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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU unusual to ask about which name?

48 replies

Changinmyname · 27/07/2020 22:29

Part two of the thread about me changing my name - i've decided to do it. I've never felt more happy at the idea of moving forward Smile
But (hopefully this won't be outing) I'd like to ask your thoughts on which spelling I should choose.
The name I have in mind is Selina/Selena - again, it's connected to my family history, the moon etc. Lovely things Smile
But i'm stuck on the spelling.
YANBU - Selena
YABU - Selina
No right or wrong answer, lighthearted, I just want your thoughts on the spelling, name etc.
I love Selina as I feel it matches my age more (forties) And also has a connection more.
I love Selena because it's easier for people to not write it wrong and I love the spelling but I don't want people to think I'm naming myself after Selena Gomez Blush

Thoughts? Thank you all for your help by the way. Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
Changinmyname · 27/07/2020 22:29

Part one of the thread for context: www.mumsnet.com/Talk/am_i_being_unreasonable/3979015-WIBU-to-change-my-name Smile

OP posts:
AudacityOfHope · 27/07/2020 22:31

I think Selena looks more modern, and more elegant somehow.

Feralkidsatthecampsite · 27/07/2020 22:33

Selena spelling is how it will be pronounced imo.
Selina leaves room for doubt..... Line a.
Not lean a..
Hope that makes sense!!
Hope you have a mn virtual celebration if you decide to change op!!

Keha · 27/07/2020 22:33

Go with your heart. I have a name that is not spelt the traditional way, so I often have to spell it out, doesn't matter. So pick which ever feels more right. Personally I think I prefer Selina, but I don't know why.

Lizadork · 27/07/2020 22:39

I prefer Selina but reminds me a little of Celine Dion where as Selena does not. Forgot about Gomez until pointed out. Any popular name is going to have some association so I would use which ever one you prefer. You will be the one to live with it. So go for what you like instead of what you think others will like.

Lizadork · 27/07/2020 22:41

Selena the easier of the two to prononuce at a glance.

emptyplinth · 27/07/2020 22:41

I slightly prefer Selena, but it's a beautiful name however you spell it.
Best wishes for your new start.
Flowers

JaJaDingDong · 27/07/2020 22:42

Selena = Sell-en- a

Selina = Sell-een-a

Which do you prefer?

Thesheerrelief · 27/07/2020 22:43

Selina

TheHighestSardine · 27/07/2020 22:45

I've got a name spelled abnormally and it's always been a pain in my arse. I'd go with Selena. I don't think ms Gomez has enough of a presence for you to be mistaken for her :D

Davros · 27/07/2020 22:45

Can't vote on app but I say Selena

CatAnnoyance · 27/07/2020 22:46

Depends on how you want it pronounced?

Sell-eena- Selena
Sell-ina - Selina

I prefer the sound and look of Selena.

pawsies · 27/07/2020 22:47

Add mo in and you get semolina

I'd go for Selena. It's prettier anyway imo.

pepperycinnamon · 27/07/2020 22:56

Selena because selina was a vile school bully.

EarlGreyJenny · 27/07/2020 22:56

If you're going to change your name, go for the one that makes you happiest. If it's good enough for the lovely Selina Scott... it's a beautiful name. Congratulations

AudacityOfHope · 27/07/2020 22:57

How are they pronounced differently?

Beketaten · 27/07/2020 23:04

If you're keen on the lunar symbolism I'd choose Selena, as it's closer to the name of the Greek moon goddess Selene.

ASandwichNamedKevin · 27/07/2020 23:06

The pronunciation is not (supposed to be) the same as 42JaJaDingDong and CatAnnoyance have pointed out.

Selena = Sell-en- a
Selina = Sell-een-a
Which do you prefer? Go with that. Both lovely names. But different.

I remember a woman called Paola at uni. Except she pronounced it like ordinary 'Paula'. Really irksome.
Also a colleague who wasn't sure which spelling to go for of Elena and Eleanor as if they were the same name. In the end she went with Helena and was then outraged when people pronounced it the other way from how she intended.

@Changinmyname I think it's really great you're doing this, will go back and read the other thread.

Phrowzunn · 27/07/2020 23:09

Selena for me, but both lovely. Great name! Hope you’re feeling excited for the future OP Flowers

isitorisntit · 27/07/2020 23:17

I read
Selena as Sel-en-ahhh
Selina as Sel-een-ah

isitorisntit · 27/07/2020 23:20

I also just read Selena=Spanish
Selina = English if you have a preference.

Whatthebloodyell · 27/07/2020 23:23

I initially read them both with a long ‘ee’ sound, but I guess that’s not what you are going for? In which case I’d go for Selena.

tulippa · 27/07/2020 23:26

I'd have thought they'd both be pronounced the same. To me, Selina looks like it's spelt wrong. I may not be right though, might just be more familiar with Selena spelling.

parietal · 27/07/2020 23:38

I read Selena as Se-leena and I think that is a lovely name

and I read Selina as if it were Selena but spelt oddly.

ArchbishopOfBanterbury · 27/07/2020 23:41

Selena. Like the Greek goddess of the moon. Also reminds me of serene which is a lovely connotation too.