[name_f]My[/name_f] favorite is [name_f]Clara[/name_f] but I agree about the pronunciation issues. I personally prefer it pronounced clar-uh, rather than Claire-uh. I think in the US people typically say Claire-uh the most, which is why I wouldn’t use it, but if you prefer the Claire-uh pronunciation then you’d probably be ok. [name_f]My[/name_f] second favorite is [name_f]Marina[/name_f] because I love that it’s a word name but doesn’t feel like one, and I personally love the connection to water.
Here’s a poll for you! Just click the gear icon, click, “build poll” select multiple choice, type in your options, and select how many answers people can fill in. (I selected two.)
Thoughts on each of your names.
Julia- down-to-earth, pretty, classic, and I really like Jules for a nickname. It doesn’t excite me, but it’s a great name. 7/10
Marina- very pretty, cool meaning. I like it! 8/10
Clara- this is my favorite of your options. It’s both crisp and sweet, simple and feminine. If you’re in the US, I think Claire-uh is the intuitive pronunciation, but Clar-uh would be a simple correction. 9/10
Estella- I really like Stella, but Estella is too frilly for me, and makes me think of Miss Haversham from Great Expectations. 4/10
[name_m]Hi[/name_m]!
[name_f]My[/name_f] favourite would be [name_f]Marina[/name_f]. I know you said popularity isn’t an issue but it just seems nice and unusual and water-themed which I love. I think [name_f]Nina[/name_f] could work as a cute nickname?
I also like [name_f]Clara[/name_f] but only if it’s pronounced the ‘European’ way - Clah-ra - as opposed to Claire-a.
I think [name_f]Julia[/name_f] is okay, I’m not a fan of [name_f]Estella[/name_f] personally.
[name_f]Julia[/name_f] is dazzling, melodic, and sweet! Then [name_f]Marina[/name_f] and [name_f]Clara[/name_f] (pronounced “Claire-uh”) would be my second favorite. But the “Clar-uh” pronunciation is nice too [name_f]Estella[/name_f] sounds so much like [name_f]Stella[/name_f], I fear she’d have to correct people . . . a lot.
I think they’re all great names. All very stylish. [name_f]Julia[/name_f] is my favourite for its classic understated quality.
I like the elegant [name_f]Marina[/name_f], and I particularly like [name_f]Clara[/name_f] pronounced as Clair-ah. If you live where that is the default pronunciation, ie US, then I’d rate that highly. I also like [name_f]Estella[/name_f], so interesting and I really like the Dickens connection even if not a terribly likeable character.