Alaïs?

[Willothewhip]

DH is French and we both love French names. We're considering Alaïs for our first baby if it is a girl, but I'm worried that she'll be forever having to spell/explain it to people. Would love to hear any views...

Lovely name and not difficult to pronounce in English.

I think the main problem you would have is with pronunciation. I have a friend with an unusual name and nobody every pronounces it correctly which is quite tiresome I imagine.

Although Anaïs is quite well known (and I like I a lot), I've never come across Alaïs and I don't really take to it.

I think a lot of people will think you've said Anaïs. I've never heard of Alaïs. I expect people will get used to the spelling/pronounciation soon enough, but yes I think you'll often be explaining.

It could potentially sound like a Frenchman pronouncing Alice or be mistaken for Anaïs. I think it looks prettier on paper than it does sounded out.