Baby names - one week to go - help needed!!

[DoodleAlley]

Right we have one week to go and can't seem to find a girls name.

DS was easy to name, we both liked a name, gave it a roadtest pre birth and were happy.

This time we are dithering.

At present the top two are.. (drum roll please!).... Natalie or Ella.

We have liked Esme but opinions seem split on pronounciation and I always end up spelling the surname at work and dont want to add to this child's woes!

This obviously comes with the disclaimer that I know it's a personal choice and you can't please everyone.

I'd love to hear any opinions, including how popular these names are around you and personal preferences are welcome!

[Skygirls]

How about Amelie in place of Esme?

[DoodleAlley]

We can't use names starting with an A unfortunately.

We're as certain as we can be that this name will be used! T least I hope so now I've bought some girlie clothes to water down DS's 'boy' clothes!

[Gwennan]

Natalie!

How many baby Natalies do you know? It'd be really refreshing to hear it on a little girl.

[DoodleAlley]

I just think Eleanor is a bit 'formal'. I know - I'm
Being impossible.

I'm warming to Elsa again I have to admit!

[Thewhingingdefective]

I think Natalie is lovely and quite uncommon nowadays.

Ella is okay but very common.

Esme is fab. My niece (17) is an Esme, pronounced Ezmi, and also gets just Ez.

Elsa used to be my favourite name, but when DD was born we switched to Elspeth, nn Elsie.

[DoodleAlley]

Yeah I didn't really get the lion thing until I read it on mumsnet.

I'm thinking this is going to get less and less as a cultural link. I mean I've never watched Born Free, but I've also never watched Dirty Dancing!