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Baby names

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

Original poster

Nathaniel or Nathanael

40 replies

christianmama · 05/07/2015 22:29

Love this name for a boy but can't decide on spelling- which do you prefer? I don't want him to constantly have his name misspelt but prefer the latter spelling. any suggestions?!

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Original poster
christianmama · 05/07/2015 22:46

Fab, thanks very much everyone, there seems a definite consensus for the first spelling which is helpful, will prob go with the first spelling as my name is a nightmare to spell which I find annoying and don't want that for him!! Grin

OP posts:
KatherinaMinova · 05/07/2015 22:45

The second version makes me think of Nathaneal West (the only person I've heard of with that spelling), and that seems an unlucky namesake. But probably most people in the UK won't have heard of him!

TheHumanSatsuma · 05/07/2015 22:44

definitely the first, if they aare pronounced the same, why not go for the conventional one, your son will thank you later on!

redautumnleaves · 05/07/2015 22:43

Yep, first.
Second version looks like you made a mistake when registering his name.

Indomitable · 05/07/2015 22:42

I like the latter. Pronounced the same. Most people will spell it the former, which isn't a terrible problem.

DramaAlpaca · 05/07/2015 22:42

Nathaniel

CardinalRed · 05/07/2015 22:41

Definitely the first.
The second looks as if its be "respelt" as a poster on another baby name thread once expressed it.

TheRachel · 05/07/2015 22:41

First spelling

PurpleDaisies · 05/07/2015 22:41

If you spell it Nathaneal people may well think you don't know how to spell Nathaniel properly because the alternative spelling isn't widely used (I've never seen it). Nathaniel is a lovely name though.

MyNameIsSuz · 05/07/2015 22:37

The only one I know is Nathanael and yes, they're pronounced the same! I think it's the less well known spelling though.

SirChenjin · 05/07/2015 22:34

I've never seen the second spelling, so on that basis it should be the first!

Original poster
christianmama · 05/07/2015 22:33

Oh really? I thought they were pronounced the same, I'm glad I've checked! Thanks! Will look into how they are said to choose...

OP posts:
Creatureofthenight · 05/07/2015 22:32

First spelling, never seen the second spelling before.

Enchufla · 05/07/2015 22:31

The second one changes the way the name is pronounced imo...and not in a good way. I'd stick with Nathaniel

Wishful80sMontage · 05/07/2015 22:31

First spelling