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Original poster

Elena vs Eleni

33 replies

lucieloos · 27/02/2017 07:50

Which is nicest? There are so many pronunciations of Elena it worries me a little.

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Rockaby · 01/03/2017 11:52

YY essential, I imagine all the Isabelle / Isobel / Isabels will have the same problem!

EssentialHummus · 01/03/2017 11:04

I have a really common name for my age group and I always, always get asked how I spell it if it is being written down.

Yep. My name is the equivalent of Amy and I get Aimee, Ammy, Ami, etc...

Rockaby · 01/03/2017 09:53

There are so many names that you have to spell I don't really think that's a major consideration

YY! "Dooming" indeed Hmm. I have a really common name for my age group and I always, always get asked how I spell it if it is being written down.

It's been a terrible struggle, but somehow I've managed to find the strength to get over it... sniff.

Original poster
lucieloos · 01/03/2017 09:07

There are so many names that you have to spell I don't really think that's a major consideration. I used to have to spell my maiden name before I got married and yes it's a minor inconvenience but not a big deal so that doesn't really bother us. We wouldn't choose a boring name we weren't so keen on just because it was easier to spell.

OP posts:
buckingfrolicks · 01/03/2017 08:23

you are dooming your child to a lifetime of having to spell their name out

FartnissEverbeans · 01/03/2017 08:22

Eleni is gorgeous. Elena is also nice but less interesting

Original poster
lucieloos · 01/03/2017 07:56

Looks like Eleni is the favourite. It's definitely at the top of our list at the moment.

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Dixiestamp · 01/03/2017 00:44

Ooh, Eleni was on our list- lovely name!

Sophronia · 27/02/2017 23:01

Eleni

MSGwtaf · 27/02/2017 15:54

I know 2 Eleni's.
One is Greek and pronunciation is Eh-len-ee the other is Turkish and it is Eh-Lay-Nee.
I think Eleni with the first pronunciation is beautiful

theothercatpurred · 27/02/2017 14:48

I think it's fine!

Loads of people are calling their DDs Astrid or Freya at the moment, with no Scandinavian - or Norse! - connections. Also Elodie is becoming popular, and that's French.

Most people won't instantly know Eleri is Greek, specifically IMO, it's just a nice sounding name. Also because names starting El were incredibly popular a few years back (lots of names you could NN to Ellie basically) it doesn't sound totally unfamiliar IYSWIM.

FWIW my English uncle was called a Greek name that no one non-Greek used, 70-odd years ago, it's now a top 40 name in the UK, little versions of his name are everywhere!

Original poster
lucieloos · 27/02/2017 13:28

I do really like Eleni but is it too Greek sounding for somebody living in the uk with no Greek connections?

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theothercatpurred · 27/02/2017 11:43

Eleni is beautiful. I don't normally compliment people on their names but when I met an Eleni a few years back I did.

minipie · 27/02/2017 11:41

Eleni! Lovely name, I know a little one (she is half greek I think)

I think there will be spelling or pronunciation issues with either tbh. If you use Elena she will get people spelling it Eleanor. At least Eleni is more unusual so people might actually ask how to spell it!

Original poster
lucieloos · 27/02/2017 11:40

Thanks confused, that's the way I like Elena said. I suppose once people get used to the way you pronounce it then it's fine.

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confusedandemployed · 27/02/2017 11:22

Ell-ENN-eeeh- bloody autocorrect!

confusedandemployed · 27/02/2017 11:22

lucieloos Elena would be pronounced Ell-ENN-ah with the stress on the second syllable. Eleni is pronounced Ell-ENN-every but isn't used as a name, as i said.

Original poster
lucieloos · 27/02/2017 11:00

I think Eleni is pretty but do wonder if it is too Greek. Also I think it could quite easily be misheard for Lenny on the telephone etc?

I know Elena is normally pronounced Eh-Lay-Na but I quite like El-En-ah. Do you think this is ok?

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AuntieStella · 27/02/2017 09:22

The only Eleni I know is Greek. I think it's a lovely name

GraciesMansion · 27/02/2017 09:21

Eleni. My dd has a friend called Eleni and she's never had any problems with people mispronouncing it.

Sugarpiehoneyeye · 27/02/2017 09:19

Eleni is beautiful !

EssentialHummus · 27/02/2017 08:29

I prefer Eleni, but would name Elena with "Leni" as a nn (after the one Eleni I know).

gtyrfctsrght · 27/02/2017 08:26

Elena

Names ending in i just say try hard to me

Original poster
lucieloos · 27/02/2017 08:25

Confused, how is it pronounced in Wales?

OP posts:
NormaSmuff · 27/02/2017 08:17

I like Heleena

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