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Baby names

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

Original poster

Will she spend her life spelling her name?

69 replies

FunnyOrca · 06/09/2025 18:31

I like the name Susannah (Susie for a nickname).

However, I’m aware in English it can be spelt Susanna and also in a variety of other unique ways.

Do you think she will spend her life spelling her name for people? Is it bad enough I should forget the name?

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Brummiecurlz173 · 07/09/2025 10:44

no this is quite easy to understand :)

PegDope · 07/09/2025 08:21

My name can be spelled with our without a H.

I just say “my name is x with a H”

Susannah is a gorgeous name.

JamesWebbSpaceTelescope · 07/09/2025 08:16

I spell out both first and last names as routine now if spelling is needed. Not a bother at all. If spelling doesn’t matter I don’t care (Starbucks, Christmas cards from acquaintances etc) I take the good will approach.

I once lived in a tiny village in Aberdeenshire, house name, village name, post town all needed to be spelled out. That did get a bit tedious but even then it was funny rather than anything else.

Original poster
FunnyOrca · 07/09/2025 07:54

Snugglemonkey · 06/09/2025 22:55

I love Susanna. I wouldn't put a h on. I know 3 though, 3 Susanna and one Suzanna. They are called Susie, Suki, Suz and Zanna which I feel is a shame as Susanna is so lovely. Would a shortening annoy you?

My husband has a name that shortens. He uses his long name at work and his family still mostly use it but do switch in and out. He uses his short name among friends. I like that he can do this.

For me, the shortenings of the name I know are Susi (happy to anglicise to Susie) and Sanna. I like both of these and wouldn’t mind her calling herself them, actually part of the reason I like the name!

Sus (rhyming with fuse?) and Suki, I am less familiar with but understand the need to reinvent yourself as a teenage and don’t hate either.

OP posts:
Original poster
FunnyOrca · 07/09/2025 07:46

Rocknrollstar · 07/09/2025 06:53

We have quite a simple surname but always have to spell it out. Our DC and GC learnt to do it very young. It’s so simple that DiL was amazed when she changed her name that she was always asked to spell it out I also have to clarify the spelling of my first name!

I think this is also my concern.

Our surname is foreign, but common enough in and around London that people know there are two legitimate spellings, so ask which one.

Where we live now, it is not common and is misheard until it is spelt out. But no problem upon reading it, as our spelling is an English word too.

I don’t mind spelling out my surname but, is it a pest to have to spell out both?

OP posts:
whoboo · 07/09/2025 07:00

Nah, is a lovely name

DonewhatIcando · 07/09/2025 06:56

Yes, she probably will, thats the downside of having a name with different spellings.
My first name is hyphenated, I've spent my whole life spelling my name out.
It really irritates me seeing my name spelt wrong.
My name can be spelt as one word & with an E or without an E.
I wish I had a £1 for everytime I've said "hypen and no E" 😃
I love your name choice btw

Rocknrollstar · 07/09/2025 06:53

We have quite a simple surname but always have to spell it out. Our DC and GC learnt to do it very young. It’s so simple that DiL was amazed when she changed her name that she was always asked to spell it out I also have to clarify the spelling of my first name!

LiquoriceAllsorts2 · 07/09/2025 06:49

susannah with an h is the most normal spelling in the uk. Yes she may need to tell or correct people sometimes but that’s the same with loads of names so that big of a deal and it’s not like you’ve gone with an unusual spelling so lots of times people will get it right.

Elektra1 · 07/09/2025 06:25

I think “Susannah with an h” is quite easy to explain. People called Kathryn for example would be regularly having to explain it’s with a k and a y not a c. Plenty of names have alternate spellings.

pinkbackground · 07/09/2025 06:10

Lovely name.

SouthernNights59 · 07/09/2025 06:08

I've always had to spell my name to others, doesn't bother me at all.

Susannah is a lovely name.

OrdinaryGirl · 07/09/2025 05:42

Susannah spelt this way is a lovely name. Although to all the people saying ‘She can just say Susannah with an H’, I say….

PHTEVEN

SpencerTheRover · 07/09/2025 05:39

Lovely name.

I work with children and over the decades I have come across names that need a lot more clarification than that one.
At least your DD won’t have to explain to all and sundry how to pronounce her name as well as spell it.

Yamamm · 07/09/2025 05:26

Great name. Was in my top 3 and that’s the classic spelling.

DPotter · 07/09/2025 03:58

Look I have a 4 letter surname, English word, easy to spell, it's an everyday item - and I still have to spell it out.

Susannah is lovely

user1492757084 · 07/09/2025 01:24

Susannah in all forms is lovely.

ILoveWhales · 07/09/2025 00:10

FunnyOrca · 06/09/2025 18:31

I like the name Susannah (Susie for a nickname).

However, I’m aware in English it can be spelt Susanna and also in a variety of other unique ways.

Do you think she will spend her life spelling her name for people? Is it bad enough I should forget the name?

I've had that to on a very short name. My name is short but has a multiple spelling option. I just say with everything.

She could just say susannah with an h

Happygolucky314 · 07/09/2025 00:08

My name can be spelt with a couple of different ways and I have to constantly confirm it does it begin with an s or a c and does it end with an al or and Elle… that 🤣 it doesn’t annoy me but it’s likely. To be fair I’ve gave my daughter the same problem as hers could be fia or the other ways

Bearinthesmallmessyflat · 07/09/2025 00:01

I think that it’s fine when as she’ll just need to clarify which spelling she uses rather than having to properly spell it out
I also think Susannah is in that lovely sweet spot of classic but unusual

MrsTerryPratchett · 07/09/2025 00:00

A know a Susanna. She is called Su-san-ah. Not Suzanna which is what 90% of people call her. You definitely want the S sound?

MrsMumandWife · 06/09/2025 23:58

Lovely name and spelling.

friskery · 06/09/2025 23:55

Yes she will but so does every Catherine, Rachael, Jayne, Isabel, Claire and Muhammed.

Shinyandnew1 · 06/09/2025 23:53

I think you/she will end up saying, 'it's with an s and an h' which will cause all sorts of bizarre spellings!

Studyunder · 06/09/2025 23:47

She might have to occasionally but there are few names that don’t ever need this. Especially as more people like to have unusual spelling and/or people are aware of this tendency and perhaps then check a spelling to avoid offence. It’s a classic name that is familiar to most. I have a common name but still have to say occasionally it’s spelt with an s…. Lots of names have alternative spellings and there’s always new versions being created.

It’s only “wrong” if you have to repeat a name EVERY time because it’s been changed to something weird for the sake of being different. Eg Anndroo vs Andrew.

Stop asking what others think as there will always be someone who criticises. Pick and stick with what YOU like for YOUR child. Tell people after the birth and let them deal with their own feelings on the matter.

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