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Baby names

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Girls shortlist...is Eilidh a bit unrealistic for living in England??

105 replies

marmitecheesetoast · 13/02/2017 13:22

So we don't know what we're having but approaching 32 weeks and feel like we should really probably start to sort out our names shortlist! No idea about boys (that's a whole other thread for another day Wink) but we have a few ideas for girls.

I've always loved Isla, for years I thought if I ever have a girl I'll call her Isla, but it's got so popular now that once I knew I was pregnant I discounted it. As approaching due date it does keep popping back into my head though..but really I feel like realistically she would end up being one of four Islas in her class? I suggested Eilidh as an alternative which I think I actually love as much/more than Isla now and DH loves it too - yay! However, is it a bit of a burden giving that name when we live in England? Would she be forever spelling her name/people saying her name wrong?? We have a long-ish surname which while not particularly complicated we do have to spell quite a lot....

I'm Scottish and while a Scottish name isn't a must, (we have some other names on shortlist too) I am quite keen to have a Scottish name. We hope to move back to Scotland in a few years too but nothing definite.

So shortlist is

Eilidh (love it but is it unrealistic giving this name in England?)
Isla (pretty sure we are going to discount this as too popular?)
Ailsa - I suggested as easier alternative to spell than Eilidh but DH not so keen)
Also like Alice and Evelyn...

Would welcome thoughts/opinions on the above generally and particularly on whether Eilidh would be a bit of a burden living in England?! Thanks! Smile

OP posts:
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marmitecheesetoast · 13/02/2017 13:27

Sorry I should have said, it's basically pronounced like Hayley without the H if that makes sense?

OP posts:
HeyYouYesYou · 13/02/2017 13:27

I always forget how to pronounce it too, but if I met someone with that name I would be sure to remember. I think if you like it you should go for it. People will cope.

LemonBreeland · 13/02/2017 13:26

It would need to spelled out to people in England, but so do many other names these days, there is a big rise in Irish names for example. I absolutely love Eilidh it is much nicer than your other suggestions.

I wanted to call my DD Eilidh, but my Scottish DH (we live in Scotland btw) said no, as he couldn't spell it!!

kimlo · 13/02/2017 13:25

Eilidh is the best from your list.

savagehk · 13/02/2017 13:24

I have no idea how to pronounce Eilidh...