• Home
  • About
  • Wild Olive Tees
  • No Hands But Ours
    • Email
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • RSS

Ni Hao Y'all

when east meets south

  • Ni Hao Y'all
  • Faith
    • my faith
  • adoption
    • special needs adoption
      • clubfoot
      • Down syndrome
      • dwarfism
    • shared list
    • advocating
  • family
    • Magnolia
    • Clementine
    • Tallula
    • Poppy
    • Esther
    • Vivienne
    • Shepherd
    • Jude
    • Isabelle
    • Sophie
    • Dalton
    • Asher
    • Zach
    • Victoria
  • Life
    • memory lane
    • what works for us
    • things I love
    • Q and A
    • marriage
    • cooking
    • celebrations
    • blogging
      • love others
      • kudos
  • photography
    • photography 101
    • Sunday Snapshot

argh

No matter how hard we try, how many hours I spend perusing baby name sites, a name is just not forthcoming. Two of the names we loved are now completely out because she just doesn’t look like a Clementine. Or a Magnolia (I know a few of you are relieved to hear that.)

Chris really likes Josephine. And I love Josie. But I’m just not so sure.

Evangeline is another new front runner. But it’s one big name.

But Evie? Or Eva? Cuuuute.

And I still love Camellia. It’s Camellia, y’all: Ca-mee-lia. Like the flower. Not Camilla like Prince Charles’ girlfriend. Ewww.

I’m going to put up another poll. Clearly Emmeline is the front runner with y’all… let’s see if any of the newcomers stand a chance.

And any others that you think we should consider? I’m all ears. I’ve read and re-read all the comments on the other name post…. y’all rocked it over there. Unfortunately not many of the names work with the middle name we are using. Which, I’m afraid, is a secret. For now.

Thanks for joining me in this naming adventure.

Y’all have sure made this a whole lot more fun.

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • More
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter
«
»

09.21.10 · Poppy 135

Comments

  1. Sher says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:25 PM

    Love Josie!

    Reply
  2. Evelyn S. says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:30 PM

    Gosh…Camellia is beautiful, too!

    Reply
  3. Vicky says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:31 PM

    Sorry can't go for Camilla, one any variation (though I love the flower) too closely connected with our `beloved' prince of wales marital infidelities. Enjoy this moment though……Vicky

    Reply
  4. Holly says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:35 PM

    Do you think we didn't NOTICE that little sentence in there…she doesnt' LOOK like a Clementine?
    So how long do we HAVE to wait? Come ON PA!!!!!!!!!!!!
    I like Camilla…Charles' girlfriend can stick it!
    Callista/Calli is pretty too.
    Evalyn- Eva (Anthony had a friend in first grade named Eva..she was Polish…pronounced like Eh-vah!
    Carissa
    Aubrey
    Natalia/Natalie
    Oh enough already! You will find the right one!! Can you at least tell us how OLD she is???? What province? Something? πŸ™‚

    Reply
  5. Mom to my China Posse says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:37 PM

    We know a Josie, Very cute! Still think Kaitlyn, Katie or Kate works with alot of middle names. Emelia, Sadie, Brighton, Savannah, Abby are all cute!

    Reply
  6. Shasta says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:39 PM

    I like the name Josie. There is a little girl at our church who's name is Josie. She is a sweetie. Smiles all the time! She is a ray of sunshine…. I also like the name Chandra. No matter what you guys decide – it will be the perfect name! Good luck. Can not wait to see what you guys pick and the pictures her….

    Reply
  7. Lost and Found says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:44 PM

    The posse here may have to wait until we see her face. I know my Emme was going to be Hannah Rose (CN) or Emma Reese (CN) and ended up Emme (CN) without an American middle name. All of your kids have timeless names or names that will suit them either as children or adults. Josephine just sounds very "adult" to me even with a nickname. Of course I'm partial to an Emme and I'm in the "glad she didn't pick Clementine" group though it's a very tasty fruit. Are you still open to names or is this the final round?

    Reply
  8. Launi says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:48 PM

    What about Angelina("messenger")?

    I still like Emmaline best (I'd call her Emi. Actually, I'd just name her Emi, but I'm a fan of 3 letter names. :)}. But I really do like all the names you have in the poll!

    Reply
  9. Mom to my China Posse says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:52 PM

    watching entertainment tonight and seen a little girl named Sarafina, not sure of the spelling but its a mouthful but nick name possibilities are there! Alexandria has alot of nick name possibilities to.

    Reply
  10. Sophie says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:56 PM

    Oh how I wish I could help you out on this one, we're in the same dilemma. We've actually narrowed it down to 3. I would suggest you narrow it down to 2 or 3 and have the kids pick for you.
    Can't wait to see pictures!

    Reply
  11. Nancy says

    September 21, 2010 at 8:57 PM

    Eva is really popular 'round these parts. And Josie is the name of the newest Dugger baby. Just things to consider. Truth be told I really like a 4 names you have listed!

    But because I love the baby name game and am SO far from playing it myself, I'm going in for round 2
    Angelique
    Juliet
    Cecilia
    Francesca
    Lorelei
    Violet
    Delilah
    Tabitha
    Elisabet

    Reply
  12. Annika Sumner says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:01 PM

    How about Annika? (Ah-nick-ca) It means "Grace". Or Alenna, (A-len-na) it means "Bright, shining one". Good luck! Christy

    Reply
  13. Deb, Russ, Lily, Lucy and Lainey says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:06 PM

    Ivy that is my choice.

    Reply
  14. the_blissful_mommy says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:09 PM

    Okay. Here's one more, babycakes although we ARE doing this blindly wuithout knowing the middle name (guilt, guilt, guilt -I am a Jew, it's genetic, sorry.)
    **BEATRIX** means: "makes others happy". I knew a Beatrix and she was called "BEA", (pronounced BEE-ah) She was superfly. I think Bee-ah sounds cute with Vivi.
    xoxox Esty

    Reply
  15. Melanie says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:11 PM

    I really really like Camellia! Since I guess Norah didn't make to the list. Camellia as you said it is beautiful!!!

    Reply
  16. Emmy A says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:11 PM

    We just had a boy, but the two girl names that I liked the best were Evelyn (which I know is an older name, but Evie=love and it still gives a grown-up option) and Ellenore, spelled like Ellen at the beginning. You could call her Ellie or Ellenore, they're both great.

    Reply
  17. Cindy says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:11 PM

    Annabelle
    Colette
    Cheyanne
    Elizabeth
    Katrina
    Kerrigan
    Maurelle
    Rosemary

    This is fun! I have faith you'll know the perfect name when you see it…enjoy the journey! And thanks for letting us share along with your family.

    Reply
  18. clearness says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:14 PM

    I'm sticking with Tabitha Ruth and you should call her Truth.

    Reply
  19. Jen says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:19 PM

    LOVE Josephine… she could be a Joey too!

    Reply
  20. Leigh says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:19 PM

    Evangeline is getting popular. Something about a certain Lost star with that name has made it BIG. I know many newborn/infant Evies and Evas. I LOVE the name, adore its meaning. It's a great name. πŸ™‚ I'm just another Mom to a Sophie (my Soph was born in 2001 and I was sure it would never be big). AHH! I think you feel my pain. What a GREAT name, though!

    Josephine is "God adds", right?. Good name.

    I love, love, love Molly. It's gone from "bitterness" to "the perfect one" in meaning. I like the latter meaning MUCH better. A friend of my Mom has a daughter (they are Chinese) named Moli. She said it's the name of some sort of beautiful flower in China. She went by Molly when they came to the US.

    Reply
  21. Leigh says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:21 PM

    Oh, what about Demi?

    Reply
  22. Sharing Life and Love says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:24 PM

    Meaning of Evangeline: "like an angel"
    Love it.

    Also Love:
    Carissa (Means "Grace")
    Clarissa (means "brilliant", "bright")
    Charis (means "Grace" and "charm")
    Carys (means "love")

    Still trying to picture what a 'Magnolia' looks like.
    πŸ™‚

    Reply
  23. Nick and Rebecca says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:28 PM

    What about Selah (from Psalms)? We have a baby girl that is three months old and her name is Selah. <3

    Reply
  24. Patty says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:37 PM

    How about Hannah? (Grace of God)
    Love the name Josie, that was one of our picks too but ended up using Ellie.
    I love the name Riley (one of my daughters names!)….means valient,brave,courageous.
    I also love the name Brynli.
    Good luck! The name thing is so hard, I think we are *finally* settling on a name for our guy waiting in China……it will probably change when we get there!
    Patty
    http://www.onceuponamooncake.blogspot.com

    Reply
  25. Eileen says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:47 PM

    I had a dance teacher in high school who named her baby girl Vashti. I thought it was totally weird until she told us that Vashti was in the Bible in the book of Esther and that she refused to dance before the king. Ever since then, I thought it was a cool name. Not that I'd necessarily use it, but cool still the same.

    Names are hard, aren't they? I think we're going with Owen…..although I may get to China and decide he's definitely not an Owen. I reserve that right.

    Reply
  26. Chris says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:48 PM

    Even though, I think Faith is a GREAT name….lol, I initially voted for Camellia…rally I did!

    I am sticking to Camellia!!! Love it!!! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  27. Cat says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:51 PM

    I love Evelyn- also Evie for short. My other favorite is Lillian. She could be lily or ann. Or maybe she's an Aubrey- Bree? Naming a child is the hardest part of being a parent isn't it?! good luck!!! ps- I picked Camellia for the second time πŸ˜‰ just sayin'! (cami…lia…mia, the options are endless pending what her personality turns out to be!)

    Reply
  28. China Dreams says

    September 21, 2010 at 9:58 PM

    I personally don't like nicknames. Our kids' names were picked with the intent of them not having a trunked version of the name-only exception is Patrick and he introduces himself with his full name and we usually use the full name as well. So many times if you give your child a name and nickname, the second is always their name.

    Evelyn is beautiful. I had an aunt named that.
    Cora is also beautiful. Had a great aunt named that.
    What about Genevieve? Geneva?

    Selfishly I hope you don't go with Eva. That was one of my grandmother's names (the other was Ruth) and we're naming our adopted daughter Eva after her.

    Good luck!

    Reply
  29. Elizabeth says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:05 PM

    Of course she doesn't look like a tiny orange or a giant flower, she looks like a beautiful little girl! I LOVE Emmeline (reminds me of the character from Anne of Avonlea) and Josephine (reminds me of Jo March from "Little Women")Both are such gorgeous and classic names. All your girls have beautiful names. I even like Camillia, even though I usually don't like object names. Such a tough choice for mamma and daddy to make! I am sure whatever it is, it will be lovely.

    Reply
  30. lyndastrite says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:10 PM

    I second Eliana from the last naming post(partial since it is our daughter's name!), it means, My God Has Answered. Ellie for short.

    Also like Adelaide (Addie for short). Love the meaning; Beautiful princess.

    And, still wish we had a Hadassah Ruth. (Haddie for short). Love the Biblical characters of these names and their significance to an adopted daughter. Since we previewed Vivi's file and knew she was not our girl – you might as well have the Haddie I'll never have as well. ;o)

    Best wishes on the naming and dreaming process.

    Reply
  31. Cora says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:16 PM

    Love the name Josie! But I am with China Dreams Cora is a wonderful name!!!!!

    Reply
  32. Daisy Dreams says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:38 PM

    Love the name Estee, which means "star" and is a derivative of Esther. If I end up with a girl referral and she doesn't look like the name I've chosen, then she'll be Estee.

    Reply
  33. Emily says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:39 PM

    I like:

    Annalyse or (annalise)

    Avery

    Hadley

    Reply
  34. Emy says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:45 PM

    I still have to put in a BIG vote for Eva, ya know, since I have one of those at home! ;o) But, my best friend's little girls name is Josie, so it's a favorite around here too!

    Reply
  35. Lisa A says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:50 PM

    Hi Stephanie! I tried to post these suggestions the other day, but I couldn't get the comment to go thru…Scarlet, Victoria, Felicia??? Best of luck to you all, I can't wait to see a picture of your newest little angel! πŸ™‚

    Lisa πŸ™‚

    Reply
  36. Lucky Mama says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM

    We had this problem when we adopted our Luciana (Lucy). I was set on the name Camille and she just didn't look anything like a Camille. I still love the name though.
    I also like Josie, Stella. Charlotte is still one of my all time favs.
    I like Emmeline, but it's just too close to Emma and Emily which you hear everywhere. Good luck!!!

    Reply
  37. party of four. says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM

    I love Finley, Fin for short, Emery Em for short, Piper is super cute too, and if you are into flowers how about Poppy?

    Reply
  38. Sharon says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:53 PM

    Evangeline always makes me think of the little bug singing in The Princess and the Frog.

    Virginia
    Susannah
    Naomi
    Meredith
    Claudia
    Amelia
    Delilah
    Elizabeth
    Julianna
    Carmella
    Eliana
    Everly
    Hadley
    Iris
    Jorgiana
    Kellyn
    Lisette
    Tabitha

    Reply
  39. Jill says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:57 PM

    We have a little friend named Josephine but her parents call her Joey because they said she just didn't look like a Josie when she was born. It totally fits her! What about Eliza or Matilda?

    Reply
  40. Angie says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:57 PM

    What about Charlotte? Old fashioned, and uncommon, too!

    Reply
  41. Abby says

    September 21, 2010 at 10:59 PM

    How about Rosalie? You could call her Rosie or Rose.

    Reply
  42. MJ says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:08 PM

    Callista
    Cynthia
    Celeste
    Rosaline
    Rosalie
    Maydine
    Malina
    Layla
    Leila
    Juliet
    Rose
    Marybeth
    Linly
    Mariah
    Angela
    Rosanna
    Ramona
    Lilah
    Grace/Gracie
    Serena
    Lillian
    Celeste
    Estella
    Diana

    Reply
  43. Zimmtarheel says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:08 PM

    How about Delaney or Laney? Laney was my babysitter and I LOVED her! In the previous poll I was partial to Magnolia since my daughter is Maggie (Margaret). I also like Annabelle or Annie. Can't wait to see pictures!

    Reply
  44. Kendra says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:11 PM

    I just had to pop in and comment on this one. We had our fourth 6 weeks ago and named her Evangeline. Not after a certain beauty from Lost but because 1) it's a beautiful name and 2) it means 'Bearer of the Gospel'. The more we say her name, the more we fall in love with it. The other kids call her Ev or Evy. Or, if you're my 2 yr old son, she goes by 'Eby'. BTW, my other 2 girls' names are Zoe and Liberty. Two other great ones πŸ™‚

    Reply
  45. Stacy in New England says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:11 PM

    Moriah
    Nicole
    Margaux
    Alora
    Juliette

    Reply
  46. Tricia says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:18 PM

    Hi Stephanie,
    We are in the process of adopting our third little one from China and we are going to name her Zoe Caroline! We love her name! We hope to go back again for another little girl. We like the name Piper, but haven't throught of a middle name yet! Can't wait to see pictures of your new little one!
    Tricia

    Reply
  47. China Dreams says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:26 PM

    Esther was mentioned; love that too. She was a great aunt (yeah, I have a huge family).

    Also love Belinda.

    Reply
  48. Barbie Huff says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:32 PM

    How about Audrey, Callista, Charlotte, Madeleine, Addeline, Lillianna, Georgia, Virginia, Ruby, Francesca, Harper, Harlowe, Natalie, Sara Faith, Eliza, Alyssa, Ruth or Ruthie. Can't wait to see pictures of little Miss and know her name!!!

    Reply
  49. debralyn says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:37 PM

    I like:

    Brynlee
    Carrington
    Chandler
    Chayce
    Emerson (Emme)
    Hadley
    Nicolette
    Yeardley (Yard-lee)

    Reply
  50. Jen says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:39 PM

    I know an Evangelia and she goes by Lilly. I haven't read all the comments but I also like Adrienne and Amelia. -Jen (LID 5-24-06)

    Reply
  51. JCrew says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:39 PM

    I didn't ever see Willow on the list…

    Reply
  52. Cindy says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:40 PM

    I have always loved the name Arden! But I also like so many of the names you picked! Congratulations to you & your family!

    Reply
  53. Angela says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:42 PM

    Jillian?

    Means "youthful" (she will be the baby of the family, right? I mean at least for now πŸ™‚
    3 syllables
    And doesn't even crack the 2009 top 100 list I looked at.

    Reply
  54. Lost and Found says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:45 PM

    TESSA!

    Reply
  55. Football and Fried Rice says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:50 PM

    Evie.

    Hands down!!!!!

    Reply
  56. Lori Lee says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:52 PM

    I love Ella!

    Reply
  57. Holly says

    September 21, 2010 at 11:52 PM

    Hi Stephani,
    I have been following your blog, but I haven't commented before. Your family is beautiful. Thank you very much for caring for orphans. I My youngest daughter is Kaylee. She is so sweet, caring and has such a big heart like yours. Good luck with the search!

    Holly

    Reply
  58. Tina says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:10 AM

    "Penelope"? You could call her "Penny"
    Or "Hazel"? That's one you don't hear often.

    Reply
  59. Julie says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:13 AM

    How about Miriam? In Hebrew it means "God's gift". You could call her Miri … so cute!

    Reply
  60. Catherine says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:29 AM

    How about Caroline?

    Reply
  61. Jenna says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:30 AM

    OK, CONGRATULATIONS…..i realize I am a johnny-come-lately to this discussion, but I have been sick in bed for days. I WISH I had known you needed a name, I might have been able to occupy myself with finding you a name while in bed! πŸ™‚

    ANYWAY…..Evangeline is my favorite….have you seen Princess and the Frog? There's a beautiful song in there all about Evangeline, and it's BEAUTIFUL. Great love song for a girl named Evangeline! πŸ™‚ If you haven't heard it yet, listen to it….it just might sway you! πŸ™‚

    I haven't read everyone else's suggestions, but I like Charlotte and Eleanore (Ellie for short if you like).

    Phoebe?
    Amelia is also a nice one.

    and, Georgia….well, wouldn't that have good significance for you? πŸ˜‰

    What about Rose? It isn't long and flowing, but you seem to like flower names, and Rosie might be the cutest name for a girl EVER.

    Hmmmmm……that's all I've got. I like Camellia too though! It's probably my favorite of the names you like.

    Reply
  62. Shannon, Penny, Elias, Norah and soon to be Samuel..... says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:35 AM

    Willow…. that's my fav πŸ™‚

    Reply
  63. Desiree' says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:40 AM

    ok, love Josephine or Josie!!Can I change my vote??

    Reply
  64. Martha says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:47 AM

    What about Alexandra (you could call her Alex or Allie), Maura or Maureen, or Johanna?

    Reply
  65. my5kids says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:50 AM

    I'm all for another Josie, since I have one. She is Joscelyn Grace….love, love, love it!

    Reply
  66. Kristi says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:54 AM

    I like Annika and Josphine, are my two favorate mentioned. Well and Tessa, the name we have chosen for our foster daughter when/if we get to adopt her.

    I love the name game, although my hubby does not, but I degress. How about:

    Hadliegh (Haddy)
    Matilyn (Matty)
    Jillian (Jilly)

    There is a super cute little girl at our church named Alaphair (ponounced Al-a-fair) different but not weird, she was named after a great grandmother.

    Kristi

    Reply
  67. Darlene in CA says

    September 22, 2010 at 12:57 AM

    I've adopted twice: my China girl was almost 3 at adoption and I did the whole American first name, (Miranda) and Chinese name Lu as the middle (She was there with your Sophie, by the way). I think I've called her Miranda about four times in China. Once she realized I was calling her something else, she pointed to her chest and announced "LULU!" and so she has been ever since.

    When I was set to to adopt my 3.5 year old daughter from Ethiopia I just went ahead and kept her first name. I had wanted Vivienne so badly, but she didn't look at all like a Vivienne, Vivi, or even Viv, I couldn't even force it as a middle name. If you want an unusual, but lovely name, she is Meklit (pronounced Mek-leet) and it means treasure in Amharic. (Though I would swear it means whirlwind, or very-loud-non-stop talker,LOL!)

    Congrats on your girl. I can't wait to see her and hear what she'll be called.

    Reply
  68. living4him5 says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:11 AM

    Names are hard! This name I've been holding on to in the event we adopt again and she looks like this name…

    Cecily (cess-a lee) or Vanessa (my mama's name)

    Praying for a speedy PA. Hugs, Amy

    Reply
  69. Stephanie St-Pierre says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:19 AM

    How about Stella- my first choice if we would have had another girl- or Cassandra – and call her Cassie for short – my husband's vote!

    Reply
  70. Staci says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:34 AM

    Emmeline is adorable!! Josephine is one of my favorites names..love it! Reminds me of "Jo" in Little Women πŸ™‚ Josie is a such a cute nickname too! But, gotta say, Evangeline is such a perfect name! (it's my little sister's middle name tho..so I might be a bit biased πŸ˜‰ It really is beautiful though and "Evie" is soo cute!! Love all the names though! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  71. B & S says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:39 AM

    I love all of your choices. Some more that go with your girls names:

    Caroline
    Adaline – Addi
    Elizabeth – Ellie
    Julia
    Delilah – Lila
    Ruby
    Cecilia – Cici
    Amelia
    Lucy
    Charlotte
    Katerina
    Karina

    Good luck. I know its hard!
    I have 4 girls. Lindsay, Addison, Haven and Selah

    Reply
  72. A Cup of Cold Water says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:42 AM

    i like camilla! it has been on my list forever though it was not one of my husband's favorites. i wanted to call her mila (meela) as a nickname.

    also, audra? arden?

    ps- we have an eve: evie! and with her chinese name, she's EvieLu! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  73. Sharon says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:43 AM

    One more…

    Elloree or Ella Ree

    Reply
  74. withgratefulhearts says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:57 AM

    GENEVIEVE !!

    Reply
  75. withgratefulhearts says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:58 AM

    Sadie

    Reply
  76. Janelle says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:01 AM

    How 'bout….Claudia?

    Reply
  77. Kristi says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:28 AM

    How darn cute would it be for you to have a little "Vivi" and a little "Evie"?! Girl, you know you want to; you've just got to go with Evangeline!!

    Reply
  78. Terynn says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:28 AM

    Josephine –> Josie.

    Reply
  79. Bridgette says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:39 AM

    Joanna (Hebrew) – Luke 8:3 – grace or gift of the Lord
    Abigail (Hebrew) – 1 Sam. 25:3 – the father's joy.
    Abihail (Hebrew) – 1 Chron. 2:29 – the father is strength.

    Josie is really cute too!

    Reply
  80. Patricia/NYC says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:44 AM

    OK…round 2:

    Alana
    Natalia
    Nadia
    Nicole
    Kristiane
    Kristi
    Diana
    Dana
    Selena
    Joy
    Samaire
    Marina
    Lola…

    whew!!! lol! You WILL find the perfect name! But thanks for letting us play along! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  81. Angie says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:49 AM

    Love Emeline! But also wanted to throw another one in the mix. Several years ago I had a friend named Edith but she went by Eydie…pronounced like EeeDee. I've always loved it!

    Reply
  82. Jenny says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:20 AM

    Eden Grace. : )

    Reply
  83. Wendy says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:22 AM

    Wasn't the letter "G" out….too bad, because I, too,think Genevieve is the perfect name to go with Vivienne and it even has the nicknames Evie and Eve within it. Also like Giselle (told you I was a ballet fan).

    Eloise…this name is making a bit of a comeback and it has really grown on me. Goes well with Vivienne..both French.

    Flower names…Linnea…love it (but it starts with "L"…another letter you banned..bummer!

    Prefer Camille to Camellia…Camellia sounds to close to Camelion to me and could result in some teasing πŸ™‚

    Josephine…well I have a Josie who I call Josephine all the time and this name, too, has grown on me…a lot! But, I call her Josephine Jellybean a lot and your Josephine might be called that, too, by Stevesongs fans as it is a popular song with the 7 and under crowd, at least around here.

    Evangeline is sweet! I even like the reference to the shining star, Ray's "My Evangeline",in the Princess and the Frog. (Would people call her "Angie"?).

    Everly or Everlie seems to be a newer name I hadn't heard of until recently…and it's pretty and could have an Evie/Eve nickname.

    Emmeline is my fave of the 4 above. It is a great name and from having an Emma, myself, I love the nickname Emme. Chris did a great job coming up with such a gorgeous name! My friend named her daughter this about 18 years ago..after a favorite character in a book. If you pick it, I'll find out more about that so you can read it.

    Can't wait to hear what you decide.

    Reply
  84. The Stiffs says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:34 AM

    First, congrats. It's exciting to watch your story unfold.

    I must chime in as I love my girls' names.
    Arleigh (God's Promise)
    Hanan (Gift of God)
    Bria (Virtuous Love)
    Jessa (God Is Gracious)

    I love Evie, but it sounds a bit like Vivi. Now that you've had my $.02 I'll participate in the poll πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  85. Wendy says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:37 AM

    oops..guessed it is spelled Everleigh or Everley more often than what I listed.

    Reply
  86. Jean says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:54 AM

    Love your post- can't wait to see her pic and find out her name!!

    We already have ours named!

    ????? betcha you're wonderin what I mean!

    Sam is not from Guilin- he is from Henan! He has completely stole my heart!

    Reply
  87. Lyn says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:57 AM

    Out of the ones you mentioned, I like Josie. I also like Maggie and Meili (pronounce Maylee). We were going to have a Meili until God showed us that we were getting a boy instead.
    Lyn
    4kids4us.wordpress.com

    Reply
  88. Global Girl says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:07 AM

    Going to add: Haven

    Reply
  89. Shannon says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:14 AM

    Congratulations, can't wait to see her picture! I think Evangeline is beautiful and Vivi & Evie sound so cute together! But some others I like:
    Haddasah and call her Haddie. (Queen Esthers given name)
    I also love Charlotte, Stella (but it is S!) Gwen (no g!) & Eloise. Good luck and our prayers are with you as you wait!

    Reply
  90. Goo says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:15 AM

    Josephine… Josie is a sweet name. Love it.

    Reply
  91. Beasmom says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:29 AM

    Love the name game. Since you seem to like the old fashioned names that aren't too overly popular you might want to consider some floral names that would work well with your other girls names. I have a friend who went this route because her husband was a botany major. I picked up a victorian flower book that offered her hundreds of choices.Some of them were…
    Daliah
    Daisy
    Daphne
    Delphine
    Delphina
    Flora
    Olive
    Poppy
    Rose( Rosalie,Rosalyn,Rosella)
    Silvia
    veronica
    Violet,Violetta
    willow (Willa)
    Zinnia
    My friend went with Flora Jane. Our daughter's name is Beatrice Rose which of course is my all time favorite! I also like Stella,Willa,Penelope and Lucinda.

    Reply
  92. Lesa and Samuel says

    September 22, 2010 at 5:12 AM

    Love Josephine. That was my Grandma's name.
    What about Avalon (thats our name if we have another girl)
    Aloysia
    Molly
    Serene
    Zoey

    Reply
  93. Suzanne says

    September 22, 2010 at 6:34 AM

    Emmaline but spelled Emeline. Old fashion but a bit modern. πŸ™‚ Suzanne

    Reply
  94. Caroline says

    September 22, 2010 at 6:50 AM

    I think Josephine goes great with Vivienne… Here in the Netherlands Josephine would be shortened to Fiene (pronounced Feenuh), which is also very cute.

    Of course Caroline (shortened to Caro, which means sweet or sweetheart) is also a great choice! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  95. bytheriver says

    September 22, 2010 at 10:56 AM

    Got to say during the last 24 hours a couple new ones came to me but got lost in the hurry of the day – I'll let you know if they return.

    I really like both Josephine and Evangeline
    Depending on personality, Jo, Josie are cute.
    Eva,Evie, and Lina could shorten Evangeline. Both names are big names, but with everyday names used in school, once the child is older, you can only win with a strong, beautiful name such as these. Probably preference for Evangeline – don't hear a lot of them around, but in my opinion, an underused name. I loved going through school with what was at the time an uncommon name and easy enough to pronounce.

    I would spend some time considering the Camellia – Camel would be an easy school taunt, you could call her Lia for short and maybe the kids wouldn't catch on so quickly. However, if getting the name mixed up with Camillia parker bowles and that pronunciation bothers you as it would me… I'd give that some consideration – my brother Dylan – another name not known when he was a child, was forever being called Die lan by teachers – not a favorite and as soon as he was a teenager he started asking to be called by his middle name.

    Emmeline – a nice name. I would check how you feel about the spelling. Something with the two mms and e. Emmaline is another option. If you don't care for Emme or Emma as a school name, you may have a battle getting people to call her by her full name.

    I'll let you know if the other names resurface in my brain, but I think you already have my top 3 up here.

    Reply
  96. bytheriver says

    September 22, 2010 at 11:03 AM

    P.S. Yeah -Joey is an adorable name for a tom boy.

    Reply
  97. bytheriver says

    September 22, 2010 at 11:25 AM

    P.P.S. – Can't wait to see her!

    Reply
  98. Aus says

    September 22, 2010 at 11:40 AM

    OK – really not fair – can we at least get the total number of syllables and starting letters for the middle name(s)?

    I mean – we're all over international adoption (btdt X3) and we get the secret part….but we always used the given Asian name as the middle name – usually two words one syllable each…that would at least HELP! πŸ™‚

    I'm still leaning for Maggie – based on Margaret – Margaret (da) (da) rings!

    hugs – aus and co.

    Reply
  99. Steve and Darcy says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:04 PM

    My sister just named her daughter Evelyn…and I love it!! You could nickname her Evie if you wanted to. Good luck!

    Reply
  100. Ellie says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:28 PM

    I LOVE Josie. Josephine not so much. Do you Have to use Josephine?

    They are all gorgeous, classic names and I'm sure whichever you choose will be perfect. With Tia I went back and forth between Tessa and Tia and had pretty much decided on Tessa – then in the 9th hour I was at a party and a woman told me her daughter's name was Tia – that was it, I just KNEW that I wanted to name her Tia. It fits her to a T. I still love Tessa and if we ever have another little girl (kiddin)

    Reply
  101. Jen says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:47 PM

    Corinne is pretty.

    Or Camille? Call her Cammie…

    Reply
  102. bytheriver says

    September 22, 2010 at 1:56 PM

    Gave the test to the 1st grader – her response -No comment on Josephine or Evangeline, but she has a strong opinion about LemonLime. When she hears Emmaline – thats what she thinks of. Just a possible vision of 1st grade.

    Hope this day is a good one.

    Reply
  103. Jennifer says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:10 PM

    Celia or Amelia – sound like Camillia but a bit shorter, easier to read/say/spell – and still Victorian-ish.

    Reply
  104. Ladybugs' Mom says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:20 PM

    Here's my picks if I had another daughter:

    Jamie or Jaimie (short for Jennifer Amy)
    Jenna (another nick name for Jennifer)
    Delaney (Laney for short)

    I really like Evie, but you could name her something like Evangeline Violet…get it? E.V.

    Reply
  105. snekcip says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:26 PM

    It looks like you are leaning toward "classical" names. I haven't read any of the other comments, so forgive me if you have seen these names already.
    *Victoria
    *Christiana
    *Olivia

    Reply
  106. Mon... says

    September 22, 2010 at 2:52 PM

    Our daughter's name is Elodie, pronounced El-oh-dee, with the accent on the first syllable, not the second. It's a fairly common name in France.

    Reply
  107. Darlene says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:04 PM

    i do not care for Josephine but like Josie.

    More to consider:

    Janae (Janai) God has answered
    Joelle
    or Joella

    Reply
  108. Amy Murphy says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:20 PM

    For some reason, I've always loved the name Josephine (Little Women, maybe?) I'd vote for that, and just how cute is "Josie"?!?!

    Reply
  109. ExpressMom says

    September 22, 2010 at 3:57 PM

    Georgina.

    She can be Georgia, Georgie, or even Gina!

    Reply
  110. Wendy says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:04 PM

    Woohoo…I'm liking all the votes for Josephine and Josie seeing I have a new Josie at home (which was her actual name in China and we didn't want to change it since she knew it). Who knew so many people liked it. Making me feel a lot better because I was pretty unsure at first πŸ™‚

    Stef, can't wait to hear what your thoughts are. So many great ideas here.

    Reply
  111. Shannon says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:07 PM

    i've always loved avery – but so far it's been voted out in our family (not a great meaning from what i can remember). from the ones you mentioned, i also love the nickname josie….i've also loved emerson for a girl, could be emme for short….

    choosing a name – always been so hard for us too – but once we've settled, we've grown more and more attached to each one (our two girls are ainsley and mallory….you can steal one if you want – the name, not the girl – πŸ™‚ though they dont seem like the same style as yours.

    good luck!

    Reply
  112. Cindy says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:13 PM

    Quincy?
    Means "fifth" and this will be your daughter #5! Quinn Quincey Qwin…

    What about MeiBelle? Mei Mei or Belle

    Just throwing out my thoughts…this is fun, but can't wait to hear what name you chose, and see her photo! Congrats!

    Reply
  113. Stacy in New England says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:30 PM

    Prefacing this comment with – Whenever I talk about on-line stuff, I just say to my family "a friend on-line"…… So I decided to poll the dinner table and read the huge list already received so we wouldn't have tons of duplicates. Still got those from the 4 yr old and dear hubby, but my 15 yr old son said, "Mom, I have the prettiest name." Now I'm really intrigued because 1) said 15 yr old actually participated and 2) said 15 yr old thought a specific name was pretty…… So I held my breath and asked him the name and his reply was "Stephanie". I told him that I thought it was pretty too and gently told him that was your name. Now, (LOL) do I ask the 15 yr old WHO Stephanie is??? LOL

    Reply
  114. The Wongs says

    September 22, 2010 at 4:50 PM

    – Christabelle / Christabel –> includes Christ our father, and Chris her father/your hubby πŸ™‚
    – Rosalie
    – Bethany
    – Tienna / Tiana
    – Mirabel / Mirabelle

    Reply
  115. Jennifer Barbee says

    September 22, 2010 at 5:12 PM

    How about Jocelyn. My daughter is Jillian which I also love.

    Reply
  116. Michelle says

    September 22, 2010 at 5:14 PM

    I'm a little late to join the party…I like that each of your children have names that don't sound like any of your other children's names. Although I love the name Evangeline, Eva or Evie sound similar to Vivi … What about Miriam (wished-for child); Amelia (work of the Lord); Felicity (great happiness); Phoebe (bright shining one) or Cordelia (daughter of the sea…I know, not an especially strong meaning, but I do like the name.) These may be repeats of names already suggested… Good luck with a big decision!

    Reply
  117. Lotte says

    September 22, 2010 at 5:20 PM

    Dear family,

    I emailed you the first time you asked for beautiful names and I said: Josephine (Josie) and I still think (especially with the meaning of this name) it could be a perfect name for your girl. Belle (Isabelle), Sophie, Vivi (Vivienne) and Josie (Josephine) it just sounds so beautiful.
    We live in the Netherlands, we use other names in our country, but this name is just beautiful for a chinese amerikan girl.

    Succes
    Lotte, mom of Jasmijn and Julia (I just love names with a J)

    Reply
  118. Beasmom says

    September 22, 2010 at 6:20 PM

    Back again. Forgot to add"Iris" to the flower name list. Some other names that have that old fashioned feminine feel that aren't overly used in the US are..
    Alice
    Brownwynn
    Cecelia,Celia
    Clara,Clarabelle,Claravon
    Elanor
    Ida
    Ivy
    Maisie
    Millie
    Opal
    Ophelia
    Pearl
    Truvy
    Some of these I like more than others. Just throwing them out there. Thanks for letting us play along!

    Reply
  119. Joy says

    September 22, 2010 at 6:29 PM

    Calista- means beautiful one, nickname Cali?
    I love Felicity
    and Priscilla

    Reply
  120. cottage girl says

    September 22, 2010 at 7:48 PM

    My niece's name is Evelyn, and we call her Evie (Eh-vee) instead of (Eee-vee). Evie Jane. I think it's cute.

    I also like Elsie. It means "God is abundance."

    Reply
  121. kelsey says

    September 22, 2010 at 8:20 PM

    estella/stella. tressa. sage. river. octavia/tavia, topaz (especially great if she has a november birthday), shiloh, arden, aria, bay, leila (lee-la), emerson, journey, genesis…

    Reply
  122. The Ferrill's says

    September 22, 2010 at 8:58 PM

    When we were in process for Kimmie, the name Camelia was in the running. And then we would call her Cami. Love that! Also love Camille. And Lucy. And Sally. Martha is a good ol' southern name too. Martie…now that's cute I think. Our Carlie is Carlisle. Family name. And actually her first name is Martha, but we needed the "c" sound, of course. πŸ˜‰

    Carrie from ND is looking for good boy names, have you seen her post? All this naming is so much fun!

    But what I really can't wait for is a PICTURE! I mean how long does a PA take for goodness sakes? We've been waiting 24 hours, right? πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  123. Patricia/NYC says

    September 22, 2010 at 10:15 PM

    Meant to include this on my post above…Miss K did NOT look like a Kiara either when we got her referral…I had last minute thoughts about changing it…but NOW, oh my! I am SOOOOO GLAD we didn't change it, because she TRULY IS a Kiara! πŸ˜‰

    Reply
  124. Lisa A says

    September 22, 2010 at 10:25 PM

    My daughters have always loved their names and receive compliments all the time…

    JENNA and NINA!

    Good Luck! πŸ™‚

    Reply
  125. Donna says

    September 23, 2010 at 1:09 AM

    Hi Stefani! I am so happy for you and your family, and your new little bundle of joy!

    Here is one of my all time favorite names…I just looove it…

    Teagan…How sweet is that? It means "little poet", isn't that just lovely? I just think it is really sweet! I love the meaning, too πŸ™‚

    Blessings,
    Donna

    Reply
  126. Jill says

    September 23, 2010 at 1:59 AM

    WHOA! You are REALLY getting feedback on this one! I have to put in my two cents.

    I love Evangeline! LOVE it.

    Might I add that I am Mom to Emma. When she was born our grandmother (also Emma) begged us to NOT name her Emma. We thought it was unique and DIFFERENT and UNUSED. Our grandmother was also an incredible God lovin' lady! Now, Emma is truly a DIME a dozen!! We also have a TON of Emmeline's and Emme's in our school. WONDERFUL names but maybe a bit over done.

    Reply
  127. Nicole A. says

    September 23, 2010 at 5:53 AM

    Hi there! Jumping in late, just logged on after moving!

    I love Lillian (Lily), of course, as I have one!

    I do like Josie – could be short for either Josephine or Jocelyn.

    How about Francesca (Frannie, Francie)? Cute, romantic, and goes well with your girls' names.

    There is a book/site (can't remember the name – helpful, I know!) that allows you to look up the names of your children, and it gives you names that would go well with them. Pretty cool!

    I love names! Good luck!

    All the best,
    Nicole A. in LA (not in OH any more, but missing it!)

    Reply
  128. Wendy says

    September 23, 2010 at 1:34 PM

    Okay, okay..the suspense is killing us. Are you any closer to deciding πŸ™‚

    Reply
  129. Jenn says

    September 23, 2010 at 2:13 PM

    My girls names are Delaney and Kerrigan. Kerrigan is our newest addition from China and we call her Kerri. It means black-haired! It's actually a family name for us, but I think black-haired definitely fits too! The most popular meaning for Delaney is offspring of the challenger, but it also says angel from heaven as well.

    Blessings,
    Jenn

    Reply
  130. Jenny says

    September 23, 2010 at 2:53 PM

    Ok, a couple more…
    Evelyn
    Eloise
    Amelia (Mia)

    Ok. I am done. πŸ™‚

    Reply
  131. Melissa says

    September 23, 2010 at 3:25 PM

    Ok, I haven't read the 200 other posts so I may just be repeating what has already been suggested, But I like:
    Josephine-Posey
    Alice
    Augustine
    Beatrice-Bea
    Corinne-I call my daughter Corinnabell for short
    Caroline-Cara
    Clara-Claire
    Eloise
    Elsa
    Estella
    Flora
    Georgia
    Iris
    Ingrid
    Ilsa
    Juniper-June, Junnie
    Lydia
    Louisa-Louise-Lu, Lulu
    Mara
    Matilda
    Phoebe
    Penelope-Poppy
    Rosalind-Rose, Rosie
    Taila
    Virginia-Ginny
    Veronica
    Willa

    Reply
  132. ndunc58 says

    September 23, 2010 at 3:35 PM

    First choice would be Evangeline or "Evie" and second would be Josephine "Josie". Emmeline would wind up being Emmie – sounds like an award…

    I personally don't care for the NAME Camellia, although the flower is beautiful. "Cammie" isn't too attractive and Lia is just okay – IMOP.

    Reply
  133. Alexa says

    September 23, 2010 at 7:37 PM

    elliana
    eloise
    claire
    jane
    genevieve
    aida
    jane
    jade
    lilyanna
    maria
    gabrielle
    ella
    clairece
    prayse

    Reply
  134. Mommy says

    September 23, 2010 at 9:58 PM

    My vote is still for…

    Madeline (Maddie for short)
    Molly

    those are my girls names so I'm a little partial. Can't wait to hear when you make a decision. I'm sure whatever it is will be perfect for her.

    Reply
  135. Desiree' says

    September 24, 2010 at 11:48 AM

    ok, forgot to add or maybe deleted it because you know I want the name….but I love Penelope. Not sure why the meanig I guess, it just seems right. By the time we adopt again though your girl will be old enough to drive LOL!!

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

I'm Stefanie. Wife to one, mom to 13. Occasional blogger and t-shirt maker. Wannabe photographer and exerciser. Constant grace-needer and orphan advocator. more
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • RSS

Subscribe

instagram

see more...follow us on IG

our china journeys

magnolia - 2016
clementine - 2014
tallula - 2012
penelope - 2011
vivienne - 2010
shepherd - 2008
jude - 2007
sophie - 2006
isabelle - 2005

ways to make a difference

Love Project

proceed with caution

a dirty secret in adoption
we don't celebrate gotcha day
there's no such thing as an easy adoption
if I can, you can.
co-sleeping, why we do it.
gawsh. the series.
crazy
affording adoption
God and me.
Vivi's diagnosis
the ugly, beautiful truth
special needs: my .02
my testimony
dear anonymous
my chinese son

Creative Commons License

Copyright © 2023 · Darling theme by Restored 316

Copyright © 2023 Β· Darling Theme on Genesis Framework Β· WordPress Β· Log in

loading Cancel
Post was not sent - check your email addresses!
Email check failed, please try again
Sorry, your blog cannot share posts by email.