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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To pick a name that I know my child will have to spell out?

61 replies

LilyXy · 19/08/2023 22:09

My name is a name that gets various spellings and I'll often be asked to clarify which one it is and it's never bothered me really. Is it bad to purposely name our child with one of those names? I don't mean make up a spelling or go for a unique one to stand out, it's a perfectly logical spelling but as the name isn't very known either, would it be unreasonable?

OP posts:

JanieEyre · 20/08/2023 14:20

People will mis-spell names whatever you do, there seems to be a compulsion. I have an incredibly boring common surname which, as a surname, is only ever spelt the way I spell it, yet people still come up with extraordinary variations on it. Every time I'm asked my name, I try to fend that off by going for the most common error - it's not Smith, but it's comparable to saying my name is "Smith with an i" - but people still get it wrong.

So long as you're not aiming at a silly "unique" spelling of a common name, go for it.

EhrlicheFrau · 20/08/2023 15:25

Magneta · 20/08/2023 14:14

Even if you pronounce those slightly differently personally, would you be confident enough of elucidating the spelling from the exact pronunciation of a stranger, without even checking with them?

What about in a crowded classroom, or over the phone? I wouldn't. I'd either assume Emily if no spelling were offered, or - preferably - ask them.

I don't think it's just me who pronounces those differently, as I said they are actually different names entirely. I would go with what seems the logical pronunciation, as explained, and if someone corrected me then I'd alter it. Assuming they are all pronounced Emily would definitely not be my first approach.

CrystalCascade · 20/08/2023 15:28

YANBU it's fine. This happens to literally everybody without an English name.
I wouldn't give up my name (and by extension culture) for the world and neither will I name my DC the 'easiest' names on purpose despite their father insisting it would be a massive issue. If they are unwelcome here then we will all leave...

ladygindiva · 20/08/2023 15:38

I have the less usual spelling of a traditional name and constantly have to tell people but it doesn't bother me at all, infact I like that it's different. Would hate to be called Sarah/Anna/Emma etc

Zanatdy · 20/08/2023 15:40

My DD has a name she has to spell. It’s an Arabic name but it’s also a well known name in the U.K. It’s just got an extra letter in the middle, and the reason it was selected was to reflect her culture. She’s not had a problem so far, but I did think quite a lot about it during the pregnancy. It looks a lot prettier in my opinion her spelling too.

luckylavender · 20/08/2023 15:45

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 19/08/2023 22:12

I think it’s fine if all she has to say is “it’s Anne with an E” or “Katherine with a K”

Katherine needs 2 explanations though. It can be Kathryn too. As well as with a C.

SarahAndQuack · 20/08/2023 16:09

luckylavender · 20/08/2023 15:45

Katherine needs 2 explanations though. It can be Kathryn too. As well as with a C.

Show quote history

More than that!

KathErine
KathArine
Kathryn
Katheryn

Pocketfullofdogtreats · 20/08/2023 16:19

As long as it's not a weird spelling just to be yooneek, it's fine. Normal names like Suzy/Susie will always have to clarify the spelling. It's when you get the Soozies and the Siouxies (apologies to Siouxie Sioux) that you'll get eyerolls.

Hoppinggreen · 20/08/2023 16:22

It’s very very unusual for us NOT to have to spell our last name so I gave both DC a name that was easy to spell so they did t have to spell out both names

ItLooksLikeChickenSoItMustBeChicken · 20/08/2023 16:24

It's fine if it's a name that can have an E on the end or something like that. I know of someone who called their kids Kouper and Karlee. Ridiculous.

OhWhatFuckeryIsThisNow · 20/08/2023 16:43

I have a super simple first name as does dh. It’s very common to get them spelled differently. (Though someone I’ve known for 20 years still puts a y in mine.)

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