Nefeli

[Panoramarama]

Pronounced 'Ne-FEL-ee'

It's an ancient Greek name. How does it sound to you?

DH is Greek and I'm English but a Greek speaker and have lost all objectivity.

Still a long way to go and we don't know what we are having so open to other suggestions. Ancient names we also like are Ariadne and Lydia.

Thanks!

[Panoramarama]

Thanks everyone, it's really interesting reading your replies.

Nefeli in mythology is mostly known as a nature deity of the clouds. It is also the root of one of the Greek words for cloud.

I've never heard of the piano piece but will check it out!

Regarding spelling, it depends how far you want to go with anglicising it. 'Nefeli' and 'Faidra' are literal translations 'Νεφέλη' and 'Φαίδρα' that are used as names in Greece. However, as many of you say, if you were to read about mythology in an English text book, you'd likely see 'Nephele' and 'Phaedra'

[Erica891]

I think it's a lovely name, unique but lovely.

[IWouldLikeToKnow]

What a pretty name. It’s pronounced fairly phonetically so I wouldn’t foresee any difficulties

[Hulababy]

I teach a Nefeli. Nice name. No one has any issues with pronouncing it - it is fairly phonetic. Ne-fel-ee (the /Ne/ and /fel/ being a short e sound). None of the teaching staff we've had here have seemed to have had any issues - all have said it and spelt it correctly.

No ones ever mistaken it or referred to "Nelly the elephant" either

[Glumglowworm]

It's pretty

My first thought was Nefertiti (apologies if I've spelled that wrong) not nelly the elephant like a pp said!

[hiyasminitsme]

Where do you live - UK or Greece? If in the UK child will spend their life having to spell it out and correct pronunciation.

[TheodoreTheChipmunk]

I like it. Different and quirky.

[Olivelor]

Nefeli is a beautiful name. Absolutely love it. Wouldn't think twice if I were you.

[Sheitgeist]

I sort of like it, but it makes me think of "nefarious", which isn't good.
I love Ariadne, though.

[SparkleMotion82]

Umm I don’t love it...how about Persephone?