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Baby names

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

Elena or Elaina?

37 replies

Raines100 · 11/03/2015 14:24

We've just found out we're expecting a girl, and so we can finally use the girl's name we've had in mind for years. She will be Elena, pronounced the Spanish way, 'El-ay-na'. I'm concerned that, with this spelling, everyone will call her Eleanor or Ellen-ah (the Italian pronunciation). 'Elaina' should set the record straight... but will everybody think I can't spell? Confused

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Penguinotterfoxbadger · 11/03/2015 17:41

Elena

Didiusfalco · 11/03/2015 16:23

Elena. The other option looks like you've spelt it wrong.

Tambaboy · 11/03/2015 16:22

Elena is not pronounced El-ay-na in Spanish, btw and I always correct my DH when he says it incorrectly. To be honest there isn't much difference between the Italian and Spanish pronunciation.

Sophronia · 11/03/2015 16:19

Elena

MB34 · 11/03/2015 16:01

I liked Elena, the way you pronounce it, when we were choosing names (before we knew they were boys). But as you said, I was worried about other people pronouncing it wrong, so I would have spelt it either Eleyna or Eleina.
Sorry, that was probably unhelpful!

loveliesbleeding1 · 11/03/2015 15:36

I went to school with an Elena, and tbh she was called eleanor a few times until the teacher was corrected, it is a beautiful name.

roastpots · 11/03/2015 15:34

Elena

TheGirlOnTheLanding · 11/03/2015 15:33

Elena.

Kampeki · 11/03/2015 15:11

Don't like Elaina. However, I'm afraid I would pronounce Elena the Italian way.

fattymcfatfat · 11/03/2015 15:10

elena.

squoosh · 11/03/2015 15:08

Elena.

Erase thoughts of Elaina from your mind.

xiaozhu · 11/03/2015 14:28

Elena. So elegant. Elaina just makes me think of 'Elaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaine' in a very East Enders accent.

You'll just have to correct people if they get it wrong. Although my name is pronounced incorrectly EVERY time and I've given up correcting people. Don't care.