We are Italians living in the UK the last 5 years and due in 2 months our DD1. We live in a relatively international/close to London area and our kid will have an italian surname.
We are in between Lily and Clelia.
- Lily because it's easy, international, straightforward and works well in both UK and Italy. There are not many Lilys around here. What put us a bit off is that for Italians it sounds a bit too international (not authentic Italian), and a bit childish/too cute for an adult. Not a strong enough standalone name!
- Clelia is a family name with strong italian heritage behind. Originated by Cloelia and it's a significant name for us as it is the name of a relative that we want to honour. Clelia in Italy is Cleh-Lia not Clee-Lia, and this how we are planning to call her. I know in the UK the default is Clee-Lia which is why it puts us a bit off, having to correct people is annoying. But, I mean it will be just a few corrections in the beginning of everything i.e. nursery/school/work etc. and then end of story?
We don't want a double name, so please don't suggest that! Just advise between the two please given our circumstances and given we are not British and we don't know if we will ever return back to Italy!