Our DD was born two days ago and we're still dithering about her name! Need to register it soon so would really appreciate your thoughts.
I'm Swedish, DH is American. We're in Sweden at the moment but likely moving back to the UK (or maybe US) in the next couple years. We want something that "sounds Swedish" to preserve that cultural identity, but equally don't want to make her life unnecessarily difficult!
DS is Magnus (almost 2) which we're very happy with. Our surname is a common Anglo one beginning with R - think Robinson, Richards etc. Stellan would have been our choice for another boy.
Our shortlist:
Ingrid - Ticks all the boxes and probably in the lead. But DH has a lingering concern that sounds harsh or ugly in English with the hard G? Is he imagining that?
Svea - Sounds cool ("SVAY-ah"). But too difficult/exotic in English? Minor concerns it sounds kind of "right wing" in Sweden (means Sweden, sort of), but I think the Anglo surname saves it.
Sigrid - Perhaps a bit smoother than Ingrid but also less recognisable. Friend knew a Sigrid who ended up nicknamed "Cigarette" though
Still somewhat considering:
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Liv - "Leev" in Swedish. Would have to decide whether to correct people or give in to the short I in English
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Lena - ("Layna") Less evidently Swedish but easy everywhere and has family significance
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Linnea - Works well; we just can't get excited about it for some reason
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Saga - I love it in Swedish but DH says too weird in English
We've already vetoed Astrid and Freja, and looked through just about every Swedish name going!
Which would you choose? Any experience with these names in the UK? Would love your input, good or bad!