Ciel, Anouk, Anya, etc…?

[sparklingharbour]

Hi, I am expecting a girl and am finding it hard to find a name I like enough, if you know what I mean. There are plenty of names I like, but I can't find the one.

What are your opinions on the these names?

Ciel
Anouk
Anya
Inez
Annelise
Seraphine

I am veering towards Ciel at the moment, but it is so unusual (to me at least) that I would like to gauge reactions. I love nature names, and the combination of the French meaning (sky) and the soft flow of the word is appealing. I think some people will pronounce it Seal rather than See-elle, but don't really care. I have a very humdrum name and it is often misspelt and it's no biggie.

Thanks in advance.

Meritxell
Solene

Anjali
Solange
Sybilla

www.thinkbabynames.com/meaning/0/Sybilla

Soraya
Selene (fave, means moon goddess)

The Persian/Arabic name, could it be Firyal?

I like Djinni as well, if you're wanting to channel that slightly exotic free spirit vibe.

Also Razia.

Well I like Anouk a lot...in fact I had it on my list...mainly because Chocolat is my favourite book...in the end I went with something else but her middle name is Annaliese..which I also love!!! From your list I also like Anya ..

I know a little girl called Anya, born after many rounds of IVF. It has a fab meaning - it's Sanskrit for 'tenacious'.

Seraphine i like the most!

Oh I didn't know that meaning for Anya, that's nice. This baby follows several miscarriages so could be apt!

Not likely to spend much time in France, so Ciel is still a runner! Miel I didn't suggest in the first place though I can see why it was suggested for me.

Like Solene burgatroyd but not as much as my suggestions. Celine (Selene) is a fairly common name where I grew up, so has lost some of its undoubted magic for me.

Anouk Annaliese, now there is a fab name

Persian name was Setarah.

Love Anouk and Inez. Both are strong, characterful and elegant. I quite like Annaliese. I'm less keen on Ciel, it's a bit wishy washy to me.

Along the line you've suggested, how about 'Adithi'? It's Hindi for 'boundless one' and I think it's lovely. Easy to shorten to various things too.

Inez and Anya are still my favourites by a mile.

I like Anouk and Ciel.

Have you also considered Annick and Ilyana?

Thanks for all the comments (and the suggestions for alternatives, even if I didn't ask for them ). It's great to get people's opinions.
I still prefer my list over the alternatives, but not decided yet.
While I like Anouk, I'm not quite sure.
Probably whittling it down to Anya, Inez and Ciel now.

Anya is a potato to me.

Anya is a potato to me.

Sounds like the ultimate insult

I love both Annelise and Inez. If you like short and simple I would go for Inez.

In general I think people shouldn't be put off names because products A&E named after them. Edward is a potato too, but how ridiculous if someone didn't choose this name for that reason! Mind you I like Ariel but it is too associated with the cleaning product for me.

Inez is very nice. But the whole purity/chastity meaning is off putting.

are not A&E

Yes, but the potato is called a "King Edward", not an Edward, whereas Anya potatoes are called just that.

I have no place on a thread like this. I think making up names or going out of your way to choose a weird name is just strange, so I'll slope back off to AIBU and Super Furry Animals

You do know Anya is quite a well-known name, and not just a potato don't you??! Jesus wept....

Of course it is, OP. But to those who don't know any Anyas but do eat Anya potatoes, of course they're going to think of the potatoes.

Same as on another thread asking for quirky boys' names, I think of the board game when someone suggests Ludo.

When I see Ciel I automatically apply the Italian pronunciation to it (cielo) which would be Chell. Not so nice.

I like Anouk the best from your list.