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HelpRe: Elena
in reply to a message by Lily
This is my name and I pronounce it eh-LAY-na and trust me when I tell you that 95% of the people I've encountered pronounce it that way too. I've gotten ELLEN-a and ee-LEE-na once or twice but the majority get it. Then again, I suppose it would depend on where you live (I live in Virginia). Ellie's cute but I'm never called that. My dh does call me Leni (pronounced Lainey) from time to time.
Just remember, there is no one "correct" way. Elena is universal and is pronounced differently around the world. I will say that after reading some of the comments on this site that the 'leh' sound is the proper one, I asked a good friend of mine who was born in Puerto Rico how she pronounced Elena. First, she looked at me like I was nuts and pronounced it exactly the way I do. ;-) I'm not saying that some people with an Hispanic background don't stress the 'leh' sound but not everyone does. Spanish actor, Antonio Banderas, for example, does not. I'm guessing this is a regional thing. Also, I've come to the conclusion that even if I'm not pronouncing my name the absolute correct way, it doesn't matter because the majority of people I've ever met or talked with pronounce it the way I do so I'm fine with it.
I think your dd would have a minimum of explaining to do. People can easily be educated. I've noticed that young people (under 30) have less of a problem than senior citizens. Why, I don't know. I also think your dd would love her name just as I do. Oh, and I'm with you on not spelling it Elaina. Dumbing down never serves anyone, imo.
BTW, I've never known another Elena, but I did grow up with a Helena who pronounced it heh-LAY-na.
Just remember, there is no one "correct" way. Elena is universal and is pronounced differently around the world. I will say that after reading some of the comments on this site that the 'leh' sound is the proper one, I asked a good friend of mine who was born in Puerto Rico how she pronounced Elena. First, she looked at me like I was nuts and pronounced it exactly the way I do. ;-) I'm not saying that some people with an Hispanic background don't stress the 'leh' sound but not everyone does. Spanish actor, Antonio Banderas, for example, does not. I'm guessing this is a regional thing. Also, I've come to the conclusion that even if I'm not pronouncing my name the absolute correct way, it doesn't matter because the majority of people I've ever met or talked with pronounce it the way I do so I'm fine with it.
I think your dd would have a minimum of explaining to do. People can easily be educated. I've noticed that young people (under 30) have less of a problem than senior citizens. Why, I don't know. I also think your dd would love her name just as I do. Oh, and I'm with you on not spelling it Elaina. Dumbing down never serves anyone, imo.
BTW, I've never known another Elena, but I did grow up with a Helena who pronounced it heh-LAY-na.
This message was edited 3/24/2010, 10:45 PM
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