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Baby names

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

Original poster

Having doubts about chosen Boy's Name

83 replies

MsMittens · 27/03/2015 11:57

Hi all,

DH and I had decided on Donnacha (pronounced Done - aka) for DC2. I imagine that nn will be Don or Donny. Our surname is Blair.

We had picked it because we wanted an Irish name that was unusual but not too out there and that people in England (specifically London/Surrey) would be able to pronounce without too much trouble.

For some reason, now 35 wks and I am having doubts. Would be really interested to hear people's views on the name - do you like it?

(p.s. we don't know whether we are expecting a boy or a girl but still love our chosen girl's name)

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DianeLockhart · 27/03/2015 12:25

Not massively keen. I'm not familiar with it and on first glance I don't think I'd have known if male or female based on the spelling.

It's not awful and would probably grow on me with familiarity but I think there are nicer irish names and easier ones too.

lemonyone · 27/03/2015 12:16

I'm glad you are rethinking this one.

I'm afraid to me it sounds like a girls name - like Donnatella - but perhaps Polish rather than Irish. Is that a problem to have a boy with a girlish sounding Polish name? probably not but it's just how it sounds to me on first hearing.

I'm also not too keen on Don/Donny because of the Donny from New Kids on the Block vibe, or because of Don Draper from Mad Men - but those are really niche complaints and i might just be a little bit picky on that.

cosmicglittergirl · 27/03/2015 12:15

I had to say it a few times to get the feel of it, I've never heard it before. Initially I wasn't sure, but it grew on me. If you like it go for it, however I had my DD2 three weeks ago and her name was chosen until the last minute when I just felt it wasn't right and we chose something else so I know how you feel. I tested my choices out on a few good friends to gauge responses. Donny is a cute nn too.

YoSaffBridge · 27/03/2015 12:11

I'd say its one of those names that could have pronunciation problems over the years. Not because the actual pronunciation is difficult, it's just in the Cillian category for me of being easily mispronounced when someone's glancing through a list.

Also if I was have a dense moment, it might not twig that it was a boys name and I might expect them to be a girl (which would be reasonably idiotic but it does depend on how familiar you are with Irish names, I'd say)

Jackieharris · 27/03/2015 12:05

Don't know how to pronounce it.

Either way it doesn't sound nice.

Sorry.

TheWildRumpyPumpus · 27/03/2015 12:03

I don't really like the sound of it - it seems quite harsh to the ears.

I don't think you'll have any problems with people being able to pronounce it - my kids have Polish, Indian, Irish names in their class and don't find any of them 'weird' or unpronounceable.

The actual name though, not my favourite.

Original poster
MsMittens · 27/03/2015 12:01

Thanks for the reply maple - looking for straw poll reaction to the name so it is really helpful.

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maplebaconchips · 27/03/2015 11:59

I really don't like it. Sorry. Unusual and not in a good way.