is very sweet. Caragh is a popular variation.
Dáire (da-ra) - historically a boy's name but has recently become more popular for girls. Often anglicised to Dara. Top 100 name in Ireland/Northern Ireland but doesn't seem to rank outside of here.
Good luck with your little one!
Edit - just read you live in Australia so take the ratings with a pinch of salt - apologies for making the wrong assumption. You can see rankings on behindthename.com for your country. Quinn last ranked at #100 in 2022 so the ratings are likely very similar for Australia.
Thank you so much for this very comprehensive list. Fia actually is in our list, or a past version of a list, and I liked it a lot…. Someone meentioned to me that it sounded like fear…
I also loved Clara but my partner is off it now…
Lol I guess it does in an Australian accent.
All your name picks are beautiful, I just wanted to help whittle the list down. I hope it helps a little - I completely understand the decision fatigue around picking a name, especially this close to your due date. I suggest taking a small handful of your complete yes names - it's often easier to whittle down a list based on any hesitancy - and just pick when baby is born. The right name will be apparent for her I'm sure.
Ah, I feel your pain. Our first daughter is Autumn and I feel like we already used our best name 🫣 expecting another girl March and also struggling. We have a similar-ish name vibe so here are a few that my husband and I are bandying about:
Etta, Ember, Nova, Scarlett, Fenna, Lydia.
From your list, I like Zoe and Wren best.
I’m a bit (ok, a lot) biased towards nature/ seasonal names but Winter would work beautifully with Quinn (unless Quinnie and Winnie are too on the nose?) and suits a January baby ☺️
I love winter but was vetoed by my partner!
Haha me too! Along with Liberty and Saffron 🫠
What about Josephine? Quinn and Josie are sweet together.
Good luck deciding! It’s tough.
For me, with a tailored name like Quinn for your first, I’d steer clear of exotic, multi syllable names like Bianca or Annika (although I love them.) Likewise, any name that is sing-songy and decidedly feminine like Juliette. Of those you list, I’d take Juno off the list because of the ‘o’ issue. I’d take Lana off the list because of what it spells backwards. I agree Isla and Evie are too common.
I think Zoe is the best one you list, by far. Have you considered Phoebe? Chloe? Brooke? Erin? Ione? Nina?
Ooh Phoebe would go nicely with Quinn!
Love Quinn and Nina!
Of these, the ones that 'go' best with Quinn to me are Remi, Wren, and Juno. Have you thought about Romy? Mira? Indie/India/Indigo? Just names that come to mind!
I agree with this! ^ OP, how do you feel about June instead of Juno if the ending bothers you?
I like June better than Juno, but I do wonder if June O’lastname will be often misheard as Juno Lastname
Frankie goes well with Quinn. But your whole list is pretty solidI think!
Quinn and Zoe are so cute together!!
Oh I love Zoe and it's so cute. I don't think weird internet suspicion should ruin a name. Others from your list I like are Juliet (spelled this way), Lara, Clare/Claire
If you want more options:
Fiona, Phoebe, Daphne, Oona, Selah, Naomi, Moira, Vera, Sabrina
Oona is a great suggestion! Since it has similar sounds to Juno but doesn’t have the “o” ending problem and is Irish, I hope OP sees this and likes this one!
You might like Gwen, Aubrey or Lena. Maybe Scottie or Logan if you like boy names for girls. I always like Logan because “Lo” is a cute and feminine shortened version of it.
My baby didn’t have a name until like 2 days before he was born. My husband and I just couldn’t decide for my entire pregnancy. You’ll find the right name, don’t stress over it too much.
Sophie, Leila, Audrey, Olivia
Zoe, remi and Juno are all super close to the kpop demon hunter names and I think those are going to become super popular here the next few years (I know it's Rumi and not remi but still close and I know it's jinu not Juno but still very similar)
My favorite from your list are Clare (but prefer the spelling Claire), Zoe and Wren. Lara is nice too.
Other non frilly girl names: Clara, Rowe, Winter, Alba, Chloe, Blaire, Nell, Faye, Erin, Joni, Juni, Marla, Liv
I really love Zoe especially with Quinn. It sounds and looks so nice together.
I’d like to suggest Greer or Cleo to you as well.
I love Zoe
If Zoe appeals but you can’t shake the associations, what about Chloe? Chloe and Quinn work together!
From your list I quite like Annika, Bianca, Audrey, and Juliette. Of those, I think Audrey is the nicest pairing with Quinn.
Quinn and Audrey
Quinn and Chloe
I would steer clear of Quinnie and Remi, as they sound too similar, assuming anglophone pronunciation, and Quinn and Wren for rhyme or near-rhyme depending on how precise you are on vowels.
Because Quinn is a masculine Irish name and Clare is an Irish county, it pushes Quinn more masculine to me.
Quinn and Bianca feels very mismatched (Irish and Italian), as well as Quinn and Juliette (Irish and French and short, masculine to unisex name versus long, frilly feminine name).
Quinn and Zoe is probably the best.
Quinn and Brenna
Wait till she's born and then just look at her and see what suits her. You don't need to pressure yourself to choose the name before she's born.
Adding Holly to your list lol
Not sure if this helps, but I’m an adult Zoe who 1) has a very happy life and 2) loves her name! It’s aged well, fits as an adult, is the perfect sweet spot where everyone knows it but it’s not everywhere, and it has personality. I’m biased, but it sounds like your favorite and I want you to know there are happy Zoe’s out here!
This does help 😊😊😊
If you like Zoe, how about Zoey, Zara, Zelda or Zinnia? I think Zinnia is unusual and sounds great with Quinn!
If you like Lucy, how about Lacey, or Lucia (Loo-chia)?
Quinn and Clare sound great, Zoe does as well, but if you can't get past it then I wouldn't push it. It's a shame though because it really does fit with Quinn really well!
These would be my suggestions for other names that aren't on your list:
Maeve, Elena, Kaia, Freya, Eve, Lola, Camille, Greer, Eden, Maris, Briar, Stella, Cleo, and Alba
Love Maeve, unfortunately it has a connection to us that we don’t want to pursue.
Quinn and Zoe sounds so good! Also Zoe is a character from Kpop demon hunters so imo it is a very auspicious name.
Have you considered Ivy? Sounds sweet with Quinn and I feel like it has similar vibes to your list
I love Juno so much! I want to use it for my January baby but I’ve been vetoed. I think any of your partner’s shortlisted names work well, in particular Remi or Wren.
Quinn and Clare sound nice together. I think Audrey is nice and classic as well. Bianca is my favourite in terms of names, but sadly I have negative associations with it. Honestly I think Lucy was a great option and goes great with Quinn as well. I don't see it as British, but so what if it is? I would ignore the in-laws, it's a silly comment to make. Leila is a pretty name too, but I don't think it goes that well with Quinn (if that really matters).
Question: what is your daughter most likely to look like? Based on ethnicity, you and your partner's features, her sister, etc. Because certain names will suit more than others. Like I associate Leila with dark features, more exotic. Whereas Clare is a name I would associate with light features. Audrey reads as brunette, while Lucy could honestly be anything. Not that you have to follow that, but I just wanted to bring this up based on your comment that certain names just don't feel like they would be your child.
I love the name Zoe, so it gets my vote (and I know two adult Zoes with happy families and no tragedies). I feel like it matches Quinn in being kinda spunky.
I also love Lucy and Niamh for what it’s worth, and an Irish spelling won’t be totally unusual in Australia (I know people named Aoife, Grainne, Orla, Eilis, etc.)
Would you consider June instead of Juno? Junie is sweet. Audra could be an alternate to Audrey.
You’re right about Evie and Isla - I feel like every second little girl has those names!
Other ideas:
Lia
Ivy
Grace
Bridie
Marlo
Nova
Cara
Tess
Poppy
Nora
Sadie
Tori
Mairead, its Irish
Perhaps it's easier to start with a name that sounds like it's part of the same sibling set with Quinn? I love the name Quinn as it has the gift of being a strong name but unusual too. For me, a name that ends with an 'ee' sound would flow really well with Quinn when you say them aloud: Quinn and Junie, Quinn and Edith/Edie, Quinn and Zadie. I love traditional names like Sophie too but it doesn't feel like Sophie and Quinn are part of the same family as Sophie is so traditional/classic? Other names that feel the same as Quinn in my mind include Blair and James (perhaps because they're gender neutral too – though James might be too out there as a girl name still!)
From your list I love Zoe and Juno in particular but totally appreciate your reasons for not using them! I think if your heart is not set in any on the list then start afresh!
How about Juni instead of Juno? Maybe be a good work around for your issues with Juno, and is a really sweet name.
When I read the name Quinn I immediately thought of Daria, so that's my suggestion 😅
😂😂😂😂😂😂
I’m naming my daughter Juliette!! But I reallllly love Zoe. That would’ve been my second choice!
Aw... My daughter is also named Quinn. From your list, I'd choose Zoe. 🩷
How about Freya? Freya and Quinn 💕
Zoe is so good, and yes — you’re being irrational!
I also immediately thought of Casey.
Quinn and Casey
I love Zoe and Annika.
Annika sounds good with Quinn
Lara or Lana, neither are used often and they are both real pretty.
Have you thought about naming her January? Like January Jones
Lana was on my list (I went to school with a lovely Lana). Remi is also very cute.
Quinn and Zoe works and fits.
I also like Quinn and Audrey.
Also, Lucy is a terrific name and how the eff is it Irish - not that that is an insult. Don't let anyone ruin a name for you if you can help it.
Sorry they said it was too British (they are Irish!)
Bianca
Clare would be the perfect match with Quinn imo
We have a lot of crossovers on our choices! I also spiralled. My baby had more names than I had full nights sleep. Also with two older boys I wanted them to have individual initials.
Niamh, wren, and Audrey were on our list. I felt wren was very trendy, and I love isla but a friend has a daughter named this so I couldn’t do it. Zoe was almost my own name and my mother was pushing heavily for this but felt too 90s. Lana is a very certain word if spelt backwards.
Anyway - we almost went Ada, but I felt it too like Ava and basic girl name vibes. We also love Margot, but our second child is Hugo.
We decided on Ivy. I also adore Ruby, Clara and Hazel. My other son is called Finn, similar to your Quinn, so we have similar taste. I REALLY wanted Heidi but my husband vetoed it.
I like Blair or Darcy with Quinn. Do either of those suit you? Could also be spelled Blaire or Darci if you prefer.
I love all your current options but wouldn’t go for Wren just because it sounds so close to Quinn. Zoe is so cute with Quinn and love that they would both have such uncommon first letters.
A few other options you could consider: Mia, Lena, Romi, Josie, Mila!
Annika, Claire (spelled this way), Alana, Eden
Avery flows really nicely with Quinn
Blaire , Estelle , Beatrice , Yvonne , Frances , Faye , Ainsley , Poppy , Opal , Winnifred (Winnie) , Kaylani , Julia , Cecilia , Stella , Isadora , Bridgette , Brandy , Bernadette , Cheyanne , Tashauna (tuh-show-nuh) , Shay , Meranda , Sierra , Kylie , Uma , Zuri , Zara [Zoe is an amazing name, unique + pretty + not too out there + timeless + goes well with Quinn]
Took me 2 months pp to register my second. 4 months pp and I still don't think it fits, but hey, maybe when they're older they could get a name change or you can give them a nickname first and base the name off of that
Sometimes you just need to meet the baby first. It'll be okay promise
I had Zoe and Sadie on my list for quite some time. I see it says popular but I have never met either.
How about Elodie?
Quinn and Elodie go well together.
Others:
Lark
Audrey
Niamh
Tara
Zoe
I think Layla June is precious. I know it isn't Juno but it also includes another of your husband's favorites and eliminates the O to O concern you're having.
I like January. Like January Jones. It's sophisticated, yet cute for a little girl. It's her birthday month. She'll be the only one probably in her school. I always think that if you have a list and nothing seems to fit, you haven't hit on the right name yet.
I feel l8ke Remi has become everybody's dogs name recently. I love Romi (nn for Rosemary), of Flossy (nn for Florence) I thought it posted previously that January is cute, sophisticated and also cute for a little girl. Like January Jones, her birth month and just a bit different but not too different.
Clare would be perfect. Or an Irish name to really make your in laws happy!
Yes, Niamh was a top runner for a period. We live in Australia so I feel a lot of them would get butchered when read aloud at school etc
I live in New Zealand, and Aoife is a popular choice, along with Niamh, for Irish people living here, so I don't hear it being mispronounced often at all! It has a lovely meaning too, so that could that could be an option.
I really like Wren or Harper
Thank you! Harper is one of our other daughters middle names!
Audrey and Juliet (not the frilly French version) are my favs, then come Lara, Lana, Clare/Claire, Isla and Juno.
Or instead of Lucy: Lucia (nn can be Lucy…). Love this one!
They all go well with Quinn and a O-Last names imho.
Remi and Billie are always boys to me (in Central Europe)
I love Quinn! Wonderful choice. If I had a Quinn, I think I'd name her little sister Sia...
Wren is lovely but I think it’s too close to Wren. I know it’s not one of your favorites, but the similarity feels like a deal breaker to me.
Honestly I would go with Zoe. What you’re describing around that name feels like pregnancy anxiety (which sounds so familiar to me - solidarity). And your own precious Zoe would build a whole new encyclopedia of associations with that name.
Personally, I like Remi, Zoe and Juno as they sound the best together with Quinn.
It's understandable to not want the movie association for Juno, but I think in your daughter's generation the movie will be so little known that it doesn't matter. And once the name is attached to your daughter, that may help you get rid of the association for yourself too.
Juno and Remi are also names that could be nicknames, though I think they're cute as they are. You could try long versions or similar versions of these names to see if any of them sound right - think Juniper or June for Juno, and Renee or Emery for Remi.
As for your fears about Zoe, the name itself doesn't bring any bad tidings to your family or child, and if it helps I know at least 3 Zoes who have happy families.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful response. I have a history of significant anxiety and I think the Zoe thing is playing into it. Are these Zoe’s adults or children?
They're all my peers, so they would be in the 20-25 age range! I don't often interact with children, so I've never met a young Zoe, but I'm sure they're out there. The name Zoe means "life", which is a beautiful blessing to give to your child, and not at all a bad omen.
What region of which country do you even live in? That would help narrow down popular names.
I love juliette because it's gorgeous but I also love the nn Jules amd think it sounds great with Quinn
Tara?
Not sure where you’re from but pronounced Tah Ra
My favorites from your list are Zoe, Juliet (prefer this spelling) and Audrey. I think Juliet and Audrey in particular sound lovely with Niamh for the middle (Niamh is one of my favorite names but I’d never use it as a first due to spelling/pronunciation).
I like Laila but feel it gets a bit lost among all of the similar variations and spellings: Layla, Lila, Lily, even Isla, etc.
Agree I wouldn’t do Juno with an O last name — and Juno doesn’t strike me as particularly feminine anyway.
Good luck and also, I feel your pain: my second baby girl is due in three weeks and we are also nameless 🫣
I like Zoe and it matches well with Quinn. Have only good associations with the name.
Wonder if you’d like June or Juniper if not wanting the o ending?
I also really like Annika from your list.
Just throwing out other ideas: Maisie, Zara, Sadie, Edie, Freya, Iris, Ruby, Thea, Cleo
I like the pattern of sticking to a single syllable name to pair with Quinn so Niamh and Clare (and this spelling is my preferred spelling as well) are my favourites. Otherwise Audrey pairs best as a multi syllable name in my opinion.
Before I saw your list I thought of Orla, but then read you weren’t keen on the o ending of Juno with your O starting surname so figured that may fall in a similar category.
What about Skye?
Based on what you wrote, I think you’re psyching yourself out and it would probably be good to pause looking for now... revisit the list in a few weeks and see how you feel just based on emotion, not analysis. What name are you draw to most? What pulls you in? I think you need at least. week break from thinking about this.
For what it’s worth, I love Zoe, sounds like the both of you do too! It fits the vibe with Quinn quite well. You can find weird stories on the internet with literally any name, so don’t let that get in your way.
Imo Cassidy is the perfect name here
If you’ve got Quinn nn Quinnie how about Melissa nn Missy.
I would absolutely never be able to take someone seriously if they called themselves "Quinnie".
It probably suits her now as a little girl. When she grows up she has the option the go by Quinn.
I am reminded of someone I used to know named Noamie. That would sound good with an O last name.
Before even looking at your list I thought of Claire. Both one syallble, and to me they sound lovely together. Names thar are heard of but not super popular.
Other one syllable names that I like are Blair, Sloane, Wren, Tess, Saige, Maeve/Mae, and Kate.
From your list I love Bianca. I think it's a beautiful name and goes really nicely with big sister Quinn. Other suggestions would be Tessa, Ari, Arlow, Corinne nn Cori, Delaney nn Lane or Laney. I met a nurse at an appointment the other day and her name was Ilvie pronounced ill - vee which I thought was very unique. I mentioned my mild obsession with names and she said it was her great grandmother's name .
I think Bianca! I can picture sisters Quinn and Bianca.
As a Spanish speaker, the English pronunciation of Isla drives me a bit nuts lol
Never seen the name Niamh. How is it pronounced?
Neev is how it’s pronounced.
Would you feel differently about Zoe if it were spelled Zoey?
Some other options:
Iona
Caira
Chiara
Caris
Skye
Avery
Ainsley
Freya
Zara
Arwen
Rowan
Tara
First of all - congrats! You have a really solid list here. I’m immediately drawn to Juliet (I prefer this spelling, especially with Quinn, as Juliette seems a little more frilly). I also like the way Quinn and Claire sound together - they just fit well, and I could see using Claire Bear as a cute nickname. Zoe is also a solid choice and I think that Google may be leading you astray on that one - Zozo would be so cute with Quinnie!
I’ll throw out three suggestions that I feel may be good fits for you: Caroline, Maren and Willa.
Caroline would give you some really cute nicknames (Caddy, Callie, Cara, etc) and sounds great with Quinn. Frankly any C name sounds fantastic with it!
Maren and Quinn also sound great together and the style seems to really fit well. It’s not used much and has the same strong vibe that Quinn has.
Willa also seems to fit well with your style, it’s not common and while it is a strong name, it’s also pretty and feminine. It may appeal to your partner if he likes Wren!
Finally - do you like Simone? That name occurred to me as I was typing this - it seems to have the same vibe as your other names?
Quinn and Rémi goes well together Also like Zara, Willa. Audra, Audrey, Billie
Congratulations on your growing family.
Go for Zoe. Why would some random people you google influence your choice? I mean you can find similar associations and stories for all the other names if you got into it.
I love Zoe as an uncommon but well known short and spunky name - which is where i would put Quinn too. I think they're a great pair.
Otherwise, what about another gender neutral name?
Casey
Avery
Asher
Names that seem to fit your vibe
Mila
Faye
Ruth
Tessa
My favourite on your list is Audrey, have you also considered names like Audra/Aubrey?
Remi and Quinn would go so cute together
Sally? Holly?
I think Wren is very trendy in 2025, like Isla (and Evie). Wren comes up on this sub a lot. I’ll cast another vote for Zoe. The Q and Z thing is cool, and I’ve known several Zoe’s from happy intact families.
I like, Niahm, or Clare.
Zoe or Juno for sure. They fit with Quinn perfectly. The negative stories you’ve found for Zoe really mean nothing. You could find stories like that for any name. This sounds possibly like pregnancy hormones trying to sabotage a name that you love.
Zoe is a fabulous name and you both like it. It is the name you should use. You need to stop trolling the internet looking for negative things about it. I know several Zoe’s and there is nothing bad or negative that is tied to them.
Romy
What about Yvette with possible nickname Yve or Yvie? Its classic, less common than Evie, still with the cute nickname.
I love Zoe and I think it goes best with Quinn!
Just not Juno, the second I read that I instantly started singing Sabrina carpenter
Remi, Layla, or Annika. I think taking dad’s favorites as a higher priority is important. Quinn and Remi have the same cool factor. I love Annika personally and like the double N in both names. I would nn Nikki vs Annie though to match the cuteness factor of Quinnie. Totally subjective opinion.
Zoe is cute with Quinn too and your fear is irrational likely due to hormones and (possibly) a toddler. Naming #2 and pregnancy #2 is so different psychologically. I know a college age Zoe whose parents are happy and well, in fact both surgeons, grandma helped with childcare. All siblings are incredibly smart, good looking, great friends, athletic. The whole family are active community members and volunteers too.
Zoe is great with Quinn. Please do not use Wren. Not only is it not a nice-sounding word, it’s not good with Quinn since then both names are one syllable and end in “n”.
Annika! I’ve only ever met one and it’s so pretty.
You won’t be raising any of those other Zoes. You will be raising your Zoe. So if you like it, use it, and make of your life what you will.
I loveee Zoe! Also really love Juliette with the nn “Jules” 🥰
I love Lana and Blair. I wish I went with Blair for my first but husband vetoed it.
Zoe and Layla
Scratch any name that ends with a vowel. It’s so cumbersome to say with a surname with a vowel. I think Clare is lovely. Quinn and Clare. Perfect together. Good luck.
June/Junie/Juniper as an alternative to Juno
From your list- Remi From the world- juniper, Lucille, poppy, penelope
Zoe, Bianca
Quinn is one of our top picks, so is Chloe. Zoe has the same feel!
You do not have to choose right now. Relax. Wait until she arrives, when you meet her, a name will click. Have your list of favorites, but you have no need to know her name right now.
Quinn & Gwendolyn ❤️
Or Gwendoline.
Quinn & Lyra
pairs also very well imo.
Last one of my 3 favourite pairs:
Quinn & Saiorse ❤️
With Quinn and surname starting with O I like Remi. What about Sawyer? I’ve only met one. Might be more popular now. I have a Stevie.
i like claire most with quinn! but you seem to love zoe. do it
June. Lara. Zara. Chloe. Soraya. Soleil. Zinnia.
Congratulations on your baby girl!
Seems like you both love the name Zoe. I am Zoe and can confirm I’ve had a happy and fulfilled life, have a both parents (who are together) and also grandparents too (who are also together)! Go for Zoe if I were you 😊
I know a Cedar and Quinn and love the pair so much. I also feel it fits with your natural names, is strong-sounding and is very unique as a name but not totally unusual.
Don’t share a chosen name with family and friends until baby has arrived- everyone will have an opinion.
How about Quinn and Rowan?
Do you like Quinn and Reese?
I know many happy and successful Zoe! How about Zoey? My personal favorite is Audrey with Quinn
I love Zoe and it pairs perfectly with Quinn
I mean this kindly, but it sounds like overthinking has (understandably) turned the naming part of your brain to mush. You need a reset and to stop letting stress and silly hangups ruin names for you.
This is just your brain doing weird brain shit. If you love Zoe, use it! It's a great name. You could pick any name under the sun and find negative associations if you look for them. No one else on the planet is associating Zoe with divorce or death.
For Wren, Remi, and Layla, scrap them. You don't love them and can't picture your child with these names, which are valid reasons to not use them.
Other than Zoe, what are your favourites from your list?
I also suggest going back over early lists and seeing if you can re-add anything that was vetoed unfairly. Lucy comes to mind – it's no more English than any of the other options except Niamh.
Oh and don't ask family for input! It's impossible to get everyone to agree. Just focus on finding something you and your husband love.
Quinn and Zoe. Works beautifully, and you both love it. Not too popular, goes great with Quinn. You’re overthinking it