Would you spell a name traditionally,...

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2005
Would you spell a name traditionally,...
9
Sun, 01-14-2007 - 2:46am

Would you spell a name traditionally, or do you prefer unique spellings?



  • I always choose the most traditional spelling.
  • I usually prefer unique ways to spell a name.
  • The more different the spelling of a name, the better!


You will be able to change your vote.


dots.jpg picture by smallishthings
iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2005
Sun, 01-14-2007 - 2:49am

I was just curious to see where everyone here stands on the spelling of names. I've been seeing more and more classic names spelt untraditionally (not sure that's a word) lately. I even saw Jacob spelt Jaykub in our local paper's birth announcements a few months back.


So, what do you think?


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dots.jpg picture by smallishthings
iVillage Member
Registered: 12-09-2005
Sun, 01-14-2007 - 10:42am

If you had done in this in a regular post rather than a poll, you would have heard some very strong opinions on it. Most people on this board, myself included, HATE misspelled names. They look ridiculous to be blunt about it, and very unclassy.

-Nikki


                             
iVillage Member
Registered: 07-12-2006
Sun, 01-14-2007 - 1:18pm

My kids have uncommon names, but the common spelling for them


siggy
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-20-2003
Sun, 01-14-2007 - 3:58pm

I usually prefer traditional spellings but I make some exceptions.

iVillage Member
Registered: 10-03-2005
Sun, 01-14-2007 - 4:00pm
I totally agree - I was just curious on the percentage thing, that's why I went the poll route. I think spelling a name too "uniquely" just sets a poor child up for a lifetime of having to spell their name to everyone, but it seems SO common lately to misspell names, I was wondering where everyone here stood on it.
dots.jpg picture by smallishthings
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2007
Mon, 01-15-2007 - 1:57pm
I prefer unique spellings, especially for traditional names, my rule of thumb is that it needs to make sense. For instance, my daughter Teighlor (Taylor), it is spelled like the word neighbor, I only changed the "n" and "b" to a "t" and "l". I feel it gives the name personality that is individualized for that child. I also have unique names or not as common names for my other children but their spellings are unique. My son Jaemyn, I have met 3 other people with the same name and they all have theirs spelled Jamin. To me that looks like Jammin (a cool regae move or something). I also have a Jaron but I spell it Jairyn. To me when broken down these make sense. My other daughters name is a bit more difficult but again if broken down it makes sense, her name is Taiason or tie-uh-son. My name is not spelled traditionally either, it is Gina spelled Jeana. You have to be patient and have a sense of humor. I am amazed at how many people get my name wrong, it is Jean with an "a" at the end. But I don't get mad. I love to see what pronunciation others come up with for my children, I smile and if they want to know, I will tell them the proper way to say it. I had one person pronounce my Teighlor's name as "Teague-ler". How many words in the English language actually are spelled the way the sound? We have a lot that aren't, and alot of exceptions. That is what makes it great for the names of alot of kids these days, it doesn't have to be traditional all of the way.
Hope this makes sense,
Jeana
iVillage Member
Registered: 01-13-2007
Mon, 01-15-2007 - 2:04pm
I added my own message at the end, but after reading yours, I can see what you are saying and agree. Like I mentioned, I think uncommon spellings of names can be great, but some just go too far and perhaps alot of people will think that or do think that about my children. I guess it is hard to know where the line is. I agree that Jaykub or Jaycub does look silly and I am sure there are many more out there.
Jeana
iVillage Member
Registered: 09-29-2005
Mon, 01-15-2007 - 7:56pm

I generally prefer traditional spellings, although as I believe Jazz pointed out, sometimes there are a number of spellings considered correct. Catherine/Katherine or Stephen/Steven, for example, are simply a matter of preference. Common Anglicizations of foreign spellings are also fine, as long as they're commonly-accepted, recognized spellings. For example, while I love Niamh, I can see why some might want to use a more Anglicized form like Neve to convey the correct pronunciation. Even in my own life, although I actually prefer Caitlin spelled this way, I let my dh talk me into Kaitlyn for our oldest dd because it is the most common spelling in the US and would also give her the same initials as mine. However, Neve and Kaitlyn are commonly-recognized Anglicizations. Neeyv and Kaytlynn are not. ;)

Like Jadon and Jaidynn or Emily and Emmaleigh, they simply don't even resemble the names they are supposed to represent, even though they're still pronounced (often MISpronounced, according to simple rules of grammar LOL) the same and really not unique or different in the least. They just look ridiculous and come across as ignorant and confusing.

So basically, while there is often more than one traditional spelling of a given name, there is a line. ;)

~Kelli


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iVillage Member
Registered: 04-03-2003
Tue, 01-16-2007 - 4:23pm

I like traditional spellings, but tend to choose untradtional names. Some names there are several traditional spellings and none of those bother me, but don't like for myself names with extra letters or made up spellings. (as a teacher these were the hardest for me to say and remember ie Mellisa)

Just my two cents.
Kimberly
mom of Chase, Spencer, Mattea, Eliya and Wyatt