Elena vs Elaina

KariChadDora

Which is the correct/preferred spelling?  We are leaning towards the Elena spelling but I am pretty sure the nn Lainey would evolve, in which case Elaina seems to make more sense.  Thoughts?

HappyMrsK

I think it's fine to spell the name Elena and spell the nn Lainey. You could also do the nn Laney if it bothered you.

KariChadDora

mj.reilly:

Elena is the more popular spelling (And more traditional, imo. Cognate of HELEN, and a variant Russian transcription of YELENA).

It is of Greek origin, and the meaning of Elena is "sun ray, shining light". Italian and Spanish form of Helen.

Not a fan of Elaina, personally.

Variant of Elaine (Greek), Elena (Greek) and Helen (Greek), and the meaning of Elaina is "sun ray, shining light"

ETA:

Elena has been on the SSA list since the beginning (1880) It only dropped off for two years in 1882-1883.

Elaina did not make the list until 1964, then dropped off for 5+ years, then slowly creeped back on.

 

Thank you for all the great history on the name! 

aubreysmom1

I'd stick with Elena. 

SarahPLiz

To me, with my Eastern European DH, Elena is Eh LEN ah, while Elaine a is Ee LAY nah. If you want the long A sound, go with Elaina. 

alohamora

I prefer Elena.

Ritzy19

HappyMrsK:

I think it's fine to spell the name Elena and spell the nn Lainey. You could also do the nn Laney if it bothered you.

I agree.  I personally would go with Elena.

KearaD

Ritzy19:

HappyMrsK:

I think it's fine to spell the name Elena and spell the nn Lainey. You could also do the nn Laney if it bothered you.

I agree.  I personally would go with Elena.

Me too.  

MAMAxB

Wow I'm really surprised! 

I like Elaina much more.

I read Elena like one person said, "Ee LEN uh"

completelyundefinable

I prefer Elena.

kxp004

I like Elaina but then I'm biased because my sister's name is Elana (pronounced Ee-lane-ah)