See the results of this poll: Aurelia or Athena?
Respondents: 49 (This poll is closed)
- Aurelia : 27 (55%)
- Athena: 22 (45%)
I prefer [name_f]Athena[/name_f]. I think it’s more straightforward pronunciation wise and I don’t think most people will assume she’s a know it all. It’s a lovely name.
I think [name_f]Athena[/name_f] is the easiest to wear. One of my friends in college had a daughter called [name_f]Athena[/name_f] and it never seemed pretentious to me. On meeting her I just thought it was a beautiful, unexpected name to hear. Overall I think [name_f]Athena[/name_f] sees more usage [name_m]IRL[/name_m] too, which makes it seem not so out there or tied to any one personality type (e.g. know-it-all).
Thanks so much for your input so far! Right now they’re almost tied in the poll, which is really interesting. I had actually expected Nameberry to favor [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f], but it looks like it’s pretty evenly split.
@briar_rose_red: I think you’re right, [name_f]Athena[/name_f] is more straightforward and recognizable. Thanks for your comment!
@pacifica: It’s always good to hear people’s experiences with names in the real world, so thanks for sharing that. [name_f]Glad[/name_f] it doesn’t seem pretentious to people. And yes that is true, it’s surprisingly high up on the popularity list (didn’t expect that) so the fact that other people are using it will probably minimize the negative reactions. Thanks for your comment!
Anyone else? 
I adore [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] but I struggle with the same issues. I go back and forth between the same pronunciations you mentioned and it bothers me that there are even MORE out there. It’s such a heavenly, lilting name so I would absolutely recommend it regardless. I love your medieval-tinged [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] [name_u]Joan[/name_u] and I think it’s marvelous.
Here’s the thing though, I don’t think [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] should be compared to [name_f]Athena[/name_f]. They are both amazing names but they have such different feels and connotations and imageries, it almost feels unfair.
[name_f]Athena[/name_f] doesn’t sound pompous (that’s also something I’m really afraid of with names)- I even know a girl named [name_f]Athena[/name_f] who is really laid back, down to earth, and intelligent. So for me it’s neither hippie nor grandiose. It is easier to pronounce but it has a totally different feeling. [name_f]Athena[/name_f] is strong, Ancient Greek, mossy, and stoic. [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] is rippling, floral, windy, and mysterious. It is SO HARD to choose!!
I think both are wearable. [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] is more recognizable even though it’s rare, and [name_f]Athena[/name_f] is more easy to pronounce even though it’s not widely used. So they even out.
Also a side note: You asked in your signature for opinions on [name_f]Raquel[/name_f]. Well, I adore it (it’s my middle name!). Everyone always tells me how beautiful it is when they hear it and it makes me really happy to hear. I’ve often considered going by it in the future! I also love the nickname Quel or Kell. But [name_f]Raquel[/name_f] is just so elegant and exotic in my opinion. As I’m sure you can tell I’m really happy it’s my name 
I do have latina roots (My dad is Brazilian) but I grew up in [name_u]America[/name_u]. I think it’s usable by everyone
I do like both names (and have them on my list), but [name_f]Athena[/name_f] had to be my choice. For one I only like [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] as Or-[name_u]RAY[/name_u]-lee-uh, and although I don’t think it would be difficult to correct, I can see the other pronunciations getting annoying after a while. And there’s something about [name_f]Athena[/name_f] I just love. I see both of them as strong names, but [name_f]Athena[/name_f] has an added oomph that pushes her over the edge. She’s strong, feisty, cool, a total badass and a fighter.
I agree with this.
I like both, but I voted for [name_f]Athena[/name_f]. [name_f]Athena[/name_f] is actually more common than you would think (it ranks at #132 in the US), it’s easier to pronounce, and not pretentious at all. [name_f]Aurelia[/name_f] is just as beautiful though.