Russian mother / American father in London are trying to come up with the most beautiful name in the world for their first daughter... (well, the mother is, whilst the father is happy with the veto right!) We also want something that can be easily pronounced and have positive connotations in both languages.
Alexandra is on the short list. I am thinking of using Olesya / Alesya / Lesya as a nickname. It is quite popular in Russia and Ukraine (spelt as Olesya, pronounced Alesya), but I am wondering whether in London it may be perceived as a trying-too-hard made-up name. I understand there is a similar-sounding Italian Alessia but it makes me think of the Alessi brand. We could stick to Alexia / Lexie which are pretty close to Alesya as well, but it doesn't sound quite right in Russian, and I don't want her to pronounce her name differently depending on the language she is speaking.
Sasha is, of course, another good nn for Alexandra, but it's the name of my godson who is my best friend's son, so it will be almost like having cousins with the same name.
Would welcome your views on Alesya - and any other alternatives!
Thanks