See the results of this poll: Which do you prefer?
Respondents: 16 (This poll is closed)
- Isolde : 12 (75%)
- Iseult: 4 (25%)
I pronounce Iseault/[name_f]Isolde[/name_f] as E-sole-t.
I think you can use Iso as a nickname regardless of spelling.
I have no idea if [name_f]Isolde[/name_f] is EE-sold or ee-SOHL-duh (I prefer the first) but I am pretty sure [name_f]Iseult[/name_f] is EE-sault so for the simple reason that I know [name_f]Iseult[/name_f] is EE-sault and I don’t like ee-SOHL-duh I chose [name_f]Iseult[/name_f] (also I don’t think it is too close to insult)
I have heard it pronounced i-zohld as well as i-zohl-duh with the “i” being halfway between “ih” and “ee”, if that makes sense. The former being more frequent. [name_f]Iseult[/name_f] has a pronounced ‘t’ ending, not ‘d’ but is otherwise very similar. I do think that this spelling would cause more pronunciations issues as many people won’t quite know what to do with the “eu” combo there. I have also seen this name spelled [name_f]Yseult[/name_f] and [name_f]Isolt[/name_f]/[name_f]Ysolt[/name_f].
The most recognized way is definitely [name_f]Isolde[/name_f] (i-zohld) though. I’ve never hear Eye-zold prn.
Iso could be used as a nickname for any of the spellings.
I prefer [name_f]Isolde[/name_f], and I only pronounce it with two syllables - ihs-AULD, with the I being somewhere between "ih’ and “ee,” like aym said. I think it’s beautiful, but the ih-sol-duh pronunciation really doesn’t appeal to me either! I think Iso is a sweet nickname.