How many syllables in this name?

[wholewheatchick]

So I really like the name Catherine, but DH doesn't like names with more than 2 syllables.

I contend that Catherine is usually pronouced just as a two syllable name: cath-rin. Though I could see how someone would argue that it is 3: cath-er-in.

So when you say that name, how many syllables do you pronounce it with?

[~Amy~]

I've never heard it pronounced with 3 syllables. I think Cath-er-ine would sound really weird and awkward. What about a different spelling? Kathryn is more obviously only 2 syllables.

[CorasMama]

Originally Posted by ~Amy~

I've never heard it pronounced with 3 syllables. I think Cath-er-ine would sound really weird and awkward. What about a different spelling? Kathryn is more obviously only 2 syllables.

[Rani]

Its a regional thing totally with the pronunciation. I think using the K version would forestall the issue

[CherryBomb]

My name is Catherine and I pronounce it with 2 syllables.

[nova22]

I have a Catherine. She's really cute, for what it's worth...I don't know if that helps your case for using that name. I say "CATH-rin" unless I'm saying her name in a sing-song-y voice (as in "Ohhh, Caaath-er-ine, where aaaare youuuu?") and I don't think I've ever heard anyone say her name with three syllables.

[Masel]

I also have a very cute Catherine. I pronounce it with two syllables. We have a long last name and needed something with only two syllables. However, somehow I started calling her Cat-a-ree-nah.

[nova22]

Originally Posted by Masel

However, somehow I started calling her Cat-a-ree-nah.

Heh, I do that sometimes. It just comes out every once in a while. That and "kitty-catherine"

[Drummer's Wife]

My name is Katherine (though, I don't go by it), and I would have said 3 syllables. I think it just depends on how one pronounces it.

I prefer 2 syllable names, as well. (All four of my kids have 2 syllables.)

[lyterae]

I say it with two syllables, for me it's more important that there is a nickname that I like to go with the full name.

[kcparker]

Great name!

Well, he can say it with two syllables, and you can spell it however you want.

If he wants an undeniably two-syllable version, there's the Kathryn/Cathryn variant. I'm a Katherine, so I am partial to the longer spelling.

[lovebug]

Originally Posted by ~Amy~

I've never heard it pronounced with 3 syllables. I think Cath-er-ine would sound really weird and awkward. What about a different spelling? Kathryn is more obviously only 2 syllables.

yep.

[scrappin-mama]

We considered Kathryn with our 1st, which would be 2 syllables.

[candycat]

If it's regional - what region pronounces it with 3 syllables?

(OK, sue me, I have a slight dialect/regional accents obssession!)

[Stitches]

I've always pronounced it Cath-rin...Cath-er-in sounds too formal.