Need helping with spelling

JessicaG56

Ok so we decided on the name aidah. Well at the time we didn't realize that spelling is arabic. No discrimination from me but in today's time I don't know if I can do that (no offense to anyone, please don't flame;) any who..we r probably going to change the spelling. My dh wants aida but I don't care for that spelling. So we can't decide between ayda or aydah. I still like just adah but dh doesn't. In need of some input please! Sorry for the format I am on my iPad

kerrbear72

1) Most people don't know the origin of names anyway; some have multiple.

2) I'm sure your last name would dispel any misconceptions about your heritage (ie. you're not Arabic). 

3) I think you're going to get flamed. 

BetchySprout

How are you pronouncing it? Eye-ee-da? Long-a-duh? 

Aidah to me would = Eye-ee-da. Aida is for sure Eye-ee-da (a la the opera and the play, Aida Turturro, etc.). 

Ayda would be Long-A-duh and so would Aydah. Just Adah is definitely Long-A-duh just like the doll from Strawberry Shortcake.

I would figure out how you will pronounce it and go from there.

I pick Aida every day of the week and twice on Sunday if you are going for that pronunciation. Ada if you are going for the other. I have a niece named Adah and that spelling hasn't been a terrible problem or anything.  

 

ETA: Also, a good portion of "American" names have an Arabic root or origially were Arabic. I don't see the problem.

JessicaG56

kerrbear72:

1) Most people don't know the origin of names anyway; some have multiple.

2) I'm sure your last name would dispel any misconceptions about your heritage (ie. you're not Arabic). 

3) I think you're going to get flamed. 

Actually had quite a few people ask me that which is what made me look it up. And I know it technically doesn't matter the origin but I just don't know..

NJMom050911

I like Ayda but my question is if it's just the spelling that is Arabic or is the name Arabic as well? Why would spelling it make people judge but not the name itself?

tokenhoser

I wouldn't say aydah (eye-dah) like Adah (eh-dah). You may have a different accent than I do.

I know it as Adah, mostly from Posionwood Bible. If that's a no-go, I'd stick with the "arabic" spelling, which is phonetic. I mean... arabic has it's own alphabet, so it's not really arabic, it's the phonetic translation.

Or I like Ada, for simplicity.

JessicaG56

Long "a" and duh. We were just going to go with Ada but we live like 40 mins from ada,Ohio and dh couldn't do it that way. I agree I wanted to spice it up a bit

thecatsfancy

According to thinkbabynames.com, "Aidah" is German origin and "Aida" is Arabic origin.

kerrbear72

JessicaG56:

kerrbear72:

1) Most people don't know the origin of names anyway; some have multiple.

2) I'm sure your last name would dispel any misconceptions about your heritage (ie. you're not Arabic). 

3) I think you're going to get flamed. 

Actually had quite a few people ask me that which is what made me look it up. And I know it technically doesn't matter the origin but I just don't know..

Eh, maybe its just me, but origins aren't really a big deal. If anything, the meaning of the name would bother me if it was something bizarre. My name means "the dark one" amongst other things  

I say if you love it - keep the spelling you already chose. 

JessicaG56

kathygrzywnowicz:

I like Ayda but my question is if it's just the spelling that is Arabic or is the name Arabic as well? Why would spelling it make people judge but not the name itself?

Nope didn't realize it at the time but depending on how u spell it switches it's origin. That spelling makes it that. I guess I just get nervous and try to think of things they could get picked on for...I know the list goes on for miles but I like to be able to cut some out if I can. Probably me being anal

JessicaG56

kerrbear72:

JessicaG56:

kerrbear72:

1) Most people don't know the origin of names anyway; some have multiple.

2) I'm sure your last name would dispel any misconceptions about your heritage (ie. you're not Arabic). 

3) I think you're going to get flamed. 

Actually had quite a few people ask me that which is what made me look it up. And I know it technically doesn't matter the origin but I just don't know..

Eh, maybe its just me, but origins aren't really a big deal. If anything, the meaning of the name would bother me if it was something bizarre. My name means "the dark one" amongst other things  

I say if you love it - keep the spelling you already chose. 

well thanks! It is pressure coming up with these names dang it I could never go with a name with a horrible meaning behind it. Almost like ur setting them up..

NJMom050911

So you live 40 minutes away from Ada, and your daughters name will be pronounced the same but spelled differently, more than likely people will still say "oh Ada like the town" and you or her will say " no because it's spelled differently"? I don't think the spelling matters in either case whether because it's of Arabic origin or that it's a town close to you, you will still have people making these comments based on the name.

JessicaG56

thecatsfancy:

According to thinkbabynames.com, "Aidah" is German origin and "Aida" is Arabic origin.

They both r actually

JessicaG56

kathygrzywnowicz:

So you live 40 minutes away from Ada, and your daughters name will be pronounced the same but spelled differently, more than likely people will still say "oh Ada like the town" and you or her will say " no because it's spelled differently"? I don't think the spelling matters in either case whether because it's of Arabic origin or that it's a town close to you, you will still have people making these comments based on the name.

I know I don't care if it is Ada but my dh wouldn't agree to the name if it was spelled that way. He is horrible at actually agreeing to names so I will take it it's been a fight up to this point

kck329

I would go with Adah.

If it helps, Adah is also a Biblical name--the wife of Esau (twin to Jacob, son of Issac and Rebecca). The spellings with "y" look like you are trying to fit into the creative spelling trend. Stick to the classic.

BetchySprout

I would not start with Ai then because that is definitely Eye-ee in many peoples eyes. Lots of Italians with that name. 

In that case I would say Adah. People will still ask if it like the town though. There is an Ada, MN as well.  

DeAnna783310

I really like Ayda. I like unique spellings. 

I can understand not wanting to name her something that is a city close by or if you didn't agree with the spelling. the origin to me isn't a big deal but spelling is. I prefer unique spellings. I mean a lot of people dislike Jaxon but I think it just fits perfect.

If you like the name, then stick with it!  

JUSTBEYOURSELF

It would bother me more if people would refer it to the town rather than the origin. and I think that if you are bothered by the spelling, if it is pronounced the same way people will spell it many different ways I would honestly just pick another name all together...JMHO...

thecatsfancy

Pattypoundcake:

I would not start with Ai then because that is definitely Eye-ee in many peoples eyes. Lots of Italians with that name. 

In that case I would say Adah. People will still ask if it like the town though. There is an Ada, MN as well.  

This.  "Ai" is eye-ee, not ay.

Bakes4u

I think the fact that this whole conversation has to go on and you and DH don't seem to agree on anything, maybe means it's not the right name. I always felt like our DS's name and now LO's name we just agreed on and felt perfect, whether it was about spelling and origin-IMO.

elisbu

I vote Adah!!

 

And I have a friend, Celina (pronounced Selena) who grew up not far from a city named Celina (pronounced Ci-line-a) and she said no one ever thought it was weird. So if you take that into account, I vote for Ada!

Raquellyo

bakes4u:

I think the fact that this whole conversation has to go on and you and DH don't seem to agree on anything, maybe means it's not the right name. I always felt like our DS's name and now LO's name we just agreed on and felt perfect, whether it was about spelling and origin-IMO.

I tend to agree with this.  In addition, understanding you are worried about things your kid could get picked on for, I would think it's much more unlikely that a kid would figure out the origin of another kids name and use that as a basis to pick on them.  The obvious confusion over the pronunciation may open up more doors for teasing -- "hey, you have a funny name!".  Plus, you have to figure people throughout life will always be mispronouncing it and it will have to be constantly corrected, and spelled for everyone.  

"Ah-da?  Ay-da? Ad-duh? Ayee-da?"  
"Sigh, no actually it's <insert here>, here's how you spell it..." 

Just my 2 cents!  (I have to constantly correct people and I hate it) 

pinkflipflops44

Ada , please.

JessicaG56

elisbu:

I vote Adah!!

 

And I have a friend, Celina (pronounced Selena) who grew up not far from a city named Celina (pronounced Ci-line-a) and she said no one ever thought it was weird. So if you take that into account, I vote for Ada!

Totally freaks me out about the celling lol I live 10 mins from celina,oh! Crazy! Thanks girls for all ur input! I do like the name and I like the spelling adah that is why it is hard for me to settle I will win in the end lol my dh wasn't sure on Grady and now he loves it. I think he just hates settling on something for the fear of not knowing 100% if that is what he wants...he drives me insane when it comes to naming kiddos! Thanks again

Lisa102304

pinkflipflops44:

Ada , please.

I have to agree with this.

Pretty name, but if the post on the name has 952 ways to spell, pronounce and confusion in it - AND you and DH are not agreeing, maybe you need to step away and look for other (maybe similar?) names.

augustjam16

I guess I don't really get the name. Ada I get, the other spellings, well I just don't understand them. I think the name is ok as Ada but the other spellings don't even seem like the same name. I couldn't figure out how to say it or if the name was for a boy or a girl. Ada is clearly a girl but I guess since I couldn't really figure out the spellings, I didn't know what you were naming. Sorry.

mrsV719

thecatsfancy:

Pattypoundcake:

I would not start with Ai then because that is definitely Eye-ee in many peoples eyes. Lots of Italians with that name. 

In that case I would say Adah. People will still ask if it like the town though. There is an Ada, MN as well.  

This.  "Ai" is eye-ee, not ay.

 

I disagree with both of these... do you say "Aidan" as Eye-ee-dan?

I like Ayda or Adah the best.  

wolfchik9

I like the classic spelling Ada but if you don't then stick with the one you do like. If it will eventually come down to you (since your DH will settle in the end) then just make sure you really like it. Ayda is perfectly fine IF you want it to be misspelled her entire life, always having to correct people, and it gets annoying when so many people are spelling simple names in unique ways BUT it doesn't really matter if you like it. I do read the origins but it doesn't really influence my decisions.

 My fave name right now is Mia Bella G. There is an online shop called Mia Bella Boutique that sells smocked clothing auction-style through facebook and I recently found them. I really like the name and don't really care if people hear the name and think that I "stole" it from the boutique. Bella / Isabella has become so popular that we'd rather it be a middle name at this point. But you never know, it may change at any point between now and May...

 Good luck and decide on what YOU like the best!!!

MrsD1

I don't think the origin will be an issue. My name is very unique and it's Indian. I get lots of comments on it and they are usually along the lines of, "that's really pretty, I've never heard that before." Sometimes people ask how my parents came up with it. Only one time in my life, which happened to be very recent, someone commented about it being Indian, and that was the Indian woman who owns the local Indian restaurant we frequent.

pandi02a

I wouldn't worry too much about the spelling's origin too much. I think it's a beautiful name and I would just choose the spelling you both like/agree on, not worrying about origin.

If you want my vote it's for either Aidah or Ada. 

KarlsSweetie05

Honestly, the only spelling that I knew how to pronounce was Ada.

All the other variations were confusing to me.

I agree with PP that if there is much discussion now about spelling, pronounciation, origin, then maybe its not the right name.

We are struggling with names too and I feel your pain with DH.  My DH is tired of dicussing at this point and its frustrating because I want to pick something NOW.  He wants to wait until babies are here.  So it is hard.

BetchySprout

mrsV719:

thecatsfancy:

Pattypoundcake:

I would not start with Ai then because that is definitely Eye-ee in many peoples eyes. Lots of Italians with that name. 

In that case I would say Adah. People will still ask if it like the town though. There is an Ada, MN as well.  

This.  "Ai" is eye-ee, not ay.

 

I disagree with both of these... do you say "Aidan" as Eye-ee-dan?

I like Ayda or Adah the best.  

People don't pronounce Aidan that way because they know the name and know how to say it. Same with Aida. People also don't pronounce Siobhan "Seeobeehan" because it is not a name people sound out, it is a name once you learn it you say it on sight.  

BecauseICan

It doesn't matter if you spell the name George, if you pronounce it Ada, people are still going to associate it with the town.  Honestly, I think it's kind of ridiculous to think that by throwing in an extra H, I, or Y, that you're suddenly going to disassociate her name w/ the town.  Furthermore, b/c the town is so close, I about 100% guarantee people are going to think town first, origin second (if at all). 

Just spell it Ada and move on.  Anything else is going to make people question how to even pronounce it, which will be more annoying than any of the other issues.

Bride7-7-07

You could have just left your post as "Ok so we decided on the name aidah."  Then, you could have asked for suggestions.

"but in today's time I don't know if I can do that (no offense to anyone, please don't flame;)" You don't want to get flamed yet you insult people with your comment.

Also, you should research before you post.

Aidah in Arabic has a few different spellings.  "Variants include: Ada, Aeeda, A?da, Aide, Aidee, Ade, Ajda, Ayeeda, Ida, Ieeda,Ieta and Iyeeda.^[1] The name is derived from the Arabic name "Ayda" "?????" or "?????" in formal Arabic."

Names today, no matter what culture have a variety of spellings with all the new wave - trying to be different even spelling a classic name.

If you are so worried about the name being Arabic or having Arabic spelling - I would choose something different.

LegalLadyBug

I went to high school with a girl with the same name, she spelled it Ada. I actually like that spelling better than anything you have suggested, personally throwing in the y's and i's to make it unique or whatever is just NMS. 

JNBrickey

Personally, I like "Adah" but I'm a big fan of The Poisonwood Bible.  I don't think an "Ai" beginning is really confusing, but I was very good friends in high school with a girl named Aisha, pronounced Ay-shuh (who was, incidentally, Arabic, ironic, hmm), so it's what I'm used to.

And honestly, I think anyone who is utterly confused and mystified as to how to pronounce it any way it's been suggested to be spelled just isn't working very hard to summon up some brain power and should be ignored.  It's not rocket science, and with a town pronounced the same way so close, she probably will not ever have to correct people.

jeffrae

augustjam16:

I couldn't figure out how to say it or if the name was for a boy or a girl. Ada is clearly a girl but I guess since I couldn't really figure out the spellings, I didn't know what you were naming. Sorry.

I  have to agree with the boy/girl thing.  I thought boy at first.  As long as you don't care that is fine.  My name is Rae and people usually think "man" at first (even with the "e" spelling) when the speak through email - so I usually use my middle name when it is written down. 

I think Ada is pretty.  Would you consider going with a longer name and keep her nickname as Ada?  That is the only way it worked with DH and I going with the name Ava (long name is Avangeline after much much debate).