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Baby names

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

Original poster

Is it unfair to call my baby Saoirse?

136 replies

Myname15 · 13/07/2015 18:30

Hi everyone
I'm 21 weeks pregnant with my first child. Recently found out that we're having a girl. My favourite girls name is Saoirse (pronounced sir-sha). I love the meaning (liberty) and have loved the name since i was a kid. The name's Gaelic, dp is Irish as is half my family, but I am really struggling with whether or not it's unfair to land my daughter to be with that spelling :s.
What does everyone think?

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Original poster
Myname15 · 13/07/2015 18:54

Thanks everyone. I've never met a Saoirse but I knew an Aoife years ago and no one seemed to struggle with it. And bitoffun, good point well made

OP posts:
BitOfFun · 13/07/2015 18:49

If half the country can learn how to spell Daenarys Targaryen, they can get their bonces round Saoirse, I'm sure. It's a beautiful name, go for it.

villainousbroodmare · 13/07/2015 18:45

I'm Irish and I know a few Saoirses. I doubt there were too many of 'em marching yesterday iykwim, but it's certainly not Republican.

SoupDragon · 13/07/2015 18:44

Also, English people won't have a clue how to spell or pronounce it.

Really? All English people? How about the Welsh?

Original poster
Myname15 · 13/07/2015 18:42

Hi. Sorry had Internet probs then. I think it's really strong and beautiful, but yeah think lots of people would have no idea how to pronounce it, and we are living in England. Wasn't aware it came across as that sectarian, but spose its in a lot of Republican literature (a plus for dp). Like I said, love love the name but a lifetime explaining your name may be the end result

OP posts:
Cornberry · 13/07/2015 18:40

I don't think it's cruel at all. It's a beautiful name :)

ASAS · 13/07/2015 18:40

I like the name, but I agree with lucky. I actually thought it meant freedom and I'd call it Irish as opposed to Gaelic. It implies a certain leaning which you might not have intended. But obv choose the name you wish as we're all randoms off the internet.

And congratulations!

MrsRonBurgundy · 13/07/2015 18:38

I went to a UK school with a girl of same name - it's beautiful and it really isn't hard to spell or pronounce once you've been told once. I love it

Luckystar1 · 13/07/2015 18:36

Personally I would avoid as it's quite a republican name and can been seen as a bit of a statement (not in a good way). Also, English people won't have a clue how to spell or pronounce it.

Iggi999 · 13/07/2015 18:36

You live..?

villainousbroodmare · 13/07/2015 18:34

I think I'd go for it. It's a gorgeous name and the actress Saoirse Ronan is becoming more and more well-known.