A question for Welsh Mam's or anyone who wants to pitch in

[Cwtchbach]

We've just found out that we are having a little girl. We both still love the little girls name that we had in mind for DS - Nia. But we named DS Osian. Do you think its ok to have a Nia and Osian? How many Welsh people actually know the story of Nia Ben Aur? TBH I only came across it by accident when googling DS's name. I love Nia so much, will be hard to let it go :(

[edwardcullensotherwerewolf]

I have to admit I hadn't heard of the story, but I just googled it and from the basic jist I read, I wouldn't use it as a reason not to use Nia. It's a really pretty name
OTOH, Osian and Nia is a bit if a mouthful (unless you speak welsh mostly - Osian a Nia flows much better).

What is the full story of Nia and Osian anyway?

[timetosmile]

This Welsh Mam hasn't heard of it (off to google...) but fwiw I only know nice Nias!

[Cwtchbach]

Thanks :) I don't know the whole story TBH, something along the lines of them going to the land of Tir Na Nog together (which is Irish) as lovers. The only person that I know knows the story studied it for her A-Level Welsh (first language) so I don't really think that its too well known. But I live in the south so was just wondering whether areas that were more Welsh speaking would know it. I'm a Welsh speaker and I only came across it on google and I've not found an English version.

Any other Welsh girl suggestions are welcome. Husband is English so needs to be able to get his tongue around it,Osian was Ieuan for a few hours until I realised it was too much for him. We also like Mali, Fflur (although not sure if this would go out of fashion quite quickly) and Mari.

[PotteringAlong]

Ffion?
Lowri?

[blushingm]

nia is lovely and sounds fine with Osian - I didn't know the story but the Nias I've met have all been lovely

[edwardcullensotherwerewolf]

Mari and Mali are really pretty names, and go really well with Osian. IKWYM about Fflur (also, people might see it written down and say Fleur?)

Ffion is one of my favourites for girls Pottering ! But a lot of people I know have got Ffions ranging from 0-5 years old, and DH isn't overly keen.

Some others,

Carys
Gwenllian (shortened to Gwen, although the full version may be a bit much for your DH)
Alys
Sioned

I can't actually think of any more, will listen out at home time - DS's nursery is full of welsh names!

[BelleEnd]

I know the story, but I still think it's fine to use both names. :) I think Mari is a beautiful name, though.

[millyv]

I know both a teenage Mali and Fflur and have always thought they are lovely names. Carys, CAriad, CAri are my favourites but DH has vetoed! Nia is also lovely, I have never heard of this story and think Osian and Nia sound lovely! xx

[mejon]

To my shame I'm Welsh first language and did A'level Welsh but I'm not familiar with the story - is it from the Mabinogion - I'm not even sure of that?! [didn't pay much attention in school emoticon] Osian a Nia sound fine and I don't think there would be any negative connotations.

[edwardcullensotherwerewolf]

mejon I thought it might have been from the Mabinogion, but I googled further as I love Welsh myths (I never studied Welsh mythology as I went through 2nd language stream in school), and found that it actually derives from Irish mythology. Even with more knowledge about the story now, I don't think there are any negative connotations around Osian and Nia.

[WowOoo]

Osian And Nia sound fine together. Mali is lovely too.

[TipOfTheSlung]

I have a Nia and I am in England. It's fine. Occasionally people call her Mia but thats the as bas as it gets

Noones ever mentione Nia ben aur to me to be though I did buy her a childrens version when she was born

[TipOfTheSlung]

ahhh I can type really

[TipOfTheSlung]

Can I add Bronwen to the list of suggestions

though I think Nia would work ok

[DawnOfTheDeementedDead]

Nia is lovely.

And i adore both Mali and Mari.


Other Welsh girls names i love are

Eleri
Celyn
Gwenllian
Manon
Carys
Arianna
Seren
Angharad
Cerys
Gwendolen
Lowri

[Cwtchbach]

Thanks for the reassurance everyone. I don't believe that it is from the Mabinogian, I think its Irish? I don't know how its come to be translated into a Welsh story though. There are so many pretty Welsh girls names I feel a bit spoilt for choice :)

[ShroudOfHamsters]

I think it would be fine to use... I only know the story because of the 70s prog rocky thing - Edward H Dafis?

But if you are unsure, as you say there are SO many fab Welsh girl names that you are spoilt for choice anyway! Manon, Mali and Carys are all particularly lovely and present no pronunciation problems for a Sais DH :)

[BelleEnd]

Edward H is what I thought of too shroud! In fact, I have been singing "niiiiiia ben aur, oooo dir na nog, hiiiiiii oedd y ferch dlysaaaaa welod ooooosian erioed...." all bloody day. :o

[ShroudOfHamsters]

Belle - Sion Corn needs to bring you the two compilations of early Sain recordings - Welsh Rare Beat - that have been put together! Brilliant stuff -

www.amazon.com/Welsh-Rare-Beat-Various-Artists/dp/B000A6AB80?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

[BelleEnd]

Oooooh excellent! Thanks Hamsters! Like Richard Rees' show, on a CD...

[oohlaalaa]

Nia is lovely. I live in North Wales, but originate from England. I have never heard of Nia Ben Aur, if that's any help.

[suburbandream]

Nia is a beautiful name. DH is Welsh and it was on our list, we ended up with two boys though

[TipOfTheSlung]

the Mabinogian is Welsh

[SenSationsMad]

I remember Nia Ben Aur too, but don't think many would. Go for it!

[ReebleBeeble]

Nia is lovely! My mother was big on welsh names and Ive read the Mabignagion cover to cover several times! Also read up on Celtic mythology but never came across Nia's story. All celtic mythology is connected in some way which could be why it was found in a Welsh tale.
As for other Welsh names, Im Rhiannon and my sister is Olwen. I always liked Epona, Efa, Ceridwen and Nerys. I wouldnt go for Gwen, carys or cerys as (no offence to those who suggested or have named thier DDs them!) theyre really predictable and judging by your DS's name it doesnt sound like you want to be :D

Congrats and good luck!