"line" vs. "lyn" end spellings

n&bcarlson

So, DH and I are expecting a girl in another 3 months and a few posts I've seen here got me thinking about spellings.  I know a lot of people express preference for the "-line" spelling of a name, as in Madeline instead of Madelyn.  I have to admit, I think the "-lyn" option, or so many names with a "y" in them, look a little forced, like they are trying too hard to be different.  But what about pronunciation?  If you want the name pronounced with a short "i" instead of a long "i" are you setting your child up for a lifetime of mispronunciation of their name?  Or do most people see "-line" endings and automatically pronounce them with a short vowel sound?

brookelynpaisley

I personally would pronounce it "line"

For Madeline/Madelyn, you can use Madeleine to get the short "i." Both Madeline and Madeleine list "mad-e-lin" as a pronounciation in English, but I think the "line" is more confusing as to the intended pronunciation than "leine" if you want it to be like "lin"

https://www.behindthename.com/name/madeleine

kmv68

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

brooklynesque

kmv68:

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

This.

And "Mad-e-lynn" is spelled Madeleine.

ETA:  Note the rhyme here (from the famous Madeline children's book).  Madeline is pronounced Mad-e-line.  https://www.madeline.com/

mandarod

kmv68:

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

 

sherpa

kmv68:

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

THIS (again)

guilletskichuk

mandarod:

kmv68:

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

 

Yup.

MaybeMore

brooklynesque:

kmv68:

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

This.

And "Mad-e-lynn" is spelled Madeleine.

ETA:  Note the rhyme here (from the famous Madeline children's book).  Madeline is pronounced Mad-e-line.  https://www.madeline.com/

 

Yes.

"lyn" is terrible and tryndee.  Don't.  Choose a spelling that looks legit.

aubreyan

I would only pronounce -line names like LINE I would never say lyn unless I had been corrected.  So yes I think by choosing those names you are going to be correcting people.  I steer clear of all names with either ending to avoind such confusion personally.

 I really dislike all -lyn names!!

n&bcarlson

Yes, I agree with you all about the pronunciation.  Just thought I'd check.  I hadn't realized, though, that most people would pronounce Madeleine and Madeline differently.  I think that could solve the problem without the dreaded "y" spelling.

carawestt

kmv68:

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

Not always. My full name (before I legally changed it) was Caroline but it was pronounced Carolyn.

tusshie2004

MaybeMore:

brooklynesque:

kmv68:

line = line

lyn = lynn, like a woman's first name

This.

And "Mad-e-lynn" is spelled Madeleine.

ETA:  Note the rhyme here (from the famous Madeline children's book).  Madeline is pronounced Mad-e-line.  https://www.madeline.com/

 

Yes.

"lyn" is terrible and tryndee.  Don't.  Choose a spelling that looks legit.

Dido!