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Baby names

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

Original poster

Yelena?

62 replies

NatMoz · 24/10/2021 20:40

If you are British or from an English speaking nation, how would you pronounce this name?

Trying to think of names that won't cause a lifetime of drama in England. In my head this name is pronounced how it's spelt, similar to its sister name Elena (el-en-ah) but I've also heard Elena pronounced in other wacky ways including the English Eleanor and wondered if Yelena would share the same fate?

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SweetBabyCheeses99 · 24/10/2021 20:53

I would expect to see it spelt Jelena. Like Jelena Dokic, Jelena Ostapenko, Jelena Jankovic… I wouldn’t have any problems pronouncing it but then I am a tennis fan!

LoveGrooveDanceParty · 24/10/2021 20:50

I have a Helena - pronounced as in ‘Christensen’, not ‘Bonham-Carter’, and knowing there is at least one other pronunciation, I wouldn’t assume anything. I’d let you tell me how it’s pronounced and go from there.

TurnUpTurnip · 24/10/2021 20:49

You le na

BitterTits · 24/10/2021 20:49

I would pronounce it to rhyme with Helena too, but would also pronounce Elena that way too, which I prefer.

Original poster
NatMoz · 24/10/2021 20:47

@HeronLanyon

Yell-a-nah. Stress on second syllable. I’ve always liked it said but not written I think ?!
So you would say it similar to the name Alanna?
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MrsFin · 24/10/2021 20:47

Yell-ay-na. Emphasis on first syllable

Original poster
NatMoz · 24/10/2021 20:46

@dementedpixie

I would have thought it's more like Helena
Yes I would personally pronounce it was close to this.

Yel- en- ah

Find it interesting that already there are about 3 different ways people feel it's pronounced.

OP posts:
HeronLanyon · 24/10/2021 20:44

Yell-a-nah. Stress on second syllable.
I’ve always liked it said but not written I think ?!

Quornflakegirl · 24/10/2021 20:43

I would say Ya-lay-nah

Ellmau · 24/10/2021 20:42

I would pronounce it Ye-lay-nuh.

Disfordarkchocolate · 24/10/2021 20:42

Yel a na.

With the a being soft. I think it sounds like it would be one I'd only need to be corrected a couple of times on. I have that problem with English names too so it's not really a negative.

dementedpixie · 24/10/2021 20:41

I would have thought it's more like Helena