Bryony/Briony

strawberrytree · November 2013

What do we all think of Bryony/Briony? I'm trying to decide which spelling I prefer. The Y spelling, Bryony, is actually the original (it's a type of plant) but I think Briony is actually the more common spelling. I think aesthetically I prefer Briony, but I am also a big supporter of original spellings.

Also, it is pronounced similar to Brian-ee. My DS's middle name is Brian. Is that weird? The two names aren't related at all, and DS's middle name is after my grandfather and Briony/Bryony would be just because I like it.

(Probably all irrelevant anyway since I'm sure DH will hate it and I think this baby is a boy.)

SuperMom17 · November 2013

I just don't like the name regardless of the spelling... Makes me think of watermelon rines and has a sort of harsh, awkward feel for me.

Scarlett&Gatsby · November 2013

I love Briony! It reminds me of Atonement. I don't think its similarity to your son's MN is a big deal at all. And I also prefer the Briony spelling; since both are correct you're really free to choose either.

firefliesandfjords · November 2013

I agree with you that Briony is more aesthetically pleasing. I don't particularly care for the name with either spelling, though.

dreemkin84 · November 2013

is it pronounced Bree or Br-eye?

capulet · November 2013

I knew a Bryony in high school, so that spelling is more familiar to me. I always had a feeling I wasn't pronouncing it right, I don't know exactly why - maybe because Byron was a semi-popular name back then, so I wanted to say Byron-y. It's possible a lot of people did pronounce her name incorrectly, I just don't remember because it was 20+ years ago.

ZoeMay06 · November 2013

This is one of my favorite names lately. I also prefer it spelled Briony.

mh89 · November 2013

I love Briony because of Atonement. It's a pretty name.

I prefer it the way they spell it in the novel - with an i if I'm remembering correctly.

Whitterpow · November 2013

I've only seen Briany pronounced Bree Ahn Ee so that's where my mind goes and if Brian is what is significant that's probably where I would lean personally. Of your two options, Briony is better.