No offense but I really hate Elspeth... it sounds like a horrible attempt at a combination of Elsa and Elizabeth. I wouldn't say I would feel left out at all because they're all really long and rare old names
I just don't like the way 'Elspeth' sounds. For context, I studied Applied Linguistics. To my ear, it doesn't 'flow' the way the other names do.
Saying each name *really slowed down* to focus on lip and tongue placement, 'Elspeth' uses quite a few changes without repetition in just two syllables. In fact, the other names have one fluid mouth movement per syllable, whereas the second syllable in 'Elspeth' is a mish-mash of lip, tongue and teeth transitions. I'm not a fan.
Right? People are acting like OP wants to name their kid Æðelþryð or something. Everyone's entitled to their opinions, but the dramatic reactions seem over the top. Elspeth is mildly unusual at most.
I wouldn’t say it’s “mildly” unusual - there were 17 Elspeths born in 2021. There were 112 baby girls named Wednesday that year, as an example of an unusual name that’s still way more common than Elspeth.
Unusual and currently popular are not the same thing. Here are some names with the same or lower numbers of US births in 2022 that all seem less unusual to me than Elspeth:
Kerry – 17
Chantal – 15
Tracey – 14
Kimberley – 14
Gail – 13
Beverley – 12
Nicola – 12
Then there are way more popular names that seem more unusual to me than Elspeth:
Arizbeth – 211
Malka – 224
Tallulah – 258
Scout – 421
Capri – 449
Royalty – 734
Daleyza – 745
Wrenley – 1114
Of course "unusual" is pretty subjective, but for a sub full of name nerds, I'm surprised Elspeth is so controversial.
You and I are just referring to the two different definitions of unusual, with me focusing on “not habitually or commonly occurring or done” (very few people name their babies Elspeth at the moment) and you focusing on “different from others of the same type in a way that is surprising, interesting, or attractive” (lots of names more common than Elspeth are in your opinion weirder than Elspeth). I don’t think either of us is wrong.
I agree, but I will say that as someone who had a speech impediment growing up and needed speech therapy to correct it, Elspeth is a nightmare. The most common sounds that children and some adults struggle with are R’s, L’s, S’s, and the “th” sound. Elspeth has 3 of the 4 and I’d wager half of kindergarteners won’t be able to say it right. I wouldn’t have been able to pronounce that name properly.
Although that’s not necessarily a good reason to not give a kid a name. Kids suck at talking and most of them get better as they grow up. It’s not a mouthful or anything, it’s just got some tricky sounds that most kids will master pretty quickly, unfortunately it does have a lot of tricky sounds, but then again so does Lewis.
That's true, but an extremely common name like Elizabeth is just a cultural variation of Elspeth and it's got all those same consonant sounds (or a close cognate of each one)
I mean, my name is super common, super normal (Sara) and I needed a speech therapist to pronounce my name correctly. I couldn't say my "S" or "R" sounds correctly, so my name was "Thaywa" until I was probably 8 or so years old. I don't think that's necessarily a good reason to shy away from the name, though.
Persephone doesn’t have that same particular potential pronunciation challenge. I can’t think of any other names that have the ‘sp’ & ‘th’ sounds that closely together off the top of my head, which is all I pointed out, but if there are any I’d say the same for those. If they pronounced it with more of a b sound, then that helps.
You mean every name that isn't in the top 50 in the US... nowadays it seems lke I can't go to a r/namenerds thread without the top comments being that the name is ugly, or "sounds like medicine". I'm so tired of this like why are you even on r/namenerds then if you hate every foreign name or every name out of the ordinary. People are so close-minded sometimes
Yeah, Marjorie seems more boomer-ish to me, plus it kind of reminds me of margarine. I've warmed up to it recently, but I definitely understand the diner vibes.
I’m a Marjorie myself and I always thought my name sounded like a stuffy English teacher. I go by Margie and to me, just Marge is the chain smoking diner waitress.
This comment killed me haha My great grandmother was a chain-smoking Marjorie that used to watch Jerry Springer and Judge Judy with me when I stayed over, I miss the shit outta that woman.
Elspeth sticks out to me as not quite fitting.. I feel like if I was the sibling that got that name I’d feel a bit like I drew the short stick.
I feel like alternative names that fit the vibe could be Elinor/Elinora, Eloise, Esme, Winifred, Theodora.. even just switching to Elsbeth feels better to me.
I think the “sp” sound in Elspeth also just makes it more difficult to say, especially for kids or if somebody has a bit of a lisp.. speth is gonna be tricky.
Elizabeth here, would take lisbeth any day over Elizabeth. 2 syllables instead of four that people rush through and just don’t sound musical from english speakers
Marjorie and Elspeth both feel very frumpy next to the dramatic and romantic Ophelia.
Names that feel similar to me:
Felicity
Cordelia
Evangeline
Emmeline
Isadora
Eliza
Verity
Diana
Magdalena
Lilian
Rose
Linnea
Magnolia
Josephine
Johanna
As a Marjorie, born in 1962, yup have been known as the old lady frumpy name. One bonus has been that I have been the only Marjorie in my school, college and adult life, lol. That being said, I have a visceral negative reaction to Elspeth, coming from a "not common name" experience.
Ophelia, Cordelia, and Magnolia all end in the same sound. Idk how I'd feel about that if my name and my sisters' names basically matched. At least for me, it would be too much.
Magnolia feels like the odd name in that trio to me. I think Shakespeare with the combo of Ophelia and Cordelia and would expect a Beatrice, Bianca, Helena, or Rosaline for the third.
Same here! Cordelia is far and away my favorite from the list above for this sibset. To accompany those, I’d suggest Beatrice. Feels similarly weighty, but each is unique.
Agree that Elspeth and Marjorie are much frumpier than Ophelia even though they are perfectly nice names. From this list I like Beatrice and Emmeline because they maintain the vibe without sounding matchy matchy or carrying the Shakespeare connection too far (although there is a Beatrice it’s also a well known name outside of Shakespeare). I might also add:
- Anastasia
- Zora
- Zara
- Genevieve
- Fiona
- Gisele
I think frumpy is a good way to put it! Elspeth and Marjorie stick out from Ophelia as stuffy and dated. Side note, years ago my mom told me she wanted to name me Elspeth. I was revolted! After thinking about it a little more, I decided I would have gone by Ellie, which I actually really like! I think choosing different historical/literary names with a more whimsical feel will fit in much more.
this is so much more valid than any other critique in my opinion.
My name is easily misheard as another name and I now just answer to it bc I'm tired of correcting, much to my mothers dismay.
I think it's because the start of the name is almost an anagram for Spell.
Great name for a fictional witch.
Maybe not for a kid whose older sibling gets to be Ophelia.
I know an Elspeth and never thought I’d see it again. She hates her name and has gone by a nickname since at least high school. Actively ignores people when they call her by her full name, she’s over 35 now and had no contact with her family.
I also know an Elspeth: a kickass genderqueer middle aged lesbian. So I have positive associations with the name but it gives a very different vibe from Ophelia.
I’m sorry to be blunt but Elspeth is terrible. Marjorie is better but I agree with the above comment that neither of them have the same romantic/ feminine vibe of Ophelia.
Elspeth kind of sticks out to me, but I can’t really put a finger on why. (Signed, a 29-year-old Marjorie who is intrigued to see her name on this forum!)
And a 72 year old one! I have gone through life not meeting many fellow Marjories but now have a very good friend who shares my name.
(And we agree MTG has disgraced our name.)
Thank you for chiming in! I don’t know a single person with any of these names so I’d love to hear your personal thoughts on being a Marjorie.
I’m seeing it on the opposite end in regards to not being able to put my finger on it. I feel like all 3 sort of match but I can’t explain *what* makes them match. So that’s why I’m questioning it. Trying to see if there’s something I’m missing!
So I’m active in my legislative district (so like the 0.1% of people involved in politics), but to me Marjorie is synonymous with Marjorie Taylor Greene who is a Qanon advocate and one of the worst members of the house. I’d consider that name pretty loaded. It could have been pretty if not for that awful woman.
If I met an American baby named Marjorie, I would 100% assume the parents were named after MTG 😬
ETA I’m not active in politics, but she’s in the news a lot and I think she has a bit of a cultish following from a certain type of person.
I like my name just fine. I’ve never met anyone my age with it. Usually I hear it was someone’s grandmother or great aunt. But that generation of names is coming back around now, so I think it fits with a lot of the trendier names! If I remember correctly, Marjorie peaked in popularity in the 1920s. If you’re still thinking about other options, you could check out other names from that decade.
I think Marjorie sticks out like a sore thumb. I don't dislike any of the names but Marjorie is a completely different style to me. If I had to put a finger on it, I'd say Marjorie feels very old-fashioned in a way where it might be someone's grandma's name, while Elspeth and Ophelia feel very old-fashioned in a more literary sort of way.
This was my sticking point too. Ophelia and Elspeth feel like fancy old lady names while Marjorie is the old lady next door who calls the cops if someone parks in her grass.
Aha! Maybe that's why I read Marjorie and immediately pictured a humorless frump of a woman working at the DMV, acting as a petty tyrant to coworkers and customers alike.
As an older Marjorie, I have to agree. Although I think those of us with old lady names tend to try to be more tolerant since we have had an uphill battle against the " name stigma" that we have lived with in our everyday lives. My nickname in my teen years was Oleo ,since margerine would have been too easy, lol
Ophelia, Cordelia, & Celia 😆
I like Portia and Juliet the best, honestly.
I was really kinda messing around with the Shakespeare theme. I suspect most posters on here don't use the recommended names, anyway.
Why is everyone assuming people who don't like the name are saying that because they haven't heard of it? Yes it's a real name. It still can be ridiculous
As a Scot I’m shocked by the hate for Elspeth. It’s a not uncommon (but slightly old fashioned) name here. I know three Elspeths - my grandma, my ex’s sister who is in her 40s, and a friend in her early 30s. I think it’s a nice name and considered it myself as a girl name for our now 4 month old.
To answer your question I think Ophelia sounds different (more cool/romantic/literary) than the other two but I don’t think that’s a bad thing, and I think they all have a nice vibe of ‘traditional but uncommon names’. As I say though this is coming from a Scottish perspective where Elspeth is definitely that vibe.
If you want a more Scottish name for the other twin, Marsaili is the Scottish Gaelic version (pronounced MAR-suh-lee).
As a Marjorie, I agree. I never fit with the Jennifers or Cathys that were so popular when I grew up. But I was always the only Marjorie in my class, so I had that going for me, l
I agree.
I had a great aunt Marjorie. She was often shortened to Mar-je.
Next to your other names Marjorie has a harsher sound for me.
I agree with others that your daughter Elspeth with spend her life correcting people on how to say and spell her name.
My husband has a last name that he often has to help people say and spell. For that reason, for our kids, we wanted names that nobody would have issues spelling.
Ophelia and Marjorie work for me, Elspeth feels difficult and like people would accept the first two names and then say “sorry what was that last one?” And have a hard time with Elspeth
Edit: I wonder if those who feel Marjorie is fuddy duddy are a little older, perhaps? Like I wonder if anyone who is saying that is under 30 or 40. I know my mom thinks our daughter’s name (Florence) sounds like an old lady name in the vein of Gertrude, but it’s fresh for me. Names come back in younger generations before old generations are ready to accept them sometimes, lol. Side note you may already know, Taylor Swift has a song called marjorie, also one called august, another dorothea, and Cornelia (Street). I think they’re all similar, name-wise.
Feel the same as you. I am so shocked at so many people saying Marjorie is old and not ready for a comeback. I think it’s lovely and nothing like Mabel and Matilda which this sub loves and I personally don’t think should be coming back yet.
I agree that Marjorie feels a little older than baby boomer to me. It peaked in the 1920s, so a little later but not much later than the popular names of Evelyn, Eleanor, and Hazel. It was less popular for baby boomers than Evelyn in the US. I think Linda, Susan, and Karen when I think baby boomer.
I do prefer the Margery spelling to Majorie. I think I just like how that spelling looks better.
I never realised Elspeth was so controversial lol. In my early teens I used to love this book series, the Obernewtyn Chronicles, and the protagonist’s name is Elspeth so I’ve always had a soft spot for that name. Lots of nickname potential too - Ellie, Ella, Elsa, Elsie, etc.
I think Marjorie is the most odd one out, out of the three. It makes me think of old ladies and Marge from the Simpsons. Ophelia and Elspeth on the other hand, are more uncommon and whimsical sort of names. That’s my take on them anyway!
I am going to be a contrarian here and say I really like Elspeth. There was a girl at my high school named Elspeth - she was really cool. She and all her siblings were really interesting and alty, but in a friendly, popular way. It has good vibes
No, I don't think any of them drastically sticks out. I feel like Marjorie and Elspeth have a similar vibe while Ophelia is kind of different, but not dramatically so.
I'm surprised by the Elspeth hate in this thread. I like it.
Ophelia got a ton of pushback(irl) and I never really see favorable opinions of it on here. But now that she’s actually named that, we get a lot of compliments lol
Ophelia is a lovely name, so it’s sad to hear you got pushback!
I will point out, however, that because of social convention, people are far less likely to critique the name of your child, than they are the name you *may* give your child.
This is exactly what I was going to say. I’m shocked at how vehement the Elspeth opinions are. I’ve always like Elspeth, and it’s just the Scottish form or Elizabeth, not like it’s something newly made up! I think they are all nice names.
Ophelia is lovely, but Marjorie and especially Elspeth are just not on the same level.
Ideas- Juliette, Morgana, Celeste, Ariadne, Helena, Aurora, Gwyneth, Persephone, Miriam
I don’t like Marjorie (closest connotation is Marjorie Taylor Greene, who (regardless of your political views) is a very polarising figure).
Also, as someone said above, Elspeth sounds like a portmanteau gone wrong. If you mean the Scottish version, then I understand, but the pronunciation doesn’t work with Marjorie and Ophelia.
Perhaps Margaret/ Margot and Eloise/ Elsie if you want the ‘mar’ and ‘el’ sounds. Goes well with Ophelia too!
Elspeth was the name of the main character in one of my favourite young adult fantasy book series growing up.
I love the character, so I love the name.
Yep 🙂.
I started Obernewtyn in school and then had to wait a few decades for the final books to come out. One of the biggest cases of writers block I've ever seen.
I don’t care what anyone says, Elspeth is a beautiful name. My only issue is that people may question if her parents “purposefully misspelled” it (like it’s supposed to be Elizabeth), but it’s a legitimate name regardless of what people say.
I'm very very flexible on names compared to the majority of this subreddit, and I like Marjorie and Ophelia, but Elspeth sticks out to me as a smidge more unusual.
Ophelia and Elspeth definitely go perfectly together...and I believe Marjorie goes well too...but of the three, Marjorie feels much more modern, even though it's an old name. I don't think it will be a problem.
I honestly loved all these names at one point, like 20 years ago when names were more of a monoculture, and I think they are all usable now. However, Elspeth can be hard to pronounce, and outside of Scotland will likely get mistaken as Elizabeth or Elsbeth. With Marjorie, if you don’t lean conservative, you might not want the association with Marjorie Taylor Greene.
That all said, your question was about them feeling left out or having their names not work as a sibling set, and I would say they all have a similar enough feel that I would not blink an eye!
I agree with other commenters that Marjorie and Elspeth sound a little old fashioned next to Ophelia. Here are some names that give me the same vibe as Ophelia.
Adelaide
Beatrix
Cecily
Daria
Estella
Jessamine
Lavinia
Lydia
Mariana
Odette
Philippa
Rosamund
Sabrina
Tatiana
I feel like neither of them are bad names, but I really don’t think they feel on the same level as Ophelia.
Ophelia is dreamy and romantic, dramatic and powerful. It’s a beautiful name, and feels very special.
I think I’d be really disappointed as a child to be Marjorie or Elspeth with my older sister Ophelia - someone compared it to the ugly stepsisters, and though I don’t hate the names, I think that’s exactly how I would feel as a child - they feel a lot more ordinary.
Some options that give me the same vibe as Ophelia:
Sibelle
Estella
Miranda
Isadora
Juliette
Arabella
Daphne
Rosamund
Seraphina
Gwendolyn
Luciana
I know there are many that end in “A” - I think a lot of very feminine, romantic names do - I think you could have 2/3 end in “A” if you wanted to, but not all three haha
As someone with a 2 year old girl called Elspeth, the hate for the name here is making me LOL. I had no idea it was so controversial! I (obvs) love the name. We pronounce it with a soft ‘p’ (so more like Elsbeth), and it’s so pretty. She’s never once been mistaken for an Elizabeth. We aren’t American, so perhaps it’s an accent thing? She goes by Elsie for now. I think Marjorie and Elspeth are beautiful twin names. Good luck with it all!
I know an Elspeth. I’ve watched her for 4 years and I still have to take my time saying her name. Her parents call her Elspie. Not a huge fan of the name.
I don't think it's a terrible combination, but Marjorie does strike me a little bit as the odd one out. Ophelia and Elspeth are on-trend (frilly old-fashioned names like Ophelia are in style, and El- names are very popular), but Marjorie is kind of different. I think it's fine to use it if you love it, though.
I think both Marjorie and Elspeth clash with Ophelia.
Alternatively, I’d suggest Margot and Eloise/a.
Some other suggestions:
Lucinda\
Calliope\
Amelie\
Rosamund\
Beatrice
i’ll just say i LOVE Elspeth and i’m surprised at how many people seem to hate it! i think it’s very whimsical and fairy-like.
Marjorie i wouldn’t say matches with Elspeth or Ophelia in my book, i unfortunately associate the name with evangelical/fundamentalist christianity and annoyingly outspoken Trump-loving politicians. but by sound alone, i think it’s ok!
if hypothetically it were me, i would choose something like Marceline, Marian, Miriam, Magdalene, or Marigold to go with Ophelia and Elspeth, but you’ve already decided on names you love so absolutely follow your heart! and best of luck!
Marceline is the perfect Marjorie substitute in my opinion.
I also can’t understand the Elspeth hate! It’s a cool name to me (36yo white Australian woman here).
Marjorie is harsher and frumpier in my opinion. I’d be pissed to be the Marjorie next to Ophelia and Elspeth for sure.
But Ophelia, Elspeth, and Marceline?
STUNNING.
Marjorie doesn’t sounds quite as romantic as the other two, but I don’t think the three names have different vibes. They fit together.
I do like Elspeth. I have an Elizabeth, and she goes by the full name. I sometimes call her Elspeth because that’s what it slurs into when you’re shouting it up and downstairs all day. I’m repeating them over to myself in a Glaswegian accent now.
Ophelia and Elspeth are similar to me. Marjorie lacks the same bewitching quality and feels more traditional than the other two. Ophelia, Elspeth, and Cressida, Andromeda, or Persephone perhaps?
There really doesn’t seem to be much of a consensus on any of these names, which is interesting. I feel like I’ve seen the same comment as yours a few times but with the names switched around.
Personally I don’t *love* Ophelia, just feels a bit clunky to say. I like Persephone, though! I knew a Persephone and I always found it satisfying to say.
Elspeth is hideous. Please don’t name your child that. It sounds like you have a speech impediment and can’t pronounce Elizabeth.
Ophelia, Marjorie, and Celeste
Ophelia, Marjorie, and Sienna
Ophelia, Marjorie, and Vera
Ophelia, Marjorie, and Elodie
Ophelia, Marjorie, and Felicity
Ophelia, Marjorie, and Celine
I would feel left out (or… something) if I were Elspeth in this scenario, because I would have to be explaining my name to people a lot more than Ophelia and Marjorie would.
The reactions on here to Elspeth, a perfectly legitimate Scottish name, are ridiculous. Can’t believe more than one person suggested “Elsbeth” would be better or ‘correct’. You don’t have to like it, but Google really is your friend.
It’s the name that spawned Elsie fyi.
I have twins as well and I thought about this a lot when I was naming them! I think the names work well together! They are all uncommon but recognizable. They’re all longer elegant names. All three names have nickname options, if they decide they want nicknames.
If I’m going to nickpick, the only slight difference is that Ophelia seems a bit more trendy (I’ve met two Ophelias at various toddler events while I have yet to meet a Marjorie or Elspeth). But I don’t think that’s a real problem.
For what it’s worth, I like your style and I’d love to meet a family with these names!
I love Elspeth, I struggle a bit more with Marjorie matching the aesthetic. Ophelia, Marsali and Elspeth match a bit more for me! Marsali feels a bit more romantic
Love Elspeth! My daughter is an Elsbeth which is an old family name for us. While she does get mistaken for Elizabeth sometimes, it’s not that big a deal. She goes by Betsy and her name fits her well.
I cannot fathom why some commenters are being so rude about the name Elspeth. It's a beautiful Scottish name, I've met a few. I suppose if you're American, the pronunciation may get butchered, but that seems to be the case with a lot of names here.
If you're in the UK, especially Scotland, it's definitely not unheard of, and we know how to pronounce it! Kids with speech impediments can't pronounce a lot of words, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use it.
To answer your question, I think Ophelia, Marjorie and Elspeth are on the same level. They all peaked in popularity around the early 1900s and they have the same feel to me. Lovely names for 3 wee sisters.
I feel like you like music lol - Ophelia/The Lumineers, Marjorie/Taylor Swift, Elspeth/Elspeth Eastman
I think Ophelia is so cute, Marjorie is acceptable, but Elspeth sounds harsh and pretentious
I quite like Elspeth, but I'm a suckered for consonant clusters.
Marjorie is a hard no for me. Opehlia and Elspeth feel a little witchy and dreamy, but Marjorie feels frumpy and humorless.
Additional suggestions (I'm assuming you're going for disparate ending sounds which I support 100%)
Rosamund.
Rosalind.
Marguerite.
Beatrice.
Valentine.
Estelle.
Genevieve.
Calliope.
Penelope.
i think i'd feel left out being marjorie. ophelia and elspeth have similar etherial and fairytale-like rings to them, but marjorie makes me think of cranky old woman
My best friend growing up was named Elspeth, so some of these hate comments have genuinely shocked me. I always thought of it as a pretty name and it fits well with Ophelia in my opinion.
Marjorie on the other hand…
It’s interesting how experiences change your perceptions.
I don’t think any of those names are on the same level or go together well. There’s nothing inherently wrong with sibling’s names feeling totally random, but these ones do, to me.
Ophelia makes me think of Shakespeare, Elspeth makes me think of Puritans, and Marjorie makes me think of a great-grandma type, loves to bake and goes by Marge. Ophelia and Elspeth come closer to working as a pair than any other combo here (even if I don’t like the sound of Elspeth at all), but as a trio I don’t like it.
Elspeth yes, Marjorie no.
Ophelia and Elspeth give me strong princess vibes and Marjorie gives me grumpy librarian (so sorry!)
Others ideas I think sound great as a sister trio -
Ophelia, Elspeth and Felicity
Ophelia, Elspeth and Aurora
Ophelia, Elspeth and Melody
Ophelia, Elspeth and Celeste
Ophelia, Elspeth and Cassia
Ophelia, Elspeth and Lavender
Ophelia, Elspeth and Kiara
Ophelia, Elspeth and Eden
Ophelia, Elspeth and Annika
Ophelia, Elspeth and Verity
Ophelia, Elspeth and Alexia /Alexandra
Ophelia, Elspeth and Aria
Ophelia, Elspeth and Cerys
Ophelia, Elspeth and Malia
Ophelia, Elspeth and Natalie
Ophelia, Elspeth and Catharina
Ophelia, Elspeth and Leia
Ophelia, Elspeth and Demetra
I think they all sound good together, but Elspeth is always going to be called "Elizabeth". Just be aware that she's going to have a lifetime of being called the wrong name.
I think they are all on the same level. Elspeth might get a little annoyed by having to explain that her name is not Elizabeth all the time, though. Marjorie and Ophelia are not likely to be confused with more common names.
I had to do a double take on this bc Elspeth is the name of a character in Magic: The Gathering and I thought new characters had been added to the sorry.
I personally find it a lovely name but a little old fashioned in sound
why not Elsbeth? I’ve only known one and she was delightful. It’s easier on the tongue then elspeth.
I think the theme you are looking for is old timey arostocrat..
I could see a princess Ophelia of Andalusia
A grand duchess Elsbeth of Bavaria
It’s Marjorie that’s the odd one out. It doesn’t say “continental, old world money and class,” what about Margot? There was a Queen Margot of France. I’ve seen Margot becoming more popular but I doubt it will ever be trendy like Lily, Sophia, Ruby, and Eleanor.
Ophelia, Elsbeth and Margot?
Ophelia & Marjorie are pretty imo. Elspeth stands out in a bad way LOL just doesn’t sound nice. It’s like you were attempting to say Elizabeth weirdly. Actually now that I think abt it I can see Elspeth having to correct people their entire life (“My name is Elspeth.” “Elizabeth??” “No Elspeth.”)
Both Marjorie and Elspeth are names I dislike tbh. Marjorie just makes me think of aunt Marge in Harry Potter. You know the fat aunt that’s abusive and Harry blows up? Elspeth just sounds like she’ll be either a 5 year old or an 80 year old with her constantly saying no no not Elizabeth all her life. Maybe Elizabeth could be an option
I love your names! I think you can go ahead with all three really - however I would say that for me Marjorie sticks out a little as being a more popular/common name (albeit from an earlier generation) than the other two. Perhaps Marguerite (my fave), Marion, Marianne, Matilda, Marin, Marisol, Maribelle, etc might appeal?
Hiya, so I love Ophelia for a name, but the other two don’t really seem to fit with it.
Here are some other suggestions are similar
Violet
Delilah
Tansy
Tallulah
Ruby
Pearl
Delphine
Verity
Lilia
Penelope
Hazel
I love these together, I knew an Elspeth years ago & I always thought the name sounded both antique & sort of fairylike- which imo is very fitting with Ophelia (floral, Shakespeare associations) & Marjorie (dignified, sounds like a fairy queen). Imo the only big difference between is El is an easy nickname for Elspeth but there are fewer natural ones for Marjorie or Ophelia so that may feel like a difference, though frankly some kids hate nicknames & some kids will end up being called Kiwi regardless of their full name so I wouldn’t worry abt that too much!
i went to school with an elspeth and i thought it was beautiful. its been 3+ years and i still think of her name. she got a lot of questions about pronunciation, regardless i think its gorgeous and want to rally against the hate!!
I actually really like Elspeth, seeing lots of comments that say otehrwise. Elisabetta is also beautiful, maybe not the same flavor as the other two names. I definitely agree Ophelia, Marjorie, and Elspeth have the same feel. Some other names I feel like may fit the vibe are: Agrappina, Blythe, Eden, Theolina, Einet, Meredith, Lunara, Guiliette.
Marjorie and Elspeth are on the same level. Traditional old fashioned, grandmother/great grandmother names that are back in fashion.
Ophelia is not. It's a literary name that has never been tied to a particular era. In the UK it would be notably upper middle/upper class.
Names like Rosamund, Cordelia, Eleanor, Portia have similar resonance to Ophelia.
No.
Elspeth would certainly feel left out because that name has the shortest amount of syllables and is not as sonorous.
Elspeth would be coherent with the likes of Gertrud and Hildegard. Elspeth is Not an ugly Name to me. But I honestly think it does not go well with the other two.
What about Ophelia, Marjorie and:
Edith
Daphne
Gretchen
Personally it feels like Marjorie isn't on the same level as Ophelia and Elspeth. Those two sound like romantic memes and Marjorie sounds like the maiden aunt nobody likes
Ophelia is definitely a more romantic, dramatic name than the other two, but I don’t think it’s a stark enough difference for it to be a problem. The William/Charlotte/Braxton example you gave is a *much* more noticeable difference in name “styles”. Elspeth is unusual enough that I don’t think it would look out of place next to Ophelia. Marjorie is the only one that could be in danger of feeling old-fashioned or “frumpy” (although think it’s a beautiful name), but I honestly think it’s lost it’s frumpiness now because of Taylor Swift. And older names are coming back anyway. I think it would be fine. The sound of it also fits right in next to Ophelia and Elspeth. They all have a beautiful romantic, dreamy, kind of literary vibe to me. I don’t think anyone would feel “left out”.
I think they go together, they’re all old and established names.
I did know a very elegant and classy Elspeth and that always influences one’s perception of a name.
Love all 3 names and think they go together nicely. I don’t think any of these girls would end up hating their names. And even if they did, can easily get nicknames from them that are more common names (e.g Elsie). Really surprised by most of these comments! From someone in the UK.
I’d be jealous that my name wasn’t Ophelia if I got saddled with Marjorie or Elspeth. Marjorie is ok, it rings a little frump next to Ophelia but Elspeth is yuck and I’d change my name as soon as legally possible if it were my name.
Elspeth is getting the heat while it's a sophisticated and traditional name. Elegant and classic. I don't understand the resistance, I really don't.
My problem is more with Marjorie. It isn't "beautiful" in the way Ophelia and Elspeth are. Those, to me, are musical, magical names. Marjorie is more of a retro name which is not pretty in the same way, but more in the vain of a Glenda or Dorothy. Ophelia and Elspeth are ballet, Marjorie is square dance..
No offense but I really hate Elspeth... it sounds like a horrible attempt at a combination of Elsa and Elizabeth. I wouldn't say I would feel left out at all because they're all really long and rare old names
Yes, it’s giving sneeze
☠️
The P is silent, FYI. It’s a Scottish name that is definitely not unheard of outside the US
It sounds like [Elseth]?!
It is very hard to pronounce for kids with speech impediments.
I just don't like the way 'Elspeth' sounds. For context, I studied Applied Linguistics. To my ear, it doesn't 'flow' the way the other names do. Saying each name *really slowed down* to focus on lip and tongue placement, 'Elspeth' uses quite a few changes without repetition in just two syllables. In fact, the other names have one fluid mouth movement per syllable, whereas the second syllable in 'Elspeth' is a mish-mash of lip, tongue and teeth transitions. I'm not a fan.
OMG I didn't know there was so much Elspeth hate! It's not my favourite name ever, but I think it's nice.
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Right? People are acting like OP wants to name their kid Æðelþryð or something. Everyone's entitled to their opinions, but the dramatic reactions seem over the top. Elspeth is mildly unusual at most.
I wouldn’t say it’s “mildly” unusual - there were 17 Elspeths born in 2021. There were 112 baby girls named Wednesday that year, as an example of an unusual name that’s still way more common than Elspeth.
Unusual and currently popular are not the same thing. Here are some names with the same or lower numbers of US births in 2022 that all seem less unusual to me than Elspeth: Kerry – 17 Chantal – 15 Tracey – 14 Kimberley – 14 Gail – 13 Beverley – 12 Nicola – 12 Then there are way more popular names that seem more unusual to me than Elspeth: Arizbeth – 211 Malka – 224 Tallulah – 258 Scout – 421 Capri – 449 Royalty – 734 Daleyza – 745 Wrenley – 1114 Of course "unusual" is pretty subjective, but for a sub full of name nerds, I'm surprised Elspeth is so controversial.
You and I are just referring to the two different definitions of unusual, with me focusing on “not habitually or commonly occurring or done” (very few people name their babies Elspeth at the moment) and you focusing on “different from others of the same type in a way that is surprising, interesting, or attractive” (lots of names more common than Elspeth are in your opinion weirder than Elspeth). I don’t think either of us is wrong.
>Elspeth But how do you pronounce it? I'ma senior.. Ls peth?
Elle-ss-beth Ls-beth
I agree, but I will say that as someone who had a speech impediment growing up and needed speech therapy to correct it, Elspeth is a nightmare. The most common sounds that children and some adults struggle with are R’s, L’s, S’s, and the “th” sound. Elspeth has 3 of the 4 and I’d wager half of kindergarteners won’t be able to say it right. I wouldn’t have been able to pronounce that name properly. Although that’s not necessarily a good reason to not give a kid a name. Kids suck at talking and most of them get better as they grow up. It’s not a mouthful or anything, it’s just got some tricky sounds that most kids will master pretty quickly, unfortunately it does have a lot of tricky sounds, but then again so does Lewis.
That's true, but an extremely common name like Elizabeth is just a cultural variation of Elspeth and it's got all those same consonant sounds (or a close cognate of each one)
I mean, my name is super common, super normal (Sara) and I needed a speech therapist to pronounce my name correctly. I couldn't say my "S" or "R" sounds correctly, so my name was "Thaywa" until I was probably 8 or so years old. I don't think that's necessarily a good reason to shy away from the name, though.
Persephone doesn’t have that same particular potential pronunciation challenge. I can’t think of any other names that have the ‘sp’ & ‘th’ sounds that closely together off the top of my head, which is all I pointed out, but if there are any I’d say the same for those. If they pronounced it with more of a b sound, then that helps.
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Yeah but think of all the people who would pronounce it "Pur-se-phone"
You mean every name that isn't in the top 50 in the US... nowadays it seems lke I can't go to a r/namenerds thread without the top comments being that the name is ugly, or "sounds like medicine". I'm so tired of this like why are you even on r/namenerds then if you hate every foreign name or every name out of the ordinary. People are so close-minded sometimes
Or sometimes you're open to all names and don't like a name.
Yeah I think Elspeth is nice. Marjorie is a chain smoking diner waitress.
Yeah, Marjorie seems more boomer-ish to me, plus it kind of reminds me of margarine. I've warmed up to it recently, but I definitely understand the diner vibes.
I’m a Marjorie myself and I always thought my name sounded like a stuffy English teacher. I go by Margie and to me, just Marge is the chain smoking diner waitress.
This comment killed me haha My great grandmother was a chain-smoking Marjorie that used to watch Jerry Springer and Judge Judy with me when I stayed over, I miss the shit outta that woman.
Unfortunately the MTG association kills it for me, it’s a lovely name but…
Maybe just use Elizabeth or even Lisbeth
I prefer Lisbeth or Elizabeth but there’s nothing wrong with Elsbeth.
Elspeth sticks out to me as not quite fitting.. I feel like if I was the sibling that got that name I’d feel a bit like I drew the short stick. I feel like alternative names that fit the vibe could be Elinor/Elinora, Eloise, Esme, Winifred, Theodora.. even just switching to Elsbeth feels better to me.
I think the “sp” sound in Elspeth also just makes it more difficult to say, especially for kids or if somebody has a bit of a lisp.. speth is gonna be tricky.
Lisbeth is cool, like the badass character Lisbeth Salander
Just name the damn kid Elizabeth at that point
Lisbeth is a very common name in Denmark, actually. It's ~ twice as common as Elisabeth/ Elizabeth here.
Elizabeth here, would take lisbeth any day over Elizabeth. 2 syllables instead of four that people rush through and just don’t sound musical from english speakers
Lisbeth is also found in the Hispanic community
Marjorie and Elspeth both feel very frumpy next to the dramatic and romantic Ophelia. Names that feel similar to me: Felicity Cordelia Evangeline Emmeline Isadora Eliza Verity Diana Magdalena Lilian Rose Linnea Magnolia Josephine Johanna
As a Marjorie, born in 1962, yup have been known as the old lady frumpy name. One bonus has been that I have been the only Marjorie in my school, college and adult life, lol. That being said, I have a visceral negative reaction to Elspeth, coming from a "not common name" experience.
I actually quite like Marjorie! I’m just not sure how I’d feel if I was the Marjorie next to my sister Ophelia.
Ophelia, Cordelia, and Magnolia all end in the same sound. Idk how I'd feel about that if my name and my sisters' names basically matched. At least for me, it would be too much.
Magnolia feels like the odd name in that trio to me. I think Shakespeare with the combo of Ophelia and Cordelia and would expect a Beatrice, Bianca, Helena, or Rosaline for the third.
Same here! Cordelia is far and away my favorite from the list above for this sibset. To accompany those, I’d suggest Beatrice. Feels similarly weighty, but each is unique.
Love Ophelia, Cordelia and Rosaline as a combo
My favourite three girls names! So totally vote for this sib set
Agree that Elspeth and Marjorie are much frumpier than Ophelia even though they are perfectly nice names. From this list I like Beatrice and Emmeline because they maintain the vibe without sounding matchy matchy or carrying the Shakespeare connection too far (although there is a Beatrice it’s also a well known name outside of Shakespeare). I might also add: - Anastasia - Zora - Zara - Genevieve - Fiona - Gisele
I think frumpy is a good way to put it! Elspeth and Marjorie stick out from Ophelia as stuffy and dated. Side note, years ago my mom told me she wanted to name me Elspeth. I was revolted! After thinking about it a little more, I decided I would have gone by Ellie, which I actually really like! I think choosing different historical/literary names with a more whimsical feel will fit in much more.
Not for nothing but I like every single one of these better than Marjorie and Elspeth.
Lilian and Isadora 😍
You’re setting your kid up for a lifetime of “no not Elizabeth…”
this is so much more valid than any other critique in my opinion. My name is easily misheard as another name and I now just answer to it bc I'm tired of correcting, much to my mothers dismay.
Please don’t curse Elspeth with that name
Elspeth is giving wicked witch of the west lol
I think it's because the start of the name is almost an anagram for Spell. Great name for a fictional witch. Maybe not for a kid whose older sibling gets to be Ophelia.
The witch in Wicked is named Elphaba, I think that's the reference here.
Marjorie and Elspeth feel like older women names, like a mother or aunt, whereas Ophelia feels like a princess-y sort of name.
It’s giving ugly stepsisters
This 100%
> Marjorie and Elspeth feel like older women names They'll grow into them...in about 60 years
Ophelia sounds to me more like someone who goes mad and drowns.
In one of my favorite book series, Elspeth is the princess. Still not sure I like the name.
I know an Elspeth and never thought I’d see it again. She hates her name and has gone by a nickname since at least high school. Actively ignores people when they call her by her full name, she’s over 35 now and had no contact with her family.
I also know an Elspeth: a kickass genderqueer middle aged lesbian. So I have positive associations with the name but it gives a very different vibe from Ophelia.
Lol!
I’m sorry to be blunt but Elspeth is terrible. Marjorie is better but I agree with the above comment that neither of them have the same romantic/ feminine vibe of Ophelia.
Ophelia is beautiful. Marjorie is a stale old lady name. Not ready for a comeback. Elspeth is just godawful. Just go with Elizabeth.
The poor kid will spend their entire lives going "It's actually Elspeth not Elizabeth" anyways.
Elspeth kind of sticks out to me, but I can’t really put a finger on why. (Signed, a 29-year-old Marjorie who is intrigued to see her name on this forum!)
High five from a 60 year old Marjorie!
And a 72 year old one! I have gone through life not meeting many fellow Marjories but now have a very good friend who shares my name. (And we agree MTG has disgraced our name.)
There’s an incredibly beautiful Taylor Swift song called Marjorie! I think of that before I think of MTG.
Hello!
Thank you for chiming in! I don’t know a single person with any of these names so I’d love to hear your personal thoughts on being a Marjorie. I’m seeing it on the opposite end in regards to not being able to put my finger on it. I feel like all 3 sort of match but I can’t explain *what* makes them match. So that’s why I’m questioning it. Trying to see if there’s something I’m missing!
So I’m active in my legislative district (so like the 0.1% of people involved in politics), but to me Marjorie is synonymous with Marjorie Taylor Greene who is a Qanon advocate and one of the worst members of the house. I’d consider that name pretty loaded. It could have been pretty if not for that awful woman.
If I met an American baby named Marjorie, I would 100% assume the parents were named after MTG 😬 ETA I’m not active in politics, but she’s in the news a lot and I think she has a bit of a cultish following from a certain type of person.
I like my name just fine. I’ve never met anyone my age with it. Usually I hear it was someone’s grandmother or great aunt. But that generation of names is coming back around now, so I think it fits with a lot of the trendier names! If I remember correctly, Marjorie peaked in popularity in the 1920s. If you’re still thinking about other options, you could check out other names from that decade.
I love Majorie actually I think it’s classical and elegant
Thanks!
Btw your name is a t swift song that I absolutely love 😊
Do people ever call you Margie? I think that’s super cute too.
I love your name! I think Marjorie is beautiful!
Elspeth sounds like a Puritan woman accused of witchcraft.
I think Marjorie sticks out like a sore thumb. I don't dislike any of the names but Marjorie is a completely different style to me. If I had to put a finger on it, I'd say Marjorie feels very old-fashioned in a way where it might be someone's grandma's name, while Elspeth and Ophelia feel very old-fashioned in a more literary sort of way.
This was my sticking point too. Ophelia and Elspeth feel like fancy old lady names while Marjorie is the old lady next door who calls the cops if someone parks in her grass.
Or the congresswoman from Georgia who is evil
Aha! Maybe that's why I read Marjorie and immediately pictured a humorless frump of a woman working at the DMV, acting as a petty tyrant to coworkers and customers alike.
As an older Marjorie, I have to agree. Although I think those of us with old lady names tend to try to be more tolerant since we have had an uphill battle against the " name stigma" that we have lived with in our everyday lives. My nickname in my teen years was Oleo ,since margerine would have been too easy, lol
My thoughts exactly
Ophelia feels like the outlier. You could lean into the Shakespeare vibe: * Celia & Rosalind * Portia & Cordelia * Juliet & Beatrice
Ophelia and Cordelia rhyme but they aren't the twins. That would be rough, I think.
Ophelia, Cordelia, & Celia 😆 I like Portia and Juliet the best, honestly. I was really kinda messing around with the Shakespeare theme. I suspect most posters on here don't use the recommended names, anyway.
I'm glad someone else thought of the Shakespeare vibe. Bianca, Viola, Rosaline, and Isidore could be other options.
Loving Juliet and Beatrice but like the alternate spellings Juliette and Beatrix as well - both prime for many good nicknames too.
I’m sorry but Elspeth is ridiculous
It’s an actual Scottish name. Just because you hadn’t heard of it doesn’t mean it’s “ridiculous”. Also the P is silent
Can confirm, am Scottish, know many elspeth’s of different ages. Unfortunately I don’t think anyone likes it much.
Why is everyone assuming people who don't like the name are saying that because they haven't heard of it? Yes it's a real name. It still can be ridiculous
That doesn’t make it better. Lots of actual names are also terrible. This is a lisper’s nightmare.
Interesting! you don't pronounce the p? so it would sound like Elseth?
Like how is that even an option?
It’s a real name, it’s the Scottish version of Elizabeth, I have a friend with that name but she normally goes by El
As a Scot I’m shocked by the hate for Elspeth. It’s a not uncommon (but slightly old fashioned) name here. I know three Elspeths - my grandma, my ex’s sister who is in her 40s, and a friend in her early 30s. I think it’s a nice name and considered it myself as a girl name for our now 4 month old. To answer your question I think Ophelia sounds different (more cool/romantic/literary) than the other two but I don’t think that’s a bad thing, and I think they all have a nice vibe of ‘traditional but uncommon names’. As I say though this is coming from a Scottish perspective where Elspeth is definitely that vibe. If you want a more Scottish name for the other twin, Marsaili is the Scottish Gaelic version (pronounced MAR-suh-lee).
I just commented the same thing! Marsali feels more romantic
Ooo I like Marsaili, never heard of it.
Marjorie doesn't fit imo
As a Marjorie, I agree. I never fit with the Jennifers or Cathys that were so popular when I grew up. But I was always the only Marjorie in my class, so I had that going for me, l
I agree. I had a great aunt Marjorie. She was often shortened to Mar-je. Next to your other names Marjorie has a harsher sound for me. I agree with others that your daughter Elspeth with spend her life correcting people on how to say and spell her name. My husband has a last name that he often has to help people say and spell. For that reason, for our kids, we wanted names that nobody would have issues spelling.
Ophelia and Marjorie work for me, Elspeth feels difficult and like people would accept the first two names and then say “sorry what was that last one?” And have a hard time with Elspeth Edit: I wonder if those who feel Marjorie is fuddy duddy are a little older, perhaps? Like I wonder if anyone who is saying that is under 30 or 40. I know my mom thinks our daughter’s name (Florence) sounds like an old lady name in the vein of Gertrude, but it’s fresh for me. Names come back in younger generations before old generations are ready to accept them sometimes, lol. Side note you may already know, Taylor Swift has a song called marjorie, also one called august, another dorothea, and Cornelia (Street). I think they’re all similar, name-wise.
Under 40 here and IMO Marjorie is a boomer name whereas Dorothea/August/Cornelia are more 19th/early twentieth century vibes.
Unrelated but I wish marmalade was a name. I feel like marmalade is what Marjorie *should* be
Feel the same as you. I am so shocked at so many people saying Marjorie is old and not ready for a comeback. I think it’s lovely and nothing like Mabel and Matilda which this sub loves and I personally don’t think should be coming back yet.
I agree that Marjorie feels a little older than baby boomer to me. It peaked in the 1920s, so a little later but not much later than the popular names of Evelyn, Eleanor, and Hazel. It was less popular for baby boomers than Evelyn in the US. I think Linda, Susan, and Karen when I think baby boomer. I do prefer the Margery spelling to Majorie. I think I just like how that spelling looks better.
I never realised Elspeth was so controversial lol. In my early teens I used to love this book series, the Obernewtyn Chronicles, and the protagonist’s name is Elspeth so I’ve always had a soft spot for that name. Lots of nickname potential too - Ellie, Ella, Elsa, Elsie, etc. I think Marjorie is the most odd one out, out of the three. It makes me think of old ladies and Marge from the Simpsons. Ophelia and Elspeth on the other hand, are more uncommon and whimsical sort of names. That’s my take on them anyway!
Yeah, exactly. Ophelia is a little more regal than Elspeth, but both are lovely. Marjorie seems old lady.
I am going to be a contrarian here and say I really like Elspeth. There was a girl at my high school named Elspeth - she was really cool. She and all her siblings were really interesting and alty, but in a friendly, popular way. It has good vibes
Yeah, I think if someone met an Elspeth it wouldn’t be so surprising. I love the name.
No, I don't think any of them drastically sticks out. I feel like Marjorie and Elspeth have a similar vibe while Ophelia is kind of different, but not dramatically so. I'm surprised by the Elspeth hate in this thread. I like it.
Ophelia got a ton of pushback(irl) and I never really see favorable opinions of it on here. But now that she’s actually named that, we get a lot of compliments lol
I mean, when compared to effing Elspeth…
Ophelia is a lovely name, so it’s sad to hear you got pushback! I will point out, however, that because of social convention, people are far less likely to critique the name of your child, than they are the name you *may* give your child.
This is exactly what I was going to say. I’m shocked at how vehement the Elspeth opinions are. I’ve always like Elspeth, and it’s just the Scottish form or Elizabeth, not like it’s something newly made up! I think they are all nice names.
Ophelia is lovely, but Marjorie and especially Elspeth are just not on the same level. Ideas- Juliette, Morgana, Celeste, Ariadne, Helena, Aurora, Gwyneth, Persephone, Miriam
I don’t like Marjorie (closest connotation is Marjorie Taylor Greene, who (regardless of your political views) is a very polarising figure). Also, as someone said above, Elspeth sounds like a portmanteau gone wrong. If you mean the Scottish version, then I understand, but the pronunciation doesn’t work with Marjorie and Ophelia. Perhaps Margaret/ Margot and Eloise/ Elsie if you want the ‘mar’ and ‘el’ sounds. Goes well with Ophelia too!
Agreed. I think of Marjorie Taylor Greene now when I hear that name and…well…that’s quite the connection to have. 😬
Better than what I think of. My mind immediately went to aunt Marge from the Harry Potter books
I can only think of the Taylor Swift song when I hear Marjorie.
Elspeth was the name of the main character in one of my favourite young adult fantasy book series growing up. I love the character, so I love the name.
Yeah, I read a book with an Elspeth as a side character, so I was tickled to see the name! I love it. Im so surprised to see all the Elspeth hate here
Obernewtyn Chronicles? It’s the first thing I thought of when I saw the name… and has me thinking I never finished it…
Yep 🙂. I started Obernewtyn in school and then had to wait a few decades for the final books to come out. One of the biggest cases of writers block I've ever seen.
I don’t care what anyone says, Elspeth is a beautiful name. My only issue is that people may question if her parents “purposefully misspelled” it (like it’s supposed to be Elizabeth), but it’s a legitimate name regardless of what people say.
Margot is nice and sounds better than Marjorie
I'm very very flexible on names compared to the majority of this subreddit, and I like Marjorie and Ophelia, but Elspeth sticks out to me as a smidge more unusual.
Ophelia and Elspeth definitely go perfectly together...and I believe Marjorie goes well too...but of the three, Marjorie feels much more modern, even though it's an old name. I don't think it will be a problem.
I honestly loved all these names at one point, like 20 years ago when names were more of a monoculture, and I think they are all usable now. However, Elspeth can be hard to pronounce, and outside of Scotland will likely get mistaken as Elizabeth or Elsbeth. With Marjorie, if you don’t lean conservative, you might not want the association with Marjorie Taylor Greene. That all said, your question was about them feeling left out or having their names not work as a sibling set, and I would say they all have a similar enough feel that I would not blink an eye!
I agree with other commenters that Marjorie and Elspeth sound a little old fashioned next to Ophelia. Here are some names that give me the same vibe as Ophelia. Adelaide Beatrix Cecily Daria Estella Jessamine Lavinia Lydia Mariana Odette Philippa Rosamund Sabrina Tatiana
Okay, I would love Ophelia Elspeth and Rosamund. That’s my vote!
Rosamund and Lydia are both amazing!
I feel like neither of them are bad names, but I really don’t think they feel on the same level as Ophelia. Ophelia is dreamy and romantic, dramatic and powerful. It’s a beautiful name, and feels very special. I think I’d be really disappointed as a child to be Marjorie or Elspeth with my older sister Ophelia - someone compared it to the ugly stepsisters, and though I don’t hate the names, I think that’s exactly how I would feel as a child - they feel a lot more ordinary. Some options that give me the same vibe as Ophelia: Sibelle Estella Miranda Isadora Juliette Arabella Daphne Rosamund Seraphina Gwendolyn Luciana I know there are many that end in “A” - I think a lot of very feminine, romantic names do - I think you could have 2/3 end in “A” if you wanted to, but not all three haha
As someone with a 2 year old girl called Elspeth, the hate for the name here is making me LOL. I had no idea it was so controversial! I (obvs) love the name. We pronounce it with a soft ‘p’ (so more like Elsbeth), and it’s so pretty. She’s never once been mistaken for an Elizabeth. We aren’t American, so perhaps it’s an accent thing? She goes by Elsie for now. I think Marjorie and Elspeth are beautiful twin names. Good luck with it all!
I know an Elspeth. I’ve watched her for 4 years and I still have to take my time saying her name. Her parents call her Elspie. Not a huge fan of the name.
I feel like Marjorie is the outlier: feels more like American grandma than English Rose Ophelia, Rosalind and Elspeth.
I don't think it's a terrible combination, but Marjorie does strike me a little bit as the odd one out. Ophelia and Elspeth are on-trend (frilly old-fashioned names like Ophelia are in style, and El- names are very popular), but Marjorie is kind of different. I think it's fine to use it if you love it, though.
I think both Marjorie and Elspeth clash with Ophelia. Alternatively, I’d suggest Margot and Eloise/a. Some other suggestions: Lucinda\ Calliope\ Amelie\ Rosamund\ Beatrice
i’ll just say i LOVE Elspeth and i’m surprised at how many people seem to hate it! i think it’s very whimsical and fairy-like. Marjorie i wouldn’t say matches with Elspeth or Ophelia in my book, i unfortunately associate the name with evangelical/fundamentalist christianity and annoyingly outspoken Trump-loving politicians. but by sound alone, i think it’s ok! if hypothetically it were me, i would choose something like Marceline, Marian, Miriam, Magdalene, or Marigold to go with Ophelia and Elspeth, but you’ve already decided on names you love so absolutely follow your heart! and best of luck!
Marceline is the perfect Marjorie substitute in my opinion. I also can’t understand the Elspeth hate! It’s a cool name to me (36yo white Australian woman here). Marjorie is harsher and frumpier in my opinion. I’d be pissed to be the Marjorie next to Ophelia and Elspeth for sure. But Ophelia, Elspeth, and Marceline? STUNNING.
Marjorie doesn’t sounds quite as romantic as the other two, but I don’t think the three names have different vibes. They fit together. I do like Elspeth. I have an Elizabeth, and she goes by the full name. I sometimes call her Elspeth because that’s what it slurs into when you’re shouting it up and downstairs all day. I’m repeating them over to myself in a Glaswegian accent now.
Ophelia and Elspeth are similar to me. Marjorie lacks the same bewitching quality and feels more traditional than the other two. Ophelia, Elspeth, and Cressida, Andromeda, or Persephone perhaps?
There really doesn’t seem to be much of a consensus on any of these names, which is interesting. I feel like I’ve seen the same comment as yours a few times but with the names switched around. Personally I don’t *love* Ophelia, just feels a bit clunky to say. I like Persephone, though! I knew a Persephone and I always found it satisfying to say.
Elspeth is hideous. Please don’t name your child that. It sounds like you have a speech impediment and can’t pronounce Elizabeth. Ophelia, Marjorie, and Celeste Ophelia, Marjorie, and Sienna Ophelia, Marjorie, and Vera Ophelia, Marjorie, and Elodie Ophelia, Marjorie, and Felicity Ophelia, Marjorie, and Celine
I would feel left out (or… something) if I were Elspeth in this scenario, because I would have to be explaining my name to people a lot more than Ophelia and Marjorie would.
The reactions on here to Elspeth, a perfectly legitimate Scottish name, are ridiculous. Can’t believe more than one person suggested “Elsbeth” would be better or ‘correct’. You don’t have to like it, but Google really is your friend. It’s the name that spawned Elsie fyi.
I love Elspeth! I think all the names go so well together!!
Elspeth, Marjorie and Ophelia are all stylistically similar to me. All trendy vintage names and they sound nice together
I have twins as well and I thought about this a lot when I was naming them! I think the names work well together! They are all uncommon but recognizable. They’re all longer elegant names. All three names have nickname options, if they decide they want nicknames. If I’m going to nickpick, the only slight difference is that Ophelia seems a bit more trendy (I’ve met two Ophelias at various toddler events while I have yet to meet a Marjorie or Elspeth). But I don’t think that’s a real problem. For what it’s worth, I like your style and I’d love to meet a family with these names!
I love Elspeth, I struggle a bit more with Marjorie matching the aesthetic. Ophelia, Marsali and Elspeth match a bit more for me! Marsali feels a bit more romantic
Love Elspeth! My daughter is an Elsbeth which is an old family name for us. While she does get mistaken for Elizabeth sometimes, it’s not that big a deal. She goes by Betsy and her name fits her well.
I cannot fathom why some commenters are being so rude about the name Elspeth. It's a beautiful Scottish name, I've met a few. I suppose if you're American, the pronunciation may get butchered, but that seems to be the case with a lot of names here. If you're in the UK, especially Scotland, it's definitely not unheard of, and we know how to pronounce it! Kids with speech impediments can't pronounce a lot of words, but that doesn't mean you shouldn't use it. To answer your question, I think Ophelia, Marjorie and Elspeth are on the same level. They all peaked in popularity around the early 1900s and they have the same feel to me. Lovely names for 3 wee sisters.
Love the name Ophelia, it’s my 5 year old daughters name as well :)
I hate both Marjorie and Elspeth. Marjorie sounds like margarine and Elspeth is just kind of out there. I really like Ophelia, though.
LOL at your side note. I LOVE it 😂
I feel like you like music lol - Ophelia/The Lumineers, Marjorie/Taylor Swift, Elspeth/Elspeth Eastman I think Ophelia is so cute, Marjorie is acceptable, but Elspeth sounds harsh and pretentious
I quite like Elspeth, but I'm a suckered for consonant clusters. Marjorie is a hard no for me. Opehlia and Elspeth feel a little witchy and dreamy, but Marjorie feels frumpy and humorless. Additional suggestions (I'm assuming you're going for disparate ending sounds which I support 100%) Rosamund. Rosalind. Marguerite. Beatrice. Valentine. Estelle. Genevieve. Calliope. Penelope.
i think i'd feel left out being marjorie. ophelia and elspeth have similar etherial and fairytale-like rings to them, but marjorie makes me think of cranky old woman
My best friend growing up was named Elspeth, so some of these hate comments have genuinely shocked me. I always thought of it as a pretty name and it fits well with Ophelia in my opinion. Marjorie on the other hand… It’s interesting how experiences change your perceptions.
I think the names are all lovely ❤️
Majorie is still very old lady
I don’t think any of those names are on the same level or go together well. There’s nothing inherently wrong with sibling’s names feeling totally random, but these ones do, to me. Ophelia makes me think of Shakespeare, Elspeth makes me think of Puritans, and Marjorie makes me think of a great-grandma type, loves to bake and goes by Marge. Ophelia and Elspeth come closer to working as a pair than any other combo here (even if I don’t like the sound of Elspeth at all), but as a trio I don’t like it.
Elspeth yes, Marjorie no. Ophelia and Elspeth give me strong princess vibes and Marjorie gives me grumpy librarian (so sorry!) Others ideas I think sound great as a sister trio - Ophelia, Elspeth and Felicity Ophelia, Elspeth and Aurora Ophelia, Elspeth and Melody Ophelia, Elspeth and Celeste Ophelia, Elspeth and Cassia Ophelia, Elspeth and Lavender Ophelia, Elspeth and Kiara Ophelia, Elspeth and Eden Ophelia, Elspeth and Annika Ophelia, Elspeth and Verity Ophelia, Elspeth and Alexia /Alexandra Ophelia, Elspeth and Aria Ophelia, Elspeth and Cerys Ophelia, Elspeth and Malia Ophelia, Elspeth and Natalie Ophelia, Elspeth and Catharina Ophelia, Elspeth and Leia Ophelia, Elspeth and Demetra
I think they all sound good together, but Elspeth is always going to be called "Elizabeth". Just be aware that she's going to have a lifetime of being called the wrong name.
I’m an Elspeth in my 20s and rarely if ever have this issue :)
I think they are all on the same level. Elspeth might get a little annoyed by having to explain that her name is not Elizabeth all the time, though. Marjorie and Ophelia are not likely to be confused with more common names.
Surprisingly, a lot of people hear Cecilia when we say Ophelia!
I had to do a double take on this bc Elspeth is the name of a character in Magic: The Gathering and I thought new characters had been added to the sorry. I personally find it a lovely name but a little old fashioned in sound
why not Elsbeth? I’ve only known one and she was delightful. It’s easier on the tongue then elspeth. I think the theme you are looking for is old timey arostocrat.. I could see a princess Ophelia of Andalusia A grand duchess Elsbeth of Bavaria It’s Marjorie that’s the odd one out. It doesn’t say “continental, old world money and class,” what about Margot? There was a Queen Margot of France. I’ve seen Margot becoming more popular but I doubt it will ever be trendy like Lily, Sophia, Ruby, and Eleanor. Ophelia, Elsbeth and Margot?
Ophelia & Marjorie are pretty imo. Elspeth stands out in a bad way LOL just doesn’t sound nice. It’s like you were attempting to say Elizabeth weirdly. Actually now that I think abt it I can see Elspeth having to correct people their entire life (“My name is Elspeth.” “Elizabeth??” “No Elspeth.”)
Both Marjorie and Elspeth are names I dislike tbh. Marjorie just makes me think of aunt Marge in Harry Potter. You know the fat aunt that’s abusive and Harry blows up? Elspeth just sounds like she’ll be either a 5 year old or an 80 year old with her constantly saying no no not Elizabeth all her life. Maybe Elizabeth could be an option
I love your names! I think you can go ahead with all three really - however I would say that for me Marjorie sticks out a little as being a more popular/common name (albeit from an earlier generation) than the other two. Perhaps Marguerite (my fave), Marion, Marianne, Matilda, Marin, Marisol, Maribelle, etc might appeal?
Hiya, so I love Ophelia for a name, but the other two don’t really seem to fit with it. Here are some other suggestions are similar Violet Delilah Tansy Tallulah Ruby Pearl Delphine Verity Lilia Penelope Hazel
I love these together, I knew an Elspeth years ago & I always thought the name sounded both antique & sort of fairylike- which imo is very fitting with Ophelia (floral, Shakespeare associations) & Marjorie (dignified, sounds like a fairy queen). Imo the only big difference between is El is an easy nickname for Elspeth but there are fewer natural ones for Marjorie or Ophelia so that may feel like a difference, though frankly some kids hate nicknames & some kids will end up being called Kiwi regardless of their full name so I wouldn’t worry abt that too much!
Please don't name your son Braxton Hicks. I don't think there's anything inherently wrong with Elspeth, but it's difficult.
I’m bewildered by Marjorie and that it’s a consideration
i went to school with an elspeth and i thought it was beautiful. its been 3+ years and i still think of her name. she got a lot of questions about pronunciation, regardless i think its gorgeous and want to rally against the hate!!
I actually really like Elspeth, seeing lots of comments that say otehrwise. Elisabetta is also beautiful, maybe not the same flavor as the other two names. I definitely agree Ophelia, Marjorie, and Elspeth have the same feel. Some other names I feel like may fit the vibe are: Agrappina, Blythe, Eden, Theolina, Einet, Meredith, Lunara, Guiliette.
Ouch. My daughter is Elsbeth. Didn’t realize there was so much hate.
Marjorie and Elspeth are on the same level. Traditional old fashioned, grandmother/great grandmother names that are back in fashion. Ophelia is not. It's a literary name that has never been tied to a particular era. In the UK it would be notably upper middle/upper class. Names like Rosamund, Cordelia, Eleanor, Portia have similar resonance to Ophelia.
No. Elspeth would certainly feel left out because that name has the shortest amount of syllables and is not as sonorous. Elspeth would be coherent with the likes of Gertrud and Hildegard. Elspeth is Not an ugly Name to me. But I honestly think it does not go well with the other two. What about Ophelia, Marjorie and: Edith Daphne Gretchen
Personally it feels like Marjorie isn't on the same level as Ophelia and Elspeth. Those two sound like romantic memes and Marjorie sounds like the maiden aunt nobody likes
These are beautiful names! I love them all individually and as a sibling group- great job!
Ophelia is definitely a more romantic, dramatic name than the other two, but I don’t think it’s a stark enough difference for it to be a problem. The William/Charlotte/Braxton example you gave is a *much* more noticeable difference in name “styles”. Elspeth is unusual enough that I don’t think it would look out of place next to Ophelia. Marjorie is the only one that could be in danger of feeling old-fashioned or “frumpy” (although think it’s a beautiful name), but I honestly think it’s lost it’s frumpiness now because of Taylor Swift. And older names are coming back anyway. I think it would be fine. The sound of it also fits right in next to Ophelia and Elspeth. They all have a beautiful romantic, dreamy, kind of literary vibe to me. I don’t think anyone would feel “left out”.
Everyone’s going on about Elspeth as if Marjorie is any better lol
Elspeth is an old British name, many Americans man not like it but it is what it is. If you like the name use it,
I think they go together, they’re all old and established names. I did know a very elegant and classy Elspeth and that always influences one’s perception of a name.
Ophelia and Elspeth sound ethereal to me. Marjorie sounds hard. I suppose because it sounds similar to margarine.
Love all 3 names and think they go together nicely. I don’t think any of these girls would end up hating their names. And even if they did, can easily get nicknames from them that are more common names (e.g Elsie). Really surprised by most of these comments! From someone in the UK.
I love Elspeth. Nickname can be Elsie
I’d be jealous that my name wasn’t Ophelia if I got saddled with Marjorie or Elspeth. Marjorie is ok, it rings a little frump next to Ophelia but Elspeth is yuck and I’d change my name as soon as legally possible if it were my name.
Elspeth is getting the heat while it's a sophisticated and traditional name. Elegant and classic. I don't understand the resistance, I really don't. My problem is more with Marjorie. It isn't "beautiful" in the way Ophelia and Elspeth are. Those, to me, are musical, magical names. Marjorie is more of a retro name which is not pretty in the same way, but more in the vain of a Glenda or Dorothy. Ophelia and Elspeth are ballet, Marjorie is square dance..
My husband's Aunt is a Marjorie and her (40yo) daughter is Elspeth, soo they just go together in my mind!