I will caveat this thread just by saying from the offset that yes, I do think the spelling of names matters when we’re talking about the more cringy end of the name spelling spectrum i.e. “lee, ley, lie, leigh” name spelling etc.
But as someone who has a daughter with a middle name of [name_f]Ysabel[/name_f] ‘EE-sah-bel’, I felt sorry for a friend of mine who has recently welcomed a little girl (2nd child, 1st girl) but has come under fire for the spelling choice of her baby name.
It don’t even feel its an unusual name in the grand scheme of things - [name_f]Selina[/name_f] [name_f]Eliza[/name_f]. We live in north-west of the UK for reference.
However, my friend has told me her family think they should be spelling the name [name_f]Selena[/name_f] instead. I personally prefer the [name_f]Selina[/name_f] spelling to be honest, but has someone who has embraced slightly more unusual baby names, I’ve never worried about this personally, but it really has bothered her.
I just thought I’d get some unbiased opinions please? Would you go with [name_f]Selina[/name_f] or [name_f]Selena[/name_f], and do you think it matters?
Thank you!
I like both, but Selina does look slightly more sleek to me (and of those I’ve met, I’ve met 2 Selinas and one Salina so 
)
Selina doesn’t look misspelled; it’s a perfectly well established spelling, so for me, it’s fine!
Plus, Selina used to be the more familiar spelling in the UK! 2014 saw them swap places, but before that, Selina was more likely
I have meet two Selina’s both spelt this way [name_f]Selina[/name_f]. So I automatically think this is the correct/more usual spelling but I’m not surprised by the alternative [name_f]Selena[/name_f] I guess it’s just personal preference…
[name_f]My[/name_f] favorite spelling is actually [name_f]Celina[/name_f].
And I think that no, it doesn’t really matter which spelling she goes with, because both [name_f]Selena[/name_f] and [name_f]Selina[/name_f] are established spellings of this name.
As long as it’s legit variant/spelling I think that’s fine. [name_f]Selina[/name_f] is really pretty (and [name_f]Ysabel[/name_f] too, btw!).
If [name_f]Selena[/name_f] Quintanilla and [name_f]Selena[/name_f] Gomez didn’t contribute to the familiarity of the spelling [name_f]Selena[/name_f], I believe [name_f]Selina[/name_f] could be the most popular spelling in many corners of the world. At least, in my mind, considering the used pronounciation, I think [name_f]Selina[/name_f] makes a little more sense and is more intuitive. I believe it has great potential to shine!
However, I love the spelling [name_f]Selena[/name_f] visually, and in reality, if I heard the name, I would have a strong tendency to write [name_f]Selena[/name_f]. I grew up watching [name_f]Selena[/name_f] Gomez movies, shows, and listening to some of her songs. That being said, I know that [name_f]Selena[/name_f] Gomez has a big influence on my perception of [name_f]Selena[/name_f] and [name_f]Selina[/name_f].
I actually know a teenager named [name_f]Celina[/name_f] who was meant to be named [name_f]Selina[/name_f]. Basically, there was a last minute change because that spelling was not allowed in my country, at the time of her birth.
Honestly, these three spellings are all very legit and beautiful. I believe that as long as the spelling is well established and it doesn’t cause too much trouble for others to spell, and consequently a big headache for the person who carries the name, parents are free to choose what they prefer.
I don’t care at all for creative spellings, but if a spelling is well recognized in your culture, country, or language, the alternative versions and variants of the most common choice are still a good option. On the other hand, I would definitely not recommend Sellynna, Celienah or Silinna, for example.
[name_f]Selina[/name_f] El!za is a magnificent choice! Very elegant, sweet, and delicate.
Your friend’s family will definitely get used to the spelling. Perhaps one day, some may even prefer the chosen spelling. Your friend and her partner certainly had a reason to select the spelling [name_f]Selina[/name_f]. If they love and admire [name_f]Selina[/name_f], then it’s the best choice for their little girl. If they one day eventually consider changing it, that’s fine too, as long as it is a decision based on their preferences and not a consequence of others’ negative reactions.
I think [name_f]Selina[/name_f] looks nicer, why does spelling really matter? [name_f]My[/name_f] name is spelt in an unusual way and when I was born my grandparents wouldn’t stop telling her everyone will never say my name right, she was wrong as people got used to it rather quickly, as did they. They was not used to it, but came to terms over time and grew to love it.
I actually know a [name_f]Celina[/name_f] as well and I think that spelling is also beautiful.
I understand that in uk and other [name_f]English[/name_f] speaking countries, these names are pronounced the same, but i wouldn’t pronounce them the same.
[name_f]Selina[/name_f] = [name_f]Seleena[/name_f]
[name_f]Selena[/name_f] = Selenna/ Selehna
But even if you pronounce them the same, I wouldn’t matter and they are in the wrong for disagreeing. Why are they saying anything at all to woman who just gave birth. I was always told once baby came, nobody would dare to say anything.