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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

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Original poster

Eleni prn Elaynee

31 replies

chickifizz100 · 23/04/2014 10:50

Hi guys, I really like the name Eleni rhymes with Delaney and not prn Ehlenee, which is the more common and correct way to pronounce. Could I get away with my preferred pronunciation? I did know a Greek Eleni with this prn who said it was easier for people to remember and say. Are there any other suggestions of spelling that wouldn't look too made up? Elvis Presley's daughter is called Elainee but that's too nick namey for me. I know some might wonder why I don't go for an easy to pronounce and read name but I really like the sound! Thanks guys. Opinions and suggestions needed!

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Choccyhobnob · 24/04/2014 13:56

I think Elaini looks ok! But if it was Eleni I might pronounce it Elainee anyway or at least wouldn't bat an eyelid if I pronounced it El-eh-nee and was corrected to El-ai-nee.

Nestabee · 24/04/2014 11:23

Eh-len-nee

FrankUnderwood · 23/04/2014 16:48

Elainey

bruffin · 23/04/2014 16:03

Having said that now doubtless all the Welsh Cypriot Elenis will jump out of the woodwork!

That's me, there are not many of us about. My godmother is Eleni pronounced Ehleni, but known as Helen

EyelinerQueen · 23/04/2014 15:57

Erm....

Elvis Presley's daughter is called Lisa Marie .

legalalien · 23/04/2014 15:55

I think this covers the bases...

www.behindthename.com/name/eleni/tree

Original poster

chickifizz100 · 23/04/2014 15:54

The science I do see where you are coming from and have my niggling doubts. however I only ask as a lot of people, some Greek, do prn the name this way.

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Original poster

chickifizz100 · 23/04/2014 15:39

There's Elaina...
Elaini? Mmmmmmhhh....

OP posts:

TheScience · 23/04/2014 15:39

No, I don't see where you're coming from tbh!

Either use a real name you like, or create a name with the exact pronunciation you like - choosing a real name but mispronouncing it seems really odd to me.

Any spelling of Elainee/Elaynee/Elaney is going to look made up because it is, but if that's the name you are set on, does it matter?

BrunoBrookesDinedAlone · 23/04/2014 15:31

Eleni is a Welsh word but it translates as 'this year' so, um, it's not really used as a name

Having said that now doubtless all the Welsh Cypriot Elenis will jump out of the woodwork!

Original poster

chickifizz100 · 23/04/2014 15:30

The science that's why I am asking for suggestions? A similar real name like Elena has only one letter difference which is Eleni. Same goes for Eleni, it only needs an E at the beginning. Do you see where I am coming from?

OP posts:

TheScience · 23/04/2014 14:44

If you love that pronunciation why not just spell it that way though? Or choose a similar real name like Elena or Leni?

I don't understand choosing a name a bit like the name you want and then pronouncing it differently, when you could just give your child the name you actually want.

Original poster

chickifizz100 · 23/04/2014 14:03

Thanks I heart! I like that there's some out there prn the way I like.

In theory I see what you're all saying about the cultural connection thing but I do so love the pronunciation and so far that's the closest real name that sounds that way. I suppose what it comes down to is do I live the name enough to brave it? I don't think it will cause many issues for dd, no more so than many other names out there but its been great hearing your views.

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UriGeller · 23/04/2014 12:40

Eleri is a similar name. Its welsh and I've heard it pronounced to rhyme with Celery and also with a long middle eee (both on Welsh people, by welsh people) there may be different acceptsble ways to pronounce a name.

Eleri means 'river' I think.

TheScience · 23/04/2014 12:23

Those are names that have become Anglicised though - Anthony probably isn't Greek but Antonios probably is. Helen probably isn't Greek but Eleni probably is.

Why do you want to use a Greek spelling but not a Greek pronounciation though?

MrsDmitriTippensKrushnic · 23/04/2014 12:22

Most Greek names used over here though are the anglo versions - in that case you'd use Helen rather than Eleni. Obviously you can use whatever names you like, but if you use the original people will assume you have some sort of Greek connection.

Original poster

chickifizz100 · 23/04/2014 12:19

For instance Phoebe and Sophie... i'm sure lots of girls with those names aren't Greek. do you think it would be different with Eleni because it's more unusual?

OP posts:

ouryve · 23/04/2014 12:18

TheScience · 23/04/2014 12:17

I don't think having a connection matters that much, but I would think it slightly odd if you chose a name from a particular culture and then deliberately mispronounced it.

IHeartKingThistle · 23/04/2014 12:16

I know one pronounced the way you want it - I thought it was Welsh. I was told once how to say it and then I knew. Not rocket science! I like it a lot OP.

Original poster

chickifizz100 · 23/04/2014 12:15

Thanks guys! Do you think having a connection to where a name comes from is important? That would be very restrictive and so many popular names are Greek but no one would bat an eyelid. Thoughts welcome

OP posts:

TheScience · 23/04/2014 12:11

How about the German name Leni? That is prounounced Laynee, which is closer to what you want?

TheScience · 23/04/2014 12:09

I've known a couple of Greek women with this name, and the pronounciation is closer to Eh-LEN-ee than Elaynee.

If you want people to say Elaynee then I would spell it like that.

Eleni is pretty much said as it is written.

SirChenjin · 23/04/2014 12:07

You can get away with spelling and pronouncing a name any way you want - but be prepared for a lifetime of correcting people.

SirChenjin is pronounced Sershenshin btw.

Youdontneedacriminallawyer · 23/04/2014 12:03

You, DD, and everyone else will forever be condemned to say "No, it's not Ehlenee, it's Elainee". If you dont mind that, and you don't mind people asking whether you have Greek connections, go for it.

I would have said Eh-LEN-ee. Shows what I know.

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