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Baby names

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

Original poster

Which name do you like most?

39 replies

sh102 · 27/07/2020 20:32

I'm 39 weeks and I still haven't decided on a name yet, we have a shortlist and I thought I would post it here to see what people think. We're mostly looking at arabic names

Layla/Leila
Lila
Amara
Ava
Nahla

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MikeUniformMike · 28/07/2020 18:01

Thanks, OP.
I have no idea what is trendy and dated, but names I like include Halla and Nuur, which can also be a man's name.

I would avoid Layla/Leila and Lila, because they are overused.
Amara is likely to disappear into all the other A names that are vowel-heavy.
Ava -I don't like or Eva, overused and make me think of Eva Braun
Nahla - it doesn't look or sound pretty.

I'd go for a name that has a stronger sound.

I would run your final shortlist past some genuinely arabic people to see if it is suitable. Name websites often have some rather inaccurate or unsuitable suggestions.

I'd also consider the surname, because most people get called by firstname surname. A very arabic full name might be a pain to live with - people assuming she speaks Arabic etc.

Greentea93 · 28/07/2020 16:32

Nahla

I know quite a few Amaras not keen on it but do like Mara

Bearcub01 · 28/07/2020 16:26

Amara is cute.

Nala is my dogs name. I love it, but for a pet.

Whatsyourflava · 28/07/2020 15:19

Amara!

How about Delilah with nn Lila

Movinghouseatlast · 28/07/2020 13:52

Ava is a lovely name.

Original poster
sh102 · 28/07/2020 13:51

I'm looking at arabic names because both me and DP are part arab so it would be nice to use

OP posts:
17caterpillars1mouse · 28/07/2020 13:26

I like Ava and Nahla best. Not a fan of L names and not keen on Amara sorry

MikeUniformMike · 28/07/2020 13:13

Is there any reason why you are looking at arabic names?

Layla/Leila - It's Laila in arabic.
Lila - see above.
Amara - ok, but Tamara is nicer
Ava - dislike it. It is so boring.
Nahla. - don't like it

Jojo19834 · 28/07/2020 07:56

I love Amara, was very high up my list, slightly wish I’d gone with it now seeing the responses!

Peachbubble · 28/07/2020 07:51

Lila or Amara, but I quite like Nahla too.

pilates · 28/07/2020 06:49

Ava

Doubtingmustafa · 28/07/2020 06:40

Lana is Arabic, it means soft and tender...
And Ava is also Persian

MrsGilly1 · 28/07/2020 06:02

@NameChange84

Where did she mention LANA?

It’s not even an Arabic name! Confused

I know she didn't mention it I was merely saying a suggestion and what I prefer over Layla etc.

Ava isn't Arabic either. It is of Latin origin if you want to be really picky about the name 🙄

Danniiaddy · 27/07/2020 23:03

Amara or Leilani?

Doubtingmustafa · 27/07/2020 22:09

My favourite is Lila (short for Delilah which is also Arabic).

If you’re looking for Arabic names that work in English check out:

www.arabicenglishbabynames.com

totallyyesno · 27/07/2020 22:00

Ava - because I've always wanted a palindrome name!

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 27/07/2020 21:57

Ava and Leyla are just too popular for my taste

Spidey66 · 27/07/2020 21:52

Leila's lovely
Amara and Ava are my next favourites from your list.
Not keen on the others.

Megan2018 · 27/07/2020 21:49

My hairdresser is an Amara, lovely name.

Ava and Lila are nice too.

Dislike the others

Babymabel · 27/07/2020 21:48

Nahla is lovely

Tinamou · 27/07/2020 21:46

I love Lila (pronounced lie-la) and Amara.

M0mmyneedswine · 27/07/2020 21:46

Amara or nahla

MadamMooch · 27/07/2020 21:42

Amara is beautiful. Love Lila too, but you will get people confused about whether it’s Lee-la, Lie-la or Lilla.

OnlyFoolsnMothers · 27/07/2020 21:42

Amara- my niece is Amara, never met another. It’s unusual without being wacky or out there. Stunning name imo

NameChange84 · 27/07/2020 21:40

Where did she mention LANA?

It’s not even an Arabic name! Confused