Lucie or Helena

[wyemummy]

Lucie or Helena?

And if Helena, Helen-a or Hel-ay-na?

Think I prefer Helena, which DH likes but thinks is a bit pretentious. I love Lucie but feel that as a professional woman when DD grows up Helena is a more ‘go anywhere’ name. Particularly like the Shakespearean/classical associations with Helena.

Alternatives are Phoebe or Alys (we’re in Wales so that’s the correct spelling).

FWIW Lucie is a traditional English spelling and DH and I are both historians so prefer the old form of the name I have a very unusual name which I always have to spell and it doesn’t bother me. We also have a short surname which is impossible to spell wrong.

Thanks Mumsnetters! DD is due in February so I have a while to decide.

Helena is gorgeous - so classical and elegant feeling, yet underused with some great nn options if she wants them. I instinctively go for the Shakespearean "Heh -len -ah" pronunciation (like Helena Bonham Carter) but I think the others are fine too.

Alys is very lovely too although with the Alice spelling slightly more popular at the moment in Wales you'd have to consider whether it would be a hassle for her to often have to spell it (although that possibly wouldn't concern you since you're considering Lucie?).

Sorry Lucie and Phoebe aren't my taste, although there's nothing wrong with them (I tend not to like names with strong "ee" sounds).

Helena is very classic and regal. If you call her Lucie, people will spell her name wrong her whole life. (And tell her she's spelling it wrong too)