It's time to share some names...

[Taurean]

Soraya is likely the most unique and I think very feminine and soft sounding - prob my 1st choice there. What about Siraya? I like that spelling even better.....

Goodluck deciding!

XX

Hey, I like that spelling for Soraya. 'Siraya' could really grow on me! Thanks for all your comments too JellyBean, it's what I need to hear to make our decision a little easier.

Thanks HEAPS everyone. You've really opened up my eyes to a few things I hadn't thought of with the names we've chosen.

Soraya has been in the back of my mind for years, after I spoke to a lovely, bubbly girl called Soraya at a call centre once. I thought it was beautiful and unusual and still do. I always said I wouldn't go for 'different' names but this one really is winning me over. For those of you who are interested, here are some details behind the name (and why I'm liking it even more!):
- the name means Rich and Princess - what a combination!
- although an Arabic name, it's popular in Spain - DH and I LOVED Spain while travelling
- my grandfathers name is 'Raymond' - we would happily shorten Soraya to 'Ray' (as a nickname)
- it works well with 'Elsie' - my two grandmother's names (step gran is still alive, nan is not)
- it's also the name of open cluster of stars in the constellation Taurus - my star sign!

OK, so maybe I've looked into it just a tad too much but gee it is a pretty name with so much behind it.

DH doesn't like Addison (but he said he'll think about it), his fave is Isobel and although I love Isobel too, it is SO popular now. I really like Addison though (and sadly, love her character on 'Private Practice'!!!)

Oh, my fave boys names are Oliver and Hamish so I'm glad to see the majority of you agree!

Thanks again - your thoughts have been so helpful!!

PS: the reason we like Ash - it's DH's initials. Matthew is the back up as that was my maiden name (well, a shortened version of my maiden name)

[NaeNae]

I love Soraya I think its unusual and very feminine. I think Eslie is a cute middle name too.

Of the boys I adore Oliver and I actually don't mind Ash - Oliver Ash. I think Matthew makes the name feel long to say ie too many sylibles (sp?) but thats just my opinion

I also love Isaac Matthew.


FWIW - all but Hamish on your boys list are my fav boys names

[Doing my best]

I like Soraya and Addison for a gil.

For a boy, Hamish or Joshua.. (I am biased though, Hamish is the only boys name that DH and actually agree on at the moment, and Joshua is off our list as it is my cousins name.. )

[Pooley]

As a teacher I am obligated to advise NOT to go with a "J" name for a boy, and Joshua especially.

Coming from networking with teachers in the schools I have worked in and those surrounding where I teach, 98% of boys starting with J are little shytes (of course there are exceptions)
Me personally, hell would have to freeze over first before I chose a J name for my child. That's just my opinion.

Having said that, LOVE the other boys names you have, especially Oliver.

[LimeSlice]

lol Really Pooley?
That is quite strange how you can see patterns like that! How cool.

What are Charlotte's like? ( Should I be preparing myself now? lol)

[young_mumma87]

i LOVE the name Addison im going to have it if i ever have a girtl but there a few spelling variations Addysin,Addyson,Addisyn,Addasyn...hmm prob hamish is my fave boys name i also like Hunter or Jasper amd Levi for a boy good luck!!

[ttcanxiety]

i like oliver and hamish tho i know a few BOYS named addison....