what do you think of names like...?

Question

Inga, Ingrid, Asha, Brigitta, Olga, etc. ??
My husband and I are from Swedish/German families and like traditional names, but aren't sure we want to use something too odd. What do you think? We have a list of traditional American names, but are still considering some of these? Would they just be too difficult and mispronounced here?

Answer 1

Not at all difficult, and all are beautiful, underused choices. ;)

I really wouldn't worry about them seeming "odd" or feeling the need to pick "traditional American names," because exactly the opposite is true at the moment. Many people are going back to their roots and choosing names that reflect their heritage! So much so, in fact, that many of the more popular ethnic choices are losing the links to their cultures of origin entirely, becoming the new "American" names. LOL

Just think of Aidan, Connor, Ryan and Logan (Celtic origins, but all in or around the top 50 in the states), or Isabella, Mia, Arianna, Gianna, Chloe and Zoe (all names with traditionally Italian or Greek ties currently in the top 100 for US girls). Despite their origins, many would consider them popular "American" choices -- just as likely to be used on an Asian or African American child as an Irish or Italian one, know what I mean? ;)

So really, choosing names that wonderfully reflect your heritage won't seem odd or unusual in the least. Rather, it will seem a great acknowledgment of your culture and refreshing, interesting choice ... all rolled into one. ;) I think it's a great idea.

Edited to add: Per a few "old fashioned" comments ... I wouldn't worry about that seeming odd either! After all, most of the more popular names in the states (the entire top ten, for example LOL) ARE old-fashioned choices! There's a trend toward that exact sort of name, at the moment. Classic and traditionaly, but perhaps previously underused. Every name you listed fits perfectly. Not unusual or unattractive in the least. :)

Answer 2

I grew up with a grew named Ingrid Olga Elsdeofer, actually. When I first heard her name, it sounded kind of manly to me, but I don't mind Ingrid much. I wouldn't use Olga because it sounds clunky and dated. Plus, it's a brand of bras!

I really like Inga as a nickname for Ingrid. Asha is cute, but it sounds like a nickname for something to me, I'm not sure what.

Brigitta is actually my favorite of this group. It's unusual, but sounds very Nordic to me.

Overall, the names you listed here wouldn't be a bad choice for the US, but there are some Swedish/German names that would be problematic.

Answer 3

Love Asha Aerin!

Also love
Hannah Mariah
Aura Renee
Morgan Elise
Olivia Rose
Ingrid Grace

Don't like Olga or Inga at all.

Answer 4

My favorite from your choices is Ingrid. I'm not sure how Olga or Inga would sound. Asha isn't bad either actually.

My favorite names that aren't included in your list, for girls are:
Kira, Lily, Ella, Miley, Sydney, Audrey.

If you aren't truly in love with any of these names--don't use any of them, keep looking! Good luck!

Answer 5

I think Olga, Ingrid and Inga would be odd enough for some people to think about it, but Asha and Briggita should be fine.

Answer 6

I dont think they are too hard to pronounce but from those you listed I only like Asha...Ingrid is ok but i just dont liek the name

defienently not Olga

Answer 7

In some ways, names like Ingrid or Olga strike me as ugly initially, but there is something about that alone that makes them incredibly beautiful. I don't know how to describe this because it's a weird kind of paradox. It's like if a woman can pull off Olga, that is just too sexy. But you don't want to think of your child as sexy, so as for naming your newborn, I say go with traditional. Go for it and don't Americanize! She will probably love it that you did when she grows up and be very happy she's not named Taylor or Madison!

Answer 8

Because of the connotations (based on television characters and some possible mis pronounciations) they COULD be. Olga, for example, sometimes brings thoughts of milkmaids and not-so-bright people. Out of the ones you listed in your question, I like Asha (Is it pronuonced ash ah) because it's different. That's an example of the difficulty I'm talking about. Forgive the people over here, ok.? You and your husband name the baby what you want: We will "adjust" to it over here. Congratulations!

Answer 9

Now i like Inga ,Brigitta etc My sons have popoular German Names or they were the year they were born.My aunt Alis sister is Inga,there are originally from Coppenhaggen now live in America.My mothers maiden name was Ritson,yet i actually didnt chose German it just happened.Were now expecting a baby girl I did like the name Elena for a While!

Answer 10

I like Asha and Brigitta