The Importance of saying the whole name out loud

[Lizziedripping1]

It struck me as we were choosing names how the effect of the first name and surname together can make a difference not just if it sounds silly but even in the way you hear both parts. We were very keen on the name Xanthe but once we put it with our surname it sort of disappeared and you only heard the surname.

Hard to describe in words almost like the hard consonants of our surname drowned out the soft sounds in Xanthe.

Wonders if anyone else noticed this, sometimes what looks good on paper just doesn't work when said.

[WhyCantIuseTheNameIWant]

When I read the title, I just thought of all the joke names..

Willie win
Betty wont
Seymour butts
Ivor biggun

[MitzyLeFrouf]

And very important to imagine yourself hollering it at full volume across a crowded park.


If you can shout it without feeling like a wazzock you're good to go.

[Celticlassie]

Hugh Jarse

[Sunshine511]

As someone Scottish living in England, I've not only had to say them aloud but I've also had to say them aloud in an English accent! Lol. My favourite boys name works in a Scottish accent but not in an English accent!x

[Daysleeper1985]

Lol sunshine we have the exact OPPOSITE problem! Being English I can barely pronounce some Scottish names up here - especially my own consultant Dr Erkhart sounds fine when DH says it, I can't even get the word out of my mouth.

[Sunshine511]

Haha!! It's a nightmare, isn't it? My daughters middle name is Ruby. If I ever say it to an English person, they often think I'm saying Libby!! Lol. Thank god I never made it her 1st name!!!x

[Wolfiefan]

And check the initials. As an ex teacher I've seen some corkers!

[Dungandbother]

DS initials spell EATS

[Idoitforthelove]

I have a friend named Emma Royd...

[BathtimeFunkster]

Emma Royd

[IrritableBitchSyndrome]

I know someone who named a child Robin Tombs. On purpose.

[FarterChristmoose]

I had a friend at school called Carys Myfanwy. Pretty name until somebody noticed it sounds like carress-my-fanny

[Allalonenow]

I had school friends called Rose Bush, and John Thomas.

[NotMeNotYouNotAnyone]

I knew a Holly Berry at school

[magpie17]

Same problem as Daysleeper, I'm English and live in Scotland, some names which sound beautiful when a Scottish person says them sound horrible when I say them! My favourite girls name also had to be vetoed because it rhymes with DH's surname and is alliteration with mine!

[magpie17]

Ruaridh for instance - I think it's lovely when DH says it but I can't say it without saying 'Rory'...