So we decided on a name for our adopted daughter before we met her. Basically keeping her orphanage name [name]Sena[/name] ( pronounced [name]Say[/name]-na, be we decided on [name]Sen[/name]-na) and adding [name]Belle[/name] [name]Violet[/name] ( my son has a double middle so we wanted her to have one too).
After meeting her I’m having regrets of not giving her a family name as her middle. As a bonding tie to our family. We still have to re-adopt and have her name decided by that time.
Family names in the running are: [name]Anna[/name], [name]Eloise[/name], [name]Annabelle[/name], and a smoosh [name]Eliana[/name].
We are also considering [name]Hana[/name] as its from her culture.
Which would be he best name to give to her if she wants to use an American name when she’s older? I am going to use my maiden name as her second middle.
I’m not looking for great flow, just the best choice for a name if she wants it in the future. I’ve posted about this before- hopefully it’s clear what I’m asking as its a complicated situation.
So… [name]Sena[/name] ([name]Sen[/name]-na) ? Ch- one syllable Smiles.
I love [name]Anna[/name] the most, but it clashes with [name]Sena[/name], don’t you think? If you could do [name]Sena[/name] Ch- [name]Anna[/name] that would be fine. If not, I’d do [name]Sena[/name] [name]Eloise[/name] Ch- or [name]Sena[/name] [name]Eliana[/name] Ch-. [name]Annabelle[/name] is lovely too (or [name]Annabel[/name]?). [name]Sena[/name] [name]Annabelle[/name] Ch-.
Many congratulations, by the way! If I’m understanding right, she’s not living with you quite yet? And how old is she? Sorry for my questions, I just get so moved by adoptions, I want to know it all…
I’m new to this and don’t quite understand ‘ch-’ but…
[name]Sena[/name] [name]Eloise[/name] [name]Belle[/name] Smiles (I think thats what you’re asking… right?)
If she wants to use an American name, she can go by [name]Eloise[/name], [name]Ellie[/name], [name]Ellie[/name]-[name]Belle[/name], [name]Ellie[/name]-Bellie etc
Thank you for the replies! I am currently living in Ethiopia with her and my 19 mos old son until we get a visa for her. I’ve been here 6 weeks.
Ch- one syllable is my last name and will be her second middle.
I love the nicknames that go with [name]Eloise[/name], I’m just not sure a girl will love that name? Is [name]Annabelle[/name] more love able? Or [name]Eliana[/name] since its a bit trendy? I don’t mind the clash of her first and middle. We’re going to get that with her name already given.
I really want to hear opinions on the best choice for her to potentially use: [name]Anna[/name], [name]Hana[/name], [name]Annabelle[/name], [name]Eliana[/name] or [name]Eloise[/name]. Thanks!
[name]Anna[/name]. It’s so beautiful and classic. I really love it, it’s warm and twinkling, like a little star! I like [name]Eloise[/name] too, it’s very pretty. I knew a couple in school, they liked their name fined it seemed. [name]Annabelle[/name] is very pretty too, and princessy. I think I’d go with one of these three.
I hope you get the visa for her soon so you can all get home!
@ Ottilie: Anna is my favorite too, or Annabelle. We have a close friend with a daughter Analee, which is why I think I’m faltering so much. My friend said its no problem- I just feel awkward about it.
I want to love Eloise- I am just unsure about it other than its a perfect match to Leopold!
I hope we get home soon too! Oh, and she’s 23 months.
Any other ideas out there? Which name would you want as a possibility?
I’m not sure I understand. So, you’re keeping [name]Sena[/name] as her first name and using your maiden name as her second middle name? So we have
[name]Sena[/name] ______Ch— [Surname]?
I don’t think you can put [name]Anna[/name] or [name]Hana[/name] in there. [name]Sena[/name] [name]Hana[/name] or [name]Sena[/name] [name]Anna[/name] sounds weird. As for the rest of them, there’s no way to know what a baby will like when she grows up. It’s a middle name, so just use what YOU love best! Personally, I’d go for [name]Sena[/name] [name]Eloise[/name] from your list.
I’ve been thinking about this a lot and I’ve decided I like [name]Sena[/name] [name]Annabelle[/name] the best. Show me a girl who wouldn’t like to be called [name]Annabelle[/name] and you know ;)! Loveable is a precious meaning, and so is graceful beauty.
23 months!!! Wow. I’m so happy for you and lots of congratulations on your new family!
@Jeska- you are correct. Thanks for the insight. I agree I couldn’t know, but family is saying [name]Eloise[/name] is horrible. It’s the name of a beloved grandma.
@ottilie- even if your close friends daughter is [name]Analee[/name]? [name]Annabelle[/name] is by far my favorite. I was thinking maybe [name]Anabella[/name]? Her daughter is [name]Anna[/name]-lee or Ohn-a-[name]Bella[/name].
I know it’s only a middle, but it very well could be used someday and we might decide to call her by the name too.
@Jeska- you are correct. Thanks for the insight. I agree I couldn’t know, but family is saying [name]Eloise[/name] is horrible. It’s the name of a beloved grandma.
@ottilie- even if your close friends daughter is [name]Analee[/name]? [name]Annabelle[/name] is by far my favorite. I was thinking maybe [name]Anabella[/name]? Her daughter is [name]Anna[/name]-lee so Ohn-a-[name]Bella[/name].
I know it’s only a middle, but it very well could be used someday and we might decide to call her by the name too.
[name]Sena[/name] [name]Annabelle[/name] Ch- is great. Why not let her keep the name she’s got used to -since she will have to face so many changes… [name]Sena[/name] doesn’t feel weird neither is it difficult to pronounce. As for choosing an American name…maybe you can let her decide when she grows up a bit ?
Choosing a name is really fun and that way she will get a name she really love.
I’d do [name]Sena[/name] [name]Annabelle[/name]. You had [name]Belle[/name] ‘originally’ so if just adding [name]Anna[/name] makes it a family name the everybody wins
I didn’t say we were changing her name. [name]Sena[/name] is [name]Say[/name]-na which is difficult in the US. She will be forever correcting people. I have a weird name and experience this daily.
Also, not sure if you’re aware of African orphanages- not too much one-one attention for name learning. But point taken.
[name]Sena[/name] [name]Annabelle[/name] Ch- is my favourite. I think its lovely qualities outweigh the concern regarding your friend’s daughter’s similar name.
