A mother named Imogen Horton shared the unique name she chose for her second daughter, “Oriavella Lilac Horton,” inspired by personal symbolism and fond memories of her late uncle. Despite her heartfelt explanations on social media, she faced skepticism and jokes from followers, with many comparing the name to a cookie. Horton aimed to convey themes of light and beauty through the name, but the reaction overshadowed its intended significance.
Choosing a name for your child can be quite challenging, particularly when you aim for something distinctive and meaningful. Many parents browse through lists of names—whether they’re trendy, poetic, or gentle—in search of the perfect name for their little one. However, finding a name that pleases everyone is often easier said than done. This dilemma was recently highlighted by a mother on TikTok, who, after revealing her daughter’s unique name to her nearly 435,000 followers, faced a wave of mixed reactions.
Imogen Horton, who is already a mother to one daughter, recently shared the imaginative name she and her partner chose for their second child. In a video posted across her Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube channels, she elaborated on the origin of this original first name. To her surprise, the overall response wasn’t what she had anticipated; many commenters likened her daughter’s name to that of a well-known cookie.
A Unique Name Met with Doubt
In her videos, the dedicated mom revealed the personal story behind her choice of name for her daughter: Oriavella Lilac Horton. This name, rich in symbolism and entirely created by the mother, was explained in detail as she shared her thought process: ‘Ori means “my light.” I found out I was pregnant five days after losing my Uncle Ray. Our daughter brought such brightness during those dark times. After Ray’s passing, we kept discovering white feathers in our car and home. Ray, known for his extraordinary white hair, loved birds… We wanted a name that reflected those beautiful white feathers, so we opted for “my light.”‘ Thus, the name serves as a heartfelt tribute to her beloved uncle.
She further explains the components of the name: “Oria” symbolizes “golden” and relates to her eldest daughter, while “Vella” signifies “beauty.” Despite her thorough explanations, including a YouTube video clarifying the name’s pronunciation, Imogen encountered disbelief and skepticism from some followers. Comments such as “Did you say Oreo Bella Lila Horton?” and “I thought you named your daughter after a cookie!” overshadowed the meaningful sentiment attached to the name.
A Name That Shines Brightly
This unconventional name references light and positivity. For those who appreciate clear and luminous names, the feminine name Nour may be an excellent choice, particularly if you’re seeking an Oriental name. Popular in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, its timeless and concise nature makes it rare in France—a perfect choice for those wanting to stand out from common trends.
For a feminine name with Slavic roots, Svetlana also brings to mind brightness and clarity. In France, it remains uncommon, with only 911 Svetlanas recorded, and just 7 births in 2021. For alternatives, the Bulgarian variants Svetlina and Svetli for boys are equally charming.