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Baby names

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

Original poster

Malaika - too unusual?

17 replies

Doctorskidaddle · 31/07/2009 13:08

DH loves this name - I do too but having already given DD an unusual name I am worried about spending the next 5 years, spelling, explaining, repeating etc, and then her spening the following 75 doing the same.

It is a Swahili name and we are not east African but I did grow up there - bit of a tenuous link maybe? Although does that matter?

Honest opinions please

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reikizen · 31/07/2009 13:16

Reminds me a bit of balalaika tbh!

luckylady74 · 31/07/2009 13:20

Will you ever holiday in Greece? If so no because it means wanker in Greek- it can be used affectionately, but it's still best avoided!
I don't think using names from a different culture is a problem and if a name's special to you then why not?

willowstar · 31/07/2009 14:06

I have only ever known one person with this name and she was American. I don't think it matters a jot about the cultural connections...just if you like it.

Original poster
Doctorskidaddle · 31/07/2009 20:19

hmmm so nobody has actually sid they like it then...?

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OrangeFish · 31/07/2009 20:24

lucky... that's Malaka, but still very near...

Woollymummy · 31/07/2009 20:31

nice name, though the song starts up in my head as soon as I hear the name. that is a good thing, but would you want everyone to sing it to your kid for the rest of their life?

Original poster
Doctorskidaddle · 31/07/2009 20:37

yeah woolly I do have reservations because of the song - but do loads of people in the UK know it?

OP posts:
drosophila · 31/07/2009 20:41

I know one. I like the name.

Original poster
Doctorskidaddle · 31/07/2009 20:44

yaaay drosophila - my first yes vote, thank you (am obviously ignoring all no votes)

OP posts:
mwix · 01/08/2009 11:44

Its a beautiful name with a lovely meaning, go with it.

HappyBump · 01/08/2009 11:45

I like it too

SOLOisMeredithGrey · 01/08/2009 11:47

What song?

I've never heard the name, but I do like it.

OurLadyOfPerpetualSupper · 01/08/2009 12:02

I think the song posters are referring to is 'Back in the USSR' -' let me hear your balalaikas ringing out, Come and keep your comrade warm.'
I know it's not the same word, but it made me think of it too.

Firawla · 01/08/2009 12:18

It's pretty
I didn't know its swahili its arabic for angels aswel

MrsMattie · 01/08/2009 20:31

If my son had been a girl we were thinking of Malika - pronounced 'Ma-like-a' rather than 'Mal-eek-a'.

Original poster
Doctorskidaddle · 01/08/2009 21:02

The song is a Swahili song called Malaika - it's a love song and very sweet but also massively overplayed in tourist resorts in East Africa

So glad there a quite a few who like it - am feeling quite positive now thank you

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Original poster
Doctorskidaddle · 01/08/2009 21:03

MrsMattie - we would pronounce it Ma- like - ah too - didn't know of the other pronunciation

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