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Original poster

How would you say Ceri? And would you know how to spell it?

110 replies

OfficerMeowMeowFuzzyface · 27/02/2018 14:37

Considering this as a girl's name, but worried that it'll be constantly mis-spelt/mispronounced (we don't live in Wales). Thoughts, please?

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ElenaBothari · 27/02/2018 15:49

Sara is pronounced to rhyme with Tara or Lara.

Sarah is pronounced differently- the “Sar” rhymes with chair or snare rather than with car or tar.

They are different names and pronounced differently- I know one Sara who pronounced it Sarah but always has to correct people and says her parents (who weren’t English speakers) hadn’t understood the difference.

BabloHoney · 27/02/2018 15:53

Definitely pronounced Kerry. It’s lovely!

Original poster
OfficerMeowMeowFuzzyface · 27/02/2018 15:59

Thanks for the comments, and sorry for the Sarah/Sara example, which has proved a bit derailing! Fwiw, I have - like some of the PP - encountered both Saras who pronounce it like Sarah and others who pronounce it differently, hence using it as an analogy.

OP posts:
NataliaOsipova · 27/02/2018 16:07

Definitely "Kerry". It's a more unusual spelling, but a perfectly well known (Welsh) one.

WhyOhWine · 27/02/2018 16:11

I would pronounce Kerry. I know that Ceri is a possible spelling of this name, but if i had to write the name down without knowing the spelling in advance i would probably go with Kerry (or if i was speaking to someone on the phone i might ask the spelling). Once told, however, I would remember!

Original poster
OfficerMeowMeowFuzzyface · 27/02/2018 16:12

I briefly lived in the South of England though and everyone, almost without exception said Seri or Cherry upon seeing it written down.

Interesting that you found that in South of England - we're in SE, and the three people I have experimentally asked about the name all said 'Seri' and hadn't ever heard of it as a spelling of Kerry. This thread made me think I'd just got a duff sample, but I now wonder whether how commonly encountered it is as a name varies regionally even within England

OP posts:
WhyOhWine · 27/02/2018 16:15

I know a Sara who pronounces it Sarah. Mind you, I know a Clara who pronounces it Claire-ah

I have a name with 2 standard spellings (e.g.Ann/Anne). I dont get too exicted if someone uses the wrong one, unless it is someone who should know better! It is not uncommon for people to use the wrong spelling even in replying to an email i have sent which has the proper spelling both in my email address and in my signature at the end. I rarely call it out though.

butterflycatcher · 27/02/2018 16:21

SE here. Never encountered anyone with this name and would have pronounced the C with an S sound on first attempt.

MrsElvis · 27/02/2018 16:24

Kerry. I worked with a Male Ceri

susurration · 27/02/2018 16:26

I know two people called Ceri, both said "Kerry".

Monkeypuzzle32 · 27/02/2018 16:29

I would have said Seri, I've never heard the name pronounced before-sorry!

PuppyMonkey · 27/02/2018 16:30

I think you might get a lot of people saying Serri.

I think you might also get a lot of people like me who have bad eyes thinking it’s Cersei (Game of Thrones fan). Grin

HappyLollipop · 27/02/2018 16:33

I've never heard of the name Ceri before and would have pronounced it Seri but now I know better.

chezmk1988 · 27/02/2018 16:56

It's pronounced Kerry but not sure if you may get some mis pronunciation. I wanted to use Caoimhe or Saoirse which are Irish names but I live in England so wouldn't as I know people won't get it right.

Dixiestampsagain · 27/02/2018 18:41

I know lots of people called Ceri, both Male and female; it’s a pretty common name (and spelling) in these parts.

seven201 · 27/02/2018 18:44

Kerry

Dixiestampsagain · 27/02/2018 18:44

NB it wouldn’t have crossed my mind that people outside of Wales might not have encountered this spelling, but I can see now that it’s not as widespread as I thought!

holasoydora · 27/02/2018 18:49

I knew a Welsh Ceri pronounced Kerry. She had the odd person call her Cherry and just laughed it off. In think it is a much nicer spelling, sorry to any Kerrys.

Elfyn · 27/02/2018 18:52

I would say it Kerry but if I heard “Kerry” on a non-Welsh girl I would assume spelt that way, not Ceri.

Pemba · 27/02/2018 18:56

Used to live near the Welsh border, and knew a few little girls with this name, so I know it is pronounced the same as Kerry. I like it.

Pemba · 27/02/2018 19:02

Elena sorry you are wrong. Sarah and Sara are basically the same name, same origin, it's just that Sarah is (I think) always said 'sair-ah', whereas Sara can be sair-ah or sah-ra. Look at Sara Pascoe, also the little girl in 'A little princess' - both said as sair-a. In America they assume Sara is said as Sarah, and they think of it as just an alternative spelling.

Glumglowworm · 27/02/2018 19:28

Pronounced like Kerry but I live in Wales so familiar with welsh names, I’ve known a male and 2 female ceri

missymousey · 27/02/2018 19:43

I've never met a Ceri but would definitely have pronounced it Serry until I read this thread. If someone told me his / her name was (pronounced) Kerry, I'd spell it Kerry. Ceri does look really pretty written down though.

macbethh · 27/02/2018 20:04

Kerry

AdidasGirl · 27/02/2018 20:16

I'm Welsh(Welsh is my first language.)
I would pronounce Ceri as Kerry.
I have both male and female friends who are both called Ceri.

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