Helena- anything similar?

[Snowberry86]

Anyone got any sibling names for Helena?

What do people think of Helena and can anyone suggest any alternatives? I like it, but not sure I love it.

Other names I like (but don't love) are:

Clara
Philippa
Bridget
Louisa
Claudia

I like Philippa and Claudia

Eliza?

Eliza reminds me too much of Eliza Doolittle.

I like fairly strong names that will carry well into adulthood, not too old fashioned, classic but not too popular.

Abigail
Imogen

My DH hates Philippa so that will get scrubbed off the list. He says it's too "horsey".

Sorry madcat, don't like either of those. I think because they were reasonably popular when I was younger so I know quite a few my own age.

Just to add- I'm a teacher and so I am very particular as names remind me of children I have taught!

you DH is right about Philippa

How about Julia?

I knew a spiteful Julia growing up so that's off the list.

Felicity
Madeleine

DH had a close friend called Felicity
Madeleine makes me think Mcann.

Could Helena become Nell? I like the idea of having potential nicknames but don't like cutesy ones.

Catherine
Caroline
Alexandra
Francesca

Eleanor - Ellie.
Ellen.
Beatrice - Bee.

I'm a Helen, I've never been called Nell.

Miranda
Marianne
Juliet
Lucia
Livia

Viola
Beatrice
Sophia
Madeleine

From your list I love Clara and like Claudia.

Annie
Elizabeth - Beth
Emily - Em
Nellie - Nell
Frances - Fran
Hannah
Harriet
Millicent - Millie

Susanne goes nicely with Helena

My Great grandma was called Nellie and whilst I would love the idea of using a family name, I can't get Nellie the Elephant out of my head.

Other suggestions all nice but nothing I love yet.

Love Louisa

Clara
Juliette
Victoria
Claudia
Patricia
Sybil
Jennifer
Gwendoline
Georgina
Daniella

Louisa
Susanna

Meredith Melissa Jocelyn

Nell is good and strong on its own (but then I have a Meg, so clearly one of those the MNers hate who dont have a full name on the BC )

What about Stella?

Petra
Kate
Olive
Rose

Antonia
Allegra