Beatrice shortened to Bea is rather sweet. Tabitha stands out as a strong, unforgettable name and Henrietta ( the shortened Etta for me preferable to Hetty) is lovely as well. I have always fancied the name Ophelia but perhaps a bit too much for some. Love Lilian and also Vivienne and Thalia. A friend named her daughter Nola shortened from Fionuala which I love. Bear in mind her surname but keep an open mind and go with your heart. Don't feel the need to please. Or do as I did and make a shortlist, wait until she is born and use none

I tried calling my children names you cannot shorten all lengthen, but they still do it.
My daughter is called Naomi which I thought would be impossible to shorten but people still shorten it to Omi, Noomi (little brother calls her this) Nom nom and even worse Na!!!! Honestly drives me nuts but daughter thinks it's funny and doesn't mind.

Henrietta not my choice Beatrice and Tabitha so-so

I'm amazed that some parents are surprised when their chosen names are shorted ... that's what happens!

I know of parents of Matthews that absolutely spit feathers when they are called "Matt", and who calls their schoolyard chums "Pandora" or "William" or "Nicholas"?

The only way to ensure this is to adopt a name that cannot be easily shortened "Jack" for instance or "Ruby","Zoe" (might become "Zo" though) "May or "Mya" etc.

As a side instance I always thought a parent who insisted on the full name of their child sounded a bit pompous ans over bearing like "Timothy" in Ronnie Corbets comedy series.
They will be called the long version only 5% of the time - and then only by their parents!

Beautiful names! Yes do consider the short version/nick names, and also if it works internationally. I'm Scandinavian and Fanny is a very common name, understandably not so great when you move to an English speaking country. We also giggle a bit at the name Pippa, which is a Swedish word for having sex. Also William is a bit funny with people in the playground shouting 'Willy' lots funny ones!

I like Lisa, Emma, Sarah etc..

I've only ever known one Henrietta - no one ever called her that, shortening it to "Henri". Which I think is not very ladylike… but useful to consider the shortened version.

Just not Mystique

Or Trany

Seriously

http://theshitastrophy.com/top-stupid-girls-names-2013/

Always such a personal decision. I'm not a massive fan of any of them but henrietta would be my favourite. Tabitha (tabby) obviously makes me think of a cat and Beatrice has Royal connections hence my first choice of henrietta!

... I can give you suggestions but mine will be less "English": Nina, Bianca...

Good luck - girls are so much fun!

Hi,
As a foreigner living in London, I just wanted to say that in today's day and age, growing up in cosmopolitan London, chances are your daughter might be working, travelling to other countries, or marry someone from another country! Imho it is good to choose a name that will sound good in foreign languages as well. On that criterion, Beatrice sounds good in many languages and you can shorten it easily, whilst Tabitha would be difficult and Henrietta would fall somewhere in the middle.

Good luck,
M

I have a Tabitha so I obviously adore the name. Yes she gets called Tabby but I like that. And its up to you how nicknames develop. If you only call her Tabitha then that is what she will be known as. It is still not a popular name which I also like! Good luck whatever name you choose!

Whatever you choose will be perfect and forever associated with the most beautiful girl you ever met.

Don't worry at all about others opinions. Choose whichever name you prefer. Your daughter will own her name entirely and as you watch her grow you will not be able to imagine her named anything else.

Good luck with your impending arrival xx

I like Tabitha and Beatrice, henrietta is pretty too but I'd be nervous of it being shortened to Henry as I remember happened to a girl at school. In the end it's a very personal decision though. You'll never find a name that everyone likes so in the end best to pick something that you're happy with yourself. I also like Martha and Georgia. Good luck! Lots of lovely girls names, boys are much harder I think!

Hi there
Harriet , Natalie , Chloe , Annabelle . All the best .

I think you have to think of nicknames when considering names, and so suddenly Tabitha, Henrietta and Beatrice can become Tabby, Hetty/Hen and Bea/Trixie.
Personally in order of preference I like Beatrice, Tabitha and Henrietta. Not crazy about Henrietta at all but think Hetty is quite cute. Tabitha has cat associations for me but this doesn't seem to deter people as plenty of people seem to use it these days. On a similar vein, Matilda is also nice.
Beatrice was on my list when I was pregnant. I love it.
Good luck. It's such an exciting time.

Hi there,

I'm expecting my first child and struggling with names! Will be a girl. I would love to hear thoughts on the below names, I know names are completely subjective and no offence will be taken with any comments! If you have any other suggestions would be lovely to hear them too - looking for elegant sounding names that won't date.

Tabitha, Henrietta, Beatrice

Thank you!