Me and DH have had such a rough time finding a name for out first child, due in Late [name_f]April[/name_f], that we can both love. [name_f]Every[/name_f] time we think we have one or two for a short list one of us gets too many doubts and cold feet and backs out of wanting to use it.
Currently we are considering [name_f]Kairi[/name_f], a name DH suggested. My mom (whose opinion matters greatly to me) is on board with it and while I do like it I have a first few concerns that’s re probably no big deal.
I don’t like any other spelling of it, but does the Japanese spelling make us (a white couple) sound like we’re just huge anime fans? We do like anime and kingdom hearts but it’s definitely not the reason we’ve considered the name.
Does it sound too trendy? Like [name_f]Kylie[/name_f]? Does it sound too much like a Kardashian’s name?
Is there a way to make the name longer with “[name_f]Kairi[/name_f]” being the nn? I prefer long feminine names with two syllable nn’s but DH doesn’t like Kairielle and I don’t like Kairiana or Kairina and while Kairiella might work I’d feel better if I could explore a few more options.
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I just know if I could get to the point of being able to focus on finding more reasons to like [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] instead of worrying about negatives than I might be able to finally really get on board with a name.
I really like [name_f]Kairi[/name_f], it’s familiar but not popular and it has a bit of an exotic/fiesty edge to it. People are going to confuse it with [name_f]Kylie[/name_f] and [name_u]Kari[/name_u] (like [name_f]Carrie[/name_f]) and other names simply because people don’t pay attention. Your name could be [name_f]Laura[/name_f] but you’re called [name_f]Lauren[/name_f] or [name_f]Kirsten[/name_f] but you’re called [name_f]Kristen[/name_f], etc. I wouldn’t let that part bother you. Of course that’s easy for me to say, my name is L@R@in@, yes with a capital R, and I’ve had to correct people, spell it, and pronounce it my entire life. It doesn’t bother me one bit. I’m constantly called [name_f]Laureena[/name_f], Larianna, [name_f]Laura[/name_f], etc.
As to a longer name with [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] as the nickname, I can’t think of anything other than using [name_f]Kaia[/name_f] [name_f]Rhiannon[/name_f] or [name_f]Kaia[/name_f] Rielle and calling her [name_f]Kairi[/name_f]. That doesn’t really give you a longer/more feminine name though… it’s just another way to get to [name_f]Kairi[/name_f].
I don’t think it sounds like a Kardashian name. Some people will automatically think any K name is a Kardashian name, those people are likely simple minded and I wouldn’t let that bother you.
My only advice to you is to try your hardest to ignore the thoughts of “what will other people think” and honestly ask yourself if you [name_u]LOVE[/name_u] the name. Can you imagine calling your daughter [name_f]Kairi[/name_f]? Picture yourself rocking her to sleep, chasing after her as a toddler and calling her name at the playground, imagine seeing her name on school forms, etc. [name_m]How[/name_m] does it make you feel? It took me a long time to realize that I was trying so hard to find the perfect “Nameberry” names for my twins that I wasn’t actually picking names that made me happy. I was so worried about sibsets and what others thought about the names, if they matched stylistically, popularity, etc. Once I realized I was doing that and I focused on names that made me happy, names that actually brought a smile to my face, names that made me feel warm and fuzzy, I found the perfect names. They just felt right. You will get there, I promise!!! <3
Sounds like you are under a lot of pressure from others to commit to a name for your upcoming little girl.
Seriously, she hasn’t even been born yet - there’s no reason anyone should be pressuring you to choose a name now, certainly when you’re not fully sold and decided yet.
This is a major life decision, and you should be given the courtesy of taking your time. For goodness sake, you’ve been carrying this child for so long; why should anyone be putting any more stress on you?
As it is, while what to name your child is a major decision, know that in the end of the day, as long as you are happy (not deliriously happy, or %100 certain, or ‘absolutely sure’) your child’s name will grow on you, and you will learn to love it - not because of the name itself, but because of the person your child grows into. The person him/herself will determine what that name is really like.
Good luck, and please tell your family (or let your husband do it!) to please give you your space at this time.
@lainey, well written and great, well thought-out comments. I really like [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] and I think it works well for you. I didn’t know the origin of the name without reading the information here. Nowadays, International names feel very current as opposed to trendy and [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] fits into that category. [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] feels like a solid name as opposed to a trendy one or that you were trying too hard. Try to avoid discussing the name with those around you and focus on what you love about the name and then you will come to know your true feelings. You may have some people (that aren’t name nerds like many of us on NB) assume that her name is [name_u]Kerry[/name_u], etc. but you only need to say, “It’s [name_f]Kairi[/name_f], spelled…” and no big deal [name_f]IMO[/name_f]. Now they know.
I think [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] is a pretty name. Try not to let what others think worry you too much. I think [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] is fine on its own, however if you want to explore longer name ideas:
[name_f]Karina[/name_f]- a straightforward and simply spelt name that would work for nn [name_f]Kairi[/name_f].
[name_f]Kerensa[/name_f] / [name_f]Karensa[/name_f]- lovely Cornish name, again, fine with nn [name_f]Kairi[/name_f]. [name_f]Kerensa[/name_f] is the usual spelling but [name_f]Karensa[/name_f] works and is sometimes used.
Cairistiona - lovely Scottish name but may be too difficult to spell and pronounce. I think it’s ‘cay-ris-CHEE-nah’.
[name_f]Caroline[/name_f]/ [name_f]Karoline[/name_f] - [name_f]Kairi[/name_f] works as nn, but I feel [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] would be best spelling to avoid the Kardashian effect.
[name_f]Carissa[/name_f] - pretty option
[name_f]Katrina[/name_f], [name_f]Caitriona[/name_f] - pronounced the same way. Though I love the look of [name_f]Caitriona[/name_f], [name_f]Katrina[/name_f] would work better for you.