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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Boys name shortlist. honest opinions please

65 replies

BarbieLovesKen · 31/12/2010 13:12

Despite having ages yet, Im really panicing about a boy's name - to a point that Im getting worried as there is very little I actually love. Most are just ok and anything I do find pretty nice, dh hates and vice versa.

We adore our Ds's name - possibly a little too much as we're finding it very hard to follow it if that makes sense. Am worried if this ones a boy, he'll be getting a second best name as it couldnt possibly be as nice as ds's name (to us anyway). I know that sounds silly . (Ds's name is Oisín)

We're pretty much set on a girl's name. (Most likely Kate Gabriella or Kate Scarlett a la Gone with the Wind but could possibly be an Adrienna/e or Gabrielle/a too)

Anyway, would really appreciate if you could have a look at our list of boy's names (and be as blunt as possible please as really, Im we're not in love with any!!!)

My shortlist:
Iarla or Iarlaith (pronounced Ear-la)(is this girly? probably my favourite, I think but still not completely sold on it.
Naoise pronounced Nee-sha (too girly?)
Blaine
and suprisingly (different from the rest)
Alfie and Harry (I know these are hugely popular in UK, but arent here, havent heard of either and quite low down in charts).
Did like Elijah but think I've gone off it now.

DH's shortlist:
Tomás
Cian
Cianan (this isnt even a name, as far as Im aware)
He has also mentioned Cíaran and loves Cathal (irish for Charlie)

I know, some of his are perfectly nice names but I find them terribly boring and ordinary as in theres 600 of each around here. (p.s. we are Irish and are living in Ireland)

Could you give me your vote or thoughts on each? Thank you all so much.

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Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 01/01/2011 20:14

Its like naming a boy after his father to me.. a bit like "ah sod it! couldnt think of anything else.."

OP posts:
Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 01/01/2011 20:13

It is lovely but its really a surname to me. I've never heard of a Brennan in Ireland (first name) so its unusual but I suppose its like someone using Smith as a first name to me.

Anyway, think my whole family would be kind of Confused (I've loads of aunts/cousins/ uncles etc still with the name Brennan about and it just feels odd)

OP posts:
tebbles · 01/01/2011 19:33

Are you sure you cant use Brennan? I really like it and as it's your maiden name you have a great reason to use it!

LilyBolero · 01/01/2011 19:33

Guy-Ann, yes. Although, thinking about it, it is Welsh not Irish Blush. Still a lovely name though, and goes well with Oisin I think!

Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 01/01/2011 19:25

Have never heard of Gaian - how is it prounounced? Guy - anne?

Oh theboyneedsaname thanks for that - and for understanding my being so awkard about choosing this one!. I like Finn but OH doesnt, but I love Fionn (which obviously you cant have because that would be plain silly!). Niall is lovely but a little not special enough, imo. Am glad theres a few of us that might benefit from this thread though and all the thoughtful suggestions from the lovely mnetters (lick-arse emoction)

PML at Spookly, I think you could have a point though, I may be loosing my mind. This damn name is driving me insane and am randomly throwing out ridiculous names constandly just for the sake of it (honestly, these are my nicest ones Grin) Im so glad someone doesnt think Iarla or Naoise are girly either, but unfortunately you and I appear to be the only two. Sad

Whoodoo thank you so much but Arlen is too much like Arlene for me and I knew one I hated..

OP posts:
whoodoo · 31/12/2010 22:27

Arlen??- a friend has it for her boy and it's apparently an old Irish name

spidookly · 31/12/2010 22:20

YOU:
Iarla - lovely, not girly
Naoise - lovely, not girly
Blaine - WTF are you thinking? Worst name on earth. Only Blaise comes close.
Alfie - skanger
Harry - there is a good reason Irish people don't use this name
Elijah - skanger

YOUR DH:
Tomás - I like this actually, not as good as Iarla, but a good solid name
Cian - I love this name, English DH hates it because he thinks it has only one syallable and rhymes with bean
Cianan - as in, little Cian? This might be his Blaine
Cíaran - pretty nice, won't set the world on fire, but OK
Cathal - nice

Iarla's still your best choice here. Your DH seems to have some nice ideas too. I think since you last posted you may have slightly lost your mind. :o

theboyneedsaname · 31/12/2010 22:11

I will be watching this with interest barbie, as we are in the same position. We already have three children with Irish names, have a girl's name in mind for this one (due next month), but can't decide on an Irish boy's name.

I like Oisin, but dp does not unfortunately. He wants Niall, which is very similiar to his own name, but I think it would get confusing.

I quite like Fergus, but again dp says nay. Also like Bran. Already have a Finn.

It is sooooo hard - I understand you really wanting the perfect name for your child.

LilyBolero · 31/12/2010 21:38

What about Gaian? If I was Irish I would use this -it's the name of one of the dragons in Ivor the Engine!

Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 31/12/2010 21:27

Good because Rory isnt nice enough. Grin. Actually, bought a beautiful book about Tir Na Nog for our Oisín and it really is a gorgeous story. Naoise - now thats a bit of a gorey one.

snoozy, again perfectly nice but meh. (sorry, I feel really ungrateful throwing these all out, I really do appreciate the suggestions)

OP posts:
2muchtodo2littletime · 31/12/2010 21:17

Brother and SIL have texted in past half hour to claim Rory for their baby! I'm Irish and love the legends that go with these names - Fionn McCool, Oisin in Tir Na Nog etc.

snoozysheep · 31/12/2010 21:05

Colm?

Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 31/12/2010 21:00

Ooh love Fionn. Just said it to DH and he says "hmm not bad.." (thats really good). Dont like Ruairi - go with Oisín Grin.

Will look on Amazon.

OP posts:
2muchtodo2littletime · 31/12/2010 20:56

Love love love Oisin.My Ds is Fionn and if he gets a brother he will be Oisin, or possibly Ruairi. There is a good Celtic baby name book on Amazon

GabbyLoggon · 31/12/2010 20:49

I like Ronan,Timothy, Doonan etc

Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 31/12/2010 20:31

Thigh - Ga (say it quick)

PML im terrible at explaining prounciations.

How kind of you, thank you so much.

I like it, said it to dh and he doesnt Sad

OP posts:
BelligerentYhoULE · 31/12/2010 19:29

Just been browsing Irish boys' name lists and found Tadgh which it says means poet - I like the look of this a lot although not entirely sure how it would be pronounced. :)

Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 31/12/2010 19:16

Course I will Leroy Smile

Trouble is, think I found the perfect one in Oisín (for us anyway) and as I said, am finding it really hard to find something to match or live up to it, if that makes sense. Oisín is complimented by everyone we meet - from people of 70 odd years old to teenagers who think its "cool". Grin We've relations/ friends in Austrailia, the States and UK and (although we may have to prounounce it out for them) seem to genuinely adore it. We are forever receiving comments on this name.

The likes of Niall (which DH really likes btw), Cian, Paddy, Michael, Padraig, Finbar, Eamon etc are all perfectly fine but very, very average imo and well, boring as I know about 50 of each. Also, as I keep saying to dh, fine doesnt cut it - I want it to be gorgeous or perfect - nothing is good enough for my son, dont you know Wink. Think I was drawn to Iarla and Naoise for these reasons, that they are that little bit unusual (agree that Naoise is too girly though, and dh says no way but dont know if Im completely turned off Iarla/ laith yet)

OP posts:
LeroyJethroGibbs · 31/12/2010 18:51

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working9while5 · 31/12/2010 18:44

I like Brendan, Dara, Fintan, Finbarr, Odhran, Cian, Oisin, Ruairi, Sean.

I think it's nice to use Irish names. Blaine reminds me of that toss-pot magician. Alfie and Harry of Eastenders. Too many madey-uppy names in Ireland now - Jaydens and Kaydens and the like.

LeroyJethroGibbs · 31/12/2010 18:35

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seanbonbon · 31/12/2010 18:33

Dara? getting a bit popular here now but I love it.

BelligerentYhoULE · 31/12/2010 18:27

Nope, I don't like Seamus.

Original poster
BarbieLovesKen · 31/12/2010 18:25

Leroy Oisín is prounounced Ush - een.

PML at "Blaine either having a skin tight silver jumpsuit and blue skin OR toothpaste-advert-teeth and an insincere smile" Grin Ok, think I am officially off Blaine too!!. Only knew one, from a family of all very irish names too and he was super cool and lovely and think its the only reason I picked it, he had a stunning surname that it really suited though.

Do you all really like Seamus? really dont. At all.(again, sorry!!)

Newyear glad to you said you think Cathal is awful as I do too, really hate it.

Oh dear, Im actually beginning to hope this one is a girl, which Im really ashamed of admitting. Its purely on the name thing though, as I'd adore another little boy or girl around the house - if I'd a nice boy's name I wouldnt give a damn. Thats a bit sad really. Sad

OP posts:
NewYearNewPants · 31/12/2010 17:45

Oisin is fabulous, so well done on that one Grin

I'm Irish and love tradiitonal Irish names, but really not keen on Iarlaith. It sounds too close to Orla for my liking. I also dislike Naoise. It does sound too girly to me, yes.

Not keen on your other suggestions, either (sorry!). Blaine is awful.

I love Elijah, but you've gone off that, so that's not much help...

Alfie and Harry are OK. So, so popular in London, though.

LOVE Tomas, like Cian. Not keen on Cianan. Ciaran is nice. Cathal awful.

Cillian
Seamus
Dara
Ruairi / Ruaraidh
Lorcan
Cormac ??

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