Spelling question on DD's middle name

anniebugg

Hi. I've been debating how to spell our daughter's middle name, so I thought I'd come here for some advice. 

We selected the middle name Claire (that's, of course, the traditional spelling) because my father's family came from County Clare (there's the alternate spelling) in Ireland. DH and I took a trip to Ireland about 6 months before we got engaged to visit my family's hometown; it was on that trip that I realized I was for sure going to marry this man.

You can see, the name has significance but I'm torn on the spelling. Should we go with the traditional so that it's not something she has to deal with spelling for people in the future? I worry that important documents (like her diploma, etc) will have misspellings that are a pain to fix (My name is Anne, spelled with an "e," so I've dealt with this from time to time in my life). I even worried that people will look at her birth announcement and think..."I hope they didn't pay alot for these, because the middle name's spelled wrong..."

My big questions are:

If we put the "i" in, to avoid confusion, do we lose the significance of the name?

If we leave it out, do we set her up to face the misspelling her entire life?

Am I way over thinking this?   

MrsFinn810

Both spellings are perfectly legitimate. I prefer the way Claire looks, but because of its significance to you, I'd go with Clare. Especially since it'll be her middle name, I'd bet you won't as much trouble with it as you're anticipating. Nice name! GL!

MrsJWeaver

I don't think you are setting her up for misspelling but maybe its because we used Clare for DD#1 MN.  Her name is Lucy Clare.  I liked that it was the English version and I come from and English background.  If you have a reason for going with Clare then go for it.  Its a MN so its not like she will have to spell it everyday of her life.  A lot of people recognize that there are two ways to spell Clare.  No one ever mentioned it to us.  We've actually have people misspell Lucy as Lucie more often - go figure!

onislandtime

I think you are overthinking. I would spell it Clare, especially since it has so much significance to you.

erincon8

Joy2611:

I personally think you are way over thinking this :-)

Spell it Clare if that is what you wish.  It is her middle name and the chances of things being spelled wrong are lower.  I had to pre-check all my diplomas before they were printed anyway.  My middle name is also missing a letter from the traditional spelling and I've never had one problem with it.

This

sunnyday016

Go with Clare. It's perfectly legit and it has meaning to you. 

Ciconrad

Since it's a mn, I'd go with Clare to keep the significance.  If it was a fn, I'd probably go with Claire but other than major life events, she won't use the mn that frequently.

anniebugg

Thanks everyone, much appreciated. It's nice to see that so many people are familiar with both spellings. No "i" it is!

clairej

Maybe this will change now that Claire has gotten more popular, but my name is Claire - the more common spelling (I won't say traditional because Clare is also traditional) - and that has not stopped people from constantly misspelling my name. Actually the most common mistake I have seen is to leave off the e, spelling it "Clair", which isn't even a real name. I'm not trying to dissuade you from using the name, I'm just saying choosing the more common spelling wouldn't necessarily prevent confusion, so just use whatever legitimate spelling you like. Besides, it's a middle name so it is unlikely to be a constant issue.

Mrs.Leah.Maria

MrsFinn810:

Both spellings are perfectly legitimate. I prefer the way Claire looks, but because of its significance to you, I'd go with Clare. Especially since it'll be her middle name, I'd bet you won't as much trouble with it as you're anticipating. Nice name! GL!

This.

metzy144

MrsFinn810:

Both spellings are perfectly legitimate. I prefer the way Claire looks, but because of its significance to you, I'd go with Clare. Especially since it'll be her middle name, I'd bet you won't as much trouble with it as you're anticipating. Nice name! GL!

I completely agree.