See the results of this poll: WDYT of Novalee?
Respondents: 42 (This poll is closed)
- Love it! : 8 (19%)
- Hate it! : 17 (40%)
- Indifferent.: 17 (40%)
Hate is a strong word, so I went with indifferent. I strongly associate the name with the character in Where the Heart Is. That Novalee’s a strong, if slightly soapy character and her name is rather catchy, but I confess I wouldn’t want to name my child after her.
Like Novalee Nation? Its not my thing, seems very attached that particular character and would be awfully hard to wear [name]IMO[/name].
I’d stick with the plainer but very pretty [name]Nova[/name]. It’s different enough that it doesn’t need to be dressed up with any other ending. 
I’m not a big fan of Novalee, but how about using the first name [name]Nova[/name], and the middle name [name]Leigh[/name]?
[name]Nova[/name] [name]Leigh[/name] ____________.
I think the name [name]Nova[/name] [name]Leigh[/name] is cute when it’s like this, but I’m not so enthusiastic about Novalee.
I wouldn’t say I hate it but I fairly strongly dislike it, sorry. I voted indifferent because I feel about halfway between hate and indifference. It feels very nouveau/made-up/trendy to me. I think even Novalie would look more classy to me but I’ve never been a fan of the Nov- names, personally, sorry.
I like the “lee” because it is a family name and I would want one of my kids names or middle names to include lee in it.
I know you didn’t ask, so I hope this isn’t intrusive! I love the name [name]Lee[/name] all on its own, esp. for boys–I think it’s simple, but strong and relaxed. Though I personally think “-lie” or “-ley” can honor “-lee,” I understand wanting to use the specific spelling. There are several unusual girls’ names that incorporate -lee and have a similar rhythm to Novalee, but aren’t so tied to a specific character: [name]Rosalee[/name], [name]Adalee[/name], [name]Coralee[/name], [name]Loralee[/name], [name]Annalee[/name]/[name]Analee[/name]. I also like [name]Leanne[/name]/[name]Leanna[/name], [name]Leona[/name], and [name]Leonie[/name] (love [name]Leonie[/name], actually) to honor [name]Lee[/name], but I know the spelling doesn’t quite match…
Personally, Novalee looks trendy and made up even though it’s a legit variation of [name]Nova[/name]. When I first saw this name a while back, I said nah-vuh-lee in my head before I realized it was [name]Nova[/name]-lee and so that made it sound like Novelty to me. I figure other people will also mispronounce it too.
I love [name]Nova[/name]. It’s strong and unique enough on it’s own. I like the suggestion of just splitting it up to a first and middle name [name]Nova[/name] [name]Lee[/name]/[name]Leigh[/name]. Or, if the [name]Lee[/name] is only there for family connection then why not find a name with [name]Lee[/name] in it or beginning with [name]Lee[/name] to use in the middle like [name]Nova[/name] [name]Leanne[/name] or something like that. I can come back with a list of them if you’d like
I voted love it…but i just like it- not [name]LOVE[/name]…a friend of mine plans to name her future daughter [name]Nova[/name] and she is this really creative and artistic person so i picture this name on a girl like that!
Sounds a bit silly and made up to me. [name]Nova[/name] is lovely, though.
I voted hate simply because I dislike it, however I could think of far worse names. It’s not bad, on the scale of things.
Well you know I prefer [name]Nova[/name], lol.
I voted indifferent. Hate is a strong word, and I don’t hate it. But it isn’t my style and reminds me, as pps have noted, of Novalee Nation from Where the Heart Is. I like a pp’s suggestion on [name]Nova[/name] [name]Leigh[/name] ______. That would make it work!
What about [name]Leeann[/name] as a way to keep [name]Lee[/name] that does not look so trendy?
I love the name Novalee. I always associate it with the character from Where the Heart is (as do most people), but I don’t really see that there is anything wrong with that because she’s a woman whose had a rough road, made some mistakes but is just trying to be a decent person and do whatever it takes to raise her daughter up right.