Alternatives to… (unusable baby name)

[Romelo]

The name is Roma. I first heard it on a little French girl who was a friend of a child I au paired for. Thought it was beautiful then, still think it’s beautiful now, plus we love the connection to the city as our first proper holiday together was to Rome. But I think it’s just too contentious to use, given that it’s the name of an ethnic group.

What would you suggest as alternatives? Can’t end in E/IE sound so Romy is out. We’d prefer shorter names of no more than 2 syllables as the surname is long and complex.

Raina
Rosa
Reya

Rosa
Paloma

Rona
Thalia (italia)

Venice
Florence
Milanie (kidding)

Ramona - 3 syllables but still short-sounding
Clara, Cara or Cora
Rosa, Raya or Mona
Elora/ Alora
Sidonie, Marnie and Sylvie would be lovely but have the 'ie' sound.

Oooooh I love Reya

Romy
Ramona
Romana
Romelia / Romalia
Romina
Romilda

Ana
Bella
Cora
Dora
Eva
Freya
Gaia
Isla
Juno
Kate
Luna
Lara
Mya
Nina
Orla
Pipa
Quinn
Rosa
Sia
Tia
Una
Wanda
Zelda

Romola. I've always loved that name, and the actress

I don't see anything wrong with just using Roma.

Milania
Raya
Rosa

Why are you looking for an alternative? Well, I know you’ve said why, but Roma is a lovely name of Italian origin and nothing to do with the Roma people. Why would it be contentious? I think you should use it, if it’s the name you love.

Use Roma if you like it. I loved actress Roma Downey in "Touched by An Angel".
We aren't so "woke" that we cancel out all the beautiful names: China, London, Paris, Savannah, India, etc.

Ramona
NN Roma

Agree that Ramona would be nice, has a really similar sound to Roma. Maybe Rowan?

Or, don’t know if this would be possible, but could you choose a different name you like and have Rome in the middle? I tend to think middle names are relatively unimportant and the place to stick a less ‘useable’ name that had sentimental meaning to you.

If you love Roma just use it. It's a name used all over the world from Italy to India. It's beautiful.

My nans friend was Roma. Never associated it with Romany at all. Beautiful name, use it if you like it

I have to say that in contrast with the other commenters, I'd also swerve Roma for the reasons you would. Would it work as a middle name for you? Other names which are short and sweet.
Embla
Fern
Hebe
Leta/o
Odette
Petra
Runa
Vita

I’m curious as to why you might think use of the name was contentious. Is it because you don’t want the association with the Roma people, or because you think it’s akin to cultural appropriation?

I taught a little girl called Roma. There was also a girl called Milan although I other Milana.

Use Roma.

Romelle
Fabiola
Rome
Cilla
Izola
Zola
Alma

Rowena
Luna
Elena
Ilaria
Rose
Stella
Dana
Mara

I know a lovely Roma. It’s such a beautiful name. As PP mentioned, I might be worried about cultural appropriation, but if- as others have said- it is a fairly widely used name, perhaps you (and I!) wouldn’t need to worry too much.

Nothing contentious about Roma. Lovely name.

There is nothing controversial about Roma.

My list includes Esra, Zeena, Selma, Ember, Zadie, Yara, Esma, Lila, Thea, Carys. I also prefer two syllables and am trying to avoid the ie sound as that is how our surname ends. Strangely I feel like some ie names are totally out but some kind of work. I also think Roma is a lovely name and not controversial.