I toss them around often in regard to which I prefer. To me [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] is earthy and beautifully celtic whilst [name_f]Estella[/name_f] is celestial and literary (I fell in love with [name_f]Estella[/name_f] for Dickens’ [name_f]Estella[/name_f] Havisham several years ago). [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] has the gorgeous nn [name_f]Nell[/name_f] - and I even find Fen quite sweet. But I also love [name_f]Estella[/name_f] nn [name_f]Este[/name_f] (said es-tee like [name_f]Este[/name_f] [name_m]Haim[/name_m]).
They’re both gorgeous names, [name_f]Estella[/name_f] feels a bit frillier to me, but it makes me think of a little girl who is quite similar to [name_f]Eloise[/name_f] (from the classic books/movies), playful, energetic, and very curious. [name_f]Fenella[/name_f], however, seems a bit more of a tomboy - someone who loves spending time outside, hiking, bike riding, playing pretend, picking flowers, etc. They give me a similar feel in some aspects, and totally different in others.
I have to admit, [name_f]Este[/name_f] pronounced Es-tee throws me off a lot, as I am used to Es-tay, there is a brand of cosmetics here called [name_f]Este[/name_f] Lauder that my nana is crazy about and is constantly buying, and that [name_f]Este[/name_f] is Es-tay. I’m not sure if it’s just me, but that may be a bit difficult for others to catch on to.
While both are gorgeous, wonderfully underused, yet recognizable names, I have to say, that I slightly do prefer [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] and the feel I get from her, and I think [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] fits in slightly better with your list ([name_u]Billie[/name_u] and [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] would be gorgeous for sisters!)
I like [name_f]Estella[/name_f], but I looooove [name_f]Fenella[/name_f]. Similar to what [name_u]Haley[/name_u] said, [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] feels more outdoorsy (makes me think of moss and woods and fairy circles and all things green) while [name_f]Estella[/name_f] also pretty but more buttoned-up and aristocratic (lace and tea parties and damask print.)
I think they both fit with your list–I can see [name_f]Estella[/name_f], [name_f]Jemima[/name_f] and [name_f]Imogen[/name_f] or [name_f]Fenella[/name_f], [name_f]Cordelia[/name_f] and [name_f]Eilidh[/name_f].
I totally agree with you both on the imagery; [name_f]Gwen[/name_f] your description of [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] is just wonderful and exactly how I see it - fairy circles, yes! I also think of rolling hills and heather, a little girl in wellies on a farm. That kinda thing.
[name_u]Haley[/name_u] - yeah I’d thought that about [name_f]Este[/name_f] too, but [name_f]Este[/name_f] [name_m]Haim[/name_m] from the band [name_m]Haim[/name_m] says it that way so now I just feel like it’s normal (it took a while to get used to it). It’s not like she’d use it exclusively or anything, but I really wouldn’t want it shortened to [name_f]Stella[/name_f].
Honestly I’m still not sure which I prefer. They both feel like my daughter haha… I dunno, I’ve got [name_f]Estella[/name_f] on my list right now because I love [name_f]Estella[/name_f] [name_f]Margaret[/name_f] (and I struggle with middles for [name_f]Fenella[/name_f]). Things could easily change though.
[name_m]Even[/name_m] though [name_f]Estella[/name_f] wasn’t a very nice character in Great Expectations (poor [name_m]Pip[/name_m] :)), I remember how much that story fascinated me when I was a young girl and I still find the name quite intriguing as a result of my love of Dickens. [name_f]Fenella[/name_f] is ok but it’s too similar to fennel for my liking.