10 replies to this topic

[Jenna_Lee]

I've always loved this name and was recently reminded of it while looking for new girls' names for my list. My problem is this: even I have the inclination to pronounce Zoe as one-syllable, like "zo," and I feel like Zoë looks more finished. The only thing is that we don't use the two-dots-over-the-e (sorry, I don't know what it's called) in the English language. Do you think that would complicate things, or that it would be okay if I were to use the name Zoë for a future child? I really don't love Zoe as much (neither do I Zoey or other variations). 

[ßlush]

It's called a diaeresis! (Yeah, I had to look it up..)

I much prefer the look and overall 'vibe' of Zoë; I agree, it looks more finished. However, like you said, we don't use that particularly mark very often.

You would more than likely always have to correct people on the spelling, making sure they include the diaeresis, because no one would ever think to.

If you're okay with doing that, then I say use that form of the name if you like it so much. 

 

(It wouldn't be unprecedented: Lenny Kravitz and Lisa Bonet  used this form for their daughter.)

[Jenna_Lee]

Thanks for finding out what it's called haha   And yeah, I think if I ever use it I'll keep the diaeresis over the e. And I didn't know that this was the name of a celebrity daughter, so that at least makes this form recognizable while still (thankfully) not overly common.

[MeganMoxie]

They're called umlauts. (I had to write a lot of German in one of my film courses). I think Zoë is lovely, and there is nothing wrong with it if that is what you like. Zoë Saldana's name has the umlat over the e.

[Jenna_Lee]

I'm not sure what to call it now haha. But yeah, I'm definitely opting for Zoë.

[HaydensMama18]

Zoë does look more finished and it also looks prettier!

[MeganMoxie]

I think the other word they used (I had to google it) is a more general term for accents. Umlaut is the specific term

[Remy Hadley]

Zoë is super cute, I love accents on names in general. I'd never use them in real life just because of the hassle of correcting the spelling.. but I like it anyway. I do love Zoe in itself though, or Zoey. So cute <3 

[ßlush]

Yeah, when I looked it up, I read that the diaeresis mark is sometime used in names like Chloë and Zoë.

 

^Mm, same. I like the added touch of accent marks, so long as they're not overwhelming the name itself. I don't think the spelling could be too big of an issue. One of my friends uses an accent mark in her name (Reneé), and I don't think she minds it.

[Jenna_Lee]

Thanks for the input everybody! I'm pretty confident in Zoë now. And by the way, after reading an article (here if anyone's curious: http://desktoppub.ab...criticals_2.htm) I feel like the word diaersis is more likely to be the accurate word, because umlaut seems to refer to words in a language while diaersis is considered used for names (and other things) to show a pronunciation different than expected.

[Remy Hadley]

Yeah, the accents are there for a reason and all (normally to show that a name like Renee isn't just like wren, or Chloe isn't just just "clo" or something). I guess in baby names the accents aren't used as much. In America, at least. Other countries seem to use them much more.