Which spelling?

[IslaMann]

DH suggested Orlagh yesterday (after we thought we'd agreed another name,) which I love but I prefer Orla as spelling, as I feel the 'gh' looks a little harsh and will lead to both mispronunciation and misspelling. He feels that neither will be a problem, particularly since his name has 2 different spellings. What do you guys prefer? (We have a Scottish surname, Mc---- )

[Novus]

Orla, I have a friend named the same and she is SO grateful her parents went for Orla. It looks prettier, too.

[Emochild]

Orla

[HeffalumpTrap]

I have a(n Irish) friend named Orla, such a pretty name

[TheSecondViola]

We spell it Orlaith, but for your choice I would go for Orla.

[AngelsWithFilthySouls]

It was our girl's name had DS been a DD and would have spelt it Orlaith. From your choices I'd go with Orla.

[wonderpants]

Orla

[royaldub]

Another vote for Orla here

[ShowOfHands]

I know one and she is Orlaith. Orla if you're choosing between those two spellings.

[villainousbroodmare]

I actually love the look of Orlagh. But if you have any concerns about mispronunciation or if you don't like the look of it, then definitely opt for Orla. Lovely name.

[MitzyLeFrouf]

Definitely Orla. Orlagh isn't any more 'authentic' if that's his reason for suggesting that particular spelling.

[geekaMaxima]

Orlagh isn't any more 'authentic' if that's his reason for suggesting that particular spelling.

^ this

If you want "authenticity", it's Órfhlaith Pronounced with a long O, like in "note" (not a short O, like in "not").

Orlaith is a spelling modernisation in Irish (dropping silent fh), and Orla is a further modernisation again (dropping silent ith). Orlagh is a bit madey-uppy but not uncommon.

Orla wins

[leoniethelioness]

Orla

[squoosh]

Orla. As mentioned, it's actually more traditional than Orlagh.

[HeffalumpTrap]

That was quite interesting maxima, you should team up with Stephen Fry, I'd watch.

[DramaAlpaca]

Orla

[MagicFinger]

Orla

[CocktailQueen]

Orla! I don't like the 'gh' either.

[wigglesrock]

Orla - I know quite a few and its either Orla or Orlaith.

[Coldtoeswarmheart]

Orla.

[ThomasRichard]

Orla.

As a softy southerner I'd say 'Orlagh' as Or-lag and then get all confused and embarrassed when I was corrected.

[IssyStark]

Orla. Grew up in Ireland and never ever came across a Orlagh but plenty of Orlas.

[geekaMaxima]

Heffalump

[DontKillMyVibe]

Have never come across the 'gh' spelling before. Orlaith or Orla. Not really keen on the 'gh' - looks as if it's just spelt wrong.

[IslaMann]

Thanks all. Showed DH your replies last night, he just said "hmmm". Over lunch today tho he has said he thinks Orla will be the best option. (Tho with an accent over the O - Órla. )

[squoosh]

Determined to be different isn't he! Don't think I've ever met an Órla.