I know [name]Cerys[/name] is a traditional Welsh name pronounce “keh-riss”, but I really love the sound of the name “Sar-iss”. Could I get away with the [name]Cerys[/name] spelling, or does anyone have a suggestion for a different spelling for the “Sar-iss” pronunciation? (Is it a name that really exists??)
I think you could “get away” with it if you’re in the States. There are areas where very few people would have ever heard of it or anything similar and they would readily accept the “soft C” pronunciation. But, I wouldn’t advise it. The world is becoming more and more global. I think she could run into some problems with it as she grows up, especially if she would ever have the opportunity to travel through Europe. And, as names get more wide spread in general.
As far as “Sar-iss” being an actual name pronunciation, it is, but I only know it as a last name (Sariss and Saris) or as a character from [name]Star[/name] Wars. She was one of the 7 Dark [name]Jedi[/name], though she was human and female. So that’s points in favor of your intended use! 
http://search.ancestry.com/cgi-bin/sse.dll?gl=allgs&gsln=Sariss&gspl=8&gss=seo&ghc=20
It’s not Common, but it does have a history of being a last name. And, ln’s are certainly popular as given names also.
I hope I don’t come across too harsh, but if you want to call your daughter the essentially made up name “Sar-iss” (if there is a real name pronounced this way I don’t know it, but there could be) then just spell it Sariss or Saris.
There’s no point spelling it [name]Cerys[/name]! That will cause more pronunciation confusion, and “Sar-iss” has absolutely no relation to the name [name]Cerys[/name] so why bother spelling it that way? [name]Cerys[/name] isn’t even an intuitive spelling for “Sar-iss”. Is your reasoning behind spelling it [name]Cerys[/name] so that it’s a “real name” and not made up? If so, I don’t see the point. As I said, the sound is made up and nothin to do with [name]Cerys[/name], so the spelling may as well be made up too!
I don’t dislike the sound of the name “Sar-iss”. It does sound like it could be a real name. But just spell it Saris I say 
Looking through google, Sariss seems to be a surname and last names as first names is a big trend so maybe that spelling is the answer?
I don’t really think that you can get away with it. The name [name]Ceres[/name] is pronounced something like “series.” Perhaps that might appeal to you?
No. Put bluntly it’s ridiculous to use the [name]Cerys[/name] spelling if you have zero intention of even approximating the correct pronounciation.
[name]Even[/name] with a soft c it would be seh-riss,there is no “ar” sound in the name.
As a Welsh person I actually find it quite offensive that Welsh names are so frequently pillaged.
If you like sa-riss,I would just use Saris. It sounds like a “real” name,if that’s your worry re the sound.
I’m going to go against the tide here and say that yes, I think you can. It’s not ideal, but I think in the US few people will see the c-e combination and think “k” sound.
Of course, I’m biased: my daughter’s name is [name]Cerys[/name] and the sources where we found the name showed it pronounced with a soft “c”, (for better or worse) so we’ve always pronounced it seh-riss (rhymes with [name]Elise[/name]), meaning “beloved”.
That said, the “Sar” sound that you seem to prefer may be a little more of a challenge as that doesn’t naturally come to mind - Saris/[name]Sarice[/name]/Sariss may all be ultimately easier , but it’s an unusual enough name that people will say it the way you tell them too for the most part.
As someone with Welsh blood, I plead with you not to do it.
My rule is, if you’re not prepared to pronounce a name PROPERLY, don’t use it at all.
I am from the US, and would have pronounced it “SAIR-iss” or “SEH-riss” (fine, fine line) at first glance.
OP, when you write sar-iss are you thinking of the “sar” rhyming with car? An “[name]AH[/name]” sound? Or are you thinking of it rhyming with air? [name]Just[/name] for clarity.
I wouldn’t, personally. In fact, one of my very very favorite names had to be nixed recently because I found out I was pronouncing it wrong… and I don’t like the accurate pronunciation. So I know how much it sucks, but just don’t do it.
Also, for what it’s worth, I have a mispronounced name. My parents used a baby name book (mid-80s, no internet…) to choose my name, and it listed the pronunciation, meaning AND origin incorrectly. So now I’m an adult who’s still a little bitter that I have to tell people to pronounce my name wrong… though it’s better than letting them pronounce it right, because the correct pronunciation sounds very weird in an English-speaking dialect.
Though CARE-iss or KEH-riss are both very pretty, so maybe if you pronounced the name wrong, your daughter could always change it to be correct…
Seryeshka is a Latin name that could be shortened to Serys. Though it’s male and means servant.
[name]How[/name] about [name]Sierra[/name] or [name]Cierra[/name]?
[name]Elise[/name] is usually pronounced eh-LEASE, not eh-LISS. ?
I should’ve just quoted maggiemary and said “agreed.”
It’s a bummer sometimes, but yeah, it’s not worth the negatives.