Need a Formal Name for Cutesy Nickname
Mama A wrote in asking for help coming up with a longer form for nickname Ellie. They are deadset on calling the baby Ellie but want a more formal name to balance out the cutesy nickname. They originally thought of a name but that doesn’t feel right and they’d like the name to have a Marian tie. They have Sancta Nomina’s book of ways to honor Mary but nothing seems to stick. They’ve gone through all of the usual ways to get to Ellie (i.e. Elizabeth, Eleanor) and nothing feels right. They’re looking for some out-of-the-box ways to get to Ellie. Middle name is a non-negotiable, unusual family honor name. That’s where Theresa Zoe comes in!
TZ came up with five names that honor Mary, are out-of-the-box but not too weird, and can somehow shorten to Ellie. What do you think of her suggestions?
Angelica/Angelique
Means "angelic messenger" and ties to Mary's title as Queen of the Angels. It keeps that angel tie to Brielle, through Gabriel (Brielle is a short form of Gabrielle, which also didn’t feel right to them). I really like this one because it's unusual and also so beautiful. I wasn't sure which form they'd prefer, so I included both. To me, Angelica has a slightly harsher sound to it and Angelique is softer, which matches with [Son’s name]. [Son’s name] and Angelique are so unique and beautiful together. Angelique also gives her lots of options for nicknames or preferred names as she grows but looks professional and approachable and still can shorten to Ellie.
Camellia
This has the most precipitous tie to Mary but it's such a pretty name that I couldn't not include it. The camellia flower is said to represent purity, which ties to Mary through her Blessed Virgin title. A camellia was a symbol used by Catholics who were hiding in Asia, too. The flower was named for Jesuit scientist Georg Josef Kamel, who had a Marian devotion. Forgive the pun, but my only problem with this name is that it might be a little too flowery for them. [Son’s name] and Camellia give off completely different vibes. I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing (or I wouldn't suggest the name) but it is something to think about if they plan on adding more children in the future. Camellia gives her lots of preferred name potential in the future, too, but still can shorten to the down-to-earth Ellie.
Estelle
This one is my favorite for them because it has the old, classic, waiting-for-revival vibe, which aligns with [Son’s name]’s vibe, and is also full of soft sounds, like [Son’s name]. The nickname options here are Essie or Ellie, so that keeps the current vibe too, while allowing her to have a name that will grow with her throughout her life. You don't hear of many baby Estelles anymore, and I think that's a shame! Estelle means "star", so this name connects to Mary as Star of the Sea, a beacon of light in the darkness, which I feel they are looking for in this journey. This is the only name I'm suggesting that actually starts with E and that's another reason this is a frontrunner for me. [Son’s name] and Estelle are so wonderful together! I really really love this name for them. It's not mainstream and it isn't trendy but it's also not out there or too uncommon. This name, I think, really hits their sweet spot.
Noelle
This name, I think, is another sweet spot name for them. It means "Christmas" which is obviously Marian (I think Christmas is one of our biggest Marian feasts for the role she played in bringing forth Christ into the world). It's another less obvious way to get to Ellie, but the "elle" sound is prominent in it, so it's not a stretch. I really like the sound of [Son’s name] and Noelle together-- same vibe, same soft sounds. This is my runner-up for them.
Imelda
Blessed Imelda was a young girl greatly devoted to the Eucharist and to Mary and I just don't think there's a greater combo to be known for! This name is unusual and uncommon and maybe a little out there, but it's also a super Catholic give away name. I like that next to more "hiding in plain sight" [Son’s name]. Bl. Imelda is the patroness of First Communicants, which I think is so sweet. No one will have heard of this name unless you're Catholic or a big British TV/movies buff (for actress Imelda Staunton). I actually think that's a great place to be. Nicknames are really limited to Immy or Ellie, but Imelda gives her a full name to bank on.
What names would you add to this list?
