Emaline

[anaotchan]

DH is dead set on calling our future daughter Emaline. The name comes from his favourite song, and the spelling (also from the song) is a rare form of Em(m)eline.

Now I think the name is pretty enough in itself, but I'm concerned about the spelling. Are people going to think we're those weirdo parents who invent "unique" spellings of regular names? Is our daughter going to have to spell her name all her life?

It's tough for me to make up my mind because English is not my first language, so I don't have a great grasp of how names "sound" like to native speakers.

Advice appreciated!!

[EarnestDullard]

As much as I like Ben Folds Five, I think the spelling does look like you've misspelled Emmeline. Sorry. It's also pronounced differently, afaik Emmeline is pronounced Emme-leen, not Emma-line.

[anaotchan]

Thank you! It is as I feared, then.

Also interesting point about the pronunciation, I didn't realize that.

I do like Ben Folds Five too... maybe not quite enough to saddle my child with a misspelt name, though

[sonniebonnie]

Unusual spelling - I think most people would assume Emmeline when they hear it. Lovely name though.

[MJandherdog]

Love Emmeline, not convinced by Emaline.

[mrstowers]

What MJandherdog said!

[Devora]

I'm afraid I do think that people will think you either can't spell or have gone for a 'unique' variant.

[anaotchan]

thanks everyone for the feedback!