Pronounciation of Romanian Name

[amc80]

Hi! Please help

I have a coworker whose name is Ioana. She is from Romania. I always thought the pronounciation of this name was Eye-Oh-Nuh, but I've heard it pronounced several ways, depending on who is saying it (EE-Oh-Nuh, Why-Oh-Nuh, etc.). I'm sort of in that awkward position where I've known her too long to ask at this point, but I know eventually I'll need to say her name and would like to know how to say it. Anybody know?

 

[somethingshiny]

My area has a lot of immigrants, mostly Polish. But, I have seen this name pronounced Ya AH na in addition to E WAH na. I'd ask her. I'm sure she's been asked before and she'll be asked again. Or, if you'd rather not be so direct, try something like, "what's your full name?" Hearing her pronounce it might help.

 

[swingirl]

She gets her name mispronounced so often that she would appreciate you asking so that you can get it right. And by pronouncing it correctly others will pick up on it.

 

[mrscushion]

She gets her name mispronounced so often that she would appreciate you asking so that you can get it right. And by pronouncing it correctly others will pick up on it.

I agree.

Though I bet it's pronounced like Johanna but without the "j" sound. Eeo-AH-na.

 

[mayerling]

Based on the Greek pronunciation, I would say it's ee-awe-uh-nah (4 syllables).