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 :lol: )

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!

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).

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. :)

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.

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

Arley is a derivative of Arlene & Harley

i like Arley :)

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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

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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.

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!

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

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:thumbsup: That's my favourite spelling so far.

Arlene and nickname her "Arle".

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 ;)

I like Arlea or even Arlie?

Another option - Arli.

I like it but my fave spelling would be Arley or Arli.

Double Post

sounds like a nice name!
Arleigh or Arley i would spell it

I think Ahli or Ahlee, it think the R might make it too hard a sound IYKWIM. And I love the letter h :lol: Any of those options could swap the R for an H

I too am an Ali, which does rhyme with Sally (I always get called Sally if I am answering the phone with 'This is Ali' or working for a company ending with S, eg Spotless, and say for eg 'Welcome to Spotless Ali speaking' but I digress, a pet hate). When DH and I first got together and his mates saw a love letter from me (aww) they started saying it like Mohammed Ali which was kind of funny in an annoying way.

:bhcontract: Vibes and good luck with your decision!!

When I see "Ali" I pronounce it the same as my name Sally hehe

I like "Arlee"

I love Arlee or Arlie!

Arlea gets the nod here :)