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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Ilsa?

47 replies

Rainpuddle · 09/04/2023 23:52

Opinions on the name Ilsa?

Pronounced ILL-SAH

German/Hebrew origins, meaning 'God's Promise'.

My concerns include... Will people call her Isla or Lisa by mistake?

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Luredbyapomegranate · 11/04/2023 22:55

It’s ok, but it does make me think of someone being ill

Ida?

Luredbyapomegranate · 11/04/2023 22:56

Or Ailsa?

RuthW · 12/04/2023 12:23

I thought it was Lisa. Don't do it.

SneezyEvie · 12/04/2023 12:29

peppermintteagirl · 10/04/2023 00:21

My brain read it as Isla and took a good few moments to realise it wasn't.

Me too!

JuneOsborne · 12/04/2023 12:31

Really beautiful name. I think you're right to forsee the pronunciation issues. Is it enough to put you off?

tinkitonki · 12/04/2023 22:41

I have an Ilsa, she loves it and it totally suits her personality. Does occasionally get confused with Elsa but she or I just correct and move on. It’s Elizabeth by variant as well which was important to me

UsingChangeofName · 12/04/2023 22:47

I'm afraid my brain read it as Isla too.
I think you would probably get that a lot when people read it, and that you would get a lot of people writing 'Elsa' when you said it. Both would get tiring after a while.

rattlinbog · 12/04/2023 22:57

I thought it was Ilse?

Theoldwoman · 14/04/2023 02:01

Cyclone Ilsa happening right now!

Original poster
Rainpuddle · 14/04/2023 13:16

I know, weird that there's now cyclone Ilsa. Think it's back to the drawing board...

OP posts:
JudyGemstone · 14/04/2023 13:19

Not common knowledge probably but Ilsa Koch was a famous Nazi and an evil human being. There are books/films based on her so not totally obscure.

I don’t personally like the ‘ill’ sound at the start of a name.

all in all a no from me.

PuttingDownRoots · 14/04/2023 13:21

The only time I came across it in real life was a someone who pronounced it it like Isla.
My personal guess would be more like like Elsa than Isla.

Original poster
Rainpuddle · 14/04/2023 13:26

Oh didn't know about the Nazi connection! That's a definite no then. My son is Saul, which is of Hebrew origin, so I just think that would feel extra weird somehow.

What are your thoughts on the name Vaila? It is a Scottish name (we are Scottish) meaning foreign Isle and is the name of one of the islands. Is it too close to vulva 👀

OP posts:
MurderAtTheBeautyPageant · 14/04/2023 13:33

First thing I thought of was the Nazi connection.

MurderAtTheBeautyPageant · 14/04/2023 13:34

Rainpuddle · 14/04/2023 13:26

Oh didn't know about the Nazi connection! That's a definite no then. My son is Saul, which is of Hebrew origin, so I just think that would feel extra weird somehow.

What are your thoughts on the name Vaila? It is a Scottish name (we are Scottish) meaning foreign Isle and is the name of one of the islands. Is it too close to vulva 👀

I actually know a Scottish woman called Vaila and have always thought it a lovely name.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 14/04/2023 14:31

Vaila sounds great, especially if it reflects your heritage and no, it's not even close to Vulva!

JudyGemstone · 14/04/2023 15:20

Yes I like Vaila.

does it rhyme with Layla or Isla?

CC4712 · 14/04/2023 15:22

peppermintteagirl · 10/04/2023 00:21

My brain read it as Isla and took a good few moments to realise it wasn't.

Exactly the same for me. I was spelling it out in my head trying to work it out. Nice name, but prefer the Ilse spelling.

yikesanotherbooboo · 14/04/2023 15:27

I like it . I have quite pointy antennae for difficult names for babies but don't see a problem with Ilsa.Easy to spell, easy to pronounce, does not come with preconceptions and I think it sounds nice.

Original poster
Rainpuddle · 14/04/2023 19:33

Vaila rhymes with Layla.

Someone pointed out the vulva thing once and it stuck with me! But I hadn't even considered it before, so good to know others don't see the connection either :)

Think I have the name!

OP posts:
QueenCamilla · 14/04/2023 19:37

All the post will come to Lisa.
Will be pronounced as Isla.
I sometimes write my name in cap-locks as ILSA as that makes it easier.
I say Elsa in Starbucks to save the bother 😊
Still love the name 😊

TrueScrumptious · 14/04/2023 20:51

I like Ilsa -I just think Ingrid Bergman and Casablanca.

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