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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Thought we'd chosen a name that's easy to spell... apparently not!

43 replies

PrincessScrumpy · 25/11/2011 21:22

I'm stunned that so many people are struggling with dd2's name. She is called Heidi and people have tried Hydie and Hidi so far and she's only 12weeks old. I thought it was a classic (although not hugely popular right now) name.

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ThatsNotMyBabyBelly · 25/11/2011 21:29

I agree with you Princess it is classic. You would think people would know from the book if nothing else.

Montsti · 26/11/2011 07:12

I am very surprised that many people (assuming they are British/from a country where the name Heidi is used) can't spell it and completely agree with you! Congratulations btw - hope all going well. Great choice of name!

nooka · 26/11/2011 07:20

I'm surprised too. However people do seem inclined to mess up names so much in the quest for uniqueness, so maybe that's it? Weird 'y's are particularly popular it seems.

mayanna123 · 26/11/2011 08:14

I'm not surprised actually. It is a German name and in German 'ei' is always pronounced as 'aay' so Heidi is pronounced Haay-dee.
In English 'ei' is not always pronounced like that, hence the confusion. But hopefully people will learn how to spell and pronounce your dd's name - I'm sure they will.

DessieLou · 26/11/2011 11:11

Lovely name! People really can't spell it?! How odd. I love it, congratulations!!!!

pinkgirlythoughts · 26/11/2011 12:50

People are odd, aren't they? My sister is Chloe- number one name for goodness knows how many years- and people still can't spell that! She gets Kloe, Cohle, Clowee, Cloie, all sorts!
Congratulations on your little one!

Janoschi · 26/11/2011 14:39

In German, 'ei' is pronounced 'eye', not 'ay'. I'm really confused why folks can't spell Heidi - it's lovely too, btw.

hevak · 26/11/2011 16:17

It's a lovely name - congratulations! I'm also quite perplexed that so many people can't spell it - I'd have thought it was a classic name that everyone can spell!

I have a Norwegian friend called Heidi and pronounced "Haydee" but everyone else I've ever met with this name pronounces it like "Hidey" - just wait until someone spells your DD's name that way! Grin

ImHotNoYoureHot · 27/11/2011 12:29

Gorgeous name, and congratulations.

In German, ei is actually pronounced 'eye' (most obvious example being 'heil h**r')

It really shouldn't be a problem for people to spell.

mopsyflopsy · 27/11/2011 12:34

As others have said above, Heidi is a German name and in German 'ei' is ALWAYS pronounced as 'eye'.

However, in English 'ei' is sometimes pronounced as 'ee' as in deceive, receive so that may confuse some non-Germans. Although I'm sure they'd learn pretty quickly that Hee-di doesn't quite right Grin.

HereKittyKitty · 27/11/2011 12:44

I think I would pause over whether it was "ie" or "ei" in the middle, but I certainly wouldn't be inserting random y's. I would struggle over whether it was Hiedi or Heidi though.

Sometimes people just aren't great at spelling names though. I'm generally a good speller of words, but can't spell Graeme/Greame(?) Phoebe/Pheobe(?) etc. Double vowels in names seem to be my downfall..

likethemoon · 27/11/2011 12:52

IMO it's a really easy name to spell. I'm amazed how many people have problems with spelling names, especially ones that are really commonly used. I know some people don't find spelling easy but surely once the person has told them how to spell the name or they have seen it written down it's not rocket science to remember how to spell it? I'm not trying to be nasty, but I'm speaking from experience - spent my whole childhood spelling my name and surname and it does get irksome. Lovely name by the way.

Original poster
PrincessScrumpy · 27/11/2011 18:39

nearly went for Niahm but decided against it as we thought she'd have to spell it all the time!

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VinaApsara · 27/11/2011 18:41

I always thought it was spelled 'Niamh' - I'm not wrong am I?

whatstheetiquette · 27/11/2011 18:43

It's a great name and it is easy to spell, providing you have seen it before. I have never actually met anyone called Heidi, come to think of it! (Just know it from the book). So that's perhaps why you have had some strange spellings.

HereKittyKitty · 27/11/2011 21:19

Now Niamh I know, and it is Niamh!

sorchatallulah · 29/11/2011 20:56

I went to school with a Niamh whose name was spelt Naimh. Which would be, like, nav, as far as I can tell anyway. She used to go mad when her name was "spelt wrong" and come off with "it's Irish, it's a popular name!"

I live in Ireland and went to school here too.

I've just checked on Facebook, she still spells it Naimh. Not quite Niahm but still wrong.

mathanxiety · 30/11/2011 15:09

I think a lot of people go around with their eyes closed.

JaneRustle · 30/11/2011 15:12

Poor old Naimh! A lifetime of being embarrassed by her parents' daftness.

Heidi I'd have thought straightforward, though. It's actually a very pretty name, and unusual without being outlandish, congratulations on your new Heidi.

PeggyCarter · 30/11/2011 15:18

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Original poster
PrincessScrumpy · 30/11/2011 16:24

haha even I spelt it wrong - was bfing twins when I wrote it.

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angelpuss · 30/11/2011 17:20

Heidi is a lovely name and to me it's straightforward to spell.

Mind you, I've even had people spell my name wrong and you don't get much simpler than Emma!!:)

StrandedUnderTheMisltoe · 30/11/2011 17:38

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Pippaandpolly · 30/11/2011 17:54

Heidi's a gorgeous name - and I'm surprised people can't spell it! If it makes you feel better, DD is called Eloise and I've had several people ask whether it's hyphenated. Yes, Elle-Louise. I didn't think it was that unusual at all so I can't understand this!

UrsulaTurkeyCurryBuffay · 30/11/2011 18:07

We have had Pheobe Pheobie Phebie and Febe. People are twonks TWONKS.