There is no single right answer. A name that feels unusual in one country may be entirely familiar in another. For some parents, a distinctive spelling is part of what makes a name special. For others, ease of pronunciation matters because they want to avoid repeated corrections at school, work or social gatherings.

One useful step is to say a shortlisted name aloud, listen to how speakers of its original language pronounce it and consider the places where the child is likely to grow up.

It is also worth checking the name’s cultural background and meaning rather than relying on a quick online list. Names often carry histories that are not obvious from their spelling.

Ultimately, a name does not have to be easy for everyone to guess at first sight. But knowing its pronunciation, history and possible variations can help parents make a more informed choice before putting it on a birth certificate.