That's what I'm thinking -- either a popular name when she would have been born, or a crappy name she hates and uses a nickname based on her last name (or something) instead.

I'm thinking maybe something like Melissa but she goes by Mel, or similar.

But I don't know! Wren came out of nowhere, and it worked! Argh.

Madison, goes by Mad? I love this game.

OH MY GOD, I think that might be it. For real. That suits her to a fucking tee.

JESSE FOR THE WIN! (I think. Pretty sure. Like, 98% sure!)

Woot!

Is Donna too old fashioned? Like she was named for a relative?

The sound of Donna isn't strong enough for what I want. (The actual sound, not the connotation -- the short vowel, the n sound, the second short vowel.)

I've pretty much decided to go with Jesse's suggestion

Madison/Mad does have a strong sound. Is her middle name "Dolly"?, in case you want to have a moment of cute.

drabble:

Today would have been my grandmother's 24th birthday.

We had a routine. In common years, I'd call to wish her “Happy Birthday!” on February 28th, and she would reply, “Oh, no, it's not my birthday yet.” When I wished her “Happy Birthday!” on March 1st, she would say, “Thanks, but you missed it.” Only on leap years would there be an actual celebration with cake and candles. She liked it that way.

So here's to you, grandma Hilda. I'm sorry you're not around to enjoy birthdays and un-birthdays anymore, but I'll celebrate them for you nonetheless.

Wren came out of nowhere, and it worked!

Wren has been my D&D character's name for ever, so I was amused.

That's pretty cool!

Hey, Gud, and anyone ready to query agents, did you know about Query Tracker? It's free and looks pretty comprehensive.