Torn between Elsie and Elektra for our baby girl

[BrightLemonQuail]

First time parents, Two very different names but these are our top two and I feel so torn. Elsie feels very cutesy and girly, Elektra feels bold. Sounds silly but it feels like a decision that will have a huge bearing on who she becomes. Elsie is a family name but worried it is very popular. Elektra i just worry could be too bold. Also if it was Elektra I envision it with a ‘k’ not a ‘c’ but is that also too bold?

Elsie is very popular, but that's not a reason not to use it if you like it? It's a bit like Isabella/Isabel, Lily and Eva in recent years. Very popular, but they're nice names.

@Bananacrepewithnuts

why would you change the spelling?? It’s still the same name just makes it more awkward for child as they have to constantly correct others on the spelling throughout their lifetime (unless they themselves change it to the conventional spelling I guess, which I’ve known happen).

Absolutely. There is a standard spelling for Elsie, why deviate and give the girl a lifetime of irritation?.

Electra is a cool, strong name but as others have said, it has pretty dark connotations in Greek mythology. A bit like calling your son Oedipus!

Calling your daughter Electra would be like calling your son Oedipus. Please don't!

I personally love the name Electra and I know one.
If you already think it is too bold though, don't use it.
Elsie is cute. If it's a family name and you like it then use that.
It doesn't matter that it's popular. It's one of the older names that is having a resurgence but it's not as if there's 3 in every class either.

I love Elektra! Love a Greek name. It was on my list. I'd love to meet a little Elektra!

We also considered Calypso, Delphine and Estelle/a!

If popularity is the only thing holding you back on Elsie though, and it has a family connection, then tbh I'd probably go with that.

Elsie is lovely.
Elise and Eliza/Elisa are also lovely.

Elektra is not to my taste at all.

I wouldn't go for Electra (with either spelling), unless you want to set yourself up for epic family drama! She helped with the revenge murder of her mother, and Jung made hay with the story.

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-the-electra-complex-2795170

Elektra is bad in my opinion.
Reminds me of the character from the flop movie daredevil and the 'actress' Carmen Electra.

There's also Eloise, Eleanor, Eliana, Helena, Elodie if you like an 'El' type sound at the beginning of names but Elektra (in the UK - may be different in other countries) would sound a bit onlyfans.

Elsie the other two are awful, sorry

Elektra is awful. Elsie is better but not much. Consider Elisa, Eloise, Elsa.

I'd be careful here OP.

The Electra Complex: Psychoanalyst Carl Jung named the "Electra Complex" after her. It describes a psychological concept where a young girl feels an unconscious attachment to her father and rivalry toward her mother.

Eloise if you’re worried that Elsie is too popular or cutsie.

Calypso?

🤣

That is the exact thing that came to mid. Elektra says either Starlight Express or Gladiators.

I would have the anagram of Elsie -Elise. Slightly unusual but not massively so , would not have Elektra.

I know two children who are called Elsie.
There is no way they can be described as cute!
They are very different to each other but intelligent, bold and active.
Both are lovely girls who are growing up to be fabulous young women.

Exactly this

Adding to what others have said, as a teacher, porn star was the first thing I thought of. I am sure you don't want that association for your daughter throughout school, when the register is taken etc.

I have taught many named Elsie, Evie, Eva, Ava, Maisie etc but they each make their name their own, and its 1 or 2 across a year group or a whole school.

I have never taught an Elec/ktra.

Elektra is ridiculous, you just can’t call the poor child that!!

Elsie is lovely but if you wanted similar sounding names maybe

Estella
Elana
Eloise
Eleanor
Etta (could be a nickname for Henrietta)

I think it's quite nice to change the spelling to make it different from the normal.
Yes initially people will get it wrong but then they will correct themselves.
School / family etc will know exactly how it should be spelt and everyone else will get the hang of it.

Elecktra is terrible name.

My aunts middle name is Elsie, after her Aunt. My cousin has tried to call both his daughters Elsie and she won't let him. One is Elise, which was the closest he could get.
Elektra isn't a real name

Neither. Elsie's very dated and Electra, regardless of spelling, sounds like a character from a Marvel comic.