I’ve been meaning to start this for a while. We’re expecting in April and we’re not planning to find out what we’re having, so we’ve picked out names for either gender. I’m going to keep a lid on the boy name we’ve chosen because other posters here know me and are pregnant (you know who you are), but I’ve decided to unveil the girl names because we’ve been debating which to choose.
One thing we agree is that we want the “short” version of the name to be Elly. The “long” version is where we don’t entirely agree. One of us wants Eliahna, the other wants Eloise. Which do you prefer?
Only two options in the poll because it is going to be one or the other so your other opinions don’t count.
I love love love the sound of Eliahna, because I love delicate lacy princess names (especially if they end up on rough and tumble kickass girls!) But I’m not fond of the spelling - that h looks clunky and awkward to me. Might I suggest (not a different name, just a different spelling!) Ellianainstead?
I case this is interesting to you, according to the Baby Name Voyager, Ellie, Eloise, Eleanor and Eliana are all increasing in popularity right now in the US. If the trend continues, you may end up with other Ellys in your daughter’s circle of friends.
I want to vote for Eliahna, but that spelling is awful. I looked at it for several seconds trying to figure out what pronunciation you were going for. And actually, I’m still not sure. Would it be pronounced ee-layna (which is what I’m assuming) or elli-anna? Either way, with a clearer spelling, I prefer that name to Eloise. Didn’t vote in the poll.
I picked Eloise because I dislike that spelling of Eliana, which I love normally. Eloise is a cute one as well, and I don’t hear it that often. I know two Eliana’s under 5 years old.
Most names shortened to Elly are classic and pretty. I like Eleanor and Elena too. Elliot is still fully a boy’s name to me, as I grew up in an area with many Jewish families and many male Elliots.
Eloise. Although it has that cachet of “classic/old-fashioned without sounding like an old lady” thing going on, so I suspect it is going to surge in popularity. Expect many more Eloises in your child’s age cohort, if that matters to you.
I do not care for the made-up Eliahna spelling at all, but even with a more “legit” spelling, I prefer Eloise.