We are interested in the name [name_f]Calla[/name_f] (pronounced like a [name_f]Calla[/name_f] [name_f]Lily[/name_f]) for a girl. It is a Greek botanical name which means “beautiful”, but realize that in Spanish, calla means “be quiet” (although it is pronounced differently). Would this stop you from using the name if you were interested in it? I’m not sure how much or how little to worry about this same spelling/different pronunciation issue. I’m particularly interested in hearing what other Spanish-speakers, native or as a second language, think of this.
Thanks!
I’m a non-native Spanish speaker, and the similarity to the word “calla” doesn’t bother me at all. As you say, they’re pronounced differently, and living in the UK I’m not in an environment where Spanish is ever really used, or even understood by the vast majority of people.
However, if you live in a Spanish-speaking country or state, or have Spanish-speaking relatives, I’d say that it’s probably unwise to use [name_f]Calla[/name_f]. It’s not the nicest expression and would make for a pretty unappealing and highly teasable name to anyone who’s aware of the Spanish meaning.