After having 2 boys, my hubby and I are finally have a girl. So excited, but laboring over the name. We are torn between [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] or [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f]. I like [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] not only because of the princess naming, but also because of the goddess of the dawn meaning. I always look for hope in everything, and to think about new hope each morning makes me happy! I’m on the fence about the nickname [name_u]Rori[/name_u]. Sounds a little boyish, but I think we’d be safe spelling it with an “I”, and I like to think I’d say, “[name_u]Rori[/name_u], let the world hear your roarrrrrr!”…but the name [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] is also very beautiful. The nickname "[name_f]Nia[/name_f] is cool with me. Hubby likes the Godfather and [name_m]Prince[/name_m] reference too. I’m just hesitant because it seems like overkill for a name…like it’s too long or trying too hard or something. I like the thoughts of feminine version of [name_m]Apollo[/name_m] and meaning, but not so fond of the goddess of teeth reference (or whatever), and not fond of biblical meaning of destruction/perdition. Torn because if you don’t think about the meanings of either name, they both just plain sound so beautiful. Getting mixed feedback from friends…please help!
Honestly I have a bit of a thing against [name_f]Aurora[/name_f], I feel like it stole the “princess name” thunder from [name_f]Talia[/name_f] who was the original Sleeping Beauty and I’ve never really understood why Disney didn’t go for [name_f]Talia[/name_f]. So in short, I’m not really a fan of [name_f]Aurora[/name_f]. I do love the nn [name_u]Rori[/name_u] though!
I really want to love [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f], I like the Greek mythology aspect of it and I really adore [name_u]Artemis[/name_u] and [name_f]Athena[/name_f], but I don’t love it. I do think that [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] is a bit try hard sounding but that may also just be because it is a big name and I’ve never heard it before. It’s not bad but I personally think there are much nicer Greek mythology names. Apart from direct connections like [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] being the feminine form of [name_m]Apollo[/name_m], I wouldn’t trust other meanings, I think a lot of the time people make up meanings or it’s misinterpreted from something else. There may be legitimate alternate meanings but just take them with a grain of salt.
After all that, I vote for [name_f]Aurora[/name_f], simply because I think [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] is a bit of overkill. They do both sound lovely though so I don’t think you can go wrong either way 
I think [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] is a little more accessible and unique while not being unheard of or way out there. I also think it’s a beautiful soft name. [name_u]Rory[/name_u] would be a cute nickname too!
I personally think [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] is a little out-there. As the PP said I also love Greek mythology and would be more willing to use [name_u]Artemis[/name_u] and [name_f]Athena[/name_f]. I think some similar names I would prefer are [name_f]Pomeline[/name_f] and Apollina or [name_f]Apolline[/name_f]. [name_m]Even[/name_m] [name_f]Parthenia[/name_f] or [name_f]Parthena[/name_f].
I love [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] (it’s on my list, even) but I know a baby [name_f]Apolonia[/name_f], her nn is [name_f]Pola[/name_f] and she’s around 3 y.o.
[name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] is a lovely name, original, but not incredibly out-there. Poised, wearable at every stage of her life, and has like four or more great nn.
I generally am in favor of “out there” names, but I’ve never been a fan of [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f], because first I hear “apple,” and then I almost hear “pony,” and 5-syllables really is a lot of name, even for ME. [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] just doesn’t appeal to me sound-wise, and yes, there are quite a lot of historic associations and meanings that are less than charming. Ultimately, I’d pass on this one. If [name_f]Nia[/name_f] is really the clincher, there are other ways you could get that nickname, or you could even use [name_f]Nia[/name_f] as a standalone name.
[name_f]Aurora[/name_f] is very pretty, though I don’t happen to care for [name_u]Rory[/name_u]/[name_u]Rori[/name_u] as a nn for it. [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] was in the running for our [name_f]Georgia[/name_f]'s name and some people have exclaimed how much they love [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] and/or implied that we should have chosen that one. So I know [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] is a name that is generally admired and garners a lot of approval in general. It has recently shot up to the #66 most popular name, and it’s likely to rise further. So it’s very stylish right now and people like it, but not overused. Between the two, I’d choose this one as being the most wearable.
If you’re stuck between two names… it might be that you haven’t really found the ONE. So, I’m going to throw out a few ideas and you can see if anything sticks.
Other elaborate A, celestial, or “[name_f]Nia[/name_f]” names:
[name_f]Anastasia[/name_f] (this can be pronounced 4 or 5 syllables, the familiar “[name_f]Ana[/name_f]/[name_f]Anna[/name_f]” at the beginning helps make it more palatable to the average person - nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f] could work)
Anataolia (another 5-syllable, but again it starts with “[name_f]Anna[/name_f]” instead of “[name_f]Apple[/name_f],” nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f] could also work)
[name_f]Andromeda[/name_f] (for another celestial-inspired name, but again with a more familiar sound to usher you into it)
[name_f]Oriana[/name_f] (a name related to [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] with the same meaning, that is quite elaborate, and nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f] would work here too, better than the others)
[name_f]Orania[/name_f]/[name_f]Ourania[/name_f] (also related to [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] so same meaning, with the [name_f]Nia[/name_f] part being obvious)
[name_f]Annsonia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f])
[name_f]Delphinia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f])
[name_f]Lavinia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f])
[name_f]Niara[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f])
[name_f]Virginia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f])
[name_f]Xenia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f])
[name_f]Zinnia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f])
[name_f]Magnolia[/name_f] (nn [name_f]Nia[/name_f], less obvious)
Thank you all for your very thoughtful replies. I think I’m closer to making a decision and will talk to the hubs about it. I think [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] is the safer choice. I think the most helpful advice may have been that if I’m having such a hard time deciding, then maybe neither are “it”. Definitely sticking with an “A” name and will keep my eyes open in case something else pops up. [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] might just be it though because thatcwaa one of the first names that came to me…kind of like how I tried on tons of wedding dresses, but ended up going back and buying the first one I tried on…ha-ha!
Going back to your first favorite is often how it goes! Or, you finally work up the nerve to use the “out there” name you really wanted all along. Good luck and do come back to post if you have other hangups, and when you have your birth announcement!
I love [name_f]Aurora[/name_f] and [name_u]Rory[/name_u] as a nickname. I wanted to use that name, however my husband was against it (our last name is a bit celestial sounding and he thought it sounded too gimmicky together).
I’ve always had a bit of a soft spot for the name [name_f]Aurora[/name_f], nn [name_u]Rori[/name_u], and although I don’t think I’d ever use it for my own daughter, I would absolutely love to hear it on other little girls. [name_f]Apollonia[/name_f] is really pretty as a name, but I do think that it might be a teensy bit too much.
Congrats on the baby girl, and I hope you decide on the perfect name for her
I’m voting for Apolloina because of the nickname [name_f]Polly[/name_f].
I prefer [name_f]Aurora[/name_f].
I don’t like Apollina for the reasons you said. It feels like too much for me and is quite a mouthful.