Only girl name DH and I agree on is really a boys name

[matty02]

I love Elise but DH does not. He likes Alyssa but I don't (both of us know people with those names). We were thinking Eliana but then DH said "what about Elian" and we both instantly knew we liked it. I looked up the name and it is a boys name. DH thinks we shouldn't care if we both like it. I know girls names Ryan, Andi, and Billie. Is there a spelling that would make it more girlish? Elionne, Elyon, Elyan, etc.? 

[mylilmonkeys]

How about Ellian?

[matty02]

I was just thinking that! DH said that I can spell the name however I want but he really likes the name. 

[Snowflake777]

Eliana was on my list until DH vetoed it!

I've never heard of Elian until now. I think it's uncommon enough that most people wouldn't know it's supposed to be a boys' name. I like it a lot for a girl and think the spelling is pretty, but it is a bit similar to "alien". :/

Maybe you could spell it "Eliane" and pronounce it with a longer a sound: "Eli-ahn".

Some other ideas: http://www.babynamespedia.com/meaning/Eliana

[matty02]

Never thought about it sounding like Alien :(

I am worried if I spell it Eliane people will read it as EE-lay-n

Baby naming is so hard!

[Snowflake777]

It is, isn't it?

I still think Elian it's really nice. It's good to think about how a name will be perceived, but don't over think it. Just about any name will have something "wrong" with it if you think about it long enough.

Ultimately, if you love it then use it. :)

[matty02]

Snowflake-Thanks. DH says I need to stop researching names because there is something wrong with EVERY name. I really am over thinking it. DH and I both like it and it just FEELS right. We would probably call her Ellie anyway. 

[Hedgehog Mtn]

I really REALLY like boys names for girls. I don't know why I just do. I would totally do it. I chose either-or names for all 5 of mine.

[C.Arden]

I'd go for it if you like it.  I think it's a great name and it's not common enough for anyone to associate it with one gender or the other.  My youngest dds name was originally a boys name and the name we have picked out for this baby if it's a girl is technically a boys name, but neither are common enough for anyone to know so it doesn't bother me

[erigeron]

Eliane could get people thinking you misspelled Elaine.

I hear Elian, I think Elian Gonzalez, who was in the news back in 2000 or so, and I know that was a boy. I am not sure if that will call up that association for many people.

What about Elliott or Elia?

[Snugglebugmom]

I think Ellian is a great way to spell it! The pronunciation is the same, and it looks more feminine to me. I like it!

[slylives]

You'll be pleased to hear that you are completely wrong!! Eliane is a traditional French girl's name. In fact, it is on my shortlist (although my husband is resistant because, as some PP have said, it may be misread by Americans and pronounced Elaine.)

I think it's beautiful - use it!

[matty02]

Well, sine this post DH has informed me that he changed his mind on "Ellie" names. Why? Because he had a girlfriend named Ellie. I wish he had told me that a month ago before we started brainstorming Ellie names!

We both kind of like Aspen but are not sure. I am not sure what is holding up back (maybe the beginning of it?). I like Anya or Anja because it is a version of my grandmother's name (Hannah). DH said he has to think about it. 

[starbyfar7]

Originally Posted by matty02 

Well, sine this post DH has informed me that he changed his mind on "Ellie" names. Why? Because he had a girlfriend named Ellie. I wish he had told me that a month ago before we started brainstorming Ellie names!

We both kind of like Aspen but are not sure. I am not sure what is holding up back (maybe the beginning of it?). I like Anya or Anja because it is a version of my grandmother's name (Hannah). DH said he has to think about it. 

hahahah! isnt the naming part of pregnancy enough to make you rip your hair out! ive had several vetos due to ex girlfriends too :( Anya is beautiful! i also love Ayaan (i-yawn)

[matty02]

We found a solution! I like Elyse, DH likes Alyssa. We decided on Elyssa. I can still use the nicknames Elle or Ellie and he gets the name he likes. If Ellie bugs him then we will just use Elle. We will use both of our grandmothers' names as middle names. I know that the E and the A isn't that big a difference but it is enough for me. Hopefully neither one of us will change our minds!

Still love Anya but looks like it won't be used for this baby. 

[Snowflake777]

Love it!! :)