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HelpElena vs Alaina
My sister's name is Elena, and she's four, but my parents are thinking of changing the spelling to Alaina. My mom doesn't like that it's a hispanic spelling, because it doesn't fit in very well with the rest of our names (Maegen, Jacob, Dane, Nathan, Rachel, Hailey). Also, there is a problem that most people say it E-layna when it's spelled that way, which is not the way we pronounce it. What do you think, should they change the spelling?
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As an Elena, I say this is the better spelling. And btw, it's not just Hispanic, it's used in several countries (Russia, Greece, Romania, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Italy). Re: pronunciation, I'd say at least 95% of people pronounce it the way I do (eh-LAY-na). Hmmm, I've never had anyone call me E-lay-na. Another thing to consider: Alaina has a different origin from Elena and so the meaning is different. That sort of thing matters to some folks. Finally, Elena doesn't really match the sibs' names but then again, the other sibs' names are very diverse. Maegen (Megan) is Welsh. Jacob, Rachel and Nathan are Biblical. This site says Dane is an English variant of the surname, Dean, however, I believe it's Danish as well while Hailey (Hayley) is English. The names don't have to match.
This message was edited 9/29/2008, 11:55 AM
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They are totally different names to me. Elena (Eh-LEH-na?) versus Alaina (ah-LANE-ah) for spelling doesn't make sense unless they want to change the sound of her name too.
My niece is Elaina :)
My niece is Elaina :)
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She's four, and they're thinking of changing the spelling? That's odd.
I'd stay with Elena. Alaina looks made-up and phonetic; not very pretty.
I'd stay with Elena. Alaina looks made-up and phonetic; not very pretty.
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I can understand the confusion there, I'd say go ahead and change it, but then again, your sister might get confused about how to spell her name because she's gotten used to Elena.
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I pronounce Elena as eh-LEH-na and Alaina as ah-LAYN-ah.
Personally I think Elena is much prettier than Alaina, but Alaina seems to match better with your family.
Personally I think Elena is much prettier than Alaina, but Alaina seems to match better with your family.
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Noooooooooooooooooooooo! Elena is a very very beautiful name and Alaina looks trashy and ugly. Please don't change it. She has a very nice name and it's also used in other European countries etc it's very international.
Well, it is pronounced ELL-leh-na in most Eastern European countries but I've also heard EH-lay-na. I never heard Elena pr. as E-layna.
Well, it is pronounced ELL-leh-na in most Eastern European countries but I've also heard EH-lay-na. I never heard Elena pr. as E-layna.
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