I am a writer by nature, mostly of fantasy stories, and I spend a very long time naming each of my characters, wanting them to be perfect. Many times, since they are fantasy stories, I choose to come up with invented names that I feel fits my character’s nature.
Many years ago, I came up with the name Roselai, sort of a smoosh between [name_f]Rose[/name_f] and [name_f]Lorelai[/name_f]. I couldn’t bear to use it on any characters, because I loved it so much, I could see myself naming a daughter of my own this one day and calling her [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] for short. As a general rule, I don’t particularly care for invented names on real people, but I would make an exception for this one, especially since we’d use a familiar nn.
I would really appreciate any thoughts, as my husband and I are trying to narrow down our short list, and this is one we both REALLY love. Other names on our short list are more familiar, such as [name_f]Anastasia[/name_f], [name_f]Eleanor[/name_f], [name_f]Genevieve[/name_f], etc. At the same time, our last name is a very common one, and I like the idea of having a more unusual first name. But does Roselai sound like we’re trying too hard?
If I heard it, I’d imagine I’d misheard and that you’d meant Roseline ([name_f]ROZ[/name_f]-a-line). Personally, I think it fits in better with the other names on your list and still fits the criteria of being unusual and carrying the nickname [name_f]Rosie[/name_f].
If you like it, use it! I generally dislike made up names but one of my favorite names that I will use is made up (Estellise). I adore the nickname [name_f]Rosie[/name_f]. While I like the other names on your list, I actually prefer Roselai more as its more unexpected.
You may get people who think you said a different name, but who cares? I have a non made up name and I can’t tell you how many people say “[name_f]Debbie[/name_f]? [name_u]Seven[/name_u]? [name_f]Jennifer[/name_f]?” (It’s [name_u]Devin[/name_u]). I still love my name regardless. If you’re worried you can always stick it in the middle spot to be cautious. I would sort of think that’d a waste if you love the name, but it would be better than not using a name you love.
I typically don’t like “made up” names, but I think the story behind yours is actually sweet. Since you have the very accessible nickname of Rosie, it definitely grounds the name. She could even later go by Rose in if she wanted, and professionally she could be the very dignified Rose ________ if she wasn’t comfortable with an uncommon name. I have a cousin whose name is Margaret, but she forgets her own name because she has gone by Meg her entire life. Now that she’s of age, she has created Meg as a legal alias for paperwork, but she hasn’t “changed” her name. She can still go by Margaret if she chose, but she can also sign her name or fill things out as Meg. It’s like the best of both worlds.
I would definitely use a more common middle name, if you chose to go with Roselai. I kind of prefer the spelling of Rosalai.
Thanks for the feedback, everyone! Her middle name would be [name_f]Elaine[/name_f], because it’s my grandmother’s middle name, my mother’s, and mine. Our daughter would be the fourth generation. Plus, I’ve always loved my middle name! DH and I think Roselai [name_f]Elaine[/name_f] flows smoothly. Others have suggested different spellings, which I am open to. I was trying to aim for a spelling which would most help to avoid stumbling over the pronunciation since it is so unusual, but I suppose it’s inevitable anyway.
Well if you pronounce it [name_f]Rosa[/name_f]-lye, I’d go with Rosalai, because otherwise I’d say [name_f]Rose[/name_f]-lye, as I wouldn’t recognize the -e coming from [name_f]Lorelei[/name_f] and therefore being pronounced but from [name_f]Rose[/name_f] and therefore being silent.
I agree w/using the spelling Rosalai to ensure that all three syllables get pronounced. And I don’t think that the name is way out there…it’s quite pretty, unique, & accessible. Good luck!
Despite having a strong dislike for made up names (like Lakynn for example), I think Roselai is very pretty. [name_f]Rosie[/name_f] is a cute nn and the name isn’t too out-there.
Roselai is really pretty. Use it! [name_m]Just[/name_m] be prepared to answer to "where does that come from?"s and "oh, like [name_f]Rose[/name_f]?"s.
I am a writer, too. Mostly when I name characters, they have mainstream names. For example, an Irish-American [name_u]Riley[/name_u]. I don’t want the name to seem out of place in the modern American setting. Often, this results in using names that are totally NMS- like [name_u]Madison[/name_u]. But if I feel like it suits their background and their personality, then why not?
Of course, fantasy is an entirely different story.
