Speech Therapist Breaks Down 6 Hard-to-Pronounce Names She Would Never Give Her Baby (Exclusive)

Speech Therapist Discusses Names Challenging for Kids to Pronounce

Chloe Conrad, a speech-language pathologist based in San Diego, shares insights with PEOPLE on names that can pose challenges for young children to say, as well as those that are easier to pronounce. She emphasises that parents should not shy away from choosing a name that holds sentimental value, even if it may be tricky for their child to pronounce initially. Conrad reassures that speech therapists are available to provide support if needed.

For children, learning to say their own name is a significant developmental milestone, especially for those who struggle with certain sounds. Conrad points out that names containing ‘R’ or ‘L’ sounds paired with an ‘O’ sound, like Rory, Rowan, Aurora, Laurel, Ariella, and Lorelai, can be particularly challenging for kids to pronounce correctly. She acknowledges the irony of being a fan of Gilmore Girls, given the challenging names of the main characters.

On the other hand, names with sounds that children typically acquire first, such as ‘P,’ ‘B,’ ‘M,’ and ‘N,’ are easier for kids to pronounce. Conrad mentions names like ‘Mimi,’ ‘Hannah,’ and ‘Anna’ as examples of such names. Despite these considerations, Conrad encourages parents to ultimately choose a name they love, even if it presents pronunciation challenges. She herself admits to having a family name with three ‘R’ sounds that she plans to use.

Conrad recommends practical tips for children struggling with pronouncing their names, such as wearing a bracelet with the name for reference or using hand gestures to reinforce certain sounds. Through her private practice, Spunky Speech Therapy, Conrad helps young patients improve their pronunciation skills. She also shares her expertise on social media to assist other speech-language pathologists and parents.

In a viral TikTok video, which garnered over 700,000 views, Conrad’s advice on selecting easily pronounceable names resonated with expectant parents. She aims to provide valuable information to parents navigating speech challenges with their children. Conrad’s message is clear: choose a name that is meaningful to you, and if pronunciation issues arise, speech therapists are available to help children overcome them.

Conrad’s dedication to supporting children in developing their speech skills shines through her work. She offers practical solutions and expert advice to parents, reinforcing the idea that every child’s unique journey towards learning to speak should be celebrated. As Conrad continues her mission to empower parents and speech therapists alike, her insights provide a valuable resource for families navigating speech development challenges.

As parents navigate the intricacies of selecting a name for their child, Conrad’s expertise offers valuable guidance on overcoming potential pronunciation obstacles. By emphasising the importance of choosing a name that resonates with parents, she champions individuality and celebrates the diversity of children’s linguistic development journeys. Conrad’s insight serves as a beacon of support for families navigating speech challenges with their children.

By sharing her knowledge and expertise through her private practice and social media platforms, Conrad not only assists children in improving their speech skills but also educates parents and speech therapists on effective strategies. Through her dedication and passion for speech therapy, Conrad advocates for a holistic approach to supporting children’s speech development, fostering a nurturing environment where every child’s voice can be heard and celebrated.