Sasha or Natasha?

[neolara]

In case bump turns out to be a girl, I'm wondering which is nicer, Sasha or Natasha (Tasha). I like them both but some days I prefer one, then the next I prefer the other.

As Obama's daughter is called Sasha, I wondered whether this would suddenly become a hugely popular name. I've always thought of it as romantic and Russian sounding but the thought of a million American's potentially calling their daughters this has put me off slightly.

So, which do you prefer and does anyone have any similar names they can suggest.

Natascha, with a C, which makes it nice and more Russian.

Sasha will become very popular, and now has unfortunate "Sasha Fierce" Beyonce connotations.

If you like the Russian sounding names, what about Anastasia?

Natasha
Anastasia really nice - I know someone called that who's shortened to Stasie, which is rather nice

Nastasha for me.

Don't like Sasha at all.

Obama's daughter is actually named Natasha, but she's nicknamed and known as Sasha. You could do the same thing if you're not sure; name her Natasha, and call her Sasha.

Ohh, that is a good idea Effie. Am liking that!

Both lovely, but natasha has the edge slightly,as good abbreviations and isn't too popular. Sasha is also a boy's name in some countries exp. Russia where it's short for Alexander.

Am loving Anastasia too!

I prefer Sasha for a boy
I knew an Anastasia shortened to Stasia (pronounced Staysha)

Natasha is the nicest but like Lockets I prefer Saskia

My DP is Sasha (Sasa) as it's diminutive for Aleksander - so is Russian/Eastern Euro in a sense but only as a nick name. His sister is Natasa and I love that name.

Um, millions of Americans didn't suddenly run out and call their daughters Chelsea

Natasha.

Natasha

It's my name and I love it!
(Not many people can say that)

I like Sasha a lot

Natasha is nicer IMO.

Sasha is beautiful though I prefer it for a boy, but of the two I'd go with Sasha.

how aobut saskia

actually prefer natasha.

I prefer Natasha

I prefer Natasha, too

What about Lara?

I have just noticed your name, OP

I prefer Natasha

From the Russian perspective, both of these are nicknames. "Sasha" can be short for Alexander or Alexandra. Natasha (to use a "c" isn't any more Russian than to not) is the nickname for Natalia (emphasis on the second syllable). Personally I don't like nicknames as proper names, but that's just me. Even if you're fine with giving a nickname, if you're concerned about the nickname getting too popular, or the child not liking the name, using the full name gives the child more options down the road.

If you like Russian names, someone suggested Anastasia, which I really like, or there are also Antonina, Tatiana/Tatyana (Tania/Tanya for short), Larissa (Lara for short) or Nadezhda (Nadya for short). Nadezhda means hope, although it might be hard for people to pronounce.

Natasha - my dd's middle name.

My cousin is called Anastasia (her father is Russian) and I really can't see how Stacey could possibly be a diminutive for it. The second s is a "z" sound, not a "c" sound. The Russian diminutive is Nastya (how we did laugh!).

I think I prefer Natasha, but that's mostly because I think of Sacha as a boys name.

I prefer Sasha and hadn't made the Obama connection at all until you mentioned it. I can't really see it getting a huge boost from that - the Obamas seem to be doing a pretty good job of keeping their children off the public radar (to the extent that's possible in their position).