Anjali vs Anoushka, how do we decide?!

[Monsoon31]

We were all set on the name Anoushka but now the name Anjali has really started growing on us and the meaning of Anjali is delightful, whereas I don’t think Anoushka has a meaning in Sanskrit.. Please help clear our confusion!

They're both beautiful names!

Are you of Indian heritage? Anjali might be an odd name choice if not.

Anoushka is a Russian diminutive of Anna, so I don't think it'll have a Sanskrit meaning if that's important to you.

Either way, both lovely choices!

Anoushka is lovely, I wouldn't get hung up on the meaning if the name is good. How do you pronounce Anjali? It looks pretty, but sounds a little close to anally when I try to say it, but I'm probably saying it completely wrong.

@HavelockVetinari Yes we are, Anoushka is very popular with Indians but it’s probably because it sounds Indian more than it having an Indian meaning!

@HappyTimeTunnelDinosaur It’s pronounced Uhn-ja-lee, very similar to the Angeli- part of the name Angelina but with a Uhn (like Sun) - instead of An (like man).

I have a friend called Anjali and she pronounces it An-jah-lee. Not that it stops you pronouncing it any way you choose....

I am no help as they are both beautiful names

Thanks @Monsoon31 and sorry for my ignorance, with that pronunciation I really like it, very pretty.

I LOVE Anjali! I think because it reminds me of Princess Anjuli from 'The Far Pavilions'. It makes me think of India immediately. Anoushka is pretty too but makes me think Russian if that matters at all.

@HappyTimeTunnelDinosaur @M0rT @Synchrony Thank you!! Anjali does feel a lot more Indian than Anoushka, and it has a livelier sound which I like. Anoushka sounds stronger but a bit flatter than Anjali... hmm!! Still love both and still confused!!

Anjali

Anjali! Lovely name and much more Indian. Anoushka is Russian I think?

@KirstenBlest out of curiosity, any reason why you prefer it to Anoushka?

Can you wait until she's here and see which one suits her best?

(My favourite of the two is Anjali, but they're both lovely)

If you are Indian heritage UK then Anoushka because it’s just a very international name. Also very beautiful. Anjali is a bit... jangly??

@4amWitchingHour What sort of baby would Anjali vs Anoushka suit? We could wait but I would rather that we choose beforehand, it’s a good idea though and probably the best way of choosing!

@partyatthepalace I do love the international appeal with Anoushka but I wish it had a meaning in Hindi / Sanskrit ! That’s my only issue with Anoushka, DH also thinks that Anoushka is a more modern / international name than Anjali, but I love both!

Someone I know had a baby years ago now and they named her Anjali. The name was new to me but once I'd thought about it, it's lovely.

Anjali

Anjali is beautiful. It makes me think of a giggly, lively little girl.

Anoushka is lovely and quite an international and versatile name, whereas Anjali is pretty but sounds more suited to a little girl than a grown up to me.

Isn't Anushka Hindi for grace or flower?

My DD's friend is called angeli, lovely name, she calls herself Angie though - both sisters have rebelled a bit against their Indian heritage to be honest, her sister also using an English sounding name

Name changed for this, and I'm no help. My name is Anjali. People who read it before they hear it call me Anjaaarli. However, I get lots of compliments on the name.

I prefer Anoushka though.

Love Anjali, I've never heard it before. It sounds like a name a confident, vibrant girl would have. Anoushka on the other hand makes me think of a 'made in Chelsea' type, cool and stand offish.

Thank you everyone for the super helpful comments!!! @Cornishmumofone I have seen something like that online but when I type it into an online Sanskrit dictionary, there are no results for this name :( I don’t know why but it just feels extra special when a name has a strong meaning in Sanskrit and is also international! Both are important to us. Everything else apart from that is perfect with the name Anoushka!

@specialagentblond thank you for sharing!! :) What has your experience been living with the name and any particular reason why you prefer Anoushka? Glad to hear that people like the name!

both beautiful, but I prefer Anjali

why not just wait till you meet her and see who she is?

like @Cotswoldmama, says Anoushka, depending where you live it could have a bit of a sloaney/posh girl vibe

Anjali just seems like a name for someone full of life and spirit to me , I love it