We’re not sure if we’re expecting a boy or a girl yet, but I’ve been playing around with the name Colima for a little girl.
My DH’s grandmother came from the city/state of Colima in Mexico and the name isn’t really on any lists (which I love.) The name translates to “to place in the hands of the ancestors” which I also thought was fitting and pretty.
However, I’ve recently begun to question it. I’m wondering if it’s too unique. : ) I’m a chronic overthinker and will most likely do this with any name.
It has a pretty sound and I like how it has a connection to your family. The literal meaning is nice too. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you say it cuh-lee-mah or coll-ih-mah? There’s also [name_f]Cosima[/name_f] (cawz-ih-mah) which is a legitimate Greek name with centuries of history. Having a unique name is [usually] great! But be prepared for pronunciation/spelling corrections.
I think Colima is rather sweet. It is a little out there, but no more so than any other location name. Think of [name_f]Merida[/name_f] which was way off the radar before “Brave”. I like Colima and I love the family significance and think nn’s Lima and Coma would both be cute.
Well, the first thing that came to mind was colitis, which definitely has a negative sound, but I’ll be honest that I don’t know exactly what it is – some kind of disease maybe? BUT, that said, I love the sound of this name; I love that it has family meaning; and I love that it’s unique. I say go for it. Anything other than that (including my original thought) is overthinking it, which I am guilty of as well. When people meet your little girl, NO [name_f]ONE[/name_f] will say (or think) “Huh, that sounds like colitis.” They’ll say “What a beautiful name! And what a beautiful little girl!” Too much thinking.
I love Colima! Especially since it is family related. She will have to correct people on how to say it but my name is [name_f]Tiffany[/name_f] and it’s sad how common it is. I’d rather have a unique name like that!
While I like the sound, looking at it written out kind of reminds me of a prescription medicine or a virus. If it was spelled Kalema or something, I don’t think those associations would be there to me (but I am not in favor of changing name spellings like that, because it would strip the history).
I grew up with a fairly common name as well, [name_f]Tiffany[/name_f]! That’s partly why I’m searching to find something a little more unique and meaningful (as I’m sure a lot of us are.) I just hope I’m not reaching too far.
Thank you for your input, [name_f]Talia[/name_f]! The pronunciation would be Co “lee” ma instead of Kah “lee” ma. I agree, I wouldn’t want to change the spelling. : )
I see what you mean about Colima being meaningful. I think family importance trumps how the name appeals to the ear, so if it really is important to you, go for it! My only suggestion (if you do go with it) is to have a common nickname behind it. [name_f]Do[/name_f] you have any ideas?
I am completely confused by the people who think Colima sounds like a disease. Maybe it’s just because Colima has Spanish origins and most disease names have Latin origins and the two languages are similar? But I think if you live anywhere where there a decent number of Spanish speakers and Spanish place names, that won’t be people’s first, second, third, or fourth association. I live in [name_u]California[/name_u] but am not Hispanic and the pronunciation is completely intuitive to me. There’s a city here named Coloma, and another one named [name_u]West[/name_u] Covina, so it should be a familiar sound to a lot of people.
Thank you, [name_u]Kerry[/name_u]! We live in a small Midwestern town, and ethnically-inspired names are far and few between. Its interesting to hear the different reactions.
Like others have pointed out it sounds simalar to a few names - [name_f]Coleen[/name_f], [name_f]Paloma[/name_f], [name_f]Celina[/name_f]. Which makes it sort of familiar by being fresh and new. Thats a good thing!
I say go for it.
Btw, I would think Column before colon. But Colima sounds pretty, has great meaning, is meaningful to you. I’d go for it.
Lima, Limmy, [name_m]Cole[/name_m], [name_m]Coll[/name_m], Colli, all make good nn’s.
I think [name_f]Colleen[/name_f] is similar, and works much better!