What do you guys think of this name? I’m liking it because it reminds me both of Greek myth ([name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f], obviously, which is mostly a good thing but could be a negative association for some) and it has Hebrew origins (means dust).
I’ve never heard of its only only prominent carrier, [name_f]Aphra[/name_f] Behn, but she seems completely kickass as I do a little research.
Its variant [name_f]Afra[/name_f], meaning “from [name_f]Africa[/name_f]”, could be a deterrent for me, as I have no African heritage and I do prefer my names to have personal significance in their meaning and background. Still, this isn’t too big a deal in my mind.
I think it has a really nice sound. What are your thoughts, especially when combined with the names listed in my signature?
I love [name_f]Aphra[/name_f] and I don’t know why it doesn’t get much love. Could it be the meaning of “dust”? (I’m allergic :))Or is there a more underlying racial issue because people may hear the words [name_f]Africa[/name_f] and afro in it? It’s not mentioned very often anywhere - even here on Nameberry which surprises me. It has a lots of of things in common with the more popular choices of [name_f]Ava[/name_f], [name_f]Eva[/name_f], [name_f]Nora[/name_f], [name_f]Emma[/name_f], [name_f]Mila[/name_f] and the like. It’s two syllables, ends in “a”, easy to spell and pronounce. It gets bonus marks for its exotic flair which these names are beginning to loose as well as its literary pedigree. I don’t get it.
I think the two concerns you have with the name are very legitimate. For me, also not being African American, the African reference would be a deterrent for me and place the name in a “love but can’t use” category.
I’d look for a longer name that could have [name_f]Aphra[/name_f] as a nickname, though aside from [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f] I can think of any and I’d want to love the full name at least almost as much as the nn. I wouldn’t be able to sell myself on [name_f]Aphrodite[/name_f].
That said it is a lovely name and your lil’ one is going to make it all her own anyway.
I like it. It’s different and refreshing, not very common.
I actually know an [name_f]Afra[/name_f], she was a classmate of mine in Middle School, but that was in Mexico.
I also new of a girl named [name_f]Africa[/name_f], she was my cousin’s friend, also in Mexico.
And there is also a Mexican actress named [name_f]Africa[/name_f] Zavala.
It could be more popular in different countries.
I guess in Mexico they don’t have a problem with it.
[name_f]Aphra[/name_f] [name_f]Rose[/name_f] would be lovely.
