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Baby names

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Original poster

Our favourite name as a horrid connotation - can't think of another. Help!

84 replies

Flowerface · 15/03/2012 09:01

For ages I thought that I would call a second DD Milena, after Milena Jesenska. We both love it. But it turns out that there is a poo-related medical condition called 'Malena' (SP?) which will be everyone's first thought when they hear the name.

Basically, I can't find another name we both like. We would like something reasonably short and uncomplicated, but slightly unusual, and it can't begin with 'F'. Our DD is called Elsa. Any suggestions?

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Minty82 · 16/03/2012 12:20

Oh how annoying - I've never heard of it, but can understand that you wouldn't want anyone making the association. You could have Margaux instead of Margot to avoid the maggots?! Or Marina? Love Mireille too, as mentioned upthread, but might be a bit odd assuming you're not French...

ripsishere · 16/03/2012 10:34

Me too, black sticky smelly poo is what the name brings to mind.
How about Michaela or Marlena or Margeux, or Magali or.............

missingmymarbles · 16/03/2012 10:28

i'm with daintynuts on this one, but i am a nurse too, so would always think of bloody poo when i heard it! soupdragon's suggestion, mila, is lovely Smile

missingmymarbles · 16/03/2012 10:27

i'm with daintynuts on this one, but i am a nurse too, so would always think of bloody poo when i heard it! soupdragon's suggestion, mila, is lovely Smile

Spink · 16/03/2012 09:58

Or Milenka ..

Spink · 16/03/2012 09:57

You could go for Malinka which has a similar sound but with the k is perhaps different enough from the poo condition?

SoupDragon · 16/03/2012 09:47

I worked with a Malinee and know several girls called Mila (produced Meela in their case)

Ilovedaintynuts · 16/03/2012 09:38

I know a Milena and truthfully most people snigger about the name.
I'm a nurse though. I have introduced her before and seen people make a face and think they have misheard.

I wouldn't. If she wants a career in a health related field she is at a distinct disadvantage Grin

TinkerMaloo · 16/03/2012 09:32

never heard of the poo condition here!...

submarine · 16/03/2012 09:23

I work in the medical profession and when i read the start of your post and your name , the connotoation did not occur to me at all.

Go for it, if its the name you like

Original poster
Flowerface · 16/03/2012 08:33

I thought about Margot, but I am still reminded of the Good Life. Also, the anxiety that people won't be able to pronounce that either. Or will call her 'maggot' as a 'hilarious' nickname.

OP posts:
poppy283 · 16/03/2012 07:12

How about Margot?

mimimomma · 16/03/2012 05:03

Yep, I'm a nurse and would want to change my name if it was Milena, sorry that your favourite name has been spoilt. How about;
Lana
Leela
Lena
Milla
Good luck!

AnnaFender · 15/03/2012 21:11

I am glad I found out about the poo association, though - frankly anyone thinking "hmm, tarry faeces" when introduced to my child is one person too many!!

I agree with this completely Flowerface! Name would be ruined for me too. Not many people in the school yard might know the condition but imagine if she was a doctor or nurse in the future and had to use the term on a regular basis!

oikopolis · 15/03/2012 19:23

...well.
I won't lie to you, I do know a girl called Mireille and no, no-one outside of France or Canada can pronounce it.

Which is sad because it's lovely isn't it! It depends on your circle of acquaintance really. Some people will pick it up instantly and love it, others might wrinkle their nose and never "get" it.

Original poster
Flowerface · 15/03/2012 19:05

Mireille is very nice. Will anyone know how to pronounce it?!

We don't have Slavic heritage, we just liked it.

OP posts:
oikopolis · 15/03/2012 16:29

If you have Slavic heritage I would just use it! Not many people would know about that condition. If it sounded like a condition that's commonly talked about in GCSE Biology or something, that would be different.

What about just Mila, if you still can't manage Milena.

Mireille (mee-ray) is also a good alternative.

Original poster
Flowerface · 15/03/2012 15:02

I think the poo has ruined it for me, even if other people didn't notice...

Thanks for other suggestions, I will let them ferment in my brain. I do like Cleo. Also Julia, but not sure whether I can use that for complicated family politics reasons.

I am glad I found out about the poo association, though - frankly anyone thinking "hmm, tarry faeces" when introduced to my child is one person too many!!

OP posts:
MeeWhoo · 15/03/2012 14:32

If you like Milena you might like Mireia (catalan name)

PurplePidjin · 15/03/2012 13:55

Malika?

CecilyP · 15/03/2012 13:51

I have never heard of the medical condition, so certainly not my first thought. I would be more inclined to think of east European links as this name is fairly popular there.

swlmum · 15/03/2012 13:49

I know a Milena - she is Serbian. I like it. Never heard of the medical condition either!

rachel234 · 15/03/2012 13:45

I really like Milena and would never ever associate it with poo! Lovely name!

AKMD · 15/03/2012 13:18

Never heard of it but it sounds like the name is spoiled for you now. How about Elena?

birdofthenorth · 15/03/2012 13:15

Never heard of the poo thing.