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Baby names

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Original poster

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

32 replies

Cwtchbach · 18/10/2011 22:43

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 :(

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DacwMamYnDwad · 06/07/2021 13:05

It's Mabinogi/Mabinogion not Mabinogian.

The names are a bit too closely linked, but they are both very popular names so if you like Nia, then use it.

Mari, Mali and Fflur are fine, but Flur is not easy to pronounce if you don't speak Welsh.

SillyBub · 05/07/2021 20:36

@Welshdragon448

My brother is called osian who's now 30 and my sister is called nia who's 29 no one really knows the story so it seems and when I tell people they don't seem to think it's weird
To be fair, the OP's DC aren't far off 30 and 29 now HmmGrin
Welshdragon448 · 05/07/2021 20:06

My brother is called osian who's now 30 and my sister is called nia who's 29 no one really knows the story so it seems and when I tell people they don't seem to think it's weird

Mrsrobertduvall · 21/10/2011 17:35

I love Nia.
I have a very Welsh name which I will not divulge, but it means "pretty "
Manon is lovely too.
Eirwen
Eirlys
Gweniona

myncichips · 21/10/2011 17:30

I've always loved Eira (means snow) and Alaw (melody)

sqweegiebeckenheim · 21/10/2011 16:44

WE EXPORT MYTHS?????????????????!!!!!!!!!!!!! REALLY!!!!!!

I thought they were just stories we were made to learn at school. My mother's sole inspiration for naming her 4 children were tragic Irish love stories. I had no idea they were translated into other languages.

Original poster
Cwtchbach · 21/10/2011 12:19

I know that the Mabinogian is Welsh, I think that the story of Nia Ben Aur is Irish but has since been translated into Welsh. I think their Irish counterparts are Oisin and Niamh x

OP posts:
ReebleBeeble · 21/10/2011 11:57

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!

SenSationsMad · 21/10/2011 10:30

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

TipOfTheSlung · 21/10/2011 10:26

the Mabinogian is Welsh

suburbandream · 21/10/2011 10:13

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

oohlaalaa · 21/10/2011 10:07

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.

BelleEnd · 20/10/2011 20:25

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

ShroudOfHamsters · 19/10/2011 20:55

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

BelleEnd · 19/10/2011 16:27

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 · 19/10/2011 15:42

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

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 :)

Original poster
Cwtchbach · 19/10/2011 14:41

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 :)

OP posts:
DawnOfTheDeementedDead · 19/10/2011 14:14

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

TipOfTheSlung · 19/10/2011 14:03

Can I add Bronwen to the list of suggestions

though I think Nia would work ok

TipOfTheSlung · 19/10/2011 14:02

ahhh I can type really

TipOfTheSlung · 19/10/2011 14:01

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

WowOoo · 19/10/2011 13:58

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

edwardcullensotherwerewolf · 19/10/2011 13:54

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. Smile

mejon · 19/10/2011 13:38

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.

millyv · 19/10/2011 13:02

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