Decision between 2 now!

[SparklyMonkeyMummy]

Hi,

My DH and I now have 2 names for our DD2 which we like. One he prefers more, one I do. However we are both happy with either. We like unusual, but proper, names which are pretty and feminine. The middle name May comes from my grandmother, whose middle name was May. Unfortunately we lost her to cancer a year ago, and due to the special meaning, despite it being very common now, it is pretty much non negotiable. Our DD1's name is Rowanna if knowing that helps with responses. So the 2 names we want opinions on please are:

Inara May
Persephone May

Thank you

Is Inara said like In-ara or Eye-nara?
I quite like it! Never heard of it before. I know Persephone is quite popular at the moment but I personally don't really like it. I know I am in a minority though!

I like Rowanna

I think I prefer Persephone - Sephy is a lovely nn and goes well with Rowanna.

Thank you

Inara is In-Nar-Ra if that makes sense?

Rowanna gets shortened to Ro-Ro, so Ra-Ra doesn't bother me. I'm not sure if it's to similar with nicknames though.

I prefer inara.

I prefer Persephone, mainly because I've never heard of Inara!

I really like Persephone. It's rare, but people will know it, know how to spell it, and the myth is lovely. Also open to nicknames.

The only time I've heard the name Inara was as a prostitute in the show Firefly, but I doubt that's a common connection to make.

Ro and Seph work well together too. Not so much Ro and Ra.

I prefer Inara. It's a beautiful name.

Sorry I put an extra N in there! It should be In - are - ah

I'd go for Inara :) really pretty and unique but not too "out there" IFKWIM

Inara is better, I think Persephone is a bit clunky. Having said that, I hadn't heard of Inara and would be put off for that reason and would prefer something more recognisable like Lara. But if you are only considering those 2, then I'd choose Inara.

Inara.

I think Persephone. There are too many Rs in Inara and Rowanna for me.

Ive never heard it before, is the emphasis on the 'AR' in Inara or is there no emphasised syllable?

Inara is nice, not heard before but I like it.

Personally I don't understand the Persiphone trend. Whilst I agree the sound is nice, I just can't get past the meaning/ story and I think in years to come it will be a bit of a bad joke - sorry but you did ask xx

• Persephone

Persephone, nn Seffie. I think it goes better with Rowanna as well.

Persephone will get Percy or phony...
Never heard of Inara so it doesn't invoke any kind of feeling or picture in my head. Difficult to shorten I think.
I see Persephone floating around in a long white gown with flowers in her long, dark hair

We chose 3 names of same length & complexity as Persephone so the DDs could choose their own nicknames (or not). That works for them.

I'm not much help really am I?!

Persephone is lovely, a beautiful name.

Inara is ok, it sounds a bit made up though and I imagine if you called her that you'll end up having to say her name 2 or 3 times when introducing her to new people, which could be annoying!

Thank you for all the opinions. They have given us lots to consider

I don't understand this MN love of Persephone. I think it's clunky and ugly, and I don't think it goes with May, I'm afraid. Also, it's a definite no if your surname begins with T.

I actually know of quite a few Persephones in my part of SE England too, if popularity puts you off.

Inara is the better of the two IMO.