Coraline

Coraline is usually connected with the French Coralie and the word coral. It is also strongly associated with the heroine of the novel Coraline and its animated adaptation. The author initially thought he had invented the name, but later acknowledged earlier examples, so the book should not be described as its first appearance in history.

The literary character's name is pronounced with an ending like “line,” while older French-associated usage can end like “leen.” That difference makes it especially useful for families to state their preferred pronunciation. Coraline is easily confused with Caroline on paper, yet their usual name histories are different. The coral association and the fictional character are separate reasons a family might choose it.