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Baby names

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

Original poster

Dahlia - pronunciation??

85 replies

DueJune16 · 17/04/2016 16:28

Hi,

We really like the name Dahlia if we have a girl, just a bit stuck on the correct pronunciation!
I thought it was pronounced Day-lia, hubby thinks Dhal-ia.
I really like both but just wanted opinions on how other people would pronounce the name.

Thanks everyone!

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ABitAsleep · 18/04/2016 10:13

I am from the east midlands and I would say Dar-lee-ah. I would never even have thought to say it day-lee-ah and now i think about it i still can't see why you would

DerelictMyBalls · 18/04/2016 08:01

Day-lia, as in Bertie's Aunt Dahlia in the Jeeves books.

Gummibaers · 18/04/2016 07:54

I'd pronounce Daylia as Day-lee-a

Gummibaers · 18/04/2016 07:53

I'd say Dah-lee-ah

With Dah rhyming with Dar(ling).

LittleNelle · 17/04/2016 22:17

I'd say Daylia for the flower and Dahlia for the name.

Summ3r · 17/04/2016 22:14

Da lee a

Bajanella · 17/04/2016 21:52

Day-lee-ah

Wolpertinger · 17/04/2016 19:45

In the UK people will assume Day-lia.

squoosh · 17/04/2016 18:16

Delia just doesn't have the glamour of Dahlia. Delia is the sensible cousin.

Original poster
DueJune16 · 17/04/2016 18:07

DelphiniumBlue - I'm not so keen on Delia, not sure why as I know it's similar and my friend's cat is called Delilah so that rules that out!!

OP posts:
BigGreenOlives · 17/04/2016 17:42

We know a Dalia, pronounced Dahlia (Jewish family) and a Dahlia, pronounced in the same way and she is ethnically Swedish.

DelphiniumBlue · 17/04/2016 17:42

Day-lia, like the flower. I'm in London.
Have you considered Delia or Delilah?

Itinerary · 17/04/2016 17:40

Day-lee-uh

dot91 · 17/04/2016 17:40

As I said my mum was called Dahlia and although she loved her name it was mispronounced all her life .

crapfatbanana · 17/04/2016 17:39

Day-Leah.

mudandmayhem01 · 17/04/2016 17:15

I know a dahlia, pronounced dar- leah. Lovely woman, lovely name.

NewLife4Me · 17/04/2016 17:13

I'd say darl ee ya.

Original poster
DueJune16 · 17/04/2016 17:12

Thank you for all the replies!
I honestly love both which is what makes it harder but I think it's the sort of name to be mispronounced so wanted a consensus on how people would pronounce it if they didn't know her.
I'm also from up north and leaning towards Day-lia.
Tough decision though!!

OP posts:
notagiraffe · 17/04/2016 17:09

Day-Lia - also Northern here.

Sophronia · 17/04/2016 17:01

I say Day-lia. I think Dah-lia is the American pronunciation.

dot91 · 17/04/2016 16:57

My mum was called Dahlia and her name was pronounced Day-lia . She passed away 2 years ago at the age of 90 and never knew anyone with the same name as her, she'd have been chuffed to hear of a baby getting the same name as her .

Palomb · 17/04/2016 16:56

I would say day-lia for the flower but I think dah-lia is far nicer if you're using it for a name.

AuntieStella · 17/04/2016 16:54

Spelt like that, and in Britain, it's day-lia like the flower. It's a pronunciation that spans all regions and ages.

If you want dar-lia, then spell it Darlia or Dalia (latter is the normal Hebrew spelling. I think)

GooseberryRoolz · 17/04/2016 16:52

Yes, I just googled it Dumbledore and Cambridge dictionaries org says the same as you. I'm wondering if my family are secret Americans now Hmm

squoosh · 17/04/2016 16:49

Both pronunciations are correct. In America (home of the Black Dahlia) it's generally pronounced dah-lia, here it's usually day-lia.