View Message

Pronunciation 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!
Archived Thread - replies disabled
vote up1

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!
vote up1
Thanks everyone!I wasn't sure whether she'd rhyme with Kelly or Keely in English.
vote up1
In English I'd assume it was ZEH-lee (like Kelly with a Z). I sounds rather nicknamey to me, but it not bad.
vote up1
On gut instinct I would pronounce it ZEE-lee. This isn't my sort of style, I don't like it much.
vote up1
I'd say ZEL-ee.I think they're cute. I've never seen either before.
vote up1
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.
vote up1
Off the cuff, I'd pronounce it to rhyme with Nelly. It's a little lightweight, but I think it's pleasant.
vote up1
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.
vote up1
Initial sighting, I would think Zelie be a nickname.
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

vote up1