Mumsnet Talk

I'm wondering how Erin is seen in Ireland. I believe it's meaning is Ireland and has been around since the 1950s or so. Is it a popular name? I'm trying to work out what kind of name it is - trendy, classic etc - and if its going to stand the test of time.

Could it described as timeless as that's what I'm looking for?

It's not a proper Irish name.

It's a name 3rd generation Americans call their kids. Phoney and naff.

I'm Irish.

Lovely name. The only one I know has Irish parents

the only one I know has an Irish dad....

It's originally a poetic name for Ireland (Eireann), imported back to Ireland from Irish immigrants in America, I believe. I am 34 and know four Irish Erins, from 13 to early 30s.

Lovely name. Some friends called their daughter Erin - he is Irish, she is 2nd generation Irish

Oh and in Ireland, it's pronounced 'Ere/inn'.

I love it.
It started out as only Irish Americans would call their daughters this, also Shannon, to emphasise their Irishness.
So its been seen by Americans as an Irish name for decades now.
But whilest people used to sort of sneer at this type of thing (back in the 80s people would marvel at "only in america..."), in the past 10 ish years its become a name name.
I love it. Its high up my list.

We have an Erin. DH is Irish, I'm not.

It isn't a common name in Ireland, and isn't traditional at all. But it is a name that works well in the UK, but still has a nod to her father's heritage.

I don't think DH's family had any objection to it.

you sound familiar Ms V

It's similar to the Scottish Gaelic for Ireland, Eirinn (pronounced air-een)
Fwiw!

I'm from Ireland, I know of one. It's not very popular at all, I would never have liked it. It would not be considered a traditional name here.

I think it is often seen as a compromise name for people who want an Irish link, but not a really Irish name with a 'difficult' spelling. I think relatives of mine would possibly consider it a bit naff. Like naming your child Chelsea or London.

But I (English) like it. Have two non-Irish friends with an Erin.

No, definitely not traditional or classic from an Irish perspective.

Familiar, goralka? How so??

I really hate this name.

It reminds me of cheap cuppa soup - Erin Hotcup.

Erin and Éireann aren't pronounced the same way.

were you ever Ms V in RL?

Am Irish, it makes me think of Erin Soup

My first name is V......

ah no well then I got it wrong! Sorry!

Don't have too many close friends but 3 have daughters named Erin
prounced Air - in. All gave birth the same year

Each looking for an original name, all quite horrified that someone else had used their original name.

(phew, thought my cover was blown there)

sorry to alarm you!!

Again with the soup I'm afraid.

I know 3 Erins, all under 3. All are British babies but named by first or second generation Irish parents who would regard themselves as having strong Irish roots (or at least one of them would). I like it, but it is becoming rather common in my (admittedly anglo-Irish catholic) circles.