Asia

[IngridBergman]

I'm not about to have a baby, but can someone just explain this name for me please?

We know two - a middle aged lady who is Eastern European, and a little girl whose parentage is half Asian.

I'm confused because though it looks like 'Asia' as in the continent, both pronounce it 'Az-ee-a' with the emphasis on the Az part.

Is this sort of an adaptation from the name of the continent or is it a name in itself, pronounced that way?

i dont now but i think Asia as in Ay sher sounds pretty:o

So do I! I just keep meeting Azeeas!!

I have a friend who has a litle girl called Asiya. From What she told me, it was the name of the Wife of Pharoah at the time of the prophet Moses. She is considered in the Muslim world as one of the 4 greatest women.

Ah, that sounds plausible and would explain it. I do wonder if they have constantly to explain the pronunciation to people though. Your friend's spelling is more sensible perhaps.

I do not know if they have to explain the pronounciation, my guess is they do not as they live in a predominantly Muslim area. As you say, with the way they spelt it there is less chance for confusion.

I have known several Russians called Asya (assumed it was spelled like that, haven't actually seen it written down). I think it was always a short form for Anastasia.

thankyou Gor

Tabitha that sounds like it might be correct.

I think a-zee-ya sounds much nicer than ay-zher. Sorry, but the latter fails the imagine-screaming-it-from-the-back-door-step test in my book.

its quite a popular name at the moment i know loads of them but spelt aasiyah, aasiya, asiya, esseyah etc so loads of variations. i think asia spelling does leave a bit of confusion though as people will think its said like the place.
if they are muslim then it will be like gorionine said after the wife of the pharoah

When Asia is a Polish name, it's short for Joanna or Anna and is pronounced "AH sha".

Oh thanks Whensbedtime, I think she is Polish so will know how to say it now.