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Baby names

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

Original poster

Elena, Isabela, Oksana Milena?

44 replies

NadineKm · 04/01/2020 00:18

1st DD, due in May, DP is eastern European and we wanted a name which goes with her Eastern European surname but isn't completely foreign to English as we live in Wales (she'll have a Welsh middle name. We got it down to Elena, Isabela, Oksana and Milena but can't make up our minds! Any advice would be gratefully appreciated!

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GRW · 04/01/2020 11:42

The child I know called Milena pronounces is Milenna so not the same as melaena the word for bloody stool. I like Elena and Milena.

BikeRunSki · 04/01/2020 11:32

For adaptability across several languages, in terms of spelling and pronounciation, Elena is probably the simplest.

user1493494961 · 04/01/2020 11:28

Dislike Oksana, sounds very harsh, the others are very nice, especially Elena and Isabela.

Ellmau · 04/01/2020 10:31

Isabela is lovely but I think she will have trouble with people spelling it with two ls.

Elena or Milena are both nice.

Frazzled2207 · 04/01/2020 09:08

Elena is the best of your list. Works in Welsh language too (Oksana would not as no
K in welsh)

mumsiedarlingrevolta · 04/01/2020 08:58

I am going against the grain here-I really don't like Oksana-sounds very harsh to me and the Ox teasing would be inevitable.

Elena lovely and very adaptable as is Isabela.

Also like pp suggestion of Anya

Soawesome · 04/01/2020 08:58

Sounds not sings!

Soawesome · 04/01/2020 08:58

Milena is always difficult for anyone medical as melaena (said the same way) is a type of bloody stool.
I'm not keen on Oksana which slings a little harsh.
Elena and Isabela are nice but if course they are very popular.

TatianaLarina · 04/01/2020 08:56

Oksana is gorgeous.

LadyGAgain · 04/01/2020 08:31

Anya?

MopsRUs · 04/01/2020 08:30

Oksana reminds me of an ox.

I like the other three.

Peachbubble · 04/01/2020 08:01

Definitely Oksana, beautiful name.

CheeseNOnionPasty · 04/01/2020 05:01

Oksana is beautiful - classy, easy to pronounce for British people, but with a good nod to your DH’s heritage. I also like Milena.

The other two are a bit boring.

Astronica · 04/01/2020 04:58

Oksana is my favourite - beautiful! I feel the others are a bit bland in comparison, but 2nd choice Isabela.

OwlBeThere · 04/01/2020 03:35

I agree that Elena also has a welshy vibe being somewhat similar to feel to Elen/Elin. Very pretty too. I like Milena (I assume it’s mil-AY-na?) a lot too. But I don’t dislike any of them

Cleoscats · 04/01/2020 00:28

The first two are rather common which isn’t a bad thing as I can see why they are. I love Oksana. Easy to say ( I assume it’s phonetic) & Unusual. Smile

happycamper11 · 04/01/2020 00:27

I really dislike oksana, sounds so harsh. Love any of the others

L0bstersLass · 04/01/2020 00:24

I like the first 3. Oksana is my favourite of them.

daisydalrymple · 04/01/2020 00:23

Absolutely love Elena and think that works well to go with a welsh name. Which welsh name is the middle name to be?

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