Active discussions

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

Set a reminder

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Evelyn? EV-lin or ev-UH-lin?

36 replies

pinkgirlythoughts · 07/04/2011 10:47

Title says it all, really. Do you pronounce Evelyn with two syllables or three? DP claims he can't hear the difference, but to me they sound significantly different, and if we use it I want to choose which way to pronounce it, rather than just 'falling into' one pronunciation or the other.

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
TooManyBlossoms · 07/04/2011 10:48

Eve-lin

QueenofDreams · 07/04/2011 10:50

Ev-lin.
Although MIL says Ev-uh-lin.

My 3 month old's name :)

sparkle12mar08 · 07/04/2011 12:08

Eve-lin, without doubt.

nbee84 · 07/04/2011 12:09

Eve-lin for me too

GooseyLoosey · 07/04/2011 12:11

For 92 years, my grandmother pronounced her name "ev-lin".

I had rather thought that the other pronunciation only came along with Evelyn Waugh, but I may be wrong (that's what my grandmother always claimed).

belgo · 07/04/2011 12:11

It always used to be pronounced with three syllables.

ragged · 07/04/2011 12:14

I thought Eeev-lin was the usual British pronunciation.

My 89yo American aunt is Ev-lin, always has been, which I like best. Have never heard "Ev-uh-lin" before (have only lived in the UK for 19 years, though).

MadreInglese · 07/04/2011 12:16

EV-er-lyn IMO

helendigestives · 07/04/2011 12:29

Ev-er-lyn, but with only the slightest hint on the middle syllable. (I think you will get quite a few 'eev-lin's too.)

CharlieBoo · 07/04/2011 12:29

I know one (2yo) and hers is pronunced Ev Lin....

belgo · 07/04/2011 12:33

the two syllable pronunciation is more popluar with new babies because it is prettier then Evuhlin, but it's one of those names that you are not going to be able to make everyone pronounce it the way you want it to be pronounced.

BarbieLovesKen · 07/04/2011 12:36

Its pronounced ev-A-lin where I am. (which I think is really gorgeous btw). Dont like Ev-lin at all.

laughinglil · 07/04/2011 14:44

love Ev-A-lin ..don't like the pronunciation of Ev-lin thats what put me off calling dd it.

SpringHeeledJack · 07/04/2011 14:45

I know an Ev-lin and an Eve-lin, but no third syllable

(to confuse matters further)

tabulahrasa · 07/04/2011 20:20

Ev-e-lin or Eve-lin, never Ev-lin

MerryMarigold · 07/04/2011 20:21

Ev-lin

MerryMarigold · 07/04/2011 20:22

(I think the Irish say Ev-lin, but if there's anyone out there, do correct me!)

I always think of Eve-lyn as the boys' version and Ev-lin as the girls' version!

bronze · 07/04/2011 20:23

Eve lin

bronze · 07/04/2011 20:24

Merry Ive always known it the other way round Grin

meadowlarks · 07/04/2011 20:24

Oh god, not this again. Eve-lin is the male pronunciation, Ev-lin or Ev-uh-lin is female. I personally pronounce the girl's version the latter way.

MerryMarigold · 07/04/2011 21:02

ooh, looks like I'm right bronze! Wink

SolarPanel · 07/04/2011 21:44

Ev-lin

Emelene · 07/04/2011 22:17

I would say it Ev-uh-lin.

Hulababy · 07/04/2011 22:34

Eve-lin

meditrina · 07/04/2011 22:39

Eve-Lynn (for younger holders of the name) or Ev-Lynn (more old fashioned, and all males).

Swipe left for the next trending thread