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Does anyone know what is the correct pronunciation of the name Lachlan?

In Scotland (from where the name originates) , the name spelt with an "A" seems to be pronounced phonetically, ie. "LAH - CLAN"; in Australian usage, the same spelling seems to be rendered "LOH - CLAN".

The name "Lochlan" is recognised in Scotland, but is much less common. However, it strikes me that LOH - CLAN perhaps ought to be the correct pronunciation even when spelt Lachlan - viz the surname McLachlan, which is always pronounced with the "O" sound. I wonder if the "A" sound is simply a function of the rarity of the name in Scotland now - people are rendering it phonetically because it has fallen into disuse.

This is important to me as I want my son to be called Lochlan (ie. pronounced with the "O"), but it seems that Lachlan is the more common spelling.

Any help gratefully received.

Millie x

This message was edited by the author on May 11, 2006 at 1:39:13 PM

• Pronunciation of Lachlan - can anyone help? - milliedog  May 11 2006, 1:37:47 PM
  • Re: Pronunciation of Lachlan - can anyone help? - uhuru  May 11 2006, 5:15:10 PM