Eleanor nn Norah

[zacattack1]

Myself and DH both love the name Eleanor for DD due in September. We would probably end up calling her Norah day to day which we both love too.
The trouble is, paired with our v common surname this makes her Norah Jones, like the singer.

Would you still use it? I don't feel like it's as bad as calling a son of ours Tom but do feel like people would still make the (not necessarily negative) connection.

Other suggestions are also welcome as we're struggling a bit!
Thanks

[Thurlow]

Yes, I would. You don't always have to introduce your child by the name you use at home. I often introduce DD by her full name, even though she is known 99% of the time by the common shortening.

[BothEndsBurning]

It's fine. There must be lots of people called Norah Jones. It's not hugely distinctive like say Bonnie Raitt or Gwen Stefani.

[villainousbroodmare]

I'd use it. It's a gorgeous name.

[Dixiebell]

Spell it Nora instead to make a slight difference?

[littlejohnnydory]

I've never heard of the singer but don't think she'll thank you for Eleanor / Norah confusion.

[OnGoldenPond]

I have an Eleanor but we have always called her Ellie. Not heard of using Norah as the shortened name.

Funnily enough, my mum is called Norah but hates it - there was a family tradition of always giving girls their mum's name. When DD was born the first thing DM said to me was "for God's sake don't name her after me!"

[Canyouforgiveher]

Eleanor is a lovely name and Norah is a lovely name. I would use one or the other. But that is me - I really don't get giving a child one name and calling her by another (mind you my older dd has managed to do this with her name despite my best efforts).

The Norah Jones thing wouldn't influence me in the least.

[zacattack1]

Thanks for all your responses guys, I think we'll definitely be having an Eleanor!

[YeOldTrout]

Where does the h come from? I never heard of Norah Jones so that's meaningless to me.

[zacattack1]

I've just always spelt Norah with a 'h' on the end, sorry

[CakeRattleandRoll]

I really like Nora(h) as shortening of Eleanor. There are so many Ellie names around that it makes a nice change. I do know who the singer is, but that wouldn't affect my decision - I doubt many of your DD's peers will have heard of her.

[reuset]

Never heard of Norah Jones. Why the 'h'?

Eleanor English pronunciation doesn't quite lend itself to the 'nor' sound for Nora (For that I'd go with Eleanora, or Honora). Though you can use whatever you please, it still vaguely works.

[MamaLazarou]

I think Nora for Eleanor sounds a bit contrived because not many people will pronounce the NOR bit of Eleanor.

I also think it's a bit weird to choose one name but use another - but that's just my own personal preference.

[MamaLazarou]

How about Leonora?

[Brummiegirl15]

Don't like Eleanor but I do love Norah - and I think with the h looks better

[zacattack1]

Leonora is actually my grandmother's middle name, given to her as a nod to her father Leonard so quite a family connection there. I'm just not sure if it's a bit old fashioned for us.

Other names that have been thrown into the mix today are Scarlett, Elsie and Cecilia (also a family name)

Never thought naming a baby could be so hard!

[reuset]

Scarlett and Elsie both nice, both also popular and on trend (if that bothers you). Elsie was one of the highest risers in the top 100 a couple of years ago, don't quote me on the year as I can't remember off hand.

Cecilia is great, also Cecily.

[mrstweefromtweesville]

Eleanor/Norah is a good choice. She might choose to be Ellie or Nell when she's older, and they're ok, too.
Cecilia Jones might work.
Leonora Jones doesn't sound right.
Not keen on Scarlett or Elsie. Scarlett makes me want to start a rhyme 'Scarlett Jones was blood and bones/Scarlett Jones was thin/Scarlett Jones was folded flat/ and stored in the bread bin.' Just came to mind, sorry.
Your original choice was best. Well done.