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HelpPronunciation question
I recently (re)discovered the French name Zélie and during my research for its meaning and etymology I also found out that at some point the name apparently also crossed the British Channel and was (or is) occasionally used in England, spelt Zelie.
Now, I know how to pronounce Zélie in French but I'm a little confused as to how Zelie would be pronounced in English.
So, on gut instinct, how would you say Zelie in English?
And while we are at it - what do you think of Zelie and Zélie?
Thanks in advance!
Now, I know how to pronounce Zélie in French but I'm a little confused as to how Zelie would be pronounced in English.
So, on gut instinct, how would you say Zelie in English?
And while we are at it - what do you think of Zelie and Zélie?
Thanks in advance!
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Replies
I know most people are saying they'd rhyme it with Kelly, but before I read the other responses my instinct was to say Zeelie. I like the look of it actually. I slightly prefer the French pronunciation though. And less chance of confusion with that!
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In English I'd assume it was ZEH-lee (like Kelly with a Z).
I sounds rather nicknamey to me, but it not bad.
I sounds rather nicknamey to me, but it not bad.
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On gut instinct I would pronounce it ZEE-lee. This isn't my sort of style, I don't like it much.
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I'd say ZEL-ee.
I think they're cute. I've never seen either before.
I think they're cute. I've never seen either before.
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Intuitively, French Zélie would be zay-LEE to me, while English Zelie would be ZEL-ee -- like Kelly with a Z. I prefer the French pronunciation, as the English equivalent sounds rather flat to me.
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Off the cuff, I'd pronounce it to rhyme with Nelly.
It's a little lightweight, but I think it's pleasant.
It's a little lightweight, but I think it's pleasant.
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I live in Ireland and knew a girl called Zelie many years ago. I can't remember if she used an accent or not. It was said ZELL-ee.
I like it.
I like it.
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It is too incomplete and juvenile for me to ever endorse it as a full, legal firstname. Zelia is more adult.
Zelie: ZEHL-Lee, possibly a chance of ZEEL-Ee.
Zélie: ZAY-Lee, Zay-LEE, ZAY-Lyeh.
- Francesca
This message was edited 9/11/2012, 10:21 AM
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