Down to two first names for our DD: Athena or Callisto?

[sanserif]

We've finally narrowed down first name choices to Athena and Callisto. We wanted an Ancient Greek name (DH is 1/2 Greek) and these are it. Mild concern is that Callisto is a bit too boyish sounding because of the end -o (though it is the name of a nymph, so definitely female). Not British and not likely to be here very long term, so not fussed about the Athena poster shop link. Would be interested in what sort of person comes to mind when you hear these names. Also, have you met an Athena? And please NO OTHER NAME SUGGESTIONS!! It was hard whittling it down and now I just want to eliminate, not add. Registry Office appointment in a week.

Yes, i know many Athena as my Dh is Greek too and the name is popular in his extended family.

Mind you most of them have shortened it to Nana (with emphasis on the last 'a') but i prefer the original name.

I think they are both "trying too hard"

I like both names but prefer Athena. I met a beautiful Greek girl called this, on holiday, but don't know any in the UK.
There is a nice Athena in a teen classic, can't think what it is called now.

Although Callisto was a nymph of Artemis, Callisto is also a Latin/Italian boy's name (from the male saints). So in many parts of Europe it would seem as if you had given a boy's name to your DD.

So I'd go for Athena (or perhaps Callista or Artemis).

I think it is quite popular in Greece, but we're unlikely to move there. More likely to live in the US where I think Athena is more popular than here but not very common by any means.

Op's dd has Greek roots though so it is not 'trying too hard' especially as they are planning to relocate.

Btw OP i'm impessed you are having a name dilema. Shouldn't you name her after your Mil ? [ grin] (or maybe i was a fool?)

I'm completely unconcerned about this whole not "trying too hard" thing that seems to be a big concern over here. Plus, why is it trying too hard to give your child a name connected to their roots?

Laquitar , well we're not THAT Greek (and I'm not Greek at all) so that isn't happening :) !

I'm not Greek either. (but i've done it ).

I've just remembered, dh's cousins and nieces are often been asked how many ships do they own (Athena Onasis), it doesn't bother them though.

I like Athena. My cat is called Callisto and people can't get their head round the name (Calypso? Callipo? 'What an unusual name' etc) That would be even more annoying if it was your child!

Like them both but prefer Athena.

I think they are both lovely, prefer Athena though I think. More people will recognise it and know how to spell it, you'll get less faces!

One of my DDs has a non-english name because our roots aren't English and I have had a few 'trying too hard to come up with a you-neeque name' type comments. I've taken no notice and when I say, 'actually, the family is from xxx and that was MILs name' they shut up.

Who cares if people think you're 'trying too hard'? Let them.

They are both lovely names. I agree that Callisto sounds a bit boyish. How about Calliope?

Not to be seen as "trying too hard" is part of English reserve and the idea that it's not done to be too showy or different.

I think it's different if you're using the name because of your non-English roots though :)

I like Callisto - can be shortened to Cali, i'm not british and i find it very easy to pronounce

Definitely prefer Athena, though how about Artemis?

I love Callisto, have wanted this name for my baby since I was little when I found out the story behind the goddess. It's beautiful and so unusual.

Athena is also nice but would always choose Callisto.

Damn DP won't let me have it :(