My husband is [name_f]Indian[/name_f] and I am American. I don’t need [name_f]Indian[/name_f] name suggestions but would appreciate input on this name:
Shailu. I pronounce it Shayloo and DH and most Indians would pronounce is SHAHLOO. The vast majority of indian names are pronounced differently from how Americans pronounce them and the ones that are universally pronounced by everyone, I honestly just don’t like; they are missing my favorite sounds.
I like the name enough that I am seriously considering it because it’s my favorite [name_f]Indian[/name_f] girl’s name and I just think it’s beautiful sounding. I don’t hate the SHAHLOO sound and might live with it; I just don’t want my daughter to feel weird about it. But I do want to pronounce it SHayloo because it sounds more feminine to my ears. [name_f]DO[/name_f] you know anyone who has parents that pronounce their names this differently and how do you think they felt about it?
If it’s a name from a particular culture I would pronounce it how it is supposed to be pronounced or not use it. I’m looking at Finnish names as we live in Finland and am trying to make sure I pronounce them properly. Strangers can be corrected if they pick the wrong prn, as the PP suggests not everyone will automatically pick the proper prn or the one you like. So if if I didn’t like the correct pronunciation, I wouldn’t use the name, especially if your child will have family from the culture where the name originated. Seems a bit rude to me to make up a pronunciation of a name from your OH’s culture just to suit you. Sorry.
[name_m]How[/name_m] about giving her an American sounding/looking name that would still have ties to her father’s culture? Besides, I assume she will have her dad’s last name? That’s quite the tie already.
I suggest:
[name_u]Shae[/name_u] [name_u]Lou[/name_u]
[name_u]Shae[/name_u] [name_f]Louise[/name_f]
[name_u]Shay[/name_u] [name_u]Lou[/name_u]
[name_u]Shay[/name_u] [name_f]Louise[/name_f]
Well if it’s just a slight difference in pronunciation due to having different accents I definitely don’t see any problem with it.
This is definitely not the same as your situation, but I’ll share anyway in case it’s helpful. Last year, my son [name_m]Dominic[/name_m] went to a preschool where one of his teachers and a few of the staff at the school were Hispanic. And whenever they pronounced his name it sounded like they were saying “[name_u]Dominique[/name_u]” because they were emphasizing the letter I’s the way they normally would in their language. He never had a problem with it (I’m not sure how much he even noticed it to be honest) and would always know they were talking to him.
Also for instance, if I met someone named [name_u]Jean[/name_u]-[name_m]Luc[/name_m], there is no way I would be able to say his name exactly the way a person who spoke [name_m]French[/name_m] could (just an example because I my [name_m]French[/name_m] pronunciations tend to sound ridiculous, haha). However, in that case I would still do my best to get the name as close to its original pronunciation as possible with my accent. I don’t think you should change the way the name sounds on purpose, but if you and your husband don’t happen say it completely identically then I don’t think that should matter. Good luck!
My parents pronounce my name differently and it’s never been an issue for me (aside from the fact that it’s an extended family debate every [name_u]Christmas[/name_u]). In my case, it’s a change of emphasis, but it’s made me more desensitized to different ways my name is said, allowing me to identify with multiple sounds. It makes it easier for me because I never notice how someone says my name (something your lovely daughter would get used to, as in the States, she will likely hear [name_u]Shay[/name_u]-loo and Shy-loo, whereas it would be Shahloo around the [name_f]Indian[/name_f] side of the family). Chalk it up to accent and let her have 3 different kinds of names Plus, it will keep her from feeling the need to correct others when they mispronounce it, because she herself will identify with both.
Also, you can use both and wait and see how Shailu pronounces it.
My daughters name is [name_f]Sonia[/name_f], we say Sawn-ya, but some family members call her Sewn-ya. I don’t think she notices or cares! I say go for it
Plus, it will keep her from feeling the need to correct others when they mispronounce it, because she herself will identify with both.