Anonymous wrote:You could always go for both -

KAT-ERENA

That’s a Russian Eastern European name Katrina Wit.

Anonymous wrote:I love Kate.

I really dislike the name Serena.

Same here. I just don’t like the name Serena itself regardless of other Serena’s. Kate is more classic but belongs as nick name for Katherine. I prefer Kate of the two.

I’m surprised at all the people who associate Serena with Serena Williams. I didn’t make that connection at all.

Anonymous wrote:You could always go for both -

KAT-ERENA

This made me laugh but… Katerina is nice! OP, you should go for it.

You could always go for both -

KAT-ERENA

Anonymous wrote:Kate is a nickname for either Catherine or Kathleen. Please do not just name someone Kate. Give your daughter the option to use a more formal name someday if she chooses. Also, this name has been wildly popular for 25 years--there are lots and lots of Kates.
Know that the name Serena will always be associated with Serena Williams--I don't think it's stuffy.
These are very different names, each with a very different style. Are you sure there aren't any other names you'd consider?

I named my daughter just Kate. I think it’s sophisticated enough to stand on its own. If Stacy can be a stand alone name, so can Kate

I’m the mother of a Kate, s that has my vote.

“Serena” is Sir Ian McKellen’s drag name. So it’s kind of blessed in that way.

I'd also wait or work both or a variation into the name (Serena Kate//Katherine Celeste).

I haven't met a Serena of any age yet but have Sabina and Sierra.

In addition to Serena Williams I thought of Serena from Gossip Girl.

I don't really like either name, just not my taste.

They're both associated with some well-known women especially Serena, so you;'' probably always be asked if she's named after Serena Williams.

I was always told the right name will just come to you. So maybe wait a little longer.

Sometimes it's best to meet the child, she may be more a Serena or a Kate or neither once you meet her.

Congrats.

What about Sabrina.

Kate.

DD's legal name is Kate. I love it (obviously). I think it is a strong name on its own. To me Katie is a nickname but Kate is solid on its own.

I like Serena much more than Kate. Kate was a popular name growing up but all the Kates I knew (there were ~3 in my classs) were Katherines. I would consider the association with Serena a positive if I were considering the name.

I am black and considered Serena as a name for my DD 12 years ago. It was between that and Sierra (and we ultimately went with something else). I do not think of Serena Williams at all and when I hear the name.

I love Serena Williams and thinks she is amazing. It is sad that there is no much internalized bias and racism on a NAME. Sometimes I wish I\we had named our DD that - when I hear it I still love the way it sounds with our last name. So light and feminine. But I guess we would have been accused of choosing a "black" name