[name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] or [name_f]Dalia[/name_f]?
In discussions of names we like my SO and I agree that we like [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f]/[name_f]Dalia[/name_f], but are unsure on spelling. I like both, but my gut pulls me towards [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f], since it feels slightly more complete and is more clearly a flower name.
At this point I would suspect that most people on NB would agree with me, but I am withholding a vital piece of information. My SO is Mexican-American, grew up moving back and forth between the countries, and it is important to us that our children speak Spanish and are connected to Mexico. The [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] is native to Mexico, and also the country’s national flower. However, in Spanish [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] (both the flower and the name) is spelled [name_f]Dalia[/name_f], without the H. Since the H doesn’t really add anything in Spanish or English this is really just a question of aesthetics and appropriateness.
So, in light of that, which do you prefer? Is [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] more complete looking? Is [name_f]Dalia[/name_f] better because it represents a more “authentic” connection to Mexico? Does none of this matter but there is another reason you prefer one or the other?
Such a beautiful name! And a lovely looking flower, too. I love this one. Great choice!
I would stick with the H. [name_m]Just[/name_m] because there’s a slight chance Americans might pronounce it incorrectly. Da-LYE-ah for example.
If your family planned to live in Mexico for extended periods (long enough for her to be enrolled in school or church), I might lean the other way, for ease of spelling, though.
[name_f]Dahlia[/name_f], because yes, it looks more complete to me. She still can be called [name_f]Dalia[/name_f] in Mexico, but use the [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] spelling on the paperwork.
I prefer [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f]. I wouldn’t be sure if I saw [name_f]Dalia[/name_f] if it was supposed to be pronounced like DAH-lia or like Da-[name_u]LEE[/name_u]-ah, but I would definitely know how to pronounce [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f]. I think the fact that it is a Mexican flower would be enough of a connection.
I would pronounce [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] dah-lee-ah and [name_f]Dalia[/name_f] as [name_u]Day[/name_u]-lee-a.
If it helps, I’m Australian so it may be different
The opinion seems to be unanimous! Thanks everyone! My gut says with the H too, and I hadn’t even considered the possibility of it being mispronounced if spelled without. [name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] has been growing on me because I think, of the names I like, it is one that truly works in both Spanish and English and feels familiar but interesting in both.
[name_f]Dahlia[/name_f] looks more complete to me, however, I also really like the look of [name_f]Dalia[/name_f], I’m just not very used to it.
I think I’m your situation it depends on what’s easier for you, to tell people “with an H” in Spanish or “without an H” in English.
Personally, if I’d be okay with both options, I’d go the [name_f]Dalia[/name_f] route as I think creative spellings are a lot less common in Spanish speaking countries and you’d have to spell out where the -h goes (otherwise it may end up [name_f]Daliah[/name_f]), also the Mexico connection would be just a little stronger.