Fiona and her partner are expecting their second child soon. They have chosen a name -- Cassandra / Kassandra -- but they need your help with the spelling. Their first daughter has a name used by Jane Austen. Fiona has discovered that Cassandra has an Austen-link too, but this is just coincidence, and wouldn't affect their choice of spelling.
Fiona writes:
However, we are drawn to 'K' because it is the original Greek, and we like it better.
My Thoughts:
For me, this debate is quite straight forward. You like Kassandra better, so that should be the defining factor. Style-wise, Cassandra is more natural, but is that worth a lifetime regretting that you didn't go for the spelling you love?
Cassandra is the default spelling that most people will automatically write down when they hear the name. However, an "it's Kassandra with a K" is no more hassle than the millions of people who say "Anne with an e" or "Stephen with a ph" or "Aimee with an i double ee."
C and K have been interchangeable for centuries. Catherines can be Kates without any worry about switching the letters, and in many countries, such as Scandinavia and Eastern Europe, K is the default spelling.
Will most people know that Kassandra is the original Greek spelling? No, probably not. Most people don't realise that Rebekah is an older spelling of Rebecca as Khloe is for Chloe and Hektor is for Hector, but it doesn't follow that they will be dismissive of a spelling they are unfamiliar with. In a world where you can have an Isabelle, Isabel, Isobel and Isobelle in the same school, and Polish parents are using Dawid, while Muslim parents are choosing Dawud, people are very tolerant of different spellings.
While Kassandra may surprise some people, that can ultimately be a good opportunity for a taking point.
Fiona is very keen for readers' thoughts and imput. Please vote in the poll below or comment with your opinions to give this couple a helping hand.
UPDATE: Welcome Kassandra Mathilde, a little sister for Marianne Isabella, born to British Australian parents in (German speaking) Switzerland. Her doting parents went with their hearts and it feels right for them, and has been well received by family and friends. Congratulations!
