Leela

[DamnitCharlie]

What do you think of Leela Imogen one syllable surname (a bit like Jones)? Originally liked Leila spelling but realised lots of people would pronounce it Layla so trying to keep it simple but I'm wondering if the phonetic spelling looks a but weird now.

Leela makes more sense...but looks more ethnic.

I know a Lila pronounced leela, she is of Indian descent.
But Lila may be pronounced lie-la. Though personally I prefer the look of Lila as it appears more traditional.

Leela will probably be less of a headache for her as she grows up...but depends on what you prefer.

Is leela a proper spelling?

Lila is regularly pronounced the way you want it to be. I’d go for that.

It sounds pretty, but I'm not keen on the spelling.

I would also pronounce Lila as Leela and think it looks better.

I’ve only ever seen Leela spelt like that on Futurama. I’m not sure that’s an association you want.

NMSAA

What does that mean BonBon411?

Futurama

Leela is a legitimate spelling. It's a name used in India spelt like that., I think it's really pretty

Went to school with a Leila. No one ever pronounced it as anything over than Leila.

I know a Lila pronounced Lie la. As in Delilah.
I wouldn’t guess it was Leela.

I know a few Layla’s, all spelt the same.
So I suppose Leela will make the pronunciation clear. It is a bit eely though.

It reminds me of a seesaw but maybe that's just me. 🤷‍♀️

The Leela in Futurama was named after Messiaen's - Turangalila Symphony. As she's the only sane, capable, and emotionally stable (ish) character in the whole show - it's a great choice.

It's fine. Eradicates pronunciation issues.

@Thetimetravelerswife white is also 'ethnic'. It's an inappropriate and offensive use of the word for it to mean 'anything not white English'.

Leela, companion from Dr Who.

I think it’s a lovely sounding name and I’d go with this spelling as it’s less likely to get people pronouncing it wrong

@NameChangedNoImagination didn’t mean it as a offensive term! Just meant that Lila is the usual spelling in the UK.

Futurama isn't a bad association for us!

@TheSandman
I think Leela from Futurama is part of the reason I like it, pretty but spunky, it's also in a Byron Turkish Tale but the story is a bit sad for her (I think she is drowned at some point!)

Seems like a mixed bag of opinions. I think Lila might be pronounced like Delilah too. I'm tempted to just use the Leila spelling but worried she will have lifetime of correcting people.

It will def make the pronunciation clear. It is worth knowing that this pronunciation means purple in German - this may not be at all important to you but thought worth pointing that out and purple e is a lovely feminine colour anyway.

Purple/lilac in German is spelled Lila and pronounced Leela.

Leela would be pronounced Leh la in many non English languages.

Great name choice!

I’m a Leila said Lee-la and it really isn’t too much of a bother with the pronouncement.

However the spelling Leela is also cool and more unusual.
I’ve never had anyone try and spell it Lila and I know a few little Lila’s said Lie-la so definitely think she’d constantly be correcting with that spelling.

Leila is definitely Lay la.

Well, unless someone told me otherwise

Though I'm not keen on it I think your should stick with Leela if that's the pronunciation you want.
Every Lila/Lilah I've come across is pronounced Lie -la, and Leila is usually pronounced Layla, though I have come across one Leila pronounced as Leela.
Leela will be the most straightforward way to go.

Leela is a pretty ugly way to spell a really nice name!

Honestly, go for Leila. You are overthinking - in real life this kind of thing isn't a problem really. In 99% of situations, you (or ultimately your DD) will meet someone and introduce herself by saying her name. They won't know how it's spelled! - they'll just know she's 'Leila' prn Leela. That's how it will work from reception class on!