questions about "Aurelia"

jesus4life2

my husband and I both love this name... wow so easy we didn't have to argue over names! but... I have a few thoughts that you can help me with!

1. is it difficult to pronounce? how would you say it?
2. what are good nicknames? is it a guaranteed nickname kinda name since its 3 (or 4) syllables? we like using the intended name as our kids name but if its shortened to anything, I want to anticipate liking the nickname too.
3. is it too close to Olivia? we have loved "Aurelia" for several years and in the meantime, my brother in law and wife named their daughter Olivia-- don't want to step on their toes.

blu-eyedwife

I love Aurelia, so I'll chime in here:

1. is it difficult to pronounce? how would you say it? I don't think it's difficult to pronounce, but I do think you will get some variation due to dialect/regional pronunciation. For instance, I've heard the first syllable pronounce "Oh"  and "Aw/Uh" and I think they're both really saying the same thing (like with the pronunciation of Laura which has the same "au" issue).  I love the -lia names in general and people don't seem to have difficulties with pronouncing Amelia or Cecilia.
2. what are good nicknames? is it a guaranteed nickname kinda name since its 3 (or 4) syllables? we like using the intended name as our kids name but if its shortened to anything, I want to anticipate liking the nickname too. I would think this name could withstand the use of nickname, much like Charlottes are often called Charlotte.  However, I think Lia works well with any of these type of names.  Ari might also work, as the little Cecilia I know goes by Ceci and some use Amy for Amelia.
3. is it too close to Olivia? we have loved "Aurelia" for several years and in the meantime, my brother in law and wife named their daughter Olivia-- don't want to step on their toes. I don't think these names are similar at all.

draeray

I got to be honest, I think the name looks pretty but I have never seen it before so I have no idea how to pronounce it.

NerdyLucy

I'm one of those weirdos that has trouble saying Aurora.  Aurelia isn't so bad. 

 It's not like I can't talk, but with Aurora, I feel like I sould like I've got marbles in my mouth at the -ror- part. 

Helenahhandbasket

1. I don't think so.  I say aww-reel-yah, but I realize that might differ a bit from region to region (I am in the NYC metro area)

2. I like Auri (aww-ree)

3. Not close to Olivia

steph1977

I love it -- not at all difficult to pronounce. Lia or Ari could be a nickname, although it is beautiful on its own. It was also a character in one of my favorite movies, Love Actually

TikiTurtle

I think it beautiful, pretty easy to wrap your tongue around, and doesn't lend itself to NN's. Also, not similar to Olivia. Sounds like you found a winner!

LadyMacaron

I love Aurelia. I pronounce it Aw-rehl-yah. I'm spanish and my spanish family would pronounce it a bit differently. I think it can be difficult for some, in the same way Aurora or Rory is hard to pronounce for some. That would not stop me from using it! And I wouldn't think to use a nickname, but Aurie or Rue would be cute.

NeverEnd

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! The movie "Love Actually" there is a Portuguese character named Aurelia.

Irishcurls

I tend towards Aw-RAIL-ee-a. I love it. Every once in awhile I throw it out to DH and he always says No. But I keep trying. Not too close to Olivia. 

diamondduck13

It's not so much that I can't pronounce it, I just find it awkward to say.

Ineedmorecoffee

LOOOVE this name. Too bad my niece is Cecelia!

katib77

I have a eFriend I made here on TB years ago who named her second daughter this and I have to admit I never know if in my head I'm pronouncing it correctly.  I think of it as "Aw-rell-LEE-ah"  It's just not common enough for it to be obvious.  

As for a nick name I think Lia would be most obvious. 

Not close to Olivia at all.  I wouldn't think it'd make a good sib set but just to make sure you're not stepping on toes for neices - it's fine.

brooksidebride

I say it Aw Rail Ya, but am aware of some slight variations such as Aw Rail Ee Ah . They are all so slight enough that I wouldn't be bothered if my DD was named this and it was often slightly pronounced a different way. I don't think it is hard to say, but at the same time I totally get the "marbles in the mouth" comment, just like with Aurora.

I love the name. So pretty.

No intuitive nicknames. (Maybe a nn for DD will just come about some other way based on her demeanor, looks, personality, etc. No need for force one.)

Not too close to Olivia.

JMU_Bride09

1. I dont think that it's too difficult to pronounce. I love this name and say it like, "o-rail-yah."
2. Can't think of a good nn.
3. Not too close to Olivia.

jesus4life2

NeverEnd said:

LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it! The movie "Love Actually" there is a Portuguese character named Aurelia.

I know! That is actually the first place I heard it. I love her part in the movie too when they jump in the lake--hilarious!

Mydela

Gorgeous, gorgeous name--perfect name to grow into. A+. I don't think it's difficult to pronounce at all. My cousin's daughter is named Aurelia; she doesn't have a nickname but I imagine that it could be shortened to "Rae" or even "Lia."