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Original poster

How would pronounce the name Ayla?

51 replies

AlphaBeta2012 · 11/01/2013 14:42

Hi all,
Asked people's view on this name yesterday, so thank you for that, but DH and I disagreed about how people would read it and pronounce it.
We like the version Ayla (as in rhymes with Layla), is this how you would read it or would you read it as Isla.
Other spellings are Aela, Aila or Aayla....

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Picturesinthefirelight · 13/01/2013 10:02

Dd's friend is Ayla (family from Pakistan) and its pronounced eye la

surroundedbyblondes · 13/01/2013 10:06

I think it's beautiful either way. But written Ayla I would say eye-la also.

OrangeLily · 13/01/2013 10:08

Eye la

The only one I've met is pronounced that way!

Original poster
AlphaBeta2012 · 13/01/2013 13:05

We still love the name but think we are thinking more on the lines of using Aela. Thanks for responses!

OP posts:
Original poster
AlphaBeta2012 · 13/01/2013 13:05

We still love the name but think we are thinking more on the lines of using Aela. Thanks for responses!

OP posts:
eachtigertires · 13/01/2013 13:12

I would pronounce it Isla.

Sleepyfergus · 13/01/2013 19:02

Really?!! Judging on your spelling (is this made up?) I think you will still get all sorts of variations and pronouciatons (see below) and it will almost never be spelt correctly

Eye-la
Ay-la
A-Ella
A-Ee-la

And so forth.

Viviennemary · 13/01/2013 19:09

I'd pronounce it ay (as in May) and La. I think it's fairly straightforward compared to some names which I wouldn't have a clue where to start.

TidyDancer · 13/01/2013 19:12

I think Tess is correct, it's pronounced like Isla.

Be careful with using alternative spellings. There is a reason they generally garner unfavourable reviews on MN. The general consensus is unless there is a specific reason for spelling them a different way (ie in tribute to someone, or to avoid unfortunate initials), it causes some problems for the child as they grow up. Look into this aspect before settling on a spelling would be my advice.

Trills · 13/01/2013 19:13

I would rhyme it with Layla.

zingally · 14/01/2013 14:46

I would rhyme it with Layla.

I also associate it with Ayla from Clan of the Cave Bear. It's a lovely name.

Original poster
AlphaBeta2012 · 14/01/2013 18:06

Thanks all, however found out today we're expecting a little boy Grin so back to drawing board!

OP posts:
Original poster
AlphaBeta2012 · 14/01/2013 18:06

Thanks all, however found out today we're expecting a little boy Grin so back to drawing board!

OP posts:
CarlingBlackMabel · 14/01/2013 18:09

If I just read it straight from the page spelt like that I would say 'Ailer'

badtime · 15/01/2013 16:32

Same as Isla.

Frikadellen · 15/01/2013 17:57

I have known 2 they both pronounce it to rhyme with Leyla

I am told Jean Auel pronounces it that way too in speaches given about The earth children series (I have never heard her speak so this is hearsay)

It was on my shortlist for dd1

Frikadellen · 15/01/2013 17:58

Layla not Leyla (sorry got a friend called Leyla laughs)

BexusSugarush · 02/09/2015 15:20

I love this name (mainly due to the books) and it is top of my list for my soon-to-be-born girl. I always read it as Ay-la and that is how I would pronounce it. I find it's mainly the overused names that people both spell and pronounce right, and we don't want a class full of little 'Amy's running round just because the name is easy. My name is spelt and pronounced Beccy, yet you would be amazed how wrong people get that. I have been addressed as Bec-ay and Beak-ee before!!

FlyDragonfly1 · 02/09/2015 16:34

I've always read it to rhyme with Layla.
I absolutely adore this name, it would be the name of any future DDs I may have and was on the short list for DD1 Smile

Fan of Earth's Children by any chance?

Iliveinalighthousewiththeghost · 02/09/2015 17:35

Ay-la

TravellingToad · 02/09/2015 17:37

I know a 5 year old ayla and they pronounce it to rhyme with Layla

dimdommilpot · 02/09/2015 21:25

I liked it for dd2 but as the "correct" pronunceation is Isla we didnt go for it as oddly i dislike this name, though love ay-la.

HopHopPop · 03/09/2015 13:03

Snort @ Beak-ee Grin

SoupDragon · 03/09/2015 13:05

2013 zombie thread

Enkopkaffetak · 03/09/2015 23:51

I know one whos says it to rhyme with Layla.. Also makes me think of Clan of the cave bear .. It is a beautiful name (we had it on our short list for dd1)