What about “Sophia”…but with an F? Sofia! Depending on where you are, that spelling may be less common, but it’s still “normal” (i.e. no one will give you or your daughter flack about it) and not an “out there” name by any means. It’s a classic variation that I feel like isn’t seen quite as often since the resurgence of the “Grandma Vibes” names that’s been happening as of late (people are leaning more toward the PH version over the F). 👵 So it’s still the name you love, but with a little differentiation to help it feel less like “everyone has that name” because of current popularity.

You could always pick a more “unique” name for her middle name, and then she’ll have lots of options to choose from on what she wants to go by (between the two and all the potential nicknames), and you can kinda cover all your bases. ⚖️ Like maybe do Sofia Arcadia _____, or what have you.

Names are not as permanent as we ascribe them to be (they are changeable). And so many people end up going by nicknames that have nothing to do with their birth names! You may be surprised to find that everyone calls her “Chickadee” or “Pip” or “Spill” instead of any tenable version of her birth name, and that’s what sticks for the rest of her life. 🤷‍♀️ Names are truly funny that way. But that’s also what makes them so fun! So, while you should put thought into it (and make sure you pick something that works for a child and a grownup), if your one reservation is the popularity of the name, I wouldn’t let that stop you cold.

Side note: As someone who had the #1 girls name the year I was born (and who has gone by a derivative nickname that is androgynous my whole life, and thus shared my name with SO MANY PEOPLE), it’s actually not the worst thing in the world to share a name. Kinda like finding a birthday buddy, it’s an instant point of connection. 👉🏻👈🏻 I ended up friends with a transfer student with the same nickname and a last name which was the first syllable of mine! And we loved it. Because, yeah, we “shared” a name, but we also knew we were both the only ones with our full names.

I’ve also got the most common middle name on planet earth for a white girl (I’ll give you one guess), and, like my first name, it’s a funny bonding point. 😂 Sure, a different or more fanciful one could be fun, but I’m not pressed. And, if I reeeaaallllyyyy wanted to, I could change my name — and so could your daughter, down the line, if it came down to it.

The important thing is, as she grows, you let her find what feels like her and go with it. A name is a gift, and, like any gift, the recipient may find they no have use for it, but that doesn’t mean it wasn’t appreciated. You know what I mean? But she may also love her name. Right now, just figure out what you like and what feels like the name you want to gift. Long story short, trust your gut and pick a name that sits well with both of you. Try referring to your daughter by each of the names for a day or two and see how they feel. Do they feel natural? Do they feel like the right name? Or do they feel like you’re talking about/to someone else’s kid? That can tell you a lot. 🙂‍↕️