Muireann

[TimeForMyOwnDSorDD]

I simply adore this name for a DD. (pronounced Mirren in Ulster dialect)

But is it too Irish for a child that will only be quarter Irish and grow up in England?

My Irish identity is strong even though I'm mixed race, very republican background. I know that my DM would love me to use the name and although I know the only people who should be involved in naming are the parents of the child concerned, it is nice when the family approves!

But I don't want to consign her to a lifetime of spelling her name...

What do you think?

[Littlefish]

I have a friend called Muireann, but it's not pronounced anything like Mirren. I think with your pronunciation, it's a lovely name which obviously has strong connections for you. However, the pronunciation I know is not nearly as pretty - sort of "Mern", with a bit of a wobble in the middle!

[TimeForMyOwnDSorDD]

There's a lot of regional variations with this one - in the south of Ireland, it's "mwirren", where my mum's family are from it's something in between "mirren" and "murren", imagine a N Irish accent saying it - and if swallowed a bit it would be as you describe!

I really really love it, it's just the spelling issue I'm worried about, I'm just imagining the poor child at school struggling to make the teachers pronounce it correctly.

[Groovee]

We had a child at work called "Mirren" who was spelled Muirne. But dd is Eilidh and people all over the world can pronounce that. Her classmates from primary still couldn't spell her name right after 7 years.

[wigglesrock]

Its lovely, If you like it go for it. Spelling can be very random anyway. I have a Sofia, people always spell it Sophia. She has been at school for 3 years and she still gets invites etc addressed to Sophia. I think once people have heard it correctly once it'll be fine.

[TimeForMyOwnDSorDD]

I guess to a certain extent most names will need to be spelled out..

I'm so happy people like it :)

[Tangointhenight]

I live in northern Ireland and have never actually heard this name, sorry I'm not sure I like it, there are so many beautiful Celtic names to choose from have you any other contenders?

[TimeForMyOwnDSorDD]

It's not common but it's definitely a name, Tango.

I was also considering Niamh, but even though it's so much more common no one seems to be able to spell that!

Where in N Ireland as a matter of interest tango? (I don't mean your actual address, just county :) )

[Tangointhenight]

Not doubting it's a name BTW :)

I'm in North Co. Antrim.
Niamh is one of my favourites, As is Caoimhe

[Tangointhenight]

Sorry posted too soon, but you know what I'd you like the name to for it its nobodies business plus there seems to be a lot of people who think its nice :)

[TimeForMyOwnDSorDD]

Also co. Antrim roots. :)

You are so right - after all, there will be always someone who dislikes the name whatever you choose!

[Tangointhenight]

Exactly, I fell out with my inlaws over their disgust at my chosen boys name (it was a nice traditional biblical name and quite popular) but they were dicks about it. Turned out I had a girl but I hope I get to have my boy someday to piss them off :o

[IawnCont]

Pretty. Go for it! I have a spell-it-out-all-the-time Welsh name, and it's really not that much bother...

[chipmonkey]

There are loads of Muireanns in the Rep. Of Ireland. I think it 's probably easier to spell/ pronounce than the likes of Aoife or Niamh, where the Irish phonetics are totally different from the English. And people in England/Wales still seem to manage those names!

[mathanxiety]

I know a few Muireanns (from the south) and all use the Mw--- pronunciation. The northern pronunciation is lovely too and might be a bit easier than the (very) broad M in the south. There is also the name Merryn which is somewhat similar..or you could spell it Myrrin?

I have an Irish name myself that looks nothing like the pronunciation, and people get used to it. It is great for screening cold calls.

Cheering you on Tangointhenight

[Tangointhenight]

Thanks mathanxiety :)