Hi Swistle,
I’ve been a fan of your site and baby naming style for a while now and I’m hoping you can help us out with this one.
We are having a baby girl in October. She will be joining 3 older brothers and will be our last child. Each time we were naming a boy I thought it would be so much easier to come up with a girl name, but it turns out it has been tremendously difficult for us. Maybe because we already have 3 boy names that it has to fit with.
We like classic names that are not too common, yet not unusual either. The boys names are Dean Samuel, Elliot Lewis, and Morgan Leonard (I call him Morgan Leo but my husband wouldn’t agree to Leo on paper, saying it wasn’t a real name on its own…)
We know the middle name will be Summer, after my sister, so I am looking at names that go with this. Our last name sounds like Iverson.
The girl name we had picked for our last 2 boys before we knew the gender was Nora Summer. We still love this name, however, it has entered the top 50 (41) since we picked it a few years ago (when it was not in the top 100). I’m worried that it is now too common and I don’t want to have other kids with the same name in school, etc, although I don’t personally know anyone with the name Nora. I also like it because my father is Arabic and he likes that it is similar to the name Noor.
Because of it’s popularity (which bothers me a decent amount and my husband not at all) we have been considering other names. I tend to like names that end with an “a” sound to go with Summer as a middle, but this isn’t a rule. My only rule is that I want to avoid repeating a first initial. Also, I was considering using an A name to honor my grandmother Agnes Anastasia.Here is our list so far of names my husband and I both like:
Farrah – also good with my heritage but a little worried about some negative associations recently (Mtv show that I’ve fortunately never seen), also doesn’t seem classic enough with the other boy names.
Althea- probably my husbands favorite after Nora. I like Thea as a nickname (even as a name on its own but my husband does not)
I worry that it’s a little too unusual.Ramona- I really like this name. It’s a little quirky, not too unusual, and still pretty. Everyone I’ve mentioned it to gives me a funny look or refers to the Beverly Cleary books.
Other names I like but probably wouldn’t use:
Leila (too common)
Iris (doesn’t go with last name)
Clara (husband says “I don’t hate it…”Names I like that husband has vetoed:
Flora
Louisa
AstridIf we were having another boy, he would be Arthur Clarke. Also like Harvey for a boy.
If you could help us out with this one I would be extremely grateful! I think you give the best advice and love your readers comments as well. I promise to send the most adorable pictures of her with her older brothers (who are only 5, 3, and 1…. We are crazy!)
Thank you!
I really like the name you came up with. I feel reluctant to scrap it, even though I know the name Nora is rising in popularity. My first thought is to find a less-common long form of the name Nora, to give you/her options: you could still plan to call her Nora, but could change that plan if the name Nora was suddenly everywhere around you.
Eleanora Summer Iverson (my favorite, but repeats an initial)
Honora Summer Iverson
Lenora Summer Iverson
One downside of the name Nora (and longer versions) is the similarity in sound to the name Morgan. Morgan and Nora.
My eye was also caught by your grandmother’s fabulous name. Agnes Anastasia, oh my goodness. You wouldn’t want to use that as-is, would you? Agnes Anastasia Iverson. Well, I suppose Agnes Iverson could be a little difficult to say. What about Anastasia Summer Iverson? On the slim chance that she wants to marry someone whose surname starts with S, there are options that don’t involve a rude monogram.
I also like Althea and Ramona. Althea doesn’t seem too unusual to me: that is, I know it IS unusual, but when I see the name I know how to say it, and it doesn’t seem weird or trying-too-hard. The name Ramona makes me think of the Beverly Cleary books (positive association) and of the actress Maggie Gyllenhaal (positive association). Maggie Gyllenhaal’s other daughter is named Gloria, if that name has similar appeal. Gloria Summer sounds like glorious summer: this could be a plus or a minus.
Oh! What do you think of Aurora? Starts with A, to honor your grandmother. Sounds similar to Nora but is less common. One downside is that I find Aurora Iverson a bit of a challenge to say.
There’s also Anora/Annora.
Daria might work (though it repeats an initial). Daria Iverson, Daria Summer.
Or Matilda (again, repeats an initial). Matilda Iverson, Matilda Summer.
Is Cora too common? Cora Iverson, Cora Summer.
Or Isadora. Isadora Iverson, Isadora Summer.
Winifred. Winifred Iverson, Winifred Summer.
Henrietta. Henrietta Iverson, Henrietta Summer.
Harriet. Harriet Iverson. Harriet Summer.
Bianca. Bianca Iverson, Bianca Summer.
Or depending on how you feel about repeated sounds (and how strong the repeated-initial preference is), could I interest you in one of my own wish-I-could-use-it names? Minerva Iverson, Minerva Summer. I just love it, and I find the repeated sounds pleasing to say. I’ve been sitting her saying “Minerva Iverson” for a full minute, just for the joy of it.
Or Marilla. Marilla Iverson. Marilla Summer.
Geneva. Geneva Iverson. Geneva Summer.
Name update:
Thank you for the name advice. We decided to stick with our old favorite. Nora Sumer (spelled how my sister’s name was spelled, still pronounced like the season) was born October 11, 2016. Sorry so long on the update. Things are kind of crazy with 4 kids! Her 3 big brothers are obsessed!
Your comment about Leila being too common made me think of Leola. Thought I would suggest it.
Yes, I actually thought of Leona, which is similar. Thanks!
*happy sigh* So many gorgeous options. Althea and Minerva are two of my favorite names. Lenora is incredibly sweet on a wee one and elegant on an adult, with nickname options Lena, Lennie, or Nora.
Gloria, Isadora, and Aurora all have that long O sound you like (NOra, RamOna, FlOra), and they’re classic but pretty uncommon.
You’re going to have an excellently-named daughter.
I actually love Aurora, as Swistle suggested also, but my husband thinks Aurora Summer sounds like a stripper name. And it does sound kind of clunky with our last name.
I wouldn’t use Farrah. I feel like it’s a rather distinctive name that people immediately associate with the teen mom or Farrah Fawcett. Plus I don’t think it’s nearly as classic as your sons’ names.
I really like Nora for you; I know that it bothers you that it has gotten more popular, but you said yourself that you don’t actually know anyone with the name Nora. It could be one of those things where it’s popular on a national scale, but not in your particular area.
if the popularity thing still bothers you, I think you have great options with Althea, Ramona, Cora, and Harriet.
Good luck!
I love all the names on your list, but I’m totally with Swistle on using Agnes or Anastasia or both. Anastasia Summer Iverson. Beautiful. And remember, if she marries a guy with a surname that starts with S and she CHOOSES to use his last name, that’s on her, not on you. Don’t borrow trouble.
I vote for just using the name you love, Nora Summer. It’s gorgeous, I love it! It’s not like Nora is a Jessica in the 80s — at most, she may have one or two in school with her. Not the worst thing in the world! I wouldn’t scrap the name you both love (and agree on — not easy!) on the off chance that she may eventually meet someone else with the name.
I vote for Nora Summer or Anastasia Summer. Both are beautiful! If it were me, Farrah would never be an option. Teen Mom comes instantly to my mind and, for me, it’s a terrible association.
Good luck and congrats!
Even though Nora is a top 50 name, the percentage of girls receiving it is really very tiny. So many more names are in use now than when we were kids, and popularity in rankings doesn’t mean the same volume or saturation. I also suggest you browse the SSA name page and look at your state’s rankings– Nora’s position there might give you a clearer idea of how it shapes up regionally.
Can you tell I think you should go with Nora? :-)
I immediately wanted to suggest Anastasia Summer, and was so pleased to see that Swistle did too!
I get bothered by name popularity as well, so I do understand this feeling.
What about Cora, as Swistle suggested?
Also one more suggestion (a bit wild): If I had any Arab heritage, I would use the name Aziza with the nickname Zizi, no contest. Just thought I’d throw it out there!
Liora or Leora?
I thought of Leora too! Leora Summer Iverson. Leora is a very Jewish name (all the Leoras I know are through Jewish communities), not sure if that’s an issue for the OP.
I actually thought of Leora recently and really like it and have added it to our list. My husband is actually Jewish so it works for us in that way too. Thanks!
I’m familiar with some Arabic names so my first thought is Sara, also spelled Saira or other ways in the middle east.
Sara Summer Iverson (no repeating initials, ending “a” sound, classic name, not popular nowadays!)
I also thought of Lynnora as Swistle did, I just happen to like this spelling better.
Lyla
Jasmina which could also be Yasmina
Isla
Aleena
Lydia
Selina
Alannah
Stella
Safia
Aaliyah
Also thought of Audrina and Aria (Are-ee-uh)
Lynn was actually my sisters middle name! I kind of like Lynnora. Doubt I could sell my husband on it though. I actually love the name Lydia so much but as soon as I told my husband he said Lydia chlamydia and we decided we could never use it:(
Popularity of a name doesn’t really tell you whether there will be another kid with the same name in school. I have a 2 year old named Nora. When she was born, I felt like I was hearing the name everywhere. Since then, I’ve heard it once or twice at the playground, but we don’t actually know any other Noras. In contrast, I know 2 Coras, 4 Mayas, 3 Stellas (all 3 in our 50 kid daycare) and 1 Althea. Of the top 10 girls names, only 1 is represented in our daycare, and of all the kids I know under 5, only 3 of the top 10 girls names are represented.
Short version: use a name you love.
I agree that it’s really hard to predict names in school based on popularity. At my daughter’s kindergarten continuation yesterday, I was surprised that out of 50 kids, there were two Micah’s (one male and one female). The only other repeats were two Lilah’s and two Alex’s. I’d go with the name you love. I also like Lenora and Anora.
I think Nora is a great option despite its growing popularity. You can never get a guarantee that the name you pick will not be duplicated with a classmate even if you pick something really obscure so that’s a tough criteria since we can’t see in to the future! But I do understand how popularity bothers you, it might bother me enough to scrap a favourite name too.
In that case, I also LOVE LOVE LOVE the names Althea or Ramona for you, especially Althea! I do not think it’s too weird or obscure. It’s unusual to meet someone with that name but it’s a name that I’m familiar with and know how to say it. The flow of the name is lovely. I also LOVE Swistle’s suggestion of Matilda for you! Although that duplicates the M initial with Morgan…
Another similar name to Nora but much less common: what about Nova?
A few others you might like:
Antonia
Camilla
Cassandra
Lucinda
Luella
Veronica
Rowena
Cornelia
Cordelia
Ophelia
Lorelei
Natalie
Nadia
Ariane/Ariana
Claudia
I was coming on to say Nora is good, as are many of Swistle’s suggestions. I wonder though if you might like Ayesha (Persianate name, and beginning in an A)
I also love Antonia from above.
I would absolutely go with Nora if you love it.
I really like your list of names (Althea is my fave). I also like a lot of Swistle and the other commenters’ suggestions. But my absolute favourite is also Nora. It sounds great with her brothers’ names, the middle name, your surname, plus – and this is a really big plus – both you and your husband (and your dad!) love it.
I understand being worried about popularity, but it really is relative. We were worried about naming our son Oliver a few years ago because it was gaining popularity, but it was the only name we both loved. We have not yet met another Oliver.
I’d go with your favourite name.
(PS. My husband also vetoed Flora and Astrid! I feel your pain).
i’d recommend Nora, since you both clearly love it. There’s no guarantee the name will go up rather than down in popularity, after all, or that anyone else in your area has the same good taste.
As for Ramona, the connection Beverly Cleary’s character isn’t a bad thing in my opinion. Ramona Quimby was a fun, inquisitive kid. Plus Arthur Clark makes me think of Arthur C. Clark, the sci fi author.
All great names!! I’ll add two more that I love from Arabic that have worn well on American friends and students of mine with heritage… Naila (NYla- sort of reminds me of Leila and I like the slightly rhymy aspect with Iverson)…and Aminah (nn Meena or Meenymo or Mina…such a great name for the girl with three older brothers).
I love the name Farrah too, and would love to use it. I think right now, though, that association is too strong and negative.
Ramona made me thing if Simone, which I also love.
I know a teenager named Althea who goes by Thea and wears it well.
Or Simona which would also be lovely
If you both love Nora, I’d just go with it and not worry about popularity lists. But gosh, Noor would be awesome if you’re open to it.
I want to put all of these names in a pool and swim in them, a la Scrooge McDuck. Well, all of them except Nora, if I’m being honest, for the same reasons you have reservations. So many great options though.
Ramona Summer is probably my favorite. We have dear friends with a Ramona headed into kindergarten this fall. They rarely get comments on her name that are not positive. Ramona’s younger sister is named Harriet, nicknamed Etta. Loretta is nice way to get an -a ending.
My second vote is for Anastasia! Certainly classic, recognizable, and unlikely to hit the top 50 anytime soon. Perhaps your father could suggest an Arabic-influenced nickname?
I hope you update us ASAP!
I agree that Nora is a great choice. It’s not unusual, but that doesn’t mean it’s going to be all over the place either.
But I also want to make a plug for Farrah. It’s a beautiful name, and I don’t see how something can both a traditional name that honors your heritage and not be “classic” enough. Kids aren’t going to remember a reality show character, or an actress from the 1970s, in 10 years, but people are going to become a lot more familiar with non-Western naming traditions in that time.
I think Nora is your name, but I really like many of the suggestions above.
I know a Leona and I love that name.
What about Amaira or Anisa? Both start and end with an A, are Arabic, low in popularity, and lovely.
I also agree with Swistle that Anora is a winner. It starts and ends with an A, gives you the perfect nickname of Nora, is rare without being unknown, and is a glorious classic. It is also is free of negative associations. Anora Summer “Iverson” is a stunner!
Best wishes!
I’ve also seen it spelled with a double N: Annora. :)
If you’ve seen Wild Hearts Can’t Be Broken, what about Sonora? I love the name and the heroine is a great namesake!
I like Nora a lot–it’s one of my favorite names. I don’t think there’s a problem using a name that is popular if you like it. Nora is not so “of its time” that she’ll always stand out as being born in a certain year.
I also love Ramona.
Since you seem to like names that I love and my wife doesn’t, I’ll throw out another in that category: Karen. It fits your goals of classic names that are not too common, yet not unusual either, has that “ah” sound you like, and doesn’t repeat your sons’ initials. Everybody knows the name Karen and yet there are not many babies called that.
Finally, if you want an A name, I love Alma. Another one that people know but few use for babies.
Depending on how similar your surname is to Iverson, you may want to consider whether the A names you like remind you too much of NBA star Allen Iverson.
Love the name Alma.
Love Nora as it is. Lot of other great suggestions.
But I keep saying the name Alora in my head – starts with an a, sounds like Nora, sounds great : Alora Summer Iverson…anyway, a new name I really like!
Nora Summer is pretty perfect. I know two little Noras, but to me, it doesn’t sound as “everywhere” as some of the three and four syllable names that are equally popular. I think its simplicity keeps it fresh, if that makes any sense.
I also really like Clara with your other names.
I like Nora and I wouldn’t be afraid to use it.
But I also like Cora a lot.
I think Nora is a great name, but it is very popular in my area and I know two baby girls named Nora and another named Lenora and called Nora. So, it kind of feels less exciting to me than some of your other choices. It is a great name, though, so I wouldn’t let the popularity scare you off if that’s the only hindrance.
I do like some of the Arabic names (especially Amira), but they don’t fit with your sons’ names, which would bother me. For random suggestions that seem to fit stylistically, I like Hannah, Miriam, Alice…
But I am particularly drawn to Anastasia. It’s such a gorgeous name and rarely used, yet familiar.
Good luck! And congrats!
I think you should go for Nora, it’s perfect for you!
If not, here are some other Arabic names I like:
Iman
Rania
Dalia
Salma
Alia
Miriam
I like Nora Summer with your boys names. It fits and you love it. I tried to pick a name that no one in my daughters class would have and lo and behold their is another girl with her unique name. If you really love it use it.
Another idea is using Ana from Anastasia and picking a name with Ana in it.
Anna
Anya
Anika
Annabel
Adriana
Ariana
Aubrianne
Other A names I like with your boys names are;
Aspen
Aubree
Abigail
Another name that struck me was;
Taya Summer
I like the suggestion of Lenora a lot.
Other suggestions that don’t start with D, E, or M:
Orla Summer (similar sound to Nora and Flora and similar weight – but unusual, strong, and feminine).
Alice Summer
Lois Summer (this name needs to come back)
Rosa Summer
Helena Summer
If the initial thing wasn’t an issue I would have suggested Meryl for you.
Thank you all for your wonderful posts, I am so enjoying reading all of your comments (although my husband thinks I am totally crazy for putting this much thought into a name, he doesn’t get it…)
I’m happy so many think I can still use Nora but also like our other favorites Althea and Ramona. And I love a lot of the other suggestions! Keep them coming!
As soon as I read your grandmother name I was in love. Anastasia Summer is my favorite but I also like Eleonora Summer.
I’m always wary of my ability to look up a name that would have meaning in another culture…but it looks like Mona gets used sometimes in Arabic speaking countries. Maybe that would be a point in favor of Ramona?
I LOVE Anastasia Summer Iverson. I really do hope you use this name as it seems to fit all your preferences and it has a lovely family connection to go along with it. I would definitely use this especially since this is your last child. Also if you wanted a shorter name their is plenty of nicknames like Ana or Stasia.
I do like Anastasia a lot but for me it has a strong association with a girl I went to high school with who had the name. She went by Stasia. Sometimes it can ruin a name if you only knew one person that has it. And I don’t so much think of my grandmother with it because she went by Agnes. Sometimes people called her “stash.”
Nora strikes me as the right name when I think about it as part of the full sibling set. I know it’s technically higher in the popularity ranking than any of your boys’ names, but it certainly doesn’t strike me as a name that’s reached the saturation point.
My job takes me into multiple classrooms and Mommy&Me playgroups weekly, so I get to geek out over rosters full of names pretty much non-stop. I’m in a very large East Coast metropolitan area and even though I know that Nora is used often, I haven’t encountered a single Nora in any of my classrooms all year (and I’ve worked with literally hundreds of children). She’s bound to encounter a few Noras in her life, but I think it’s unlikely to happen all the time.
Oh I really like Lenora. My grandmother was named Nola, maybe you’d like that. Or Flora, Flora Summer is fantastic. Just the perfect amount of whimsy I think.
Cordelia, Agatha, Helena, Sabrina, Veronica
I’m not sure where your dad is from, but I’m a volunteer with some of the new Syrian refugees and one of my new friends first name translates to Noura in English. So that made me think of your story that your dad is Arab. :) Unfortunately, I do think Morgan and Nora do sound quite similar; although I don’t think it is a deal-breaker. Lenora is unique/uncommon but still has that classic feel.
I actually really like Swistle’s suggestion of Gloria Summer. Sounds whimsical.
I think Ramona is interesting. I do like it. It reminds me of Veronica.
I LOVE Thea. Althea or Theodora.
I really love Flora.
I LOVE Simone.
What about Vera. Vera Iverson. SOUNDS FABULOUS. Vera Summer Iverson. AMAZING. OOOH…. this is my favourite.
If you want an A name, what about Amelia?
Sorry… I shouldn’t have assumed your dad is an Arab, as there are many other countries that’s main/official languages speak Arabic. Sorry… I was writing my response while watching a television show in the background. Obviously did not mean to make assumptions or offend.
Not at all. He is actually Syrian. And I do like Vera a lot too. It was on my list for a while. And we have thought about the Noura spelling as well. Thanks!
Annora Summer Iverson is the PERFECT name for your bundle of joy!!!
It is perfect for the following reasons:
1. It’s a pretty name that is classic and uncommon, yet not unusual.
2. It incorporates the name you both love, Nora Summer, and she can be called Nora or Noor.
3. It eliminates the popularity issue. The name did not even rank in the top 1000 names.
4. It is still similar to the name Noor and is a slight nod to your Arabic heritage.
5. It honors Grandma Agnes Anastasia in that it starts with the letter “A” and picks up the “An” from Anastasia.
6. It fits perfectly with her brothers’ names. All four names have a classic, but not too common feel. Also, using Annora makes her name less similar to Morgan’s name.
7. It does not repeat a first initial and it provides balance to the set of sibling names – 2 names start with a vowel and 2 with a consonant; 2 middle initials start with the letter “S” and 2 with the letter “L.”
8. The name flows well. I’m partial to the 3-2 syllabic flow of Annora Summer than the 2-2 syllabic flow of Nora Summer.
9. You considered the name Nora during your last two pregnancies, so using Annora for this baby puts a fresh spin on the name.
10. It meets all of your specified naming criteria and preferences in a way that another name probably wouldn’t.
Thanks, you are very convincing. I’m definitely considering Anora.
Also voting for Anora/Annora. Can’t wait for your update! Congratulations on your little girl, all the best with your pregnancy :)
I have a two year old daughter (Aria) whose name went from 92nd to 40th in 2013 and is currently 29th. I haven’t encountered any other little Aria’s, but have encountered 3 in their teens and 1 elementary-aged Aria.
I know I was worried about my daughter’s name becoming too popular, and it really hasn’t been an issue. Nora seems to have a similar history. If you like it, then use it!
I usually tell people to go with their true name love, but in this case, I would vote no to Nora–not because of the popularity, but because it has the same sound as Morgan. It is different enough that it doesn’t really matter, but it is close enough that it would bother me. My vote goes to Althea or Ramona. Thea is a beautiful name and it is completely unique from her brothers, but carries the same kind of classic vibe. I also love the sound of Ramona Summer. Just beautiful. I am not a big fan of the nickname Mona, because it sounds a bit dated to me (plus, I always think of Who’s the Boss–a favorite of my elementary years). However, I recently heard of someone naming her baby Ramona and calling her either Ramona or Romy. It is such a lovely, updated nickname for the a beautiful, classic longer name. I’m a fan. Good luck!!
Yea, if we use Ramona I’ve already decided her nickname would be Romy. My dad actually has a sister named Mona and it’s ok, but I like Romy better.
Nora is really beautiful and classic. I like the combination Nora Summer a lot.
I love that it’s an Arabic crossover name too. I second the suggestion of Rania (LOVE this name) and would add Mina and Mira. One Arabic name I really like for you is Lina, it’s non-religious and there’s a ton of longer names it could be short for (Angelina, Rosalina). Oh! And Nadia and Nadine.
I haven’t seen Leonora suggested yet. I love the sound of it.
Congrats on your beautiful family!
Anora seems like a superfluous version of Nora to me. It’s pretty but seems like one of those made up pretty names that are so popular right now. And for some reason, I don’t like the way it looks written (maybe reminds me of anus? Idk)
There are so many lovely names in contention and a lot of them I don’t really see the problems with (other than a paternal veto) that I keep getting distracted, but my instinct is often if you’ve loved a name a long time, that’s the one to use, so I vote for Nora unless the bloom is really off the rose for you. So I vote for Nora, or a -nora name. Eleanora would be my pick, though it does lead you to repeat an initial.
But that said, I don’t think Althea is too unusual or Leila too popular.
Well, since I have a Ramona and an Althea in my house, I think you should go with one of those! Both go by Mona and Thea interchangeably, and only Althea’s name gets mispronounced occasionally (Aleth-e-ah, or AL-thea vs. al-Thee-ah but not too bad). Ramona gets 100% positive comments on her name and loves that she has books named after her. ;)
But I do truly like Nora with your boys names.
Can wait to hear what you choose!
Erika, I can’t believe it, that’s so crazy you have a Ramona and an Althea! What are their middle names? Do you have other children, and if so, what are their names? Just curious. Obviously I’m name obsessed right now.
Anastasia has so many cute nickname options – Ana, Ani, Stacia, Staci, Tasi, Sia. Anastasia Summer is awesome! I like Nora as well but I do know quite a few under 5 so it’s not as exciting.
Commenting before I read swistle’s response or any comments, so I don’t get sidetracked.
How about Roxana? It honors your heritage. The Ana mirrors the Ana in your grandmother’s name Anastasia. It carries some of the same spunky-Ness as Ramona without the book references. No repeating initials. Ends in an A. Seems to hit the not common / not unusual mark.
At the risk of being annoying–Roxana is Persian/Iranian, not Arab. I don’t think it’s traditionally used in Arab cultures. But I agree with you it’s a lovely name! Roxana Summer is distinctive and cute :)
What about using Noor as her given name, and Nora as her everyday name? If there does end up being a plethora of Nora’s near you (and honestly, I know 1 Sofia, and it’s been the #1 name in my state for years now) she could use Noor.
As I read through the post, these names came to mind;
Milana (nn: Lana or Millie)
Athena (nn: Thena) as an alternative to Aletha
Minerva (nn: Mina – sounds like Minn-a) literally this popped into my mind right before I got to Swistle’s suggestion
Aurelia (nn: Rae, Aura, Aurora or Lia)
Moira (sounds like More-ah) unique with the sound of Nora, but may be too close to son’s name Morgan
Like others, I think Anora is your name, but I kind of love the staid, fusty Marilla with the fresh, boho Summer!
From your list, I love Ramona. It does remind me of Ramona Quimby, but she’s a great namesake (I had a fish named Quimby once). I also like Nora or Norah or Annora a lot.
My favorites from others’ suggestions:
Bianca
Simone or Simona
Claudia
Aminah
Leora/Liora
I’ll also suggest:
Lila/Lilah or Leela/Lela
Talia/Tahlia/Thalia/Talya
Ora/Aura
Corina/Corinna
Mona
Janelle
Fatima
Mona (repeat M)
Dahlia (repeat D)
Elara (repeat E)
Myla (repeat M)
I think Nora is the one! I slightly prefer the Norah spelling but either way is nice.
Theona is another similar name!
What about Cordelia or Mariella?
Love Harriet!
Good luck!
I like Arania, or Arenia, pronounced Ar – ay – nee – a. But that only applies if you are looking for something unique. A more traditional approach would be Anna or Ava. Good luck!