What do you think of Akira and Havanah?

[ally20]

We want a unique name and even though we are not Japanese, we love the sound of Japanese names. DH came up with Akira which is traditionally a boys name but can be used as a girls name too. Just not sure if its too out there or feminine enough. What do you think? The middle name would be May so either Akira May or Akira Mae.

The other name we like is Havanah. But I can't think of a nice nickname for this. I don't like Vanah or Ana... anyone got some other nn ideas? Again I think the middle name would be May even though I love Rose with Havanah (Havanah Rose). Unfortunately DH hates Rose.

Any help is muchly appreciated! Oh and please let me know which name you like best

Thanks

[sarann813]

Akira sounds more African-American to me. It has that made up, random combination of letters that ends with an "a" that you see so much in African-American names (Shakira, Shamika, Anika). But I adore Mae! It's my favorite middle name ever. I like Havanah but I agree, there aren't any good nicknames. Maybe, Havie?

[ally20]

Thanks for your reply I was a bit worried about the Shakira connection at the beginning but got over that. We are Australian so didn't think of the African/American influence. Glad you like Mae. Could probably live with Havie as a nickname...will see how it grows on me. Thanks again.

[sko]

What about Ava for a nickname for Havanah?

[ally20]

Love the name Ava but it is her first cousin's name unfortunately and they will be only a year apart.

[goodkarmavt]

I first thought Akira might be a creative way to spell Erica, which looking at it more doesn't make sense but others might see this too? I prefer Hannah to Havanah.

I'd suggest these other Japanese names too:
Tamiko
Mayumi nn Maya

[allyfally]

I love Akira. Dont like Havanah.

And goodkarmavt, I also thought Akira was supposed to be Arika at first. XD

[pansy]

I don't think Akira makes much sense to use unless you have Japanese heritage. It's a very recognizable Japanese name and I think people would just be confused. Also, I have a hard time picturing it on a girl, as all the Akira's I've known have been male. Havanah is just a place name to me. What about Savannah? Still a place name, but a lot more feminine. You could use Vanna as a nickname for either (like Vanna White, whose full name is Savannah).

[youssarian]

I like Akira! The a ending makes it feminine sounding in America, and I don't think it sounds "African American" (whatever that means...my favorite singer is Caucasian and named Anika, and I have a distant cousin named Shanika...).

Havanah I don't like as much, but I think it's still nice. I like the suggestion of Vanna as a nickname!

[taz]

Don't like Havanah, unless the place has a special significance to you I don't think it's a great choice. Makes me think of both Haven and Savannah which are not my style and sound a little dated and slightly stripper-ish to me.
Akira is pretty. I like Kira and I once knew an Attarah and it reminds me of those names. I don't think Akira screams Japanese girl when I see it on paper, just like with Kira I wouldn't make any assumptions.