Adopting a toddler gril from Guatemala..
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| Wed, 11-08-2006 - 9:49am |
We are adopting a little girl from Guatemala and need help
with a name. We'd like something with a Spanish influence but
not too unusual, ethnic or trendy. I love classic names but don't
want something too popular. Her Gutemalan name is Yahaira Neomi, and
we'll want to keep at least part of that. While Yahaira is a very
pretty name, I've never wanted a name that people have trouble pronouncing
spelling. My first choice is to flip it and name her Naomi Yahaira, but my
DH isn't a big fan of Naomi. Our current children's names are Carly Rose
and Ben David. Following are a few other names we are considering,
but other ideas and opinions would be GREATLy appreciated!
Juliana (DH's favorite - he likes the 'a' endings)
Anna
Andrea (nn Andi)
Olivia (not really spanish)
Marina
Liana (nn Lia or Ana)
Tia (i like this but the "ia" names seem a bit trendy)

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I work at a middle school that is predominantly Latino. These days many/most Latino girls do not have names that are particularly Spanish. The following are names of recent Latina students.
Amaris
Yesenia (popular)
Priscilla
Jessica (popular)
Tamara
Monica
Maria
Rubi
Gabriela (very popular)
Carolina
Tania
Minerva
Ariana
Diana
Yoana/Joana
Jacqueline
Alba
Amy
Allison
Karina
I think that it is very important to maintain a child's given name, especially if the child is older as is in your case. I understand your concern about spelling and pronunciation, but please consider how the child may react to being called something totally different.
I am a teacher and I have had many adopted students in my classes whose parents maintained their given names, whether that name was Indian, Asian, Hispanic and I think it really is in the best interest of the child. Perhaps you could call her by a nickname after a while.
Also, are you aware that 'Tia' means aunt in Spanish? not a good choice.
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