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Original poster

looking for opinions on "Ossian"

38 replies

honeytea · 06/10/2012 10:55

Hello,

We are still looking for names for DC1 due in 2 months, I like the name Ossian, I was wondering what people's reactions to the name are.

I have read it is an anglo version of an Irish name, I have 1 Irish grandparent so there is a vague Irish family connection (although the baby will be only 1/8 Irish.)

I like the meaning of little deer as he will be born so close to Christmas and we live in a country where you see a lot of little deers wondering around in the snow around Christmas.

Do you know any men/boys called Ossian?

Thank you :)

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delilah88 · 06/10/2012 20:38

I met one -- massively posh sort of eco-farm hippy type.

mathanxiety · 06/10/2012 15:44

X post there with Caladria.

mathanxiety · 06/10/2012 15:43

Ossian is an anglicisation that was used by 19th C writers pedalling versions of the old Irish sagas/making up vaguely 'Celtic' literature. So a very Victorian or even pre Victorian name to me that has no basis in actual ancient literature. Walter Scott-ish, fake Celtic, Romantic. ..

The Irish Oisín is pronounced Ush-een in most of Ireland with a variant Osh-een in the north.

LemonBreeland · 06/10/2012 14:45

My friend hasan Osian, pronounced Osheen. He is 2, they live in Scotland but he has an Irish father.

aufaniae · 06/10/2012 14:41

Or 250 even. (Sorry having problems counting!)

aufaniae · 06/10/2012 14:37

Oisín is an ancient, pre-Christian name, from Celtic legends and Ossian is a variant.

Then MacPherson fraud was a mere 300 years ago! Grin

Caladria · 06/10/2012 13:45

It's the name of the most successful literary fraud of all time: en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ossian

I've always liked that story and mean to read Ossian someday, but it might be strange to be named after a fake.

soapnuts · 06/10/2012 13:38

It's going to be DS2s name - also due in a couple of months! Grin I actually had a thread on this a few weeks ago and there is a lot of discussion on pronunciation. We decided to go with the Welsh Osian (pronounced Osh-an). Here's the link - it might give you some more opinions. Obviously I love it! www.mumsnet.com/Talk/baby_names/1560547-How-would-you-pronounce-Oisin

aufaniae · 06/10/2012 13:33

All human Grin

aufaniae · 06/10/2012 13:32

I know one Ossian (Scottish pronunciation), three Oisíns and I know of an Ossian (Anglicised pronunciation).

Cezella · 06/10/2012 13:29

I live in North Wales and know at least nine Osians so I definitely wouldn't expect to hear sniggering about the name!

Anonymumous · 06/10/2012 13:07

It makes me think of hessian underthings... Blush

AllPastYears · 06/10/2012 12:39

YouMayLogOut, the only Ossian I know is a horse. Grin

YouMayLogOut · 06/10/2012 12:27

I think of a horse (an oss).

Original poster
honeytea · 06/10/2012 12:16

Thanks for all the advice! It sounds like there is lots of choice about the pronunciations.

I am not sure if choosing a name that you only have a small link to the country of origan is a silly thing to do, another name we love is theodor but I'm not worried about not being greek so I'm not sure why I feel maybe I'm not celtic enough to use this name.

OP posts:
baskingseals · 06/10/2012 12:14

thanks aufaniae Grin

pixiestix · 06/10/2012 11:28

I love Osian/Ossian, pronounced Osh-ann. Its a beautiful name, I can't see any reason for people to "snigger" behind his back as mentioned upthread Hmm

MeFour · 06/10/2012 11:22

I like Osian but that's because it's welsh. I love the history behind these ancient names.

Youremindmeofthebabe · 06/10/2012 11:21

X-posted with everyone!

Youremindmeofthebabe · 06/10/2012 11:20

I know a few Osian's - a welsh name. Pronounced osh-ann. I like it. Never heard of Ossian though.

aufaniae · 06/10/2012 11:18

Oisín is the Irish name, pronounced Ush-een / Osheen depending on your accent
Osian is the Welsh version, pronounced Osh-an
Ossian is the Scottish version, also pronounced Osh-an
Ossian is also the Anglicised version, pronounced Oss-ian

I think it's a fabulous name, with great stories from Celtic myths attached, and a lovely meaning.

I love it, and have only ever heard people say good things about it :)

(I might just have a vested interest in this name Wink )

mejon · 06/10/2012 11:17

It is spelt Osian in Welsh and prn. Oshann with a short 'o' shound rather than 'oh' (so it doesn't sound like Ocean!!!). Given your location OP and the meaning of the name I think it sounds perfect Smile.

loolooskiptotheloo · 06/10/2012 11:16

Osian pronounced osh Anne is quite common here in Wales, I like it.

Ragwort · 06/10/2012 11:09

I've only met one Ossian - and to be honest everyone sniggered about his name behind his back, I know that sounds cruel, but that's what happened.

lljkk · 06/10/2012 11:08

Meh.