Does anyone have/know an Ailbhe?

30 replies

Shomac · 25/08/2011 05:06

We are considering this name for our son. Our other children have Gaelic names too, for family reasons. It's pronounced Al-vey.

Has anyone else known an Ailbhe? Did it prove a tricky name with family and friends? Was it commonly abbreviated to Al? Any feedback welcome - honestly! Thanks

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Shomac · 25/08/2011 09:48

Wow! Thanks everyone. I'm astounded . Everything we have read indicates it's a boy's name. I appreciate it might cause a boy difficulty on the basis of the feedback above... :(

I am living in England, and apologise on behalf of those who are maybe a bit too lazy to just ask how names are said: that's all it takes! Gaelic names are beautiful and should be out there . We've certainly had our dramas with people who didn't agree that Gaelic names were a sensible choice; including my Dad and an (ex) GP who said our eldest's name was difficult in phonetic terms and he'd never be able to spell it. So that was nice.

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mopsytop · 25/08/2011 09:17

Ailbhe is a girl's name! Pronounced Alva. Maybe traditionally male as Theala says but in Ireland only used for girls. Would be the equivalent of calling a boy Sarah or Jane in Ireland. And never abbreviated to Al, as far as I know.

I love the name myself. Are you living in Britain though? I am not going to call my child an Irish name purely because I know so many Irish people who have difficulties in Britain with noone able to spell or pronounce their name.

Theala · 25/08/2011 09:04

My cousin is Ailbhe also, but she's a girl. And we pronounce it Al-va.

A quick google reveals that St. Ailbhe was male though. Huh.

eefs · 25/08/2011 08:37

Heard it many times but only for a girl, beautiful name though.

carciofi · 25/08/2011 08:34

My cousin is Ailbhe but she is a girl, I have never heard it used for a boy.

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