What do you think of Akira and Havanah?

[ally20]

Thanks so much for all your replies! Its great to hear other peoples first opinions. Think we will rule out Havanah as it hasn't had a good response at all. Will take on board the comments about Akira but its nice to know some of you like the name

[ally20]

Havilah is very pretty...thanks for the suggestion. Will run it past my husband.

[erikab]

My almost 5 year old daughter is named Akira. My husband actually picked it out, and at first I wasn't too fond of it. After our oldest (son, Lyric) was born, we had discussed naming any second child we may have Gravity. Within the two years between having our children, my husband no longer liked Gravity, but found a name that meant the same thing. In Japan, it's most commonly used for boys, but in Scotland, it's the female version for "anchor". Even though I didn't like it at first, it kept growing on me and flowed nicely with Lyric. Then, I couldn't get it out of my head or even think of any other girls names. The name's not common at all where we live. Also, I think it's feminine enough. We had Akira picked out for the baby's name whether it was a girl or boy. Everyone we spoke to, said they liked it better as a girl's name, saying it sounded too feminine for a boy.
Honestly, I'm not fond of Mae, but completely understand or respect whatever meaning you have for using it. We chose Hindu middle names that had meaning for us for both our children. And any middle name kept to one or two syllables will flow more easily since Akira is 3 syllables. Our daughter is Akira Dhayan (different spelling and pronounced Dahy-yon).
Sorry if I rambled, just wanted to share my experience with the name with you. Good luck and best wishes.

[catloverd]

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).

I agree, I wouldn't use a Japanese name if you aren't Japanese. I would go with Havanah, although I prefer Savannah and Hannah.

[ohluna]

I prefer the Havana spelling to Havanah.

[ballerinagirl]

I prefer Havana minus the h on the end, you could use Anna or Van as a nn or just call her a different one alotogther

[burjeune]

I'm not wild about Akira because when I hear it I immediately think of the anime with the same name. I agree somewhat with some of the other posters that said giving a Japanese name when you aren't Japanese could be a little confusing, but I think you could temper that by looking at names that are Japanese but are less obviously associated with that culture...

Hana
Nara (This is a lovely city in Japan where sacred/tame deer roam free!)
Rie (I love this name, although everyone would pronounce it wrong which would be a bummer...) (Rhee-ay)
Manami (More obviously Japanese, but such a cute name!)
Mari
Suzu
Sora

I also like the suggestion of Suzume above!

[clivehills]

I LOVE Akira. I'm so biased. I know a little toddler named Akira (she is half African-American and half Japanese) and she is so cute!!!!

Havannah it not my favorite.

[jeska]

Akira Kurosawa is a famous Japanese film director. Also, Akira is pretty commonly used as a Japanese boys' name, and there is a sizeable Japanese population in Australia.

I wouldn't give a Caucasian girl child, a name that is more commonly associated with Japanese males, personally. I think there are prettier and more feminine Japanese names out there that would make the transition better, if you like that style.

[vito208]

I like Havanah - I think it sounds exotic.