Oksana

guilletskichuk

*sigh* I love this name. I've always loved this name. When I was a kid at Ukrainian camp, I met a girl with this name. And then I idolized Oksana Baiul, the figure skater, because of it. I have a cousin from Ukraine who now lives in California with this name as well. I just think it's beautiful and it makes me feel connected to my heritage.

But...

I could never use it because I would not want a future DD to be nicknamed "Ox" etc. Also, I don't think I could pull it off. I'm of Ukrainian descent and I live in an area where many Ukrainians live...but if my DH and I were ever to move back to the larger urban centre where we came from, I don't think it would sit well with any future DD's peers (I can just imagine the teasing). Also, while my maiden name is Ukrainian...my married name is French. Oksana does NOT flow well with my married name.

But I still love it. Perhaps I would call this a guilty pleasure name? 

What names do you like but could/would not use?

rachellep21

If you love it, USE IT!

However, if you don't think it flows well, maybe try it as a middle name...?

It is not my style, but it is adorable!

magsugar13

i love ophelia

mrsb_IN

I adore the names Persephone and Hermione, but the former has some bad associations (Queen of the Underworld) and the latter would probably be confusing to pronounce for some. I'm a sucker for names with long, rich histories, especially mythological names.

HannahO28

I like the name Sunny but everyone else thinks it's stupid. So I guess I shouldn't use it.

bread&jam

Chaim - I'm not Jewish and I think people would give me the side-eye.

Ephraim - Gave one of my daughter's an "e" name and don't want repeat first letters, otherwise I think I'd have the guts to go for it.

Hecate - From behindthename.com: "a goddess associated with witchcraft, crossroads, tombs, demons and the underworld."

sugarpumpkin716

oksana baiul is awesome. i always loved her!!! 

guilletskichuk

Thanks for your feedback, ladies!

It's not a name that I'm actually considering. I have several other names that I LOVE on my shortlist for both boys and girls. I just happen to like this one too...but know I'd never use it.

It's interesting to hear the names you feel that way about and reasoning behind it too!

Kitty Holland

I like Autumn, Winter and August but probably would never use them.Well maybe I'd use August....

kerribear1717

Maverick - it's a bit wild for DH and I.  I really liked it and threw it out to family members when I was pg and that did not go over well.  But I just love it and the real meaning as well.

Our final name suits our family much better though.  (see below)

scarlettoctober

DH and I love Seamus, but it does NOT work with our last name (despite our LN being Irish). 

fineskyline

One of my favorite girl names is Aksana, which I've only seen spelled that way once. I think it looks much more feminine and "pretty" than Oksana.

 

stephsteph77

FWIW, I had an Oksana in my class last year, and not once was she teased. Ever. I never once heard a kid call her "Ox", and honestly the thought never even crossed my mind until you brought it up. There is a pretty big Russian and Ukrainian population at my school, but in general I don't think it's a name someone would get teased for. it's pretty!