Can you give me your thoughts and impressions of Astraea?
Do you find the spelling or pronunciation difficult?
What do you picture when you hear the name?
I’ve been mulling this one over in my Linnea - Olenna path, Astraea feels bright and warm but I’m wondering if it’s a bit much It’s definitely within my top 3 right now for baby girl!
Astraea Pippa Z. I think would be the likely combo.
[name_f]Astraea[/name_f] is celestial and princess-y, but with an edge. It’s very much a ‘cool girl’ name to me and feels similar to the vibes I get from [name_f]Linnea[/name_f]. Unusual, but still feels approachable.
I don’t find the spelling or pronunciation particularly difficult, though I do imagine it will be unfamiliar to most people. I assume you’re using the As-TRAY-uh pronunciation? I could maybe see people going for an As-TRY-uh pronunciation if they’re familiar with Latin (that ‘ae’ leaves some ambiguity!) Also, there may be potential confusion with [name_f]Estrella[/name_f], especially if you’re in an area with a large Spanish-speaking population. That said, I don’t think any of these need to be deal-breakers if you really love it; people will figure it out!
[name_f]Astraea[/name_f] is pronounced ast-ray-ah, right? Like Astraya or [name_f]Astraia[/name_f]? If so, that’s the way I read it and others probably will too. It might be a bit difficult to spell at first, but definitely less so than names like [name_f]Siobhana[/name_f] or [name_f]Saoirse[/name_f] (both of which I like but have trouble spelling). Many people have to spell their names or correct pronunciation for others, including me (my name is similar to [name_f]Alyssa[/name_f] and I’ve had people pronounce it that way numerous times). With all the alternative spellings and pronunciations out there, it’s pretty much unavoidable. I actually think [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] will be less prone to mispronunciations and spelling issues than a lot of more common names.
[name_f]Astraea[/name_f] is less common than some names, but I don’t think it’s too much. It’s gorgeous and unique, while still being close to other names like [name_f]Aaliyah[/name_f].
I love the combo of [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] Z.
[name_f]Astraea[/name_f] is pretty. I like it.
I think the spelling is a little difficult. I would pronounce it is “as - tray - ah” but I can imagine people would say “as - tree - ah” too.
I picture stars when I hear the name.
The name [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] is a little bit out there, but I don’t think it’s unusable or anything. If [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] turns out to be the top choice, use it.
[name_f]Astraea[/name_f] is stunning! [name_u]Starry[/name_u], distinctive, intriguing and powerful - and I like how it looks. I don’t personally find it difficult to pronounce or spell, but then I am familiar with it. I would consider if the name [name_f]Estrella[/name_f] is in usage where you are, as they might be confused?
I picture stars when I hear this name - nebulas, shades of glowing green and pink! I do like it a lot.
I actually love [name_f]Astraea[/name_f], both on its own and for your family. The pronunciation is rather intuitive, although I do see that there could maybe be some issues with spelling if someone weren’t familiar with the goddess or hadn’t heard the name before in general. However, I don’t think that has to be a deal-breaker, because people find ways to misspell even the simplest of names!
It is more of a grandiose name, but it doesn’t feel too over-the-top, just a little grander, prettier, and more special than some other names, which could never be a bad thing, in my opinion. I can think of things far worse than having such a beautiful name to call one’s own. It’s starry and warm like stars and full moons and embers from a fire on a winter evening.
So happy to see [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] gets a warm welcome by many! The imagery that you all seem to get from it very much mirrors my own, which is fun because the nursery is already star/space themed in a way, so the soft and lovely [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] fits well with the design, as well as our long standing love of anything space related and sci-fi!
Regarding [name_f]Estrella[/name_f] - I very much value this being brought up by @Greyblue and @VEL I actually wasn’t aware [name_f]Estrella[/name_f] was pronounced in a similar way, and find that fascinating. I’ve never encountered the name in person, I’ve only known one person in my life fluent in Spanish, and overall my area doesn’t have much at all for Spanish peoples. Midwestern [name_f]Canada[/name_f], so we have a fair amount of other cultures but not so much Spanish!
Also @VEL - I also greatly appreciate your mentioning of how it may be viewed by Latin speakers, while it would seem an unlikely issue elsewhere, I’m hoping our daughter will be attending a school here that teaches Latin as a mandatory language option so that’s something to seriously consider!
As for [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] as a middle name, most of my favourite girls names tend to run A sound heavy, and unfortunately any feminine versions of my fathers name, are also A heavy. I’ve come to terms with the fact that an A heavy name will just be part of the deal in order to honour my late father. [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] [name_f]Philippa[/name_f], [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] [name_f]Pippa[/name_f], [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] [name_f]Antonia[/name_f], and [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] is the one my fiancé has noted as “pretty cute” and will likely be the front runner when it comes to a middle name, great flow or not, excessive A’s and all. Luckily being referred to by both first and middle name, is incredibly rare day to day for anyone.
i really love [name_f]Astraea[/name_f]! she would absolutely be on my shortlist if she didn’t sound so similar to my surname. the pronunciation is straight-forward to me (i say uh-STRAY-uh). i do think that most people wouldn’t spell it correctly at first, though, unless they’re familiar with the name. but its familiarity to [name_f]Astra[/name_f] would definitely help in that regard (“it’s [name_f]Astra[/name_f] with an ea on the end!”).
the celestial / starry imagery is of course very strong for me. i think of astronomy, stargazing, telling others the names of stars and planets. it’s really a gorgeous name!
i don’t think it’s too much or anything, and i would love to see it used! [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] is pretty, and the more common [name_f]Pippa[/name_f] balances out [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] well. i just saw that you mentioned [name_f]Astraea[/name_f] [name_f]Philippa[/name_f] in your comment, and i was actually thinking about how [name_f]Philippa[/name_f] sounds a little nicer with [name_f]Astraea[/name_f]! but both combos are lovely.