thread: Spelling for correct pronounciation?

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  1. #1
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    2,037

    Spelling for correct pronounciation?

    I hope I haven't missed this being asked in here already! We have always been set on Isaac Kenzie if spud is a boy, Evelyn Elizabeth if it's a girl. Then today, I hear the girl's name Ali (as in Mohammad Ali, or pronounced Argh-lee) and it's thrown a real spanner in the works because I really like it! (must remember to consult DH when he gets home )

    I've been thinking though, if it was spelt Ali, people would presume it was said 'Ally' wouldn't they? So I'm looking for spelling suggestions so it's said as intended....

    Arlee
    Arly
    Arleigh

    Not sure if we'll use it but thought I'd see if there are any other suggestions? Thanks in advance!

  2. #2

    Jul 2009
    Australia
    5,102

    I like Arleigh. Ali to me looks more like a boys name but if it were a girls name i would prounce it as Ar-lee not Ally as the L's in Ally make it that (if that makes sense).

  3. #3
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    My name is Ali (rhymes with Sally).

    I know a girl called Arlee (rhymes with Carly).

    To me its a completely different name from Ali. The only time someone has pronounced my name as in Arlee is when they have actualy come from a middle eastern country.

    Everyone else I have encountered has pronounced it Ali.

  4. #4
    Registered User
    Follow Pandora On Twitter

    Jan 2005
    cowtown
    8,276

    Arlea is the only way I can think of to get close to the pronunciation you are after.

    I think any way you spell it, you are going to have to teach people the pronunciation.
    It shouldnt be that difficult though.

    I went to school with a girl named Danielle - pronounced Dah'NEEL and everyone got used to it.

  5. #5
    Registered User

    Aug 2007
    Sydney
    1,691

    Arlea is the only way I can think of to get close to the pronunciation you are after.
    That's my favourite spelling so far.

  6. #6
    Registered User

    Jan 2006
    8,369

    Arlene and nickname her "Arle".

  7. #7
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    2,037

    Thanks everyone! DH has suprised me by really liking it and pretty much wants it as our girl name now....guess we'll see when it comes to the crunch! He wants the spelling Arleigh, but I also really like Arlee or Arlea. Cross that bridge if we get to it - I'm sure I'll have atleast a few more days to ponder it. Either that or I'll have an Isaac!

    Snugglybean - EE is a lovely name I think - we both obviously have great taste in names

  8. #8
    Registered User

    Dec 2007
    1,039

    Hey hun, hope you have a great birth- not long to go!
    As for Arlee/Arleigh I think if it spelt either of these ways pronounciation would be easy. I agree with Ali, Ali is a totally different name etc.
    As a teacher I see lots of names and sometimes have to guess pronounciation - but as pandora said, people get used to it. I also considered this when naming my DS. If I looked at the roll book and saw Arlee or Arleigh I would know what to say. I think I prefer the spelling as Arlee though....I like em both!
    rach xx

  9. #9
    Registered User

    Feb 2004
    Melbourne
    11,171

    Arley is a derivative of Arlene & Harley

  10. #10
    Registered User

    Oct 2007
    Brissy
    2,208

    i like Arley

  11. #11
    Registered User

    Apr 2008
    4,427

    As a teacher I see lots of names and sometimes have to guess pronounciation - but as pandora said, people get used to it. I also considered this when naming my DS. If I looked at the roll book and saw Arlee or Arleigh I would know what to say. I think I prefer the spelling as Arlee though....I like em both!
    rach xx
    Same! When choosing the name Ashlyn for my daughter I chose against the traditional gaelic way of spelling it which is Aisling as I thought that teachers would pronounce it incorrectly.

  12. #12
    Registered User

    Aug 2008
    Ouiinslano
    5,303

    Arleigh is so beautiful. At first I wasn't sure, but when I look at it written that way, I'm a teeny bit in love...

    In other news - OMG Evelyn Elizabeth is on our list too!

  13. #13
    Registered User
    Add Vintrar on Facebook

    Jun 2009
    Geelong, Victoria
    161

    Re: Spelling for correct pronounciation?

    I love Arlee or Arlie!

  14. #14
    Registered User

    Jan 2008
    Central Coast NSW
    2,160

    Re: Spelling for correct pronounciation?

    Arlea gets the nod here