Katherine or Miriam?

iVillage Member
Registered: 01-03-2005
Katherine or Miriam?
16
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 12:54pm

So my husband and I have finally gotten things narrowed down to two names for our daughter due in August:

Katherine - This is the only name that was on both our lists. With this one I worry that it's a little TOO popular, especially with all the nicknames... Kate, Katie, etc. - there are so many little Katies running around. All in all, I love the name (and the nicknames) but I am not sure if Katherine is too "safe" and "boring" of a choice. While it is lovely, it's not particularly inspired.

Miriam - I've always loved this name, and my husband likes it too, but it's obviously much less popular. It's a classic name that isn't used much these days. It's a name with some cute nicknames - Miri, Mira, Mim, Mimi, etc. But I've heard a few comments about this name that it's too "old lady".

What do you guys think? Between the two, which would you choose and why?

Thanks!
Tiffany

tiffsig0320.jpg picture by tiffany98va


Pages

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2004
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 1:16pm
Both are absolutely beautiful and you can't' go wrong with either. ANd hte nn for both are absolutely sweet! I would probably chose Miriam, but that is cuz it is on my short (never to be used again :) ) list! Good luck to you!
iVillage Member
Registered: 02-09-2005
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 1:31pm

I don't think Miriam is too "old" sounding. I like both of these names a lot. In fact, I like them together...Miriam Katherine. (That way if SHE doesn't like her name when she gets older, she can go by Katherine-or have her pick of nick names).

Katherine is lovely, but it is fairly popular. If you went with that for a first name, I'd probably go with Erin for a nn.

Good luck deciding. IMO you really can't go wrong with either of these... or both!

-Pam

 

            

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-01-2003
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 1:34pm
No brainer---Katherine. It's timeless, feminine and doesn't sound too "cranky," like I think Miriam can.
Avatar for devonelisa
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 2:04pm

Easy, Miriam.

Photobucket
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-04-2003
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 3:09pm

Miriam, hands down. Miriam's just as elegant sounding as Katherine but hasn't had the runaway popularity of Katherine. Miriam's an easy choice!

Edited because proper nouns are capitalised!




Edited 5/15/2005 3:13 pm ET ET by momtokat
iVillage Member
Registered: 06-26-1999
Sun, 05-15-2005 - 11:36pm
Miriam! Katherine is lovely, but as you stated it is very popular. Miriam is beautiful & refreshing. I agree that the nns are nice too, & it is no more of an old lady name than Katherine is. There are plenty of old ladies called Katherine too. I don't understand why people say things like that. Miriam is definitly the best choice, imo. Hope this helps. :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 11-25-2004
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 9:41am
Oh, and one more thing (I posted earlier), in my opinion popular shmopular. If you like a name use it, it will be special for your daughter no matter if others share her name or not! :)
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 12:23pm

Hi and congrats!

While Katherine is a "safe" choice, Miriam perks the ears up! I've long suggested this name to people, but they rarely bite. What's funny is people don't dislike the name, they just end up choose something else--- usually Lydia, Naomi, Rebecca, Bethany, etc. Another interesting fact about the name is its Biblical significance. You don't have to be religious to appreciate Miriam's bravery and maternal sacrifice.

I would choose Miriam over Katherine for exactly the reasons you listed.

Any ideas on mn yet?

Take care, Ginger

iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 1:46pm
I'd go for Miriam Katherine personally...
iVillage Member
Registered: 04-18-2003
Mon, 05-16-2005 - 2:33pm
I would choose Miriam over Katherine becaues it's less popular.

Pages