Xanthe or Ianthe?

[CalamityJess]

What do you think of these names and which do you prefer?

(Pronounced ZAN-thee and eye-AN-thee)

What do you think of the name Lincoln? I love it but family and friends are not keen. Would like to know to what other people think of the name.

Start a new thread Tessakate ...

Whilst this shouldn't be a consideration, please do bear in mind that people will see the 'I' as a lowercase L. I have a DC with a Welsh name beginning with I but it's always being changed to an L and 12 years on it is soooo frustrating.

Having said that, I much prefer Ianthe to Xanthe

Zanthe with a Z

Actually I think it’s incorrect to label these names as being solely Greek. Yes, they have Greek origins and are still relatively unusual in the UK, but they’ve got a history of use here and Classical Greek mythology (and sometimes language) is traditionally a staple of Western education. Like it or lump it, there are some parts of Greek culture that are now part of our culture too. That’s true of French culture etc. as well, but I’d argue that the whole of Western society has grown out of Classical Greek society so in a way many of these names are simply a reflection of that shared heritage.

I love Xanthe and would consider using it myself.

Thanks all! I think I lean towards Xanthe because I love the X initial and it seems more likely to be pronounced the way we’d intend, but I might like the sound of Ianthe slightly more... 🤔

@Fart I agree with all comments regarding mixing of names and the use of names if you like them and sod what others think - as per my post. But I disagree with you strongly that they are not Greek names. They're Greek. They are used in different countries but they're Greek names that have been adopted and in some cases (poorly) adapted. Your suggestion of culture grown out of Greek culture etc is true to a certain extent but you do want to make sure you don't argue too hard for cultural appropriation. They're Greek names. In Greek stories. Some names have been used by non-Greek classicists but in a sensitive and culturally appropriate way. To argue they're not Greek is pretty out of order. The fact that students in England might read about them at school doesn't suddenly make them English names.

An acute accent on the e would signal Xanthay rather than Xanthee

I know two xanthes and they both pronounce it to begin with a "ks" sound, rather than a z.

I do really like it though.

They're Greek names. In Greek stories. Some names have been used by non-Greek classicists but in a sensitive and culturally appropriate way. To argue they're not Greek is pretty out of order. The fact that students in England might read about them at school doesn't suddenly make them English names.

What proportion of non-Welsh speakers do you think pronounce Myfanwy correctly?

@More is your question to me? Not sure I follow your thinking. I haven't said anywhere that English people shouldn't use Greek names. Nor have I been critical of English pronunciations of Greek names, except to say I prefer the way that most of them sound in Greek which I think it fair enough. I suspect most Welsh people feel the same. But I also suspect most Welsh people would argue Welsh names are Welsh. Doesn't mean others can't use them and pronounce them as they like really. My name is mispronounced every day in an Anglicised way but that's part of living internationally. If I'd been that fussed I'd have stayed in Greece.

Love both but if push came to shove I think I prefer Ianthe

I adore Xanthe. I also like Ianthe but would go with Xanthe.
I know one child called Xanthe and she is divine

@PBobs - So is Penelope cultural appropriation? Helen? Alexander? As a Scottish person should I be offended if you decide to call your child Rory?

@Fart you're misreading my post or maybe it's that my English isn't good enough. I said claiming that they are not Greek names and that somehow they have been subsumed into English culture is appropriation. I've said several times that using these names if you're not Greek is fine and dandy and great - even mispronouncing them is fine by me - we're all trying to mix cultures etc and that's wonderful. It's the claim that somehow they're no longer Greek that I don't agree with. I'm going to step away now as you seem convinced that I'm claiming something I'm not.

I prefer Xantia (sorry no help!)

I much prefer Ianthe.

I'm biased because my 8yr old DD is called Ianthe:-) Pronounced I-AN-THEE. Never encountered anyone who had problems pronouncing her name. The school that she attends is quite multicultural and the name blends in easily.
Sometimes I have to spell it out (same for Xanthe I suspect) for people, and I say it's spelt Ian The!

Ianthe

I keep seeing this, and it triggers my inner G&S as I think Iolanthe

Xanthe. There's one at DD's school (no idea if she's of Greek heritage or not).

MoreSliding how is Myfanwy pronouced, it's one I've never attempted as I know I'd get it wrong! Presumably not Mifanwee.

how is Myfanwy pronouced,

"Eric"

@PBobs I’m saying they’re not just Greek any more. There are lots of words in English that originate in other languages, but they’re English words now.

I don’t think I misread what you’re saying at all

My very beautiful Labrador is a Xanthe. It always surprises me how many people have never heard of it as a name, and either see it written down and ask how to pronounce it, or hear it said and don't know how to spell it. We still love it though and it's a great name for doggy recall!

@cassianandor it’s Muh-VAN-wee (or Muh-VAN-oi if you’re in the south of wales)

Owl thank you! One out of three syllables isn’t bad, I suppose .