How would you pronounce Liliane?

[Teapot13]

We are thinking of using this (French) spelling but with the intention of pronouncing it the same as Lillian (ie, LILian).

Would this work, or would people invariably pronouce it LiliAN (as in "Lillianne")?

I would rather spell it "Lillian" but that is problematic for other reasons.

[Jojobump1986]

If I saw it written down I think I'd probably pronounce it Lily-ayn but I'd be v hesitant about it & probably shorten it to Lily & hope I don't upset anyone! I'm not sure it's obvious how it should be pronounced.

[OkayHazel]

How would I pronounce Liliane?

Wrongly.

[anonymosity]

Lilly-Anne

[Snog]

Lily ayne as in Wayne

[Teapot13]

Hmm. . . that probably won't work then. Thanks for replying.

[WormCanner]

I would certainly pronounce it the French way.

[PickyPants40]

I read it as "Lily-Arna"

[shoobidoo]

I'd pronounce Lillian as Lilli-an, emhasising the first syllable.

And Lilliane as Lilli-ANEH, with the emphasis on the second syllable. Like Juliane or Christiane.

[Greenshootsandleeves]

Lily-Anne

[OlyRoller]

For me, Lil-lee-ah-na.

[SavoyCabbage]

I read it as Lianne, like lee-ann. Wrongly of course.

[LillianGish]

What's wrong with Lillian?

[NorthernLurker]

I think I would assume Lili- ANN. Are you desperately keen? It's going to be a pita name for your daughter imo. She'll never get it used or spelt right.

[bigbluebump]

I'd say Lili-ah-ne, similar to Ariane, Juliane, Christiane, Mariane.

I actually prefer Liliane to Lillian as it sounds and looks more feminine.

[Journey]

I would pronounce it to rhymn with Gillian.

[WormCanner]

Gillian, there's a name you never hear now!

[anonymosity]

I know some old Gillians - over 65 and some late 30s / early 40s Gillians.

[Teapot13]

I thought people would either say Lilly-Ann or Lili-AHN-eh (German pronunciation) but that isn't what I wanted. I want Lillian, but it seems confusing for some non-English-speaking relatives.

I have suggested to DH that we go with an invisible "e" rather than a silent "e" -- he isn't going for it.

Thanks for all the replies.

[birdofthenorth]

French friend called this pronounces it Lily-Anne, emphasis on Anne.

[MortifiedAdams]

I know an eight year old Gillian. Marvelous name.

Anyways.... Lily Anne.

I love Lilian rhymes with Gillian but none of the other ways.

[WafflyVersatile]

Lily Ann

[MarasmeAbsolu]

Lee-lian, equal emphasis on both syllables, to rhyme with gillian

[Teapot13]

Victory! DH relented and we registered her as Lillian.

Thanks for the answers.