See the results of this poll: Which spelling for EL-o-win pronunciation?
Respondents: 71 (This poll is closed)
- Elowen : 50 (65%)
- Elowyn : 19 (25%)
- Elowynn : 0 (0%)
- Ellowyn : 2 (3%)
- None. Forget the name!: 6 (8%)
I think I would say all of these as [name_f]EL[/name_f]-o-win. I’ve never encountered it being said el-O-win. I’d be most concerned about it being said [name_f]El[/name_f]-o-wen. I voted for Elowyn because I think it will definitely have the [name_f]El[/name_f] and win sounds.
The only one I dislike is Elowynn. I do like Ellowyn and think the pronunciation is slightly more intuitive, but I don’t think [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] prn. [name_f]EL[/name_f]-o-win is hard for people to grasp. That’s actually how I pronounced it at first. And I think since we obsess over names and any little detail involving them, we overthink any spelling/pronunciation issues. The spelling is fine for that pronunciation and if anyone pronounces it wrong, it doesn’t take much to politely correct them.
[name_f]Elowen[/name_f] is just gorgeous, and I think intuitively, for most people outside of the direct Cornish area, it would be said [name_f]EL[/name_f]-oh-win. I know I automatically say it that way, even after learning of the correct pronunciation over a decade ago, but I quite like the original pronunciation too, and if more interest was had in the name, I’d definitely be inclined to tell of the original and correct pronunciation.
I would much rather see [name_f]Elowen[/name_f], than any of the variations with extra L’s and/or Y’s, regardless of the pronunciation, and honestly, for me, the name just doesn’t have the same light and magic spelled any other way.
If a ‘misspelling’ is what you’re after so you feel your ‘allowed’ to say it as you do, I’d think Ellowen would be your best bet.
Thank you so much, all! This is super helpful feedback. It definitely makes me feel more comfortable about keeping [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] on the table.
@sunniva, thank you for the advice. Ellowen is a brilliant idea, as well! I really love it.
I’ve had the exact same problem with [name_f]Elowen[/name_f]. [name_f]El[/name_f]-OW-en just doesnt have the same lilting beauty in my accent as I’m sure it does in others, so I’ve just put her to the side for now, but it’s such a shame because she’s a stunner. I definitely think you should stick with [name_f]Elowen[/name_f]. I don’t really feel comfortable saying it incorrectly either, regardless of how few people may know the correct pronunciation, however I think the other spellings don’t clarify things, and aren’t any more appropriate than using the [name_f]EL[/name_f]-oh-wen pronunciation with [name_f]Elowen[/name_f]. It isn’t ideal, but I think saying [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] as [name_f]EL[/name_f]-oh-wen isn’t the worst of sins, and at least you’re aware and have thought it through. I also don’t mean to sound condescending, I’m in exactly the same position haha. As much as I do like [name_f]Elowen[/name_f], I’ve found I prefer Lowenna, which is another Cornish name, but has an even better meaning in my opinion (joy). There are also [name_f]Morwenna[/name_f], and Sowenna, and Welsh choices [name_f]Rowena[/name_f]/Rowenna, and [name_f]Anwen[/name_f].
This is my daughter’s middle name, and as @sunniva said, it’s most intuitive for English speakers to use the pronunciation you prefer. I think that’s because A) it’s an extremely uncommon name, so people liken it to similar ones like [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f] and B) in English, the stress is rarely on the middle syllable, especially in names. I’m not Cornish, so I can’t speak whether it was actually offensive for me to use this pronunciation, but I like to think that it’s okay because of regional differences, like the “uh” versus “ah” sound in different pronunciations of [name_f]Maria[/name_f].
But I will say I was hesitant to use it even as a middle because of the pronunciation concern (and the fact that, even now, I worry I’m sometimes slurring the name since it’s so mellifluous).
Obviously, I also think the [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] spelling is the most aesthetically pleasing.
Best of luck! It really is a gorgeous name, and I hope you can come to terms with it somehow. 
I only like the original spelling - [name_f]Elowen[/name_f]. I hardly liked the name as it is, but I thought of the nicknames Elo and [name_f]Winnie[/name_f] and I love it now.
I voted for the spelling [name_f]Elowen[/name_f], but I’m mostly commenting to mention a few names that remind me of [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] (which is a lovely name):
[name_f]Eowyn[/name_f] (I realise it’s a modern invention, but I thought you might not mind that if Eilonwy is up for consideration)
[name_u]Eloise[/name_u]/ Heloise (in my accent, the emphasis is on the first syllable, but it might not be in yours)
Éliane, [name_f]Eliane[/name_f], [name_f]Eliana[/name_f]
[name_f]Olivine[/name_f]
These next names also remind me of [name_f]Elowen[/name_f], though they don’t necessarily have the emphasis on the first syllable:
[name_f]Eilwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Eluned[/name_f]
[name_f]Aeronwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Arianwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Aeronwy[/name_f]
[name_f]Eleri[/name_f]
[name_f]Olwen[/name_f]
[name_f]Merewen[/name_f]
[name_f]Endelyn[/name_f]
[name_f]Elestren[/name_f]
[name_f]Ysella[/name_f]
[name_f]Rosenwyn[/name_f]
[name_f]Elowen[/name_f] is definitely the nicest spelling, it feels like a ‘proper name’ thats separate from he current -yn trend, but I [name_f]DO[/name_f] actually like Elowyn/Ellowyn as well. Whilst I pronounce it [name_f]El[/name_f]-O-wen, I don’t think it’d be an issue to say it your way
I would pronounce it with emphasis on [name_f]EL[/name_f] anyway.
Voted for [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] as it looks best and is the most familiar.
When I saw the title of your topic, I thought you were naming your baby [name_f]Elowen[/name_f] Dilemma and came to talk you out of using Dilemma as a middle name. 