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Baby names

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Original poster

Did you call your child Seren or Arianwen?

44 replies

anwenT · 07/03/2016 11:44

Hi,

I'm looking for feedback from mums who have used these names - do you have any problems with pronunciation or spelling for example? Do you love them/have regrets?

I have read a few people say on here that Seren is now chavvy or faddy :( but I'm hoping that's the minority opinion! (We are Welsh but live in England). Love Arianwen as its a much older and more unusual name, but people I show it to try and pronounce it as Aryan!

Also any one syllable middle name suggestions to go with these names??

Thanks!

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villainousbroodmare · 07/03/2016 16:04

Oh, I love both of these! Possibly Seren has the edge but both lovely. Angharad also gorgeous.

SoupDragon · 07/03/2016 14:29

I would say that most would be able to pronounce it then :) I didn't even have to refer to my Learnt On Mumsnet Welsh Pronunciation Guide

Artandco · 07/03/2016 14:24

How about Arwen?

Original poster
anwenT · 07/03/2016 14:23

Yep soup it's arry-ANN-wen :)

Thanks!!

OP posts:
Fifi10 · 07/03/2016 14:23

I've taught a Seren-Haf. Only one so I don't consider it to be a chavvy or common name at all (rhymes with seven-half so not that hard to pronounce!).

I remember at the time thinking it was a really lovely, unique name. If you like it, go for it

SoupDragon · 07/03/2016 14:14

I must confess that I think Arianwen sounds like one of the elves from Lord of the Rings. I guess it depends how tedious "no, it's a Welsh name" would become.

I have no idea how to pronounce though it unless it is "Arry An Wen" which I suspect it is not...

SoupDragon · 07/03/2016 14:11

For Seren I was thinking 'rhymes with seven' or 'like the start of the word serendipity'

Pretty much this. Most mispronunciations seem to be either putting the stress on the REN or saying Serin. It is rare that it it mispronounced though as I think most people think of Seven.

Original poster
anwenT · 07/03/2016 13:26

Oh and also people tell me Arianwen sounds like something made up from Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones :( I wish I didn't care what people thought!!

OP posts:
Original poster
anwenT · 07/03/2016 13:08

Thank you all! Aargh it's so hard to decide

beauty The Snow Spider by Jenny Nimmo was my inspiration for Arianwen, loved that book!

Anyone who has used these names on their own daughters have tips on guiding people on pronunciation?

We have a large American side of the family who will particularly struggle and we visit a lot, they are the ones who automatically say 'aryan' or 'sarin' example. For Seren I was thinking 'rhymes with seven' or 'like the start of the word serendipity'

OP posts:
MyNameIsSuz · 07/03/2016 12:56

I know a little arianwen. They live in Wales but we're in England as are a lot of their friends and family, and I've never heard anyone get it wrong. It's a great name!

SoupDragon · 07/03/2016 12:45

People always seem to think it's a beautiful name though.

flakjacket · 07/03/2016 12:44

Daughter (14) has an Arianwen and a Seren among her friends. There are also two Serens at Brownies and another at school.

Arianwen is called Ari by her friends. I think it's a lovely name :-)

SoupDragon · 07/03/2016 12:44

I know 2 Serens in my corner of south London. Your DD will have to get used to saying "no, not Sarah, Seren."

StarkyTheDirewolf · 07/03/2016 12:41

I love Arianwen, but Welsh Dh isn't a fan. But then I also love Angharad and he turns his nose up at that too! Seren is lovely, knew a couple of little Seren's in Wales but haven't come accros one in England yet. Ceridwen is also on my list.

Hushabyelullaby · 07/03/2016 12:05

Forgot to say, I really like Arianwen too. I live in Wales so am not sure if either are used much in England. I do know however that my sister is Siân, and she lives in England. She has never met another one there, but here I know lots.

I know of 3 Seren's (8 years old), but have never met a Arianwen.

SecretNutellaFix · 07/03/2016 12:02

Did you want a Welsh middle name as well?

Haf, Aur, Fflur, Mai,

Hushabyelullaby · 07/03/2016 12:01

I love Seren (it means Star doesn't it?). I wouldn't think that there would be any issues with spelling, or with how to say it when written down.

Some suggestions;

One syllable
Haf
Braith
Siân
Lyn
Mair (have heard it said with 1 and 2 syllables)
Non
Ann(e)
Rose
Mai/May/Maeve (Maebh)
Elle

2 syllable Welsh that are not so commonly heard
Cadi
Deryn
Efa (Eva in English)
Enfys

BeautyGoesToBenidorm · 07/03/2016 11:48

I've always loved Arianrhod personally Smile Seren does seem to have risen in popularity, although I've never met a little Arianwen - I remember her as a character from the Jenny Nimmo books though!

Applespice · 07/03/2016 11:48

I'm Welsh and live in Wales so can't help on how it would be pronounced in England. I prefer Arianwen as its a little less popular than Seren. Have you considered any other Welsh names? Haf as a middle name?

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