I appreciate everyone that took the time to respond. I read everyone's thoughts more than once. It is the sound of Zahara that I like.
My last name is 2 syllables and begins with Har-. I enjoyed the repeated "ha" (short a) in both names. I don't even know who
Angelina Jolie is. The little TV I watch is exclusively Spanish programming and I haven't seen a movie in English in 10 years. Surely
Angelina Jolie is not that influencial. Is she that popular? I imagined the connection would quickly pass. When I mention the name to my friends, none of them were aware of her, but again, none of my friends are very familiar with American culture as they are all immigrants. The one comment I have received from a school teacher was that I should give my girls "white girl names". Although I heard her perspective, it's offensive I believe to say to a stranger. If I stick with Zahara, I think her sister needs a less traditional name than
Hazel. I think something that stresses the 2nd or 3rd syllable. just my thoughts at the moment, thanks again to everyone who pitched in,
Gina