Yahya or Eesa?

[Aaliyah1]

I need some help guys with the two above names. We are having a baby boy and like these two names. I wanted to know the opinion of non Muslims (Muslims too ) of what you think of them. I'm swaying towards one but my DH is swaying to another

Yahya is the Arabic for John and Eesa is Arabic for Jesus.

[elQuintoConyo]

Eesa is lovely. Yahya reminds me of ya-ya which is a Spanish term of endearment for grandmother (ya-yo is grandfather).

When I hear a name once I don't mispronounce it, that's just lazy and rude.

[Aaliyah1]

I'm even more confused now will still choose one of these names but no closer to deciding which one! Think wel wait until the baby is here and see which one suits.

I totally understand that people may be unsure how to pronounce names that a completely new to them (I'm the same!) but do feel everyone should be open to learn.

[Wolfcub]

I like Yahya better I love the way it sounds

[hazchem]

Aaliyah1 we took about 12 hours maybe 24 to decided what to call DS. We had three names for boys (only one if he had been a girl). As soon as I met DS one name wasn't right and then we just spent some time with him until we settled on his name. It's Arabic and not that common in Arabic or English and people really do try to learn it.

[SicknSpan]

Like both but prefer Yahya. Sounds strong and honest. Eesa is a little softer to my ears, still pretty though.

[SomethingOnce]

I knew a sweet Yahya and it's a super name, but I've never heard Eesa and I love it.

[LRDtheFeministDragon]

I like Yahya. And I think that translation will help - though a friend's husband is Jesus (in Mexico) and it's perfectly normal, though we are tedious to her and never get tired of the novelty of how it sounds over here. But being able to say 'it means John' is probably easier than 'it means Jesus' in a UK context.

I don't have the most accurate ear so might mispronounce a name new to me, but I'd try not to and I think people understand that.

[PixelAteMyFace]

I know a couple of guys who spell their name "Aissa" rather than "Eesa"

[Eesasmummy13]

Have you decided :) I have loved the name Yahya but we gave one already plus my hubby preferred Eesa. X

[Devora]

I know an Esa - it's a nice name.

[SnakeyMcBadass]

I like Eesa. The more I say it, the more I like it.

[Dovahkiin]

I used to teach a Yahya. Nice kid but I never got over the slightly daft sound (to English ears) of yar-yar. Eesa is much nicer and 'sounds' more grown-up.

[Aaliyah1]

STILL undecided think we are going to wait until baby is here and see what fits

[TheXxed]

I know a girl who throughout her pregnancy said if she was having a boy she would name him Yayah, as soon as he was born she opted for Ilyas. Pronounced ILL EE AS.

[TheXxed]

Nice to see casual racism is alive and well on this thread even from those who have Muslim colleagues.

[Eesasmummy13]

I went Issa looks alot like the cash isa so I opted for spelling of Eesa. All throughout my pregnancy I thought id name baby Ahmed but we finally named him after 6days. X

[Eesasmummy13]

Thought*

[Eesasmummy13]

Thought*

[Devora]

Oh yes, I know an Ilyas too. Really nice name!

[Devora]

And I think all three names are completely pronounceable and 'easy' to the English ear. If that matters.

[NinjaCow]

I LOVE the sound of Eesa - I know a baby boy called this too - and I think it sounds quite strong and handsome, compared to Yahya.

[CaptainSinker]

I like Yahya (as in Yahya Toure). I always think he has a cool name!

[pennyapples]

I love both - I do think of Ya Ya Toure but that's no bad thing - great footballer and pretty cool guy I reckon

[PretzelPrincess]

Just a quick update- we went for Yahya!