See the results of this poll: classic spelling or nice meaning
Respondents: 45 (This poll is closed)
- Ronan : 32 (71%)
- Ronen: 13 (29%)
Alternatively, my cousin’s son spells it [name]Ronin[/name].
I would go with the spelling you want to get the meaning because I don’t see how it would be mispronounced. I still regret spelling my son’s name Cowen instead of the Cowan I originally wanted. Spelling matters to you because the meaning matters. I would go with that.
Initially, I prefer [name]Ronan[/name], but after reading your explanation, Ronen is fine, since it’s a legitimate alternate formulation.
I think it works to honour [name]Raymond[/name], in a removed sort of way. Though honestly, I just prefer [name]Raymond[/name] as a name.
I’m familiar with the name [name]Ronan[/name], and the only reason it’s not on my own list is because I also find the meanings of names to be of particular importance. But Ronen has a great meaning, and I’m really glad you’ve introduced me to this name. Between these two names, I’d definitely go with Ronen. Neither name is particularly well-known or common, so even though some people may recognize the name [name]Ronan[/name], and think you just misspelling that name, this will be a very very rare scenario. I wouldn’t suggest the spelling [name]Ronin[/name], however, since that’s the name of a samuri without a master or clan or whatever, seems like a weird meaning for a kid.
I would use the Ronen spelling to get the desired meaning. [name]Ronan[/name] and Ronen are NOT interchangeable; that one letter completely changes the name’s etymology, history, and meaning. The only similarity between Ronen and [name]Raymond[/name] is that they both start with “R.” Perhaps you could use [name]Raymond[/name]'s initials for your son?
Thanks! I decided on Ronen. So excited 
I voted [name]Ronan[/name] on the way it looks, but spelling is a big deal to me, so congrats on Ronen!
I know you just decided but in case…
If you live in an area with enough Jewish people for modern Hebrew names to be generally recognized ([name]Oren[/name], [name]Avital[/name], [name]Ronit[/name], [name]Elian[/name], etc), then I think Ronen is a great choice and will send the image you want. However, paired with “[name]Charleston[/name] [name]Henry[/name]” it seems a little bit off, like crossed signals, and I fear that people will think it’s a misspelling rather than the entirely different Hebrew name. A lot will depend on your surname, I think. If it’s ambiguous like [name]Miller[/name] or [name]Black[/name] (or genuinely Jewish), then I think a modern Hebrew name would be wonderful. If it’s DiFranco or Wethington, same problem as before, with [name]Charleston[/name] [name]Henry[/name].
I said [name]Ronan[/name] b/c
A. You’re less likely to have to correct it
B. The Hebrew name technically has the emphasis on the 2nd syllable, and slightly different vowelization - Roh-NEHN. At least some people out there aren’t going to pronounce it quite like you want it, and i don’t just mean Hebrew speakers.