Active discussions

Help protect children from gaming harms.

Take our survey

Please or to access all these features

Talk
Baby names

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

Original poster

Which spelling?

25 replies

IslaMann · 09/01/2016 11:12

DH suggested Orlagh yesterday (after we thought we'd agreed another name,) which I love but I prefer Orla as spelling, as I feel the 'gh' looks a little harsh and will lead to both mispronunciation and misspelling. He feels that neither will be a problem, particularly since his name has 2 different spellings. What do you guys prefer? (We have a Scottish surname, Mc---- )

OP posts:
Are your children’s vaccines up to date?
Set a reminder
New posts on this thread. Refresh page
squoosh · 10/01/2016 13:46

Determined to be different isn't he! Don't think I've ever met an Órla.

Original poster
IslaMann · 10/01/2016 13:27

Thanks all. Showed DH your replies last night, he just said "hmmm". Over lunch today tho he has said he thinks Orla will be the best option. (Tho with an accent over the O - Órla. )

OP posts:
DontKillMyVibe · 09/01/2016 23:29

Have never come across the 'gh' spelling before. Orlaith or Orla. Not really keen on the 'gh' - looks as if it's just spelt wrong.

geekaMaxima · 09/01/2016 23:28

Heffalump Grin

IssyStark · 09/01/2016 23:26

Orla. Grew up in Ireland and never ever came across a Orlagh but plenty of Orlas.

ThomasRichard · 09/01/2016 23:25

Orla.

As a softy southerner I'd say 'Orlagh' as Or-lag and then get all confused and embarrassed when I was corrected.

Coldtoeswarmheart · 09/01/2016 23:20

Orla.

wigglesrock · 09/01/2016 23:08

Orla - I know quite a few and its either Orla or Orlaith.

CocktailQueen · 09/01/2016 22:48

Orla! I don't like the 'gh' either.

MagicFinger · 09/01/2016 22:47

Orla

DramaAlpaca · 09/01/2016 22:45

Orla

HeffalumpTrap · 09/01/2016 22:32

That was quite interesting maxima, you should team up with Stephen Fry, I'd watch.

squoosh · 09/01/2016 21:23

Orla. As mentioned, it's actually more traditional than Orlagh.

leoniethelioness · 09/01/2016 13:47

Orla

geekaMaxima · 09/01/2016 13:36

Orlagh isn't any more 'authentic' if that's his reason for suggesting that particular spelling.

^ this

If you want "authenticity", it's Órfhlaith Grin Pronounced with a long O, like in "note" (not a short O, like in "not").

Orlaith is a spelling modernisation in Irish (dropping silent fh), and Orla is a further modernisation again (dropping silent ith). Orlagh is a bit madey-uppy but not uncommon.

Orla wins Smile

MitzyLeFrouf · 09/01/2016 13:17

Definitely Orla. Orlagh isn't any more 'authentic' if that's his reason for suggesting that particular spelling.

villainousbroodmare · 09/01/2016 13:03

I actually love the look of Orlagh. But if you have any concerns about mispronunciation or if you don't like the look of it, then definitely opt for Orla. Lovely name.

ShowOfHands · 09/01/2016 11:48

I know one and she is Orlaith. Orla if you're choosing between those two spellings.

royaldub · 09/01/2016 11:47

Another vote for Orla here

wonderpants · 09/01/2016 11:26

Orla

AngelsWithFilthySouls · 09/01/2016 11:23

It was our girl's name had DS been a DD and would have spelt it Orlaith. From your choices I'd go with Orla.

TheSecondViola · 09/01/2016 11:22

We spell it Orlaith, but for your choice I would go for Orla.

HeffalumpTrap · 09/01/2016 11:20

I have a(n Irish) friend named Orla, such a pretty name

Emochild · 09/01/2016 11:20

Orla

Novus · 09/01/2016 11:18

Orla, I have a friend named the same and she is SO grateful her parents went for Orla. It looks prettier, too.

Swipe left for the next trending thread