How come the letter W is pronounced 'double U' when there is no relation?

Answer 1

The letter W is called a double-U because the Old English sound it represented (the 'w' sound) had no equivalent in the Latin/Roman Alphabet, the alphabet which is the basis for most of the current English alphabet. So, to represent this Old English sound, scribes in the 7th century used the two letters 'uu' to symbolise the Old English sound 'w'.

However, in England itself, the runic letter called a 'wynn' (shaped like a P ) was the customary symbol for the 'w' sound, and the use of the 'wynn' symbol continued. In Europe, however they were still using the two letter form 'uu' right up until the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

With regard to the letter 'u' itself, there were two forms. This became especially evident when printing came into fashion, the pointed form 'v' being used at the beginning of words, and the cursive 'u' form being used in the middle or at the end of words, regardless of whether it actually represented the 'v' or the 'u' sound!

In original Latin the 'v' form of the letter was usually reserved for carved inscriptions on stone, as it was easier to do. The 'u' form was for writing with a pen.

In due course the runic letter-form of the 'wynn' was gradually dropped and replaced by the two letters 'uu' or by the totally joined up 'w', with the 'w' eventually becoming the standard symbol for the 'w' sound. However, the customary name 'a double-u' was retained, because this is what it originally was, a double u.

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Answer

Users of French and Spanish possibly come a little closer with their pronunciation of 'W' to what might be expected simply by looking at the modern letter form. The letter 'V' is pronounced 'vay' the letter 'W' is pronounced 'dooble- vay' in both languages.

Answer

Correction to the above, regarding French and Spanish pronunciation. In French, it is pronounced doo-bluh-vay ("double-v"). Spanish is "uve-doble" (oo-vay dough-blay), which is also "double-v". There are variant pronunciations, as well (ve doble and doble ve: "vay dough-blay" and "dough-blay vay") but I never hear them; my teachers (including one from -Spain and one from Puerto Rico) invariably use uve doble.

Answer

One of the more obvious reasons for the "Double 'U'" name is that cursive became before printing. Can you figure out what happens when you write a W in cursive? You guessed it; a double 'U.'