My mother’s name is [name]Donna[/name], which I despise. She goes by her nickname, [name]Nonna[/name], most of the time. I’ve been thinking about honoring lately and I rather like it. [name]Do[/name] you think it could work as a first or middle name?
I’d like to go ahead and acknowledge that I do know [name]Nonna[/name] is also the Italian word for grandmother. However, I’m not too concerned with that as I’m just namestorming.
Thanks!
[name]Nonna[/name] is actually used in [name]Russia[/name] too. I think it is fine for a first name but I am not sure it will flow as a middle.
You have a very good point about it’s flow (and use). It does seem to fit better as a first name.
Thank you!
I’m looking for more opinions, good or bad.
Maybe use [name]Anona[/name], [name]Winona[/name], or [name]Nanon[/name] and [name]Nonna[/name] as a nickname?
That is a very good idea. The pronunciation is a slight issue then. I’m not pronouncing [name]Nonna[/name] as [name]Nona[/name] but to rhyme with [name]Donna[/name]. I probably should have been more clear on that. Or mentioned it in the first place. Oops!
But I don’t think in honoring a name has to be perfect–it’s the intention that counts.
Thank you!
All I think of is grandmother, and I’m not even Italian. Sorry. 
You know, I should have guess that from [name]Donna[/name] to [name]Nonna[/name]. I guess [name]Nanon[/name] still works, and possibly [name]Manon[/name] and [name]Ninon[/name], to get the [name]Nonna[/name] nickname.
(There’s also [name]Donnan[/name] for a boy in case you have a son and want to honor your mother in the future).
I personally like [name]Nonna[/name] (and [name]Nona[/name]). I think it could work as a middle name with the right first. From the list in your signature, I feel like the best first name would be either [name]Delphia[/name] or [name]Eulalie[/name]. I also like the suggestion of [name]Nanon[/name].
I would like to say its okay since you are pronouncing it like [name]Donna[/name] with an N…but I’m Italian and grew up calling my maternal grandmother [name]Nona[/name]. I just can’t get past it. If i could look past that, i still wouldnt like it. It just doesnt have a very appealing sound to me. For a middle name sure, a nickname would be pushing it but a first name? No. I just can’t see it working. But that is my opinion…
My best friend is named [name]Rhiannon[/name], but goes by the nickname Nonny. But I’m sure you could use the nickname [name]Nonna[/name] for that. I think it’s nice to honour your mum, as long as you don’t mind the grandmother connection.
I like it. Near where I’m from, there’s a church named after St [name]Nonna[/name]. I believe she was Welsh but died in Cornwall. So I tend to think of her rather than the word for grandmother in a language I don’t speak or hear often. And [name]Nanny[/name] is a word for grandmother in English, but I still know people named that. I don’t think that connection should bother you. I’d love to meet a [name]Nonna[/name]!
I don’t like it. If I wanted to honor a [name]Donna[/name], I would consider Donella, Donica, [name]Donita[/name], or perhaps even [name]Madonna[/name] (only as a middle name for this one).
What about [name]Nina[/name]? It’s very similar, but she still gets her own name,
Have I told you all how amazing you are lately?
You’ve given a lot of great, honest opinions and suggestions. I really appreciate it. And for someone who used to study lists of Saints I cannot believe I didn’t think of St. [name]Nonna[/name].
I don’t think I’d ever use the name but between my mother and St. [name]Nonna[/name] it might not be too bad.
Thanks berries.