Pronunciation

[Mangotango123]

My husband and I, if we have a girl, would like to call her clementine. Is there a right or wrong way to say it? Is it clementine (Tyne rhyming with Caroline) or clementine (tine rhyming with Josephine).

We don’t want to announce it and everyone tell us our pronunciation is wrong!

Clemen teen is the British pronunciation.

Clemen tine is the US pronunciation, as in the American folk song "Oh my darling Clementine".

If you’re in France, yes it’s Clemen teen. But if you’re in France, it’s also Caro leen.

I’ve no idea why Josephine or other examples retained the French “teen” when crossing the channel but Caroline didn’t.

I’ve heard it both ways in Britain, and mostly “tyne” in the States.

We’re not in France or America so it’s entirely up to you. Both pronunciations are pretty to me, and I’m half French.

Clementeen sounds much prettier!

It's not just in French, but in most European languages it's pronounced teen. Or in German it's Clemen teen eh.

I don't like the tyne pronunciation.

I think in answer you your question , given all the replies - no one can tell you your pronouns citation is wrong

The one I know rhymes with 9 though

It’s a gorgeous name by the way - a great choice 😍

I’ve no idea why Josephine or other examples retained the French “teen” when crossing the channel

Because Josephyne or Emmelyne sound rather ugly

Rhyming with the number nine, a clementine (teen) is an orange.

Rhymes with nine = the name

Rhymes with queen = the fruit

That’s what I’d assume, unless you’re French.

I’ve only ever known it with the Tyne pronunciation. I’d think it quite silly to pronounce as clementeen in the uk! That’s the fruit!

Clementine to rhyme with nine also. Don’t like it pronounced Clementeen

Lovely name. I've never heard of the 'teen' pronunciation but it's lovely.

I’d think it quite silly to pronounce as clementeen in the uk! That’s the fruit!.

Why should the fruit and the name be pronounced differently?! They're both Clementine. Just like Apple, Sage, Cherry.

I say Clemen'teen' to both.

Rhymes with nine

I’ve always said Clemen-tyne, I’m in Yorkshire 🤷🏼‍♀️

Oh my darlin Clement tine (like nine)

Has this helped @Mangotango123

Gorgeous name

Go with which ever you like and people will quickly get used to it!

Thanks everyone.
We love clementine as in nine but wouldn’t be bothered if other people pronounced it wrong, like school teacher etc.
Thanks so much to you all. Xx