Baby Girl or Boy McGrew, Sibling to Kenna, Landon, Riley, and Galen

We are adding a 5th baby to our brood after an almost 7 year break and we are absolutely stuck on names! We don’t know if it’s a boy or a girl so we need ideas for both. I have a list (but I’m not sold on any of the choices), but my husband just throws names around expecting one to “stick” and it’s driving me crazy.

We have a very Irish last name, McGrew, and the children’s names all have an Irish feel: Kenna Grace, Landon Farrell, Riley Owen, Galen Micah.

I like that they all have unique initials, but it’s proving very difficult to find another name that fits in.

For the most part, I do not like popular, common, trendy names for first names (although Landon and Riley are pretty much all three).

Middle names aren’t so much an issue if we can find a suitable first name. We will probably use a family name (Ann, Lynn, Lee, Daniel).

My boy list:
Archer
Avi
Alden
Calton
Calder
Carden
Toren

I like Archer, but when you put a middle name with it, it sounds like a title instead of a name. Archer Lee makes it sound like archer is Lee’s profession! I love Avi, but my husband does not and the rest are just attempts to find something–neither of us love any of them.

My girl list:
Annora
Seren
Orly
Maddie
Della

I thought Annora might be the one, but hubby ran with it, posted on social media with a middle name, Anora Mai, and my gut reaction when I saw it was a firm NO and we got some not so positive feedback (mostly because of the spelling of Mai). He likes Mae because it honors both our maternal grandmothers (Margaret and Pearline) and his sister Megan and his paternal grandmother was named Nora. I’m not sure it fits with the siblings names, I’m not sure I like the two names together, and I feel like I’m leaving my paternal grandmother (June) out! With only one girl, we’ve focused more on boys’ names, but we still need a girl’s name.

Some names he likes, but I do not:
Connor
Finn
Thomas
all the more common Biblical names

We also have 4 kids old enough to have an opinion. It’s going to be hard to please everyone.

Names we cannot use:
Willow and Asher (our babies born to Heaven)
Wesley (older half brother)
Leo, Leon, Leonard (would honor someone we don’t wish to honor)

I hope you can help us!
Thank you!
Christa

 

To start with, I want to mention the spelling Honora instead of Anora/Annora, just in case that’s the issue. Honora doesn’t quite fit with the style of the sibling names, but nor does it clash, and I don’t know about you but by Child #5 I was dropping preferences left and right in my desperation to find anything that wasn’t ruled out by previous children’s names.

I also suggest Nora, which I think is better with the sibling names. The name Mai/Mae doesn’t feel to me as if it honors a Margaret and a Pearline and a Megan; I think I would go instead for something like Nora Margaret or Nora Pearl or Nora June: fewer people honored, but the honorees would know they’d been honored without needing the connection explained. Nora Margaret McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Nora.

Maybe Finley. Finley Margaret, Finley Pearl, Finley June, Finley Ann. Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Finley.

Or Fiona. Fiona McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Fiona.

I like Emlyn in this sibling group, but I hesitate because the most recent sibling name ends in the same sound. I feel okay using the -ley of Finley after the -ley of Riley, in part because of the name in between them.

I also like Maren in this group, but again hesitate using it right after Galen. Maybe it’s a non-issue. I can’t decide. Maren McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Maren.

Or maybe Morgan would work better? Morgan McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Morgan.

For a boy, I am having a harder time. All of the names I think of either repeat an initial, or repeat a major part of a sibling’s name, or don’t feel right with the surname. Rowan doesn’t feel too similar to either Riley or Galen to me, but somehow seems too close to the two names together. I like Keegan even though it repeats an initial, but when I started typing out the group it seemed like two Ke- beginnings was a little much. Maybe not, though: I had a late night last night and may be over-sensitive this morning. Graham McGrew feels like it just misses. Malcolm appeals to me, but saying “Malcolm McGrew” felt unpleasant in my mouth. Nolan seemed great until I noticed how similar it was to Galen and Landon. Kellen is too similar to Kenna and Galen. Griffin seems too close to Galen.

Maybe Kieran? It does repeat an initial, but I like it. Kieran McGrew; Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen, and Kieran.

I’m most drawn to Archer and Alden from your list (though I wonder if Alden repeats too many sounds from Landon and Galen). I know what you mean about the name Archer sounding like a title instead of a name: I feel that way about all of the Occupation names. But I’ve noticed that once I know a kid with the name, I lose that feeling: the kid is now Archer, and that’s just how I think of him.

It’s fun to bring older kids in on the decision, but oh man, it can also be such a pain. I recommend mentioning early and often that everyone is welcome to give opinions and suggestions, but that it’s the parents’ job to choose the name. This is a good opportunity to revisit Family Discussion favorites such as “There is no one solution here that will make everyone equally happy” and “You might not be happy with our choice, but we hope that with time you will come around to it” and “When you are grown-ups, you will get your turn to make these decisions.” We had to do it when naming a cat: what started as a fun family project quickly dissolved into fights and tears, and that was for a CAT.

50 thoughts on “Baby Girl or Boy McGrew, Sibling to Kenna, Landon, Riley, and Galen

  1. Jd

    I love your kids names. Congrats on #5!
    Ian McGrew
    Niall McGrew
    Dylan McGrew
    All Irish feel, unique initial, easy to spell and not trendy but not dated either.

    can I convince you to like Finn? Finn! so cool.

    Also Quinn? Because 5!

    Reply
  2. Suzanne

    I love the suggestions – especially Morgan, Maren, and Kieran.

    I met a baby recently named Eoife (I think that was the spelling; pronounced EE-fuh) and it was super cute. My daughter has a Maeve in her class, which is adorable and might work.

    Other names that occured to me: what about Rory? Or Bridger? Or Bridget? Or Sian? Or if Kieran is close but not quite right, Kiernan? Flannery? Romily?

    Reply
  3. Loveandbabyfever

    Boys:
    From your list I like Calder best. I actually like Swistle’s suggestion of Morgan for a boy vs a girl in this sibling set. Boy list below.

    Calder
    Morgan
    Dylan
    Sullivan
    Declan
    Shane

    Girl:

    For the middle name I suggest Maisie. I love it for you for three reasons; it’s a nickname for Margaret, it means pearl, two syllables and starts with M like Megan. Because you have only one other girl I actually like the idea of repeating an initial or ending. Here are two suggestions

    Kenna Grace & Keira Maisie
    Kenna Grace & Orla Maisie

    I also like Swistle’s suggestion of Nora, Nora Maisie. This might be a stretch but in order to honor all the women you mentioned what about Maisie June. Kenna & Maisie

    Reply
  4. Kay W.

    I love the suggestion of Quinn! Works for a boy or girl. Quinn Margaret would be lovely.

    Or Quentin for a boy?

    I also love Maeve with the other names.

    Reply
  5. Danielle

    I do like Swistle’s suggestions of Keegan and Kieran. I know a girl whose name is spelled Maryn, if you wanted that slight variation on Swistle’s idea of that name. It may help give it a different feel than your other kids’ names. I would also suggest Declan and Nolan.

    Reply
  6. Andrea

    I love the suggestion of Sullivan and also Calder. I love Cowan! I have one, actually, and first saw the name in an Irish baby name book. I spelled it Cowen because then I can say, “Owen with a ‘C'” but I wish I had used Cowan spelling. I also have a friend who stole it from me (we were roomies in college and I totally didn’t mind) and spelled it Coen.

    I also love the Fiona suggestion. I’d throw out Annabel as well. I know Annabel was originally Scottish, but Scottish is pretty close to Irish, and it is such a great name!

    Reply
  7. Christi

    For a girl I’m going to suggest Shay or a more Irish spelling Shae. If you want something longer and more formal for that kind of thing, our girl is actually Shayleigh. You could easily do Shaeleigh, or Shaelee or Shaylee . Shaeleigh Mae or Shayleigh Ann. Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen and Shay/Shae

    For a boy I second Declan. I have a great nephew with that name and it’s really grown on me. Kenna, Landon, Riley, Galen and Declan- hummm, maybe not. What about Sean? Kenna, Landon, Riley , Galen and Sean.

    Reply
  8. laura

    For a boy I wonder if Duncan would work? Otherwise what about Silas? How would you feel about Bruce- that would seem to fit? (I also really like Declan)

    For a girl with Kenna, someone already mentioned Maisie/ Maeve both which could work. How would you feel about Shelby? What about Maris? Seneca? Delaney? Aurora?

    Good luck!

    Reply
  9. AlexiswithaG

    Oh, Celtic names, how I long to use you all. Alas I used none despite having these beauties for girls on my list:
    Tierney
    Tegan
    Ribh (Reeve)
    Rhian ( or maybe Reagan?)
    Merrill
    Moira (over Mai/Mae?)
    Aislin

    For boys…
    Alec
    Dermott
    Eamon
    Lachlan
    Owain

    Reply
  10. StephLove

    Second try today, hoping this goes through…

    I like Fiona, Maeve, Declan and Quinn from Swistle’s and commenters’ suggestions so much that I’m almost not motivated to make my own suggestions. But for a boy how about Eamon or Cormac? For a girl…I’m coming up dry.

    Reply
  11. RL

    For a boy I love Eamon! And Celian/Cillian or Callum.

    For a girl, what about:
    Catriona
    Dara
    Darcy
    Iona
    Oona
    Roisin

    I also love Teagan and Aislin suggested above (although Aislin might be too close in sound to your sweet Asher).

    Reply
  12. Britni

    Girls – from your list I like Seren the best. I would also suggest Fallon.
    Boys – from your list I like that Archer would bring some new sounds into the sibset. Alden and Calton make me think of Alton.
    I also like Brogan for a boy or a girl.
    Best of luck!

    Reply
  13. Kim C

    Love, love, love Orla!

    Second choice would be Maisie and Maisie June would be so sweet.

    I think Archer is a great name but would he get the nn Archie? Do Riley and Archie sound too similar? Maybe not.

    I also think that having another surname/middle name lessens the ‘title’ effect of Archer. Such as Archer Beckett or Archer Reid. In fact, Beckett and Reid are great names too. Love Beckett with your sibset!

    All the best!

    Reply
  14. Ash

    From your boy list I like Calder the best

    Sticking with C names for a boy what about Cavan and girl Cacia? Cortlund..

    Other suggestions:
    Devany
    Blythe

    Reply
    1. Ash

      Has anyone suggested Annika yet? Your name Annora made me think of Annika. Coming to suggest Emsley as well.

      Reply
  15. JD

    I love Neely. Boy or girl. I’ve met both and love it.
    For girl: Ainsley? I love Nora (and Quinn). What about Carys? It’s Welsh I think. Kenna and Carys. Just enough matchy to be sweet but different initials.

    Reply
    1. Maree

      Not sure if it has been suggested but what about Darcy? I always thought Darcy was handsome on a boy and daring on a girl.

      Reply
  16. Lou

    I think Orla is a great option! We know a little Orla from an Irish family and she is very sweet. Orla Maisie, Orla Mae.

    Reply
  17. Vesna

    Emrys
    Teagan
    Quinlan
    Aislinn
    Meriel
    Ione

    I like the above suggestion of Orla.

    Oh and fwiw, I would LOVE to meet an Annora Mae!!

    Reply
  18. Natalie

    Love Nora or Orla for girls. Tara, Maeve, Muriel, Rialta (means “star” in Irish) are some other options. Of note, Pearl actually honors BOTH Margaret and June- Margaret means “pearl” and pearls are the gemstone of the month of June! So my vote is for Nora Pearl.

    For boys- I think a name that does not end with “n” would be good since you have a Landon and Galen. My faves for you would be Cahal, Colum, Conall, Finbar, Patrick, Niall, Rory, Sean, and Seamus. Colum Daniel would probably be my pick.

    Reply
    1. Christa

      Oh, that made my heart sing! I didn’t think about the birthstone! I really like that connection.

      Reply
  19. D

    Since Kenna’s name is clearly “girl,” whereas your boys (especially Riley) have more androgynous names, i would steer clear of gender-ambiguous names for another girl (Finley, Quinn, Tegan, Rory, Emlyn, Morgan, etc. …your own girl list is all “girl”).

    I think Annora (or Honora) is nice, and you’ve gotten some other good suggestions…i especially like Nora, Bridget, Maisie, Orla, and Iona. Other girl possibilities…
    Alanna, Molly, Maura/Maureen, Eileen, Doreen, Sheila, Tara

    For a boy, i think Archie is pretty adorable. In terms of Archer sounding like a title…well, we rarely go around calling people Lawyer Kevin, Barista Pat, or Landscaper Deirdre. You would probably adjust quickly once you started using his name.

    Otherwise…are you sure you can’t talk yourself into liking Connor? Or maybe Conroy? Quinn, Patrick, Alec, and Dermot were good ideas from other posters. More boy names…
    Darby, Kyle, Desmond, Brady, Carbry, Beckett, Casey, Fergus, Nigel, Malachy

    Reply
    1. Megan

      YES! I tried to leave this same type of comment earlier and the site wouldn’t let me for some reason. But yes, the names are to androgynous for boys, so definitely a girl-first name.

      Reply
  20. Dr. Awkward

    Lots of great ideas here! For a boy, I’d also suggest Corwin, Colm, and Donovan (Corwin McGrew is particularly pleasing!); for a girl, I’d also suggest Nola, Isolde, Aileen, or Mairead. This final name, usually pronounced to rhyme with “braid,” is especially nice for you both because it’s Irish and because it incorporates “Mai.”

    Reply
    1. Becky

      Mairead is the Irish form of Margaret, which means Pearl, and Megan is apparently a “pet name” for the Welsh version of Margaret) so I think Margaret, Mairead, Maisie, Pearl, even Daisy, are good honor names for three women that were effectively all Margarets.

      I particularly think Honora Mairead is lovely (and I think putting names that are tricky for North Americans to pronounce in the middle spot saves much explanation, spelling, and energy).

      Reply
  21. Reagan

    From the OP;s lists, I really like Archer and honestly don’t see a problem with Archer Daniel. For a girl, I like Della Margaret or Della June. (I like the parallel with Kenna).

    From Swistle’s lists, I like Nora and Fiona for a girl.

    I do have some other ideas .. not sure if they will be of help or not:

    For a girl:
    Nola
    Flannery
    Delaney
    Iona
    Shea

    For a boy:
    Declan
    Dennis
    Brady
    Duff

    Reply
    1. JD

      Archer Daniels Midland is a HUGE company, nicknamed ADM. Archer Daniel McGrew is kind of close. Just an FYI

      Reply
  22. A

    Sorry for any repeats

    Girls:
    Molly
    Ainsley
    Norah
    Catherine
    Maeve
    Carys

    Boys:
    Shane
    Morgan
    Donovan
    Grady
    Brady
    Brody
    Colin
    Desmond !
    Jory
    Rory
    Dylan
    Ian

    I really like Molly and Desmond

    Reply
  23. hystcklght3

    I was also coming to suggest Cavan (I know it was mentioned above) — for a girl or a boy. After County Cavan in Ireland. I think I’d also explore the Irish map for further ideas :)

    Not a fan of Nora on its own (I could be biased because I don’t like that name in general, ha) … it feels too popular for this sibling group (even though some of your names are trendy, they don’t rise the the popularity of nora I don’t think? or maybe my world is just inundated with Noras!). Honora and Annora are pretty though …

    Is Clara too common? Too close to Kenna maybe. Sawyer? Carrick? Cormick? Cormac? Annett? Warren? Sorcha?

    I think Pearline is such a gem, too, and might be tempted to just go with that!

    Reply
  24. Lee B.

    I don’t think I saw it mentioned; Callahan. Our son’s name is Callahan (middle name is O’Brien after a family last name) and our last name is Scottish. His nn is Cal. I have also heard Callaghan for a girl, nn Callie.

    Reply

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