Send help - I HATE every girls’ name I hear!

[Sls668]

I need inspiration, I’m 30 weeks pregnant with a baby girl and we just can’t find a name either of us like. My baby’s dad is African (Congolese to be precise) so she is mixed race and will have an African surname. I’d quite like the idea of something African but easy to pronounce (nobody can ever spell or pronounce my surname and it drives me insane) like Nala or Zuri.
It certainly doesn’t have to be African, I’m open to anything but I work with children so the standard Amelia, Evie, Lily etc are all out. I’m also not a fan of traditional names e.g. Charlotte or Emily and don’t like old names, such as Edie etc.
The only name is really love to use is Marley but he doesn’t like that. Please someone help! Boys names are so easy but I find girl names really difficult!

Go with a boy's name? Jamie and Billy have become as much female as men.

I've just googled, 'inspirational Congolese women', most had French names, would that be an option?

What is your background OP? When she is older will she want names from both her parents cultures?

Could you sort of sneak Marley in? Something like 'Marie' (French pronunciation) Leigh and call her Marley as a nick name?

Are you married? If not, really consider giving your child YOUR surname - that is traditional, and sensible.

A non-African surname might open up new names to you that fit better. Or then if you did go for an African first name, you'd still have a bit of both.

Double barrel also an option!

Zuri is gorgeous!

Nyla
Nia
Nevaeh
Angel
Amber
Savannah

Ruth or Rosa

Mixed family here. Our daughters' names are from a language neither of us speak nor know A LOT of people (we know a few but not multiples or wtv, know what I mean?)

So we have an app (you can use a website as well) and just go through the list of names for that language. We've reduced to about 8 now! (help!! I think she'll have 8 names judging by our indecision)

Aiza

Ellelta (el-lel-ta)

Zadie or Zelie?

Azariah

I love Zélie

@ThighthighOfthigh

I love Zélie

I love Zélie too (and you’re right, I should have included its accent)

If you like Marley how about Marni? Sounds very similar!

Nia?

Just some random suggestions:

Brooke
Grace
Niamh
Fleur
Melissa
Eloise
Scarlett
Alexis
Ria

Really like the very first suggestion of Nina!

I like nature names at the moment

Wren
Fern
Sorrel

Love the name Nandi, a Zulu name and mother of King Shaka Zulu.

Keep it simple. My DGD has an unpronounceable African last name and a simple classic first name. The surname is enough to contend with. Don't give her an unusual first name too.

I always think if a child has a mixed heritage it's best for their name to reflect that, so if you are not giving both surnames (which would be a shame, but you don't sound keen to pass on your surname), the first name should ideally be more English to balance out the more African surname.

Can your DP suggest any Congolese names that would be easily pronounced by an English speaker?

Swahili names are from the other side of the continent but some of them are lovely - Malaika (Angel) being one of them.

Thanks guys. I’m surprised how many people have mentioned Zuri, I might retry that one with DP, his surname certainly isn’t unpronounceable and they do go quite nicely together. I love Nala but I know two separate people who have named their pets Nala throughout my pregnancy 😩

Zola
Ola
Bonita
Faith

Grace?

Zuri is lovely. I think Abeni, Desta, and Nia could also fit well.

How about Noa?