Irish name help please!

[harrietm87]

Hello all. We like the name Ailbhe (al-ve) for our future dd. I've also seen the name Ailbe - how is this pronounced? I would have thought al-be (like alba) but internet sources say ol-bay or al-bee and I'm confused!

[Puddleducks123]

Ailbe is a boys name so if you're having a DD I'd discount it. Ailbhe is lovely and not very popular. Think I've only ever met one (I'm Irish).

[harrietm87]

Thanks puddleducks. I'm not even pregnant actually - ttc and just thinking about names! My question was how ailbe is pronounced? (though I'm from ni and appreciate our pronunciation can be different from the south)

[MaisieDotes]

Yes, Ailbe is a boy's name. I've never met one though, I've only ever seen it written down.

I would have thought Al-beh but someone from the West or the North of Ireland might say it differently.

[MaisieDotes]

Oops x-posted with you OP!

[villainousbroodmare]

Ailbe is like Alba.
Ailbhe is like Alva.
I don't think an Northern Irish accent would alter the pronunciation really.
Lovely names.

[IoraRua]

Al-vah would be my pronunciation. I really like it.