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!

I love it overall. I do have to make people work to pronounce it properly though. I get called all sorts Angeline, Angelique, Angelica, Anjulie, Ann ( people who gave up trying). I have thought of changing the spelling but it just doesn't look right: The closest I get is Anjlee but I don't like the look of that.

However I like it because it's not that common and it's very pretty, especially when you go to France. A kind of onjhali.

I think I prefer Anoushka as it's has a little more gravitas. But it is about more popular and doesn't get the reaction the Anjali does. As this thread shows.

I just think of Anushka Sharma! Which isn’t a bad thing as long as you like her. Lovely name. I find Anjali old fashioned.

I’ve not heard of Anjali but have worked with a couple of Anushka (one Sri Lankan and the other from somewhere in Eastern Europe).

Both pretty but I think Ankushka is a little nicer -
Cute nicknames.

@Ihatemyseleffordoingthis @specialagentblond @ThatIsNotMyUsername thank you for all the insight and opinions!
@TakeMe2Insanity I didn’t realise it was considered old fashioned! Is it old fashioned in a good way, like timeless/ classic or old fashioned in a boring, dated way to you? Would be interesting to know! Do you think Anoushka is a “trendy” name that will date badly, sometimes I worry about this, especially because it’s associated to celebrities. We want something quite classic and timeless

I commented on your other thread. Like both of these so no help at all. I think Anjali is one of those names like Priya which will place you culturally straight away as Indian. With Anoushka that’s not so obvious.

My favourite Indian name is Anshula, to throw another into the ring.

@SunshineXX1 That’s a good way of putting it! the international aspect of Anoushka is appealing as it will make life easier for DD. But the Indian aspect of Anjali is also beautiful in its own way. I wonder if in 10 years time she will be annoyed with us for giving her such an “Indian” name!!

Anshula is different, I haven’t seen that one before, I like it!

Anoushka is lovely. I'd pick that

Seems to be 50/50 between the two names!

Anjali sounds like a surname to to for some reason.

Anoushka. It’s such a wonderful name.

I know an Anjali. It’s a nice enough name but it just reminds me of Angela - which is a name for a woman in her 60s and 70s now. I guess working with an Angela and an Anjali in the same team and not too far off each other’s age made that connection so strongly for me.

Anoushka is a delight to say.

Anjaki - a much more vibrant and Indian sounding name. I have an Anjali adult friend and she pronounces the first syllable Anj not Uhnj.

Sorry meant to say Anjali

@zigaziga Thanks for pointing that out! The association with Angela is putting me off. I’m worried to go for Anjali now because I don’t really like the names Angela, Angelina etc! Anoushka is starting to feel like a better name for DD.
@olympicsrock I love the lively nature of Anjali but it might be a bit of a dated name even in India. Most of mine and DH’s friends prefer Anoushka because it’s more modern but parents love Anjali because it’s traditional and Indian. It’s the decision between a well known traditional and classic name (with the risk of seeming old fashioned) vs. modern and international (and compromising on having a name with a beautiful Sanskrit meaning) I think. This is harder than I expected!! DH is getting annoyed that I’m overthinking it but I want to get it right.

@ThatIsNotMyUsername I can see that association!

Couldn't you use a traditional Indian name with meaning as a middle name?

Well, Anjali immediately places you culturally as Indian. Anoushka doesn't. So I think it comes down to which you prefer tbh

I like Anoushka better - it's softer and sounds nicer

Both lovely names. I think Anjali would be my pick, Anoushka just doesn't sound as nice when spoken or look as nice when written.

Both completely beautiful! Anjali would be my pick though. Congratulations!

Both are beautiful but I particularly love Anoushka. It's stunning.

Anjali

@diddlediddle I was thinking of doing that, it could work well!
Thank you for all the advice!
What middle names would go well with Anjali and Anoushka?
I think we are leaning more towards Anoushka at the moment. I just like the international nature of the name, it will travel well and unlikely to be mispronounced. Anjali has started to sound a bit like “An -Jelly” to me, maybe I’m going off a lovely name because I’ve been over thinking it so much!!!

I have two colleagues called Anjali (I live in S Asia) - both pronounce it ‘An-JAR-Lee’ which I think is very pretty. There’s definitely a regional divide with ‘uhn’ vs ‘an’ too.

I think it’s a pretty, sort of jingly sounding name :)

Anoushka was pretty sloaney ten years ago when I was at uni. Maybe that’s changed now!

I taught a gorgeous Anjali-she pronounced it like Angela but with the 'ee' sound at the end instead. I really like it

@DeusEx Thanks for sharing! I never quite understood what Sloaney means, does it refer to someone snobby?
@Wallabyone That’s great! it’s such a lively name and seems like most people prefer it to Anoushka!