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Baby names

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

Original poster

Amira or Serena?

40 replies

Millie272020 · 09/05/2020 20:59

Which name do you prefer and why? Baby will have an Arab & English background :)

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marly11 · 09/05/2020 22:24

I think Serena, definitely.

The idea of serene is a good one, plus if and when she feels like she wants to 'fit in' with other children and not be different, it would fit the bill without being a very common name. It's memorable but doesn't immediately seem 'not English' or locate to a specific country or culture. (I have an an unusual but not odd name and am mixed race and as a child I remember strongly just wishing I could be the 'same' as my peers at certain ages.)

Original poster
Millie272020 · 09/05/2020 22:13

Serena is derived from Latin & means serene, tranquil and peaceful. Amira is Arabic for princess/ leader.

OP posts:
YoungBritishPissArtist · 09/05/2020 22:11

Is Serena Arabic?
I really love Amira, Mimi as a nn 😊

LotusClover · 09/05/2020 22:09

Love both, but I think I prefer Serena.

Whatsyourflava · 09/05/2020 22:04

Amira

Don't like the sound of Serena at all

Original poster
Millie272020 · 09/05/2020 22:02

Thank you all for your opinions, really appreciate it! The only thing that I am concerned about with Serena is that is sounds similar to Sirena... I read online that this has something to do with mythological mermaids that used to kill sailors? Quite a sinister story. It is slightly putting me off. Has anyone else heard of this?

OP posts:
Koddii · 09/05/2020 21:23

Amira because I like how it sounds.

Ellmau · 09/05/2020 21:21

Serena's lovely and feels a bit more neutral.

Amira is also a lovely name, but will always get assumptions about her background, which you may be fine with (it may even be a plus for you), but just as a point of info.

ArchbishopOfBanterbury · 09/05/2020 21:12

Serena - lovely name, and I know and like the meaning. Lots of nice options for shortening too.

I'm not sure what Amira means and the "Meer" sound is a bit harsh for th shortened version.

formerbabe · 09/05/2020 21:09

Both lovely...Serena would be my choice

Malysh · 09/05/2020 21:08

Also - assuming she'll live in the UK I'd go with the english name, so Serena.

But whichever you pick I'd give her a middle name for the other heritage. For instance, Serena Miryam Lastname or Serena Aisha Lastname.

Malysh · 09/05/2020 21:05

Well, Amira sounds arabic (princess, right ?) and Serena sounds english, so I guess it depends which background you want to honour the most.

Which one goes best with your family name ?

lucindalovescats · 09/05/2020 21:05

Both lovely names but personally prefer Serena.

123Dancewithme · 09/05/2020 21:02

Amira

Windyatthebeach · 09/05/2020 21:00

Amira. Nissan used to make a car called a Serena..
I had one!!

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