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Baby names

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

Original poster

Alina or Amira?

39 replies

Millie272020 · 19/05/2020 09:31

Which name do you prefer & why? Thanks! :)

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Meredusoleil · 20/05/2020 19:02

Aline is the French equivalent of Alina. I personally think Alina works better in the UK.

Original poster
Millie272020 · 20/05/2020 18:49

Thank you so much everyone, very happy to see the positive response for both names! :)

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theseriousmoonlight · 20/05/2020 18:05

I taught the most wonderful Alina so I'm very biased.

I've only ever come across it once compared to quite a few variations of Amiras.

Both lovely names though.

Winkywoop · 20/05/2020 18:02

A friend of mine (Lebanese background, Muslim if that's relevant) called her daughter Aline (pronounced Alina with out the 'a' ending). I think it's a beautiful name and sounds 'stronger' than Alina.

My vote is Alina (but Aline even better), as it's less common than Amira and I prefer the N sound to R.

Both are lovely though!as is Aliya.

sawollya · 20/05/2020 17:59

Amira

I like lena though.
Alina sounds made up

ClementineTangerine · 20/05/2020 17:57

Both nice but I prefer Alina Smile

Meredusoleil · 20/05/2020 17:53

The girl I know called Aleena with that spelling has parents from Bangladesh!

Original poster
Millie272020 · 20/05/2020 17:12

I’ve noticed online that Alina is a name more linked to Russia & Eastern Europe, whereas Amira is linked to Arab backgrounds. considering the fact that we have an Arab background, would it be odd to choose the name Alina? Alina does also have an Arab meaning of delicate, soft/ beautiful but it is a very uncommon name in the Arab world.

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Kokeshi123 · 20/05/2020 14:21

Amira! Alina is just a bit bland, too similar to a lot of other names.
Amira is a nice distinctive name.

Original poster
Millie272020 · 20/05/2020 13:23

That’s interesting, I have heard that it is quite a multicultural name, I like that about Alina

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Meredusoleil · 20/05/2020 10:55

That's interesting! I have taught a Romanian girl called Alina funny enough.

Malysh · 20/05/2020 07:11

Alina may exist in the muslim culture but to me it sounds Russian. I'd imagine a russian girl if I heard the name.

I also prefer the meaning of Amira.

Ineedabreak19 · 20/05/2020 06:11

Alina as Amira is a very common name within Muslim/Arab circles. Alina is a little less popular so she's likely to be the only one or the one of a few called Alina.

OnABeachSomewhere · 20/05/2020 05:22

Alina

Original poster
Millie272020 · 20/05/2020 00:37

Thanks for explaining what comes to your mind with the meaning, I do agree that the princess meaning may raise eyebrows & create images of a spoilt little lady, I am hoping though that most people won’t associate amira with that image but there will always be a chance of that happening.

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123Dancewithme · 20/05/2020 00:07

I prefer Amira.

SnowdropFox · 19/05/2020 22:17

For me Princess conjures up a spoiled child who grows up not valuing anything. Perfect first born kind of attitude etc. Pink and girly.
For others Princess will be more of a cutesy, kind child.
Leader can be taken different ways as well but it just happens that personally it makes me think positive thoughts. Strong leader, good leader, knowledgeable leader.
Honestly, no one but you will think that deeply into your name choice irl.

emptyplinth · 19/05/2020 21:31

They're both very pretty.

SylvanianFrenemies · 19/05/2020 21:30

They are both lovely. I think I marginally prefer Amira.

MyBlueMoonbeam · 19/05/2020 21:29

I know an Amira - she's a delightful child so I'm biased - love the name 🙂

Original poster
Millie272020 · 19/05/2020 21:26

Why the princess meaning put you off? Does it have bad connotations? I was also a bit concerned about this. I do like the simplicity of Alina, whereas Amira is quite out there with the meaning.

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littlejalapeno · 19/05/2020 13:49

Alina is nice and more unusual than Amira. I also like the international appeal

SnowdropFox · 19/05/2020 12:47

The leader aspect is positive but princess puts me right off. Searches for Alina more came up with noble and bright, beautiful and honorable for me.
Do you have a middle name? That might help you choose if the meanings link? Or just if they flow.

Original poster
Millie272020 · 19/05/2020 12:33

Thank you! I do love the meaning of Amira but then I love how soft and flowy Alina sounds.. so confusing!

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Meredusoleil · 19/05/2020 11:58

In that case, even more so Amira. Leader: what a great meaning for a name to have!