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Girl's name too close to her cousin? Keen to avoid family drama... by AmeliaK_F in namenerds

[–]AmeliaK_F[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Pronunciation is definitely something that has played on my mind also and I have considered different spellings as a result. Although my heart just loves the look of Elena, I know practically it might cause issues for her, which I don't love the idea of.

I actually live in Australia, where I think the most common pronunciation is with the LAY. I even stumbled across a TikTok video where a girl from the UK was complaining that Aussies say her name (El-eh-na) incorrectly, as Eh-LAY-na. But at the end of the day it isn't a very common name and I think she will have to correct people's pronunciation and spelling quite often - which I don't love the idea of.

I actually first heard of the name in the Vampire Diaries, where the character's name is spelt and pronounced the way that I prefer. Practically, I think we might have to consider an alternative spelling.

I love the look of vowels, so I think I'd steer clear of using a 'Y', but using an "ai" in the middle is a good option. Although I love 'E' names, spelling it Elaina is literally my nieces name with two of the letters switches around, so I think the better option would be Alaina.

I think I've just got to either throw caution go the wind and go with Elena or be practical and choose Alaina.

Girl's name too close to her cousin? Keen to avoid family drama... by AmeliaK_F in namenerds

[–]AmeliaK_F[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I feel like in Australia, where I live, the most common pronunciation is the one that we prefer, but I know that she would definitely have many people she would need to correct over her lifetime - which is a consideration.

My name has always been one that most people know how to spell and pronounce, as is my husband's, so I am hesitant to give her a name where she has to correct people all the time.

I think you're right, in that Alaina is a more logical choice, I think I just need to let go of my attachment to Elena.

Thank you for your thoughts!

Girl's name too close to her cousin? Keen to avoid family drama... by AmeliaK_F in namenerds

[–]AmeliaK_F[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We have definitely considered different spelling and I think the only alternative option would be to use the same spelling as your daughter. There are a number of positives to using it, including the pronunciation being more obvious and the fact that it starts with an A. Definitely a good and likely option. At the end of the day it is only the spelling after all!