Yelena?

[NatMoz]

If you are British or from an English speaking nation, how would you pronounce this name?

Trying to think of names that won't cause a lifetime of drama in England. In my head this name is pronounced how it's spelt, similar to its sister name Elena (el-en-ah) but I've also heard Elena pronounced in other wacky ways including the English Eleanor and wondered if Yelena would share the same fate?

Helen is said Hel-en so Helena should really be Hel-en-ah. Helena pronounced Hell-ay-nah should be spel Helaina, similar to Elaina surely? Elena is El-en-ah.

So Yelena would be Yel-en-ah in my part of the woods.

@OddsNSodsBitsNBobs

Helen is said Hel-en so Helena should really be Hel-en-ah. Helena pronounced Hell-ay-nah should be spel Helaina, similar to Elaina surely? Elena is El-en-ah.

So Yelena would be Yel-en-ah in my part of the woods.

And Selena - how should that be pronounced?

Yel-en-ah it's the way I always pronounce it in my head as it's the name of the main Character in my favourite book series. I have never heard one in real life but really like the name. It's one of those names where you might have to tell people which pronunciation you prefer but the people should have no issues!

Yel-en-ah

She is the sister of Black Widow in the Marvel movies so it's more mainstream. Pronounced Yel-AY-nuh

I don't think anyone would say it YELL-en-uh. That would be a bit weird!

Yell-ee-na

Like Selena but with a Y

I would pronounce it like Selena

@entrytohr

Yell-ee-na

Like Selena but with a Y

This

I would pronounce as Yell-eh-nah and am actually surprised at the different pronunciations of this name.

It's much nicer than Alexandra.

I would pronounce it to rhyme with Helena.

@CoalCraft

I would pronounce it to rhyme with Helena.

Helena has at least three different pronunciations, which is why the OP is asking.

My DD’s pronounced it the same way as Helena Christensen. There’s also Helena Bonham-Carter. And then it can also be pronounced to rhyme with Selena.