Our favourite name as a horrid connotation - can't think of another. Help!

[Flowerface]

For ages I thought that I would call a second DD Milena, after Milena Jesenska. We both love it. But it turns out that there is a poo-related medical condition called 'Malena' (SP?) which will be everyone's first thought when they hear the name.

Basically, I can't find another name we both like. We would like something reasonably short and uncomplicated, but slightly unusual, and it can't begin with 'F'. Our DD is called Elsa. Any suggestions?

I've never heard of the condition either. I think Milena is a nice name. Or what about Marina/Maria? Elena? Serena?

Melaena does certainly mean blood in the stool but if few people know that outside of the medical profession then you might consider it does not matter (all doctors and many nurses will know this, but not most other people).
My stepdaughter is called Alexia, which is the medical term for the inability to read. Neither of her parents knew that, until I pointed this it to her dad when she was already a teenager. She knows it now too. I don't think it matters to anyone. She can read very well!

How about:
Milla
Julia
Natalia
Lena
Moira
Irena
Marta
Clea

I'd think Mirena - and that's what children would call her until they could say the L sound.

Marla?

What about melaina - different spelling but similar

I know a little Malina, think it is a pretty name (Polish I think)

Or how about Cleo or Chloe?

It's a pretty name. I'd personally never have known about the medical condition (should imagine there's a fair few names that could have connotations in that respect, anyway) but who outside of nurses and doctors is really likely to know about it anyway?

Yes they might 'cringe when you shout it across the playground' but, according to what I've read on this and other parenting sites, it doesn't matter what you call your child, there's always someone who disapproves and finds it cringeworthy ;)

Never heard of the poo thing.

Never heard of it but it sounds like the name is spoiled for you now. How about Elena?

I really like Milena and would never ever associate it with poo! Lovely name!

I know a Milena - she is Serbian. I like it. Never heard of the medical condition either!

I have never heard of the medical condition, so certainly not my first thought. I would be more inclined to think of east European links as this name is fairly popular there.

Malika?

If you like Milena you might like Mireia (catalan name)

I think the poo has ruined it for me, even if other people didn't notice...

Thanks for other suggestions, I will let them ferment in my brain. I do like Cleo. Also Julia, but not sure whether I can use that for complicated family politics reasons.

I am glad I found out about the poo association, though - frankly anyone thinking "hmm, tarry faeces" when introduced to my child is one person too many!!

If you have Slavic heritage I would just use it! Not many people would know about that condition. If it sounded like a condition that's commonly talked about in GCSE Biology or something, that would be different.

What about just Mila, if you still can't manage Milena.

Mireille (mee-ray) is also a good alternative.

Mireille is very nice. Will anyone know how to pronounce it?!

We don't have Slavic heritage, we just liked it.

...well.
I won't lie to you, I do know a girl called Mireille and no, no-one outside of France or Canada can pronounce it.

Which is sad because it's lovely isn't it! It depends on your circle of acquaintance really. Some people will pick it up instantly and love it, others might wrinkle their nose and never "get" it.

I am glad I found out about the poo association, though - frankly anyone thinking "hmm, tarry faeces" when introduced to my child is one person too many!!

I agree with this completely Flowerface! Name would be ruined for me too. Not many people in the school yard might know the condition but imagine if she was a doctor or nurse in the future and had to use the term on a regular basis!

Yep, I'm a nurse and would want to change my name if it was Milena, sorry that your favourite name has been spoilt. How about;
Lana
Leela
Lena
Milla
Good luck!

How about Margot?

I thought about Margot, but I am still reminded of the Good Life. Also, the anxiety that people won't be able to pronounce that either. Or will call her 'maggot' as a 'hilarious' nickname.

I work in the medical profession and when i read the start of your post and your name , the connotoation did not occur to me at all.

Go for it, if its the name you like