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Original poster

Eleonora or Anastasia?

35 replies

urushi · 09/09/2026 06:40

Pregnant w a girl and having a hard time deciding between these two. We are Hispanic, live in the USA. These can be said in multiple languages which is what we want. Last name is short 2 syllables and Italian but usually said in English - all to say, both names go w the last name.

HELP AND THANK YOU!

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Peonies12 · 15/09/2026 10:16

You need to choose the one that you prefer the short versions of. Inevitably with names thst long

Almakarlinsghost · 15/09/2026 10:15

But...to answer to original question, I also like Eleonora or Leonora better. Less baggage...😀

Almakarlinsghost · 15/09/2026 09:54

I assume the OP's post was edited, as I didn't read initially that she was in the US or Spanish speaking, In any case, my comment was to whoever it was suggested Ana and Annie as nice diminutives, and ridiculed "Nasty".

Almakarlinsghost · 15/09/2026 09:50

localbutterfly · 13/09/2026 02:47

Anastasia (ah-nah-STAH-syah) is also a traditional Spanish name, along with the male form Anastasio. Spanish speakers wouldn't even think to limit themselves to the established Russian-language diminutives; why would they? I think Tasia and Sia are traditionally most common, but in Spanish-speaking communities in the USA, where the OP lives, I doubt anyone will blink at Ana.

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I'm aware that's it not just used in Russia - it's originally Greek and there are other diminutives there, for example. I just don't follow why in the UK or US - where its popularity these days almost certainly derives from a Russian Grand Duchess - people would want to shorten it to something which is a different and unconnected name like "Anna" or "Annie", better known to English speakers in its own right. Never encountered a Spanish one, by the way - just a Mexican Anastasio, who was not known as "Ana" 😀

grinandslothit · 13/09/2026 03:03

I love Anastasia it's beautiful

localbutterfly · 13/09/2026 02:47

Almakarlinsghost · 10/09/2026 09:06

Standard Russian diminutive of Anastasia is Nastya. Hence also Nastenka, Nastaska, etc.

"Ana" "Anya" etc are never used there, where the name is common - Anna is a completely different name etymologically and Anya is the usual diminutive of Anna in Russia. I never understand why anyone would not just name their daughter Ana/Anna if they were going to call her this.

Despite what Hollywood and Disney may claim, the Grand Duchess whose name is responsible for the popularity of "Anastasia" these days was certainly never known as "Ana". Even though her family was not terribly Russian itself...

Anastasia (ah-nah-STAH-syah) is also a traditional Spanish name, along with the male form Anastasio. Spanish speakers wouldn't even think to limit themselves to the established Russian-language diminutives; why would they? I think Tasia and Sia are traditionally most common, but in Spanish-speaking communities in the USA, where the OP lives, I doubt anyone will blink at Ana.

EatYourGreenss · 13/09/2026 02:08

One of the most awful people I have ever known was called Anastasia. So I'm biased. Eleonora all the way.

mathanxiety · 13/09/2026 02:03

In the US, people won't presume to shorten her name unless she introduces herself using the short version.

I'd choose Anastasia. It will be pronounced Anna-STAY-zha by most Anglo Americans, and if that's not a pronunciation you like, then choose Eleonora.

Both names are lovely.

leavingonajetplane76 · 13/09/2026 01:34

I love Anastasia. Stasi or Ana for short.

PrettyLittleRose · 12/09/2026 19:32

Ger ready for her to have a lifetime of her name being spelt incorrectly if you call her Eleonora. Also she will have some people pronounce it incorrectly quite a lot.

So I would pick Anastasia out of the two.

FeministThrowingAPrincessParty · 12/09/2026 19:19

Eleanora

Every1ElseInKnowsley · 11/09/2026 08:05

Leonora or Elenora better than Eleonora, which is far too much of a mouthful.

Anastasia is pretty but a bit too Disney princess and Shades of Grey.
Likely to be Stacey, which seems a bit 1970s.

Sparklinggreen · 11/09/2026 08:01

Anastasia between the 2 options, I don’t like Elenora (likely nn to Elenor or Nora - which are not my cup of tea).

Not a huge fan of Anastasia, again I think people will likely nn to Ana which is ok but I think a bit bland

Have you considered Elena or Anarita? Somehow I like these more than both your proposed names.

timoteigirl · 10/09/2026 19:34

Both are lovely but I definitely prefer Anastasia.

Every1ElseInKnowsley · 10/09/2026 17:22

UserName001002 · 10/09/2026 11:47

El-e-o-no-ra has a lot of syllables or am I pronouncing it correctly?

That was my thought too. Anastasia is also very long and has different pronunciations. As-as-ta-see-a, An-ast-azha etc

UserName001002 · 10/09/2026 11:47

El-e-o-no-ra has a lot of syllables or am I pronouncing it correctly?

user1492757084 · 10/09/2026 11:45

Both great choices.

Anastasia I would choose due to it being less popular.

I would spell Eleonora as Eleanora.
Do you like Leonore, Elena or Eleanor?

GregKay · 10/09/2026 11:34

Both beautiful names. Anastasia just wins it for me. Both sound so romantic. I love long names.

Do people tend to shorten names in the communities you'll be living in the US? In the UK either of those will likely become Ellie/El or Anna/Anne or even something like Stacey. So you'd have to think which of those you prefer. Although it is quite possible to insist on the long name and of course you can always use the long name. I don't think you'd need to worry about 'Nasty' becoming her name if you go with Anastasia in the UK or English speaking communities/countries.

WavyDaizy · 10/09/2026 09:09

Eleonora is beautiful and I would hope the full name sticks.

But all the nn are great too!

It can be El, Lenny, Ellie, Nellie, Nora.

Great choice.

Almakarlinsghost · 10/09/2026 09:06

Standard Russian diminutive of Anastasia is Nastya. Hence also Nastenka, Nastaska, etc.

"Ana" "Anya" etc are never used there, where the name is common - Anna is a completely different name etymologically and Anya is the usual diminutive of Anna in Russia. I never understand why anyone would not just name their daughter Ana/Anna if they were going to call her this.

Despite what Hollywood and Disney may claim, the Grand Duchess whose name is responsible for the popularity of "Anastasia" these days was certainly never known as "Ana". Even though her family was not terribly Russian itself...

Themsofcoffee · 10/09/2026 08:16

Eleanora.

I knew a woman once, her name was Anastasia, it never suited her.

CatkinToadflax · 10/09/2026 08:07

I’ve known an Ellie for years - she is Hispanic - and only found out a few weeks ago that her full name is Eleanora. Absolutely beautiful name.

Confetti57 · 10/09/2026 07:58

Definitely Eleonora, beautiful name.

Sophisticated with common and simple enough nicknames if preferred.

Giraffehaver · 09/09/2026 22:13

Anastasia is so very beautiful

Firsttimebabymummy · 09/09/2026 21:31

Anastasia!