Name regret..or is it pain of breastfeeding making me crazy..

[amhurst]

Had/ continue to have problems with DS2's name..announced it when he was 3 days old as Donnacha..due (in my case at least) to pressure of constant requests to know the poor little thing's name..Nothing has been registered officially yet..just in the world of Facebook ;)..so can I ask which does anybody prefer donnacha or Iarlaith/ Iarla..or maybe they're both horrible!? Many thanks

[Redtartanshoes]

For a boy?

Well.... I have never heard either of them, but initial thoughts would be that they were girls names... If you like them though then that's all that matters

[amhurst]

I know..that's part of problem..they're irish names and I thought manageable enough but have been told they're both too confusing and/ or feminine..don't want to shackle child with bad name!

[BlueberryPoppy123]

Sadly I think they both sound more feminine iarlaith is my favourite of the 2, butt I may be. Wron but I think it sounds vety similar to the feminine Orlaith

[BlueberryPoppy123]

Also he isn't registered yet... Someone I know announced her son as Sampson, 2 weeks later when she registered him she announced she had decided she wanted him instead to be called Zachary.

[adaloveslace]

Doubt Donnacha O'Callaghan would take kindly to being told his name is feminine! But I guess if you live in the UK, I suppose it might be a tiny bit confusing since '-a' names are so huge for girls just at the moment. Personally, I think it's a very strong name and that if you stick with it, people will soon get used to it.

I can't believe people have been rude enough to criticise new baby's name...I hate that. I had a lot of mean comments about DS's unusual but very pronounceable and easy to spell Irish name when he was born (prematurely and under dramatic circumstances), and they still rankle when I think about them. Not because I'm still worried about his name - he's 6 now and totally owns it - but because I still think how damn insensitive the people who made them were.

I like Iarla too - it makes me think of the flight of the Earls and the Wild Geese and all that - though not quite as much as Donnacha, which makes me think of strong limbed, swarthy rugby playing types. The Iarlaith spelling I would probably avoid outside of Ireland and I would worry that the pronunciation of both Iarla and Iarlaith might be a challenge.

If you're really set on looking for alternative Irish names, how about Ronan or Rory or Senan or Felim or Lachlan? Or would Donagh (pronounced Done-ah) pose the same problems? If it was me, I'd stick with Donnacha though.

Congratulations on your son, by the way. Hope the breastfeeding gets easier! winces in anticipation of doing that again

[sunnybobs]

I teach a Donnacha and have taught others and he is the nicest, cleverest boy ever! English school (catholic) No confusion over name ever and am surprised people find it feminine. It's a fabulous name and I'd love to have a baby Donnacha. Congratulations on your new baby.

[goodtimesinbontemps]

I think Donnacha is a lovely name, not feminine at all. Iarlaith is nice too but I prefer Donnacha. Don't second guess yourself, you've chosen a great name!

[lovetheseasons1]

I love Gaelic names but there is the possibility that your son will get teased and called 'Donna' at school - kids can be cruel. I agree Rory, Ronan, Liam are easier. Also all the names suggestedwill involve your child constantly having to spell them out for people. Saying this we are a mixed race family and we spent a long time searching for appropriate names so I do believe you go with your heart if you love it :) congratulations on your new arrival

[StillNoFuckingEyeDeer]

I like the name Donnacha. My favourite Irish boys nane us Oisin. Go with the name you love, don't worry about what other people think.
Congratulations.

[Inglori0us]

I love Donnacha. It's on our shortlist! If you want to change it, then do. He's your baby and it's your choice. I think the first few days after a chosing a name can be tough as you need to psychologically link the baby and name together.
Take your time!

[Roshbegosh]

No one will know how to pronounce or spell it and it sounds feminine, but hey, respect for the ancestors.

[atthestrokeoftwelve]

Congratulations!

Frankly it's no-one's business what you call your child, if it's a name you like then go for it. Neither should you feel pressured- it's your child- you call the shots here. You have 3 weeks to decide so take you time and don't be rushed. If people ask tell them they will know in good time.
Anyone who criticises your name choice is downright rude.
I wouldn't even ask opinion here- no matter what name you choose you will get a mixed reaction. have you spoken to anyone about the pain on feeding?

[LydiaLunches]

Out of interest how do you pronounce them?

[Weegiemum]

We lived for years in Gaelic-Scotland. My dc are native speakers.

Ive not met children with these exact names but know a few Dohmnalls (Scottish version). It's lovely but have to say I'm biased towards Iarla as my favourite band ever is the AfroCelt Sound System and their lead singer is Iarla O'Lionaird and his voice is awesome!

My son has a Gaelic name and neither in the Hebrides or in Glasgow has Aodhan been questioned (though I have been known to spell it Aidan for simplicity where it doesn't matter!).

[FlipFantasia]

I love Donnacha - gorgeous, strong name easy to pronounce once people know how.

Iarla is grand but Donnacha is better.

Are you in America? I live in the us and find then better at Irish names than the English. Sod the asshats who are giving you hassle (bet they think they're funny...) and enjoy your little baby boy.

[BlueberryPoppy123]

adaloveslace she asked people's opinions I gave mine... As did the others, your comment saying you think people have been rude, well I just don't get it. My comment was not at all rude... I only said feminine jeez I had doubts about my sons name Percy I got negative comments about it to start with mainly from family but I'd never have changed it, glad now I didn't as it suits him perfectly...

[BlueberryPoppy123]

Also I though Iarla and Iarlaith were the same name spelt differently... Kinda like Orlaith and Orla...

[wonderpants]

I changed my DD's name (before birth) due to people just not getting Roisin. It is one of my biggest regrets in life! Go with what you want, not what other peoples opinions are!

[atthestrokeoftwelve]

blueberry I am not suggesting that you or any posters have been rude- as you say the OP asked for opinions on two different names.

The OPs friends have been rude if she has decided upon a name and they tell her they don't like it.

[meringuesnowflakes33]

It's a lovely name. Could use Don for short. Congratulations on your little boy x

[RalphRecklessCardew]

As ignorant English person I'd assumed girl too, but that's my problem not yours. Would having Don as a nn solve the problem?

[florascotia]

Congratulations!

I like Donnacha, too. The final syllable can be quite forceful: 'Donn-acka' or 'Dunn-acka'. Not girly!

If you think that people are going to be gender-confused by the 'a' ending, perhaps you might want to consider one of the alternative spellings that end in 'd' or 'dh'??

[DramaAlpaca]

Yes, Donnacha is a great name.

There are lots of various spellings - I know a Donncha, a Donnchadh & a Donnacha.

Definitely not a girly name at all. Where we live it's pronounced quite forcefully like florascotia says - 'DUNN-acka'.

I like that it looks quite 'soft' when written down, but when you say it it's a strong-sounding name.

With regards to Iarlaith, I'd go for the easier Iarla spelling I think.

Congratulations on your baby

[amhurst]

Thanks so much for your replies and kind congratulations! Think I was particularly mad last night..will be sure to say, if ever asked, not to leave name selection till post birth when everything is in shreds inclu your nerves! Have to register on Monday (am in belgium) so have the weekend to nail it down..have been listening to iarla o'lionaird to see does that force a decision! Thanks again - v nice to have some feedback..baby is being lovely so he deserves a good name :)

[Weegiemum]

You can't beat a bit of Iarla, OP! Good luck x