Can I use this as a girl's name?

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2003
Can I use this as a girl's name?
32
Fri, 02-06-2004 - 11:48pm
I am expecting my second child in July. We are not going to find out the sex of the baby. My husband and I both like the name Jonah Marie but are not sure if it sounds ok for a girl. If we have a boy we are planning on Nolan Ray, but we just aren't sure what to do if we have a girl. Do you think Jonah Marie would be a good name for a baby girl? All thoughts and opinions are welcome! Thank you! Alena & Brian

PS. My son's name is Lukas Seth.

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iVillage Member
Registered: 09-30-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 12:42am
I like unisex names but Jonah isn't something I think could go for a girl. If your wanting a unisex name her are some suggestions.

Tyler Grace

Logan Alizabeth

Riley Grace

Cameron Nicole

Alexa Kaitlin (nn Alex or Ali)

Peyton Marie

HTH,

Shelby

iVillage Member
Registered: 05-27-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 12:59am
I really can't see Jonah as a girl's name, sorry.

                       expectingbaby5.jpg

Avatar for masp
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-27-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 10:54am

I, too, am fine with unisex names but cannot seem to embrace Jonah for a girl.

Michelle 

    Graham May 1999, Lily P

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-29-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 12:09pm
I am going to play devil's advocate here. While unisex names are not really my thing, I don't understand why Jonah couldn't work for a girl. I understand the Biblical significance and that it is a traditionally male name, but the "ah" ending makes it sound VERY feminine to me. Also, Joan is a traditionally female name, and Jonah is feminine in sound. I really don't think that Jonah is any more or less feminine than names like Tyler, Jordan, Hunter, and Cameron.

And with the traditional mn Marie, I think Jonah Marie would be a nice choice if you are into really unisex names.

If you maybe want a more feminine name as formal name, but want your daughter to go by a unisex nn, you could always go with Joanna/Johanna, and call her Jo or Joey, which is cute. It's a less bold choice, but it could work!

Good luck.

Avatar for mommy_times_3
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-28-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 12:46pm
I don't like it, but I think it could be pulled off. You gotta figure that somebody out there was the first to name their girl Ashley. I think it's much easier to give a girl a masculine name, than the other way around. That's the type of name where I feel like if she's a really beautiful girl, it won't matter. But if she's not, it will be ripe for teasing. That's just my take...

Shannon

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-20-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 1:29pm
I have to say most of the unisex names people suggested are not my style AT ALL. I understand that Jonah is traditionally a boys name but I also agree that someone was the first to name their girl Ashley or Logan or whatever. Even though the majority of you disagreed I will probably still go with it. I think if Tyler can be considered a girl's name almost any boys name can. Thanks for all your replies. Alena
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-13-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 3:38pm
Eeeew! No! Sorry!
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-26-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 5:02pm
Maybe you could spell it "Joana", like Joan with an "a" at the end. That way it doesn't seem as much like the boy's name.
iVillage Member
Registered: 08-07-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 7:35pm
I guess you *could* but I kinda wish you *wouldn't.* I think it'll be confusing for people all her life. And Jonah is such a great *boys'* name, it'd be a shame to lose it to the girls. What about Jonna or Joana?

Leigh

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-15-2003
Sat, 02-07-2004 - 10:20pm
I think with all these names that parents are naming their children these days, the "girl" or "boy" names are no longer valid. I've met many many girls with "boy" names throughout my life, and some boys with "girl" names, but never thought twice about it. I think a person grows into their name anyway. I definitely agree that if a girl can have the name Tyler, Hunter, Michael, Bobby, Shaun, Brett, Austin, Kevin, Dylan, Devin, etc...then Jonah fits also. I think Jonah is more feminine sounding than some of those names I just listed (which are a few examples of girls I've met or have heard of). I have met a Jonah, but spelled Joana - the only problem is that sometimes people thought her name was joe-ana instead of joan-a.

If you and dh love Jonah Marie - I say go for it!

Good Luck!

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