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Baby names

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

Original poster

Thoughts on the name Alena?

38 replies

GenerationYmember · 25/03/2017 08:10

Alena the only girls name I love that I can actually use.

However DH is not yet convinced (I am working on him!), he says she would have a lifetime of having it mispronounced and misspelt.

So MN jury what are your thoughts?

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CatSneezle · 31/03/2017 20:44

It's a really pretty name. The Alena I know prons it like Allen-uh. Or Alan-uh. (Not with any stress on the final 'a'. )

ClaryBeanHorshAndMe · 31/03/2017 15:58

I prefer Alina but Alena is really pretty as well.

I also like Erina (somewhat similar imo). If you like Elena but don't want to us it because of the 'el', do you like Helena?

AntiHop · 31/03/2017 02:20

I really like the name and your spelling of it.

Dixiestamp · 31/03/2017 02:11

I think it's pretty- as are all of the alternatives mentioned! Lots of scope with this name.

MrsCharlieD · 26/03/2017 10:12

We have chosen Elena if this one turns out to be a girl. Not as keen on alena, is it being pronounced Ah-lee-na or like Elena?

Joeybee · 26/03/2017 03:28

Your DH has a point. I looked at it and straight away wondered if it's pronounced 'A-Lay-Nah' or 'A-Leen-Ah'. It is a nice looking name, but I'd personally avoid any names where the poor child has to say and spell out it's name all the time

crapfatbanana · 25/03/2017 23:55

I like it and the other variations mentioned.

Xmasbaby11 · 25/03/2017 23:55

Not heard of the name or similar ones. I wouldn't know how to pronounce it.

OlennasWimple · 25/03/2017 23:52

I would do a little bow or curtsey, older, but Olenna doesn't do that for anyone Smile

olderthanyouthink · 25/03/2017 23:34

Olennas I wondered when you'd show up Smile

OlennasWimple · 25/03/2017 23:33

OlderThan - good point Grin

OP - you risk DD's name regularly being pronounced with an "El" start to it if you go with almost any variant of Alana / Alayna / Alina

user1490123259 · 25/03/2017 23:19

one of the uks most common names

olderthanyouthink · 25/03/2017 23:13

I like it, reminds me of Lady Olenna from game of thrones and I'd pronounce it a similar way.

Ilikedogs · 25/03/2017 23:01

I know an Alaina pronounced A-ley-na

Original poster
GenerationYmember · 25/03/2017 21:19

Cheers for the suggestions guys, I'm really not keen on Alana. And I do also like Elena but DSD name starts with El and I think that could get a tad confusing.

Just to clarify DH does like Alena but is not yet convinced on the pronunciation.

Hmm, I do like Aleyna..

OP posts:
BlackbirdSingsInTheDeadOfNight · 25/03/2017 20:43

I used to work with a Dutch Alina (pronounced Ah-lean-a). The rest of us struggled to pronounce her surname properly but her first name was always easy to pronounce and I don't recall anyone ever getting it wrong. Lovely name with either 'e' or 'i' spelling.

Bobbybobbins · 25/03/2017 20:30

I teach an Alena who is a delight and I really like the name. I also like Alina and Elena (not helping sorry)

Silvertap · 25/03/2017 20:29

I prefer pillars of the earth Aliena

OlennasWimple · 25/03/2017 20:27

I liked Elena until the Disney "Elena of Avalon" stuff came out.

I wouldn't give a child a name that would lead to a life time of correcting spelling and pronunciation. There are so many lovely names out there, why would you do that?

mrsBeverleygoldberg · 25/03/2017 20:24

I prefer Elena. I watch Fortitude and love the name. Eh-len-a.

Sophronia · 25/03/2017 20:24

Elena or Alana?

ChessieFL · 25/03/2017 20:18

I would say A-lean-a so I think your DH has a point!

thedragonflyinn · 25/03/2017 20:15

I know an Alayna which might suit better if you're worried about pronunciation.

lottieandmia · 25/03/2017 20:08

I like it. I also like Aleyna.

Sunshineandlaughter · 25/03/2017 20:07

I'd spell it Alina

I prefer Alannah

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