I’ve fallen for the name [name]Elke[/name] as an option for our soon to be here baby. From my research, I understand that it’s typically pronounced [name]El[/name]-kah, but many also go for [name]El[/name]-key, as it reads. I’m leaning towards [name]El[/name]-kah, I think it wears better into adulthood.
I’m actually after advice/suggestions on two things. Firstly, do any of you Berries have a brainwave for a suitable middle name. I’d like something a little more popular as a middle name, and am leaning towards one syllable, something like [name]Elke[/name] [name]Rose[/name] or [name]Elke[/name] [name]Lou[/name] (happy to compromise for the right name), both [name]May[/name]/[name]Mae[/name] and [name]Jane[/name] are out due to close relatives use.
Secondly, I’ve read that the name actually has a few different origins, both Dutch but also Hebrew; I’m interested to see what the correct way to pronounce it in the hebrew is, particularly as our first sons name is a Hebrew name.
I would assume [name]Elke[/name]/[name]Elka[/name] is the female form of Elkanah. Unless we had an expert on names in Hebrew (any Israelis out there?) I would pronounce it [name]El[/name]-Kah. I have heard it as a Yiddish name pronounced [name]El[/name]-kah and spelled [name]Elka[/name] in English.
I met a german girl called Elke a couple of years ago, and i loved it on her! She was blonde and very fresh-faced so i have a very Germanic/Scandinavian image of the name. She said it like El-Keh. It also makes me think of the singer Elkie Brooks and there was a German actress/pin-up called Elke Sommers. I think its a lovely name.
I reckon something soft in the middle would be nice. I like Elke Rose or maybe Elke Claire, Elke Grace or Elke Isobel.
I really like [name]Elke[/name]/[name]Elka[/name]. I pronounce them the same. I like [name]Elka[/name] a bit better because there is no confusion. I think [name]Elke[/name] [name]Rose[/name] sounds nice. I don’t care for [name]Lou[/name]. other thoughts- [name]Elke[/name] [name]Rae[/name], [name]Elke[/name] [name]Bryn[/name], [name]Elke[/name] [name]Ruth[/name], [name]Elke[/name] [name]Claire[/name], [name]Elke[/name] [name]Brie[/name]/[name]Bree[/name]
I know an [name]Elke[/name]! It is a very unusual choice in [name]Canada[/name].
Actually it is said and spelled Elky. The girl I know, not the name in general
I have never heard it said as [name]Elka[/name].
Thanks for the feedback, seems to be a pretty positive response to the name. I’m thinking of def spelling it [name]Elke[/name], pronouncing it [name]El[/name]-kah (I want to ‘respect’ the name IYKWIM) but am sure bub will get a whole lot of Elkie anyway, which I’m ok with.
Also agreeing that something soft and feminine is the way to go with a middle name. My first reaction is [name]Rose[/name], I’d like something a little more familiar like that since [name]Elke[/name] is a touch unfamiliar.
Thanks for your advice (and feel free to keep it coming too!)
[name]Elke[/name] is so cute and pretty! It sounds like it belongs in a fairytale or something. I like the “el-kah” pronounciation, and [name]Elke[/name] [name]Rose[/name] is really pretty!
