“Was that a Cl- sound or a Hl- sound?” “Erm, neither, sorry, it’s more of a voiceless lateral fricative.”
^^possible alternate name for this thread
[name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] is a family name that has been used (in the middle spot) for generations, and I’m wondering how feasible it would be to ‘bump it up’ to a first name. My sister and I have agreed that since she’s using it in the middle, I can only use it as a first (which sounds like she forced me into it, but it was a mutual agreement and I’m completely fine with it). I personally only pronounce [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] with the Welsh double-l in a situation where it doesn’t need to be spelled out (as, believe me, that it makes everything so. much. more. confusing.) but once I’ve explained it/said it a few times, people usually catch on. Would it just be an endless hassle if (/when, let’s be realistic!) asking for how the spelling/pronunciation happened every single day? (I don’t live in [name_m]Wales[/name_m], nor is the name common where I live and so it probably would be happening quite often)
[name_m]How[/name_m] about if there were a useable nickname by which [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] could introduce himself, and only use his full name when he has to? Does anyone have any suggestions as to potential nicknames? I quite like Woolly, but can only really see it on a toddler… [name_m]Llew[/name_m] would be loo (as in toilet) in the playground, I’m pretty sure. Middle name ideas would be appreciated as well - I have [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] [name_m]Nicholas[/name_m] [name_m]Mads[/name_m] so far, but am pretty open to other suggestions.
Thank you in advance - [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] is very meaningful to me, but I can’t see a way out of this problem!
In [name_m]Wales[/name_m] it’s very usable, I guess because we just get the pronunciation without thinking about it. I guess it depends on your area, and if you mind having to correct people all the time
I really like [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m], however in the US, I think its pretty unusable. I would assume there would be less pronunciation issues in [name_f]England[/name_f] especially since [name_m]Wales[/name_m] is close by. There may be pronunciation issues but I generally notice that people catch on rather quickly. I also think a nickname is good idea, however I don’t have any suggestions for you. I think [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] [name_m]Nicholas[/name_m] [name_m]Mads[/name_m] is very nice.
I like [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m]. I pronounce it lew-uh-lyn…is that right? I think the hardest part would be the spelling. But the nn [name_m]Wells[/name_m] would be great and easy, and [name_u]Wyn[/name_u] would work, too, so if you love it - go for it!
I know a [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m]. I think it’s completely usable. I’m in NZ, and it’s not a common name here so no one knows how to say it, but once you’ve told someone once it’s easy enough. I think it would be a lot easier if you only pronounced it using the phonemes in your language though. So we basically pronounce it “lew-ellen”. He goes by Llewe ([name_m]Lewy[/name_m]) 90% of the time anyway. I think if you’re choosing an unusual name, it can be quite nice to have a more familiar nickname, such as [name_m]Lewy[/name_m]. I’d be reluctant to use “Woolly”.
The Welsh “ll” sound is near impossible for people who aren’t native Welsh speakers. I know a [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] family here in [name_f]Alabama[/name_f], and it’s pronounced “loo-ellen.” I don’t think [name_m]Llewellyn[/name_m] is unusable, but be prepared to never get the correct pronunciation outside of [name_m]Wales[/name_m].
I live in the US, and I think it’s very usable though I would expect a lot of questions on spelling, pronunciation, origin, etc.
I think both [name_m]Llew[/name_m] and Llewie make good nicknames, [name_u]Win[/name_u] might also work. You could stretch it to [name_m]Lewis[/name_m], as well.
Here [name_u]Lou[/name_u]/[name_m]Lew[/name_m] isn’t an uncommon nn but we don’t call our toilets that either, lol.
I think once people hear it enough where you live, it will be fine. One of my professors actually gave that name to his son recently. I would go for it, it’s a great name.
Thank you for all the replies! I would probably be happy with either pronunciation to be honest, loo-[name_f]ELL[/name_f]-in or with the Ll - I do like [name_u]Wyn[/name_u]/[name_u]Win[/name_u] as a nickname as well, so thanks for that suggestion.