So we named our baby girl born in May, Caraline (care-uh-line). Someone suggested that spelling and we liked it and liked how it was more unique. (Also made that decision super sleep deprived in the hospital :/)However I’m having regrets and kind of wish we would have stuck to the traditional spelling, Caroline. I like both but I know she will need to correct people her whole life and I feel bad about that… but maybe she’ll like being unique. She’s 7 weeks and I feel silly changing it so maybe I should accept it. What would you do?
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Yes, personally I would change it. I am a fan of established spellings. It’s such a gorgeous name btw and I do like it better spelled as [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] as I’ve never seen the [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] spelling. I don’t think it’s that big of a deal either (even if it feels that way) as her actual name is staying the same.
It’s just a spelling switch and she’s only 7 weeks old. If you regret it now you’ll likely continue to regret it and in future say to yourself- I wish I just changed it when she was only 7 weeks old. I say go for it!
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I like both! 
But if you’re having regrets, it’s absolutely no big deal to change it 
congrats!
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seconding this!!
i would change it - i imagine it would be a hassle for her to always be correcting the spelling. it’s definitely not too late to change it, and it’s not silly to do so. i know i’ve seen many parents asking about changing their child’s name after they’re born here on the forums. such a simple spelling change isn’t a big deal !
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She will constantly be correcting people on the spelling & possibly even the pronunciation. I say if you’re having regrets, change it.
Personally, I’d change it. I have a name that constantly needs to be spelled out and I find it quite bothersome. I wish my parents would’ve changed it when I would have been too young to remember it like your daughter is!
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Honestly, in this case, I’d keep it.
You still like it, you think she might enjoy it being different and feel silly changing it. I’d stick with [name_f]Caraline[/name_f]. Plus, even with [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], there’s the whole Carolyn/Caroline thing anything so…
I have a name that I always have to spell out to others, and while it can be a bit annoying, I like having a unique (at least where I am it is) spelling and I wouldn’t change it to the more common one. If you like [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] most I would keep it
It’s lovely that you think of what your daughter would want, because she will be the one wearing the name. However, at just seven weeks, she can’t tell you just yet! I think this is a great time to evaluate what matters most to you, and to think about what you wish for your daughter.
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you want your daughter to be unique and to stand out in a crowd? If that’s really important to you, stick with [name_f]Caraline[/name_f]. It’s true, she might someday hate having to battle spell check and human spellers alike, but she could also love having such a fun, creative name. It also lends itself to the nickname [name_f]Cara[/name_f], which is an easier option if she decides spelling it out is getting tiresome.
On the other hand, you might find yourself hoping she becomes someone who can be taken seriously in a professional sense, and thus want her to have a more familiar name. (I don’t think [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] would inhibit that, but there has been research showing more traditional names are perceived as more intelligent and professional.) It’s also important to consider that while she will have to correct people about her name’s spelling for seventy years, you’ll have to be correcting people too! If that seems like too much of a hassle, I’d stick with the traditional [name_f]Caroline[/name_f].
If that’s the path you choose, I assure you it’s not weird at all to change your child’s name, especially so soon after birth. It’s actually much more common than you think. You might get some questions from relatives and friends, but if you’re worried about a lifetime of corrections, a few weeks are nothing in comparison. This is especially true if you’re already feeling regret about the name.
I have a unique name too, that I often have to spell out. [name_f]My[/name_f] name doesn’t have an established spelling like [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] - there are two spellings that are about equally common. Personally, I love the way my parents chose to spell it. I think it’s a lot prettier. However, people do constantly misspell it as the other variation, and I have to pick my battles. Sometimes I correct people, which I don’t love doing, but will do if it’s important. Other times I just let it slide - for example, my file at my local airport (I’m a recreational pilot) has my name spelled wrong and I’m just letting that one go!
Tldr: think about what’s most important to you - her having a very unique, beautiful name, or her having a name that’s just as beautiful, a little more common, and a lot easier to spell!
Massive congratulations!
I agree with the berries you need to decide what’s more important for you in relation to naming. Would you like your child to be unique or to have a more established name?
Being unique could make her standout amongst the crowd however I’m saying this nearly every name in use is ‘unique’ so from my experience established classics are more refreshing. Where I am it’s more common to come across a [name_u]Maverick[/name_u] than a [name_u]Michael[/name_u].
However this is all dependent on where you are and how you view ‘uniqueness’
In relation to established classics it is ‘easier’ having a name that is instantly recognisable, doesn’t have any spelling errors and is steeped in ‘westernised’ history so feels classic and easy to wear.
Both names are lovely with [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] you get the sweet nickname [name_f]Cara[/name_f] and with [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] you have the easy usability of the name. I think if I was you I would mull over what you desire within a name really think about what you want and then consider a name change. The postpartum period is a whirlwind name regret is common (I experienced it) so just give yourself some time before deciding to switch up the spelling or not.
Best of luck x
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Since there are multiple variants of the name anyway, I’m not sure the spelling issue should deter you. [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] is a classic, [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] is a spin on a classic - which would you prefer for your family? Would you rather her go by [name_u]Caro[/name_u] or [name_f]Cara[/name_f]? Is there a special reason you like the [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] spelling, does the idea of that spelling being potentially passed down in your family appeal to you?
I have even written my own name on a blood test at the hospital because the nurse didn’t know how to write it. 
I’m totally okey with that, I like my name even though it’s very difficult for a lot of people in my country.
[name_f]Do[/name_f] you pronounce [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] the same way as [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]? If yes, then I would change it, if not, then I would keep it. 
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Yes, this is the exact question I was planning to mention as well!
Maybe try out both nicknames for her, and see which one you prefer. I think it could be a great way to determine which variation of the name to choose…
Cara is sweet & classic, and Caro is unique & fresh. Both lovely options!
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I think that if you already have doubts about the spelling, you should change the spelling. 7 weeks is still extremely young, and if you pronounce it the same way as [name_f]Caroline[/name_f], I’m sure anyone you’ve told her name would be able to change to the more natural, traditional spelling.
I think you could go either way. Personally, I think it would be best to change it, especially since you’re already doubting your spelling choice & your concerns about it being difficult for her later on are valid. Also, if you love the nickname [name_f]Cara[/name_f], I think you could still use that with the traditional spelling of [name_f]Caroline[/name_f].
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I would change it, honestly. If I looked at that name I would pronounce it right, but I would probably assume it was supposed to be [name_f]Coraline[/name_f] or [name_f]Caroline[/name_f].
If you want the nickname [name_f]Cara[/name_f], it still works with [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]!
Yes, I think it might be best to change it. Better to do it now, when she’s only 7 weeks old, and the shift won’t be that big as it’s just a slight change
Congratulations! [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] / [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] is a beautiful name however its spelled
I think you should let this decision simmer. You’re in the throws of newborn life, I’m sure you have a lot going on! And you have time; most states allow 6-12 months to change a baby’s name through a simplified process (just a form, no court order).
There are benefits to both spellings, it’s just a matter of your priorities, so give yourself time to soul search. And if you do choose the traditional spelling, it’ll be worth the discomfort of changing it to have the name you prefer long-term. Good luck!
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I like [name_f]Caraline[/name_f]. I knew a [name_u]Carey[/name_u] once, pronounced Car-ee. I like the way [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] sounds too, and I think as you are pronouncing the name differently, less people will think she is [name_f]Caroline[/name_f]. I can see more of a problem with [name_f]Coraline[/name_f], but even then, I wouldn’t change it. People just don’t listen properly half the time. I have the same with my name, but I wouldn’t change it as I really like my name. [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] will, most likely, feel the same.
Change it! [name_f]Caroline[/name_f] is beautiful, but to me [name_f]Caraline[/name_f] is a misspelling.