Are you allowed to use the Old English letter 'æ' in a first name?

Question

My daughter is going to be called Phaedra Vesper and technically Phaedra should be spelt Phædra. If in many alphabets it is still considered a letter are you allowed to use it in name?

Answer 1

Ok, well Phaedra Vesper is a strange name, in an awesome and beautiful sort of way. I really like it.

But I don't think you should use the old English letter. I would want to if I was using that name as well, because it makes it seem more authentic to me (I dunno if that makes sense, that's just how i feel about it) but people won't know how to pronounce it, and she'll also always have to tell people how to spell it. Other people also made some very good points. How is it written in cursive, and what about standardized tests that require scantrons? She would probably get made fun of for it too, and I don't just mean by other people's snotty nosed brats. I've seen teachers make fun of students for having strange names, and I knew one 2nd grade teacher who was a particular *****, and used to throw people's tests and homework away if she couldn't read their name on the paper.

I think it would be much more convenient for her to just use a "ae" and I doubt anyone would really know the difference.  

Answer 2

I guess so...and i know you didnt ask this but i dont like that name at all sorry but i just dont like it al all...1-10  i give  0 sorry

Answer 3

um....ya i think you can but y would u want to

Answer 4

I prefer Pandora.  

Answer 5

I don't know why you wouldn't be allowed. The name Zoë seems to be quite popular and they allow that. Phædra is a lovely name. :-)

Answer 6

I know a Phaedra, and she doesn't use the æ.  I think if you are in an English speaking country, Phaedra is the better choice.

It's a lovely name.  Good luck!

Answer 7

ONE QUESTION OF MY OWN:

HOW WOULD SHE DO IT IN CURSIVE????

Answer 8

Phaedra is GREEK so it havent got æ...

PHAEDRA  

Gender: Feminine

Usage: Greek Mythology (Latinized)



From the Greek Φαιδρα (Phaidra), derived from φαιδρος (phaidros) meaning "bright". Phaedra was the daughter of Minos and the wife of Theseus in Greek mythology. Aphrodite caused her to fall in love with her stepson Hippolytos, and after she was rejected by him she killed herself.

PLEASE PLEASE DONT DESTROY IT

Answer 9

I doubt it.  I would just name her Phaedra and be done with it.  If she's filling out her name on a scantron test, how would she specify that letter?

Answer 10

Mam, since it is your child, I would imagine you may spell her name any way you like, so if you wish to use Old English to spell your daughter's name, then that's what you do! Whose going to tell you YOU CAN NOT?Its a very pretty name, and unique, and special and that's how it should be, because your daughter will be those things also, so why shouldn't she have a name with all the characteristics of her person & name!

Answer 11

I think you technically can, but I would advise against it on a birth certificate. Stick to using it on handwritten things, but leave it Phaedra on the certificate. I mean, we normally write Cæsar as Caesar, and most educated people know they're the same. BTW, I love Phaedra!

Answer 12

Uh I don't know what country you live in, but most computers will not make those letters and it would be difficult on official documents and will end up Phaedra anyway.