Maddie writes: We scrapped our entire list, decided we wouldn’t use an M or a J name … and then when she arrived, she simply looked like a Julia. I was reminded that choosing a name less tied to a decade mattered most, and we quickly agreed that Julia was the right choice for her. Thanks to everyone who helped us decide.
Name Help is a series at Appellation Mountain. Each week, one reader’s naming question is shared and discussed. We rely on thoughtful comments from the community to help expectant parents narrow their options. To have your question considered, email appmtn (at) gmail. If you’d like a private name help post, contact the site for details.
LOOKING FOR TIMELESS M and J NAMES (MAYBE)
Maddie writes:
We’re expecting our first child, a daughter.
My husband and I share very 1990s names—he’s Josh and I’m Madison, though I go by Maddie. We don’t dislike our names, but we’d like our child’s name to feel more timeless. We don’t want a name that announces her birth year or one that will be shared by half the class. Ideally it should be memorable without being outrageous.
So far we haven’t agreed on anything that truly fits that description.
Here is my husband’s list:
- Katherine
- Charlotte
- Audrey
- Marilyn
- Melanie
- Megan
- Elaine
Here is my list:
- Josephine
- Caroline
- Lucy
- Hannah
- Julia
- Maya
My husband also likes the idea of an M or J name because we both share initials with our fathers (Jim and Mike). I don’t object, but I don’t want to make the decision harder for the sake of matching initials.
A couple of other constraints: our last name sounds like a royal title, so names like May would create awkward combinations. I’m also wary of Josephine because her nickname Jo could create an unfortunate phrasing with our surname even if we didn’t plan to call her Jo. We also have a dog named Molly, so we already have an M name in the household.
Please read on for my response and feel free to leave thoughtful suggestions in the comments.
EVALUATING A (KINDA LONG) SHORT LIST
Abby replies:
Congratulations on your daughter!
Here’s the tricky part: the name you love and the name that fits how you want to be perceived aren’t always the same thing. With food or exercise we easily weigh benefits and trade-offs, but names are different—there’s no moral hierarchy. Choosing a name is more like deciding between a run and a yoga class: both are fine, with different pros and cons. The same is true for picking between Josephine and Melanie.
TIMELESS OR TRENDY?
Many parents want a name that feels timeless rather than trendy. A handful of girls’ names feel truly era-proof—Elizabeth, perhaps Katherine, Margaret, Anna or Anne. Most names, even classic ones, do cycle in and out of popularity. A name like Sarah might have been especially popular in the 1980s, but it doesn’t feel locked to that decade the same way some names do.
In short, you’re aiming for a name with classic qualities that still feels appropriate for a child born today. With that in mind, let’s look at the names you’ve listed together.
CURRENT SHORTLIST
MEGAN, MELANIE, MARILYN, ELAINE
These names were much more popular in past decades. Megan and Melanie read of the 1970s and 1980s; Elaine feels older, around mid-century, and Marilyn evokes earlier generations. They can certainly work in 2025, and some are even enjoying renewed interest, but they do carry generational associations that might not match your “timeless” goal.
HANNAH, AUDREY
Both are still widely used today and have been popular for some time. That longevity can make a name feel common—your daughter might share her name with peers and a young teacher alike. That may not bother you, but it’s worth considering.
CHARLOTTE
Charlotte is a clear classic and right now is very popular. It sits high on the charts and has been a Top Ten name for years. It’s lovely, but it’s likely to be a name other children will share in her generation.
MAYA
Maya has a modern-classic feel. It’s globally stylish and easy to wear, and it has been widely used only more recently. It fits your description of a timeless-yet-contemporary name, though it’s not one with centuries of use in English-speaking countries.
LUCY, JOSEPHINE
Both are traditional and have been gaining in use. Josephine is elegant and distinctive, but if the surname creates an awkward nickname sound, it may be a dealbreaker unless you’re certain you won’t use Jo. Lucy feels warm and timeless without being overly common at the highest ranks.
CAROLINE, JULIA
These feel genuinely timeless to me. Julia has history and modern appeal without ever feeling overused; Caroline is familiar and graceful without being trendy. Both have been borne by notable women across eras, which helps them avoid feeling tied to one decade.
KATHERINE
Katherine is as close to a classic as many names get, though spellings vary. It is widely perceived as enduring and adaptable—formal and strong, with many comfortable nicknames if you want them.
TOP SUGGESTIONS
Instead of offering a long new list, I’ll focus on a few standout choices, including favorites from your lists. You already have some excellent names here.
CAROLINE
Caroline and Charlotte are related historically, but they feel different today. Caroline sits at a comfortable popularity level—recognizable and elegant but not ubiquitous. It’s timeless, polished, and versatile.
JULIA
Julia spans centuries and styles, working well with both classic and modern middle names. It’s familiar without being overused, and it ages gracefully.
KATHERINE
Katherine is a steadfast classic. Different spellings exist, but the name carries a long history of use and conveys a sense of enduring refinement.
MARGOT
Margot is a chic alternative to more common classics. Originally a form of Margaret, it stands independently now and could give you the M initial if that’s important without feeling overly familiar.
MARIE
Marie is often thought of as a middle name, but it works beautifully as a first name. It’s simple, timeless, and currently underused, so it would feel both classic and fresh.
Of all these, I keep returning to Julia. It meets your desire for timelessness, has international familiarity, and gives you the J initial if you’d like to honor that family connection. Consider combinations like Julia Katherine, Julia Caroline, or Julia Elaine—using one of your husband’s middle-name preferences could be a way to blend both lists harmoniously.
I also like Margot Katherine or Marie Caroline as alternatives that balance tradition and individuality.
Readers, what timeless M or J names would you suggest for a daughter born today?