I voted for Eleanor, but my vote probably would have been different if you'd spelled the second one Emmeline. As much as I love Eleanor, I think it's grown too much in popularity to seem as fresh as it once did. Emmeline, though, is simply oozing with old-fashioned sophistication and beauty. Also, Emmeline Pankhurst was one of the founders of the British suffrage movement in the early 20th century, which is a powerful, feminist (but not in a scary way) connection.
Jazz sort of already touched on this, but if popularity is a concern, Emeline will definitely SEEM the most popular (despite where it might fall on paper). It is extremely close in both sound and spelling to Emily and Emma -- and you already know the statistics on those! Also, I'm sure this one will pick up speed as more parents look to it as an alternative to the ever-popular Emily/Emma, much like Amelia's current steady climb.
FWIW, there's nothing trendy about Eleanor other than the popularity of the possible nn Elle/Ellie/Ella. Assuming you won't use any of those, you're safe. Even if it does become more common, it will never be trendy. It will simply be a revived classic. There's a difference. ;)
No, no, no! Eleanor is not and never will be trendy...unless some crazy person decides to spell it Ellynorr or something. It's classic and sophisticated and beautiful, and it's one of my favorite names (though I prefer the Elinor spelling because of Sense & Sensibility). Like I said, because I love both names, my vote was based pretty much on freshness. So since Eleanor has risen in popularity (not trendiness), I thought that Emmeline may be a name that would set her apart (yet, wouldn't seem so very unusual because of its similarity to Emma and Emily).
I don't know whether or not Emeline is considered a legitimate spelling. Emmeline is the only one I'm aware of; even if Emeline were "legitimate," I'd still like Emmeline better, I think.
Either way, you can't lose. They're both great, great names.
Thanks for your response.
Both spellings are listed in a baby name book I have that's more than 40 years old so I think they're both legitimate.
Jazz sort of already touched on this, but if popularity is a concern, Emeline will definitely SEEM the most popular (despite where it might fall on paper). It is extremely close in both sound and spelling to Emily and Emma -- and you already know the statistics on those! Also, I'm sure this one will pick up speed as more parents look to it as an alternative to the ever-popular Emily/Emma, much like Amelia's current steady climb.
FWIW, there's nothing trendy about Eleanor other than the popularity of the possible nn Elle/Ellie/Ella. Assuming you won't use any of those, you're safe. Even if it does become more common, it will never be trendy. It will simply be a revived classic. There's a difference. ;)
HTH
~Kelli
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No, no, no! Eleanor is not and never will be trendy...unless some crazy person decides to spell it Ellynorr or something. It's classic and sophisticated and beautiful, and it's one of my favorite names (though I prefer the Elinor spelling because of Sense & Sensibility). Like I said, because I love both names, my vote was based pretty much on freshness. So since Eleanor has risen in popularity (not trendiness), I thought that Emmeline may be a name that would set her apart (yet, wouldn't seem so very unusual because of its similarity to Emma and Emily).
I don't know whether or not Emeline is considered a legitimate spelling. Emmeline is the only one I'm aware of; even if Emeline were "legitimate," I'd still like Emmeline better, I think.
Either way, you can't lose. They're both great, great names.