Demelza -- I've adored the name ever since seeing the Poldark series on PBS (BBC) in the 1970's. The character of
Demelza in the TV series perfectly suits the sounds of the name: energetic, quirky and fun.
Ada -- I fell in love with
Ada watching an old British black and white film from the 1950's, "Hobson's Choice." There is a very minor character in the Victorian comedy named
Ada. But it just leapt out at me. I love the sound of it, and the nostalgic feeling I get. Someone on these boards pointed out one thing that has stuck with me. Never use
Ada as a mn; it sounds like "ate a."
Sophie Ada sounds like "
Sophie ate a." If the surname is a noun the whole thing could get really comical.
Ada is a nice alternative to ubiquitous
Ava.
Cecilia -- I should like
Cecilia. It's classic, has a connection to ancient Rome, is very feminine. But it always strikes me as prissy sounding. I much prefer variant
Cecily or unrelated
Celia.