[name_m]Hi[/name_m], we need help deciding between two names for our baby girl. We are a cross-cultural family with spanish heritage. Our surname sounds like Florentino and we live in the U.S. I think we’ve narrowed our choices down to two names and need help deciding. [name_f]Natalie[/name_f] probably flows better rythmically with Florentino, but [name_f]Eliana[/name_f] would match and reflect her heritage better which is also important to me. I’ve come to terms that I probably won’t find the perfect name with no down-sides. I read an article once that if a first and last name match in their cultural origens, you can get away with a longer first name paired with a long surname. What do you think of these two choices?
[name_f]Natalie[/name_f] Orellano looks way better.
[name_f]Elaina[/name_f] looks and sounds like an older lady name and I really don’t like the spelling.
If it was spelled [name_f]Alana[/name_f] it would look better.
It’s actually not [name_f]Elaina[/name_f]…its [name_f]Eliana[/name_f] pronounced “Eh-lee-ah-nuh” You’re probably thinking of the older lady name [name_f]Elaine[/name_f].
I love [name_f]Eliana[/name_f], though I agree it doesn’t sound as good with the last name. But still, given the heritage point, I think it’s the winner for you.
It sounds like [name_f]Eliana[/name_f] really appeals to you and it is a gorgeous name. As long as you are okay with the possibility that she may acquire a nickname at some point, I think you should go for it. If a nickname would ruin it for you, I suspect you would be better off with [name_f]Natalie[/name_f].
Actually [name_f]Ellie[/name_f] is one nickname I actually don’t mind. There were a lot of other beautiful names that I ended up crossing off my list because I did not like the potential nicknames, but I think [name_f]Ellie[/name_f] is kind of cute. I am really appreciating the feedback!
I like [name_f]Natalie[/name_f] with your surname, but if [name_f]Eliana[/name_f] is your favorite, I love the nn [name_f]Ellie[/name_f]. OR you could go with the lovely Natalia.
[name_f]Eliana[/name_f] is more beautiful and unique. At this point every type of person has used [name_f]Natalie[/name_f] so it doesn’t seem like Spanish heritage.
I find Eliana hard to say with your last name but it’s a lovely name and Ellie goes well. I prefer Natalie to Natalia generally, but I think Natalia would go well with your last name - gives you a chance to get your mouth ready to say the last name!
