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HelpNaming my daughter - Lydia?
I've been a name enthusiast since I was about 5 years old. I'm now at the point in life where I get to name my own daughter. I've been thrilled to consider all my favorite names for her and we've finally narrowed it down to a few that fit us best. Right now, I really feel like Lydia might be the one.
How do you all feel about the name Lydia? Possibly Lydia Jade or Lydia Margaret (my MN)
Please share any opinions, good and bad!
How do you all feel about the name Lydia? Possibly Lydia Jade or Lydia Margaret (my MN)
Please share any opinions, good and bad!
Replies
I feel that Lydia, pretty as it is, is a bad choice for a daughter. It has a meanness to it. I’ve known a few Lydia’s whom I didn’t like for other reasons, but it goes beyond bad associations. I just don’t think it’s likable, happy, or flattering on a real person, even if it seems suitable written down on paper.
Lavinia is also in that category for me.
I suggest Leonora.
Lavinia is also in that category for me.
I suggest Leonora.
This message was edited 8/22/2024, 1:46 PM
I love the name Lydia! I also like Jade quite a bit and love Margaret. I personally would be thrilled to have a daughter with either name.
Love Lydia. I think Jade kind of cheapens it though (and they both scream 'redhead name' to me, so combining them seems trite). A classic name like Margaret would work better, even if it's not my favorite.
I didn't realize Lydia was moderately popular, but it's not in the top 50 so that's fine by me.
I didn't realize Lydia was moderately popular, but it's not in the top 50 so that's fine by me.
I love Lydia! It's my number one favorite name and I hope to use it for a daughter, too, someday. It's so lyrical, ancient but timeless, familiar but not overused. Plus Lydia was an ancient kingdom, which fascinates me.
Lydia Jade and Lydia Margaret are both marvelous. Lydia Jade modernizes the name somewhat and makes it sparkle. I love the initials LJ. Lydia Margaret is a gorgeous regal classic, and the fact that it's your middle name is a lovely connection between mother and daughter.
So... I love it!
Lydia Jade and Lydia Margaret are both marvelous. Lydia Jade modernizes the name somewhat and makes it sparkle. I love the initials LJ. Lydia Margaret is a gorgeous regal classic, and the fact that it's your middle name is a lovely connection between mother and daughter.
So... I love it!
Lydia is such a lovely, underrated name. It’s not common for little girls these days and that appeals to me. It’s timeless and easy to say and spell too. Lydia Jade is a nice combo. Jade gives the combo a more fun and approachable vibe, whereas Margaret is more serious.
Lydia's a great name and one of my personal favorites as well. Both Jade and Margaret fit this name really well, Jade makes it feel more modern while Margaret has a more classic feel.
I like it, and it’s my unofficial middle name. Jade is the better middle name.
I'm so curious about the unofficial middle name story. How'd that happen?
It’s something to do with being born in a country and being citizen of another with different naming laws. I have a string of middle names that are in my birth certificate but not in other documents but I use it in situations where I have to attach something to my first name. Lydia was picked to honor a relative.
Oh, interesting! So you actually have more than one middle name?
Three in total though I never use them and don’t appear in my passport or other documents.
I would be curious too, but ik at least here in my region of the world sometimes people have "fake middle names" tagged onto them as an expression of bonding or joshing, etc. The more middle name, the better sometimes 😆 I've been "Gracie Marie" "Gracie Elizabeth Marie" a few times in a few particular groups of people. One girl I grew up with was called "Sarah Mary Ellen Olive Rita LN" 🤣 *I coined it*
At a former job I had where I was the only Caucasian employee; the majority of the women went by a first and middle name, so they often called me "Gracie Marie" to fit in, even though they knew my true name. But they said "Gracie Marie" sounds more like a "white lady name" 😅😆 never knew how to respond to that tbh. I've also been called Gracie Marie or Grace Marie by a few different older adults when i was growing up.
At a former job I had where I was the only Caucasian employee; the majority of the women went by a first and middle name, so they often called me "Gracie Marie" to fit in, even though they knew my true name. But they said "Gracie Marie" sounds more like a "white lady name" 😅😆 never knew how to respond to that tbh. I've also been called Gracie Marie or Grace Marie by a few different older adults when i was growing up.
This message was edited 8/21/2024, 8:57 PM
I like the name Lydia, but I'm especially partial to the nickname Lydie. It's always felt so sweet and sentimental to me. Living in a conservative, 'Bible Belt' area of the U.S., I've encountered many Lydias, though few have shortened it to the beloved Lydie. While I like Lydia, I do find myself a bit weary of how often I come across it. However, my experience may differ from yours—Lydia might be entirely unique in your area. If my spouse were particularly conservative in naming, Lydia would definitely make our short list. I think Lydia is a great choice for your daughter; it's classic and has a melodic flow.
Congratulations on your daughter!
FWIW: I prefer Lydia Margaret among the middle name ideas. IMO, pairing it with another classic middle name works best. Pairing Lydia with a more modern middle name like Jade creates a juxtaposition that feels a bit jarring.
Congratulations on your daughter!
FWIW: I prefer Lydia Margaret among the middle name ideas. IMO, pairing it with another classic middle name works best. Pairing Lydia with a more modern middle name like Jade creates a juxtaposition that feels a bit jarring.
I think Lydia is lovely and to use your mn is special, my daughter has my mn
I just don't care for Lydia. I don't like the look or sound of it. However, there are worse names out there so I don't think it's horrible. Lydia Margaret is ok but I would use a variation of your middle name like Lydia Margot or Lydia Marguerite.
When I think of Lydia, I have two strong literary associations: cruel Aunt Lydia of The Handmaid's Tale and the irritating Lydia Bennet of Pride and Prejudice.
When I think of Lydia, I have two strong literary associations: cruel Aunt Lydia of The Handmaid's Tale and the irritating Lydia Bennet of Pride and Prejudice.
My association is with Lydia in Beetlejuice. I love her sm, and she’s made me like the name more.
Love Lydia
Lydia is fine, and Lydia Margaret is beautiful and meaningful.
Be aware, though, that the name you choose may not seem suitable for your actual baby: I had that experience with one of my daughters, and I just had to ditch my original choice and find something that worked for her.
Be aware, though, that the name you choose may not seem suitable for your actual baby: I had that experience with one of my daughters, and I just had to ditch my original choice and find something that worked for her.
Lydia Jade is gorgeous! I'm of the opinion that kids should have their own middle names, not a repeat of their parent's.
I've liked Lydia for a long time for its gothic sensibilities, although it's always bothered me that it doesn't have a satisfying meaning!
I love the idea of passing your middle name on, so Lydia Margaret is my favourite of your two options, but I think a (typical) child would probably enjoy being called Lydia Jade more. I'm not a fan of Jade, though, and would prefer Lydia Jane, but that's just me.
I love the idea of passing your middle name on, so Lydia Margaret is my favourite of your two options, but I think a (typical) child would probably enjoy being called Lydia Jade more. I'm not a fan of Jade, though, and would prefer Lydia Jane, but that's just me.
Lydia Jade is lovely.
I've always really liked Lydia. I've always thought Lydia Rose was very pretty. Even though Rose is quite a common middle name, it softens Lydia.
I've always really liked Lydia. I've always thought Lydia Rose was very pretty. Even though Rose is quite a common middle name, it softens Lydia.
I have never liked the name Lydia. The sound is unpleasant, like a disease or maybe a sneaky, snickering laugh. I always picture a Victorian housemaid who simpers and acts like an airhead to make her employers comfortable, but who is actually scheming to steal their silver and maybe poison them, and probably set one of the other servants up to take the fall.
Lydia's gorgeous! I personally hate Jade and therefore vote for Lydia Margaret, which is classic and elegant.
I love Lydia! It is elegant and will age well. It is common enough that there are multiple associations with the name and not just a single popular reference. It ranks #96 in US girl names, so it isn't too popular either.