Yes it's meant to be a "g" pronounced like a "j". I'm unsure if a hard g pronunciation could or is an alternate pronunciation, it wouldn't surprise me if it is. And wow, it sounds nicer with a hard g.
I like it but it makes me sad because of the book "Flowers for
Algernon". It also makes me think of hospitals and white sterility because of the book. Normally things like that don't affect my liking of names, but perhaps because
Algernon is so uncommon it's all I can think of.
ॐ मणिपद्मे हूं
"Speak the truth; yield not to anger; when asked, give even if you only have a little."
"Live alone and do no evil; be carefree like an elephant in the elephant forest."