Message: "Verena" - Behind the Name

Verena

by Wordsmith

12/12/2023, 9:57 AM

I'm currently reading (and loving) Henry James's The Bostonians, and the younger of the two female protagonists is named Verena. I've long loved the name but have never really centered much thought on it. What do you think? I know it's not uncommon in Germany/Switzerland/Austria, but it's quite rare here in the U.S. I reflexively pronounce it like Serena, though I can't decide if I prefer that or a pronunciation closer to that of Ravenna. Finally, I love the nickname Vreni.

Some combos:

Verena Lillian
Verena Maude
Verena Agnes
Verena Alice
Verena Sibyl (In the book, Verena, a talented orator whose shady dad is a mesmerist, is described as sibylline...)
Verena Helen
Verena Opal
Verena Pearl
Verena Susan
Verena Amy
Verena Emily
Verena Emmeline
Verena Dorothy
Verena Judith
Verena Millicent
Verena Juliet
Verena Constance
Verena Lilac

#Verena

This message was edited 12/12/2023, 9:58 AM

Replies

- Canielle

12/13/2023, 11:33 AM

I love Verena.

Verena Tesni
Verena Carys
Verena Meraud
Verena Frances
Verena Sioned

This message was edited 12/13/2023, 11:39 AM

- namesarecool285

12/13/2023, 8:46 AM

I love this name; Verena ("Veh-ree-nuh") sounds so elegant and stately! For personal preferences, I might spell Verena as Verina, instead. From your list, Verena Alice, Verena Judith, Verena Agnes, Verena Pearl, Verena Maude, and Verena Constance are very beautiful names; I'd personally consider Verena Faye, Verena Laurel, Verena Charlotte, Verena Hattie, and Verena Mabel.

- persyflower653

12/13/2023, 6:44 AM

I only like it pronounced veh-REH-na and I agree about the nickname. Vreni is very cute!

- ari.

12/13/2023, 1:44 AM

Verena reminds me of venereal disease, but I love Vreni. It's delightfully plucky.

- Kerilyntaryn21

12/12/2023, 11:59 PM

It's ok, the middles I like Alice, Lillian, pearl, Susan, Amy, Emily, Juliet

- )( (guest)

12/12/2023, 6:14 PM

It reminds me of a font - verdana.

- guasguendi +1

12/12/2023, 12:38 PM

Swiss German names are underrated, and Verena is no exception. Despite being uncommon, it still sounds sophisticated and princessy. Vreni is a lovely nickname, but I like Vrenchen better. I also like the Romansh variant Ferena and unrelated Venera.

This message was edited 12/12/2023, 12:39 PM

- Wordsmith

12/12/2023, 12:43 PM

Vrenchen, wow! I love it.

- NelleR

12/12/2023, 11:00 AM

There is a city in North Carolina named Fuquay Varina, pronounced "Few kway" "Va ree nah." Varina rhymes with Serena. I've always liked Serena but now, I think I prefer Varina/Verena. You've come up with lots of lovely combos, but my favorite is Verena Maude.

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