Young Writers Society

Hey! so I'm starting a new story and I have this character name in mind, for a male, but I cannot figure out the correct spelling...help?

sounds like: ah-meal

possible spelling: amele

In general, correct name pronunciation is a lost cause. You can try to nudge readers in the direction you want, but you always need to be aware that people will read the names the way they read them (especially the odder names).

You can hint at how a name is pronounced by comparing its sounds to familiar words. For example, maybe a character could comment on the guy's name always makes her hungry because it sounds like "a meal". You can also spell names phonetically, like Ameel, Ahmeel, etc. Just be sure to keep the spelling consistent.

Ultimately though, so long as a name is readable and recognizable, it is fine; correct name pronunciation isn't really an issue, though it's good to have a clear idea of the names' pronunciations yourself, especially if they are created names.

I've heard of this name, I think... Amil? Google likes that spelling, so that may be what you're thinking of. Link.

Hey! I found the name after in my friends baby book haha. It's spelled Emile

I know you found the name, but just a thought.

For names, there isn't necessarily a right or wrong spelling. However you spell it is how you spell it. Sure, you want to keep them pronounceable, but beyond that you're pretty much free. In fact, sometimes I change the spelling of something to make it more interesting. The important thing is that the name conveys what you want it to - whether being almost too normal, or totally out there. There are things in writing that people will tell you are right or wrong and that you can't mess around with, but names is not one of them. Yes, you want to stay within reason, but no matter how you spell it, if you're happy, then really that's all that matters.

(Of course, there are exceptions to this. But as long as you're not too over-the-top, you should be fine.)

I think what you've got there is fine. It doesn't really matter, trust me. It's a name. You're in control of what you want it to sound like, how you want it to be spelled out. But just a tip: the spelling should be somewhat aligned with the culture/nationality of the character possessing the name. I suggest you study a bit about the background of the character, from there, you can find the perfect spelling, I assume.

But the previous people have answered the name that you were looking for. Just a little tip, that you can actually give out whatever spelling you want for your character. It could add to the interesting facts about him/her. Like misspelled name in birth certificates and stuff. Hope I've helped.

Jash ♥