Mirth is indeed interesting. I hated it right away, but the more I look at it, the more I like it.
It's different, but in a
Merry kind of way - so it technically works. Plus, it is quirky and not too weird. I would go for it... though I think I would prefer it on a boy.
As for your listed names:
Galena - I prefer
Halina (which is both Filipino and Polish), and the spelling
Galina. However, this name is uncommon, yet pretty. I like it. It rings old-fashioned, yet has a young feel to it (with the 'i' spelling). I liek both
Gale and
Lena as nicknames, so it works for me! I give it a 7/10 since it is pretty and unique, but loses points because I prefer other spellings and because pronunciation might pose an issue (gay-lena vs gah-lena). Still, def above neutral.
Imani - I actually have a close friend with this name. It is pretty, simple and the meaning is sweet. However, I will say that all the Imanis I know are rather stuck up and borderline arrogant (my friend included)... so I have a bias against the name as being pretentious. That said, you don't hear it often and I am sure there are sweet Imanis out there too. I give the name a 8/10 because it sounds nice and flows with almost any other name, but it loses two points for personal preferance and possible pretentiousness.
Shem -
Love it! One of my favorite biblical names, mostly because it is simple. I do know a few (sorry!) dogs with this name though, so it loses some points for being so appropriate as a pet name. But, I rank it right in there with
Abner,
Meshach,
Moses and
Saul... retro-cool biblical. ;) I give it a 7/10 as totally usable, but a more off-the-wall choice that would only work for the right family.
Shyam - I have never heard of this. I am not a huge fan since it seems to be pretty culture-specific. I know a similar name (shyama) from a girl in my religions classes in college. She was from
India, and I remember when she said her name it was a bit difficult for me to get my tongue around the right pronunciation. I assume this name would be similar, so I wouldn't rate it highly unless the bearer was of Indian descent or could speak Hindi. In any case, it is nice to look at. I give it a 4/10. Still a cool name, but unusable except for select scenarios.
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"How wonderful it is that no one need wait a single moment before starting to improve upon the world." -Ann FrankMama to my "bright star"
Clarisse Bituin and Wife to
Julius.
Mahal na mahal from our little family to yours!
This message was edited 11/17/2014, 7:23 AM