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Baby names

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

Original poster

Kanaka or Priya?

40 replies

Rinku89 · 24/08/2023 22:14

We are not sure which name to pick between these 2. We think Priya is maybe a bit popular and did think about Priyanka as it's a bit similar to both but for some irrational reason, the "yanka" part is making me think of "wanker". Ridiculous Confused we think Kanaka is really pretty and easy to spell, while not being particularly popular/well known. Thank you

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Batatahara · 25/08/2023 08:23

My favourite Indian girls names are:

Ashni
Meera
Chandni
Sita
Nimisha
Anisha

Priya is fine but I think a bit overused

Angie147836 · 25/08/2023 08:19

I much prefer Priya. Kanaka sounds like knackered (or is it pronounced Kan-ARka - I don't like that uncertainty either ), and looks like canker, another word for a sore.

Xiaoxiong · 25/08/2023 08:19

@Hapagirl48 there is a sea shanty called "John Kanaka" which includes a chorus in Hawaiian! We sing it in the car Grin

https://maritime.org/chanteys/john-kanaka.php

Taxiii · 25/08/2023 08:17

Immediately thought 'knacker' when I saw Kanaka. Sorry.

Priya is beautiful though.

Berlinlover · 25/08/2023 08:15

I don’t like either name, sorry.

MangshorJhol · 25/08/2023 08:14

What does Kanaka mean? I have only ever heard of the name Kanak for boys.

Hapagirl48 · 25/08/2023 08:11

I grew up in Hawaii so Kanaka is a major no no for me. But I guess if you don’t have any connections with the South Pacific …

https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=Kanaka

The American Heritage Dictionary entry: Kanaka

The American Heritage Dictionary entry: Kanaka

https://www.ahdictionary.com/word/search.html?q=Kanaka

Original poster
Rinku89 · 25/08/2023 07:53

We do feel Priya gets more positive reactions, especially in England as it's more well known.

Kanaka is a bit like with Hannah sounds so Kannahka if that makes any sense? And the ka on the end being kuh

OP posts:
ZoyaTheDestroyer · 25/08/2023 07:34

How do you pronounce Kanaka? ka-na-ka or ka-nah-ka? Where is the stress?

Snugglemonkey · 24/08/2023 23:31

I love Priya. I have not heard Kanaka before but it sounds musical.

Whatsthepoint1234 · 24/08/2023 23:27

Priya - it’s more well known and doesn’t make me think of pancakes (I’m unsure why but Kanaka does) I’m very bizarre.

Whataretheodds · 24/08/2023 23:15

Is Kanaka
KAN-a-ka
Or
Kan-A-ka?

I don't think there's an issue with Priyanka

ImGoingThroughChanges · 24/08/2023 22:25

Ooh I really like Kanaka - never heard it before.

TheYear2000 · 24/08/2023 22:23

Priya is such a pretty name. Kanaka looks or sounds a bit like knackered to me- or Canada-? Possibly just my response but I think Priya is lovely. Priyanka is pretty too, but I see what you mean about possible mean nicknames or teasing. Such a shame and happens for so many names. You could just be brave and go for it if you really love it. Mean Nick names can be made up for anything really.

DramaAlpaca · 24/08/2023 22:19

I've always liked Priya. It's very pretty. I like it better than Priyanka and Kanaka.