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Baby names

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

Original poster

Thoughts on Bleddyn?

116 replies

Bellatrixandstrange · 12/04/2017 06:25

Dh and I love Bleddyn for our son but we live in England and are worried that he'll spend his life explaining how it's pronounced/ spelt. Is it an OK name for a boy living in England?

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Original poster
Bellatrixandstrange · 12/04/2017 07:18

Llewellyn and Myrddin were the others! So you see even harder for him to explain.

OP posts:
SuperBeagle · 12/04/2017 07:17

It's very bloody sounding.

Llareggub · 12/04/2017 07:16

I met a very lovely 20 something Bleddyn yesterday. i know a couple of little Bleddyns too. I like it.

DilysPrice · 12/04/2017 07:15

What else is on the shortlist? People will get used to difficult to pronounce names.

DilysPrice · 12/04/2017 07:13

I'm an ethnically Welsh English speaker who's given my DC hardcore Welsh names and even I think that's a bit of a stretch. I'd naturally pronounce it Blethin like Elvira so that's fine, but it just doesn't look nice. Is there honestly no other Welsh boys name you like? You could have it as a middle name.

Original poster
Bellatrixandstrange · 12/04/2017 07:09

Yes little wolf and historic Welsh royalty, half brother of Gruffydd. It's the most easily pronounced on our shortlist so we're definitely going to have to start all over again!

OP posts:
OhtoblazeswithElvira · 12/04/2017 07:06

Doesn't it mean Wolf? I live in a Welsh-speaking part of Wales and I've only ever met one Bleddyn. It's a nice enough name but far from my favourite.

I would pronounce it Blethin with a th like in mother. The whole thing might make English-speakers' heads explode! Go ahead if you like it though OP. It could also make a very interesting middle name.

HeyCat · 12/04/2017 06:58

Sorry, it would be thought of as @bloody" or "bleeding" here.

RedSandYellowSand · 12/04/2017 06:58

The pronunciation is fine. It's just the way it reads to people who don't know it. How do you feel about the anglicised (i assume) Blethin?

Chickydoo · 12/04/2017 06:55

Bleedin awful.....sorry

Original poster
Bellatrixandstrange · 12/04/2017 06:45

That's pretty resounding then! Back to the drawing board.

OP posts:
EverythingEverywhere1234 · 12/04/2017 06:43

I'm sorry but I think it's horrible written down and will be pronounced wrong. Also doesn't help that I'm in Devon, where 'bleddy' is usd in place of 'bloody'

Original poster
Bellatrixandstrange · 12/04/2017 06:35

Thank you it's pronounced Blethin and yes would probably get shortened to Bleth / Bledd. It's so hard, the only name we both think suits him and if we were back in Wales I would do it in a heartbeat but I don't want to saddle him with a name he'll hate!

OP posts:
LosingDory · 12/04/2017 06:34

Uh...isn't there a nicer name you both like? This doesn't really work in England I don't think

bigchris · 12/04/2017 06:33

I honestly don't think it's very nice

neuuushoooos · 12/04/2017 06:32

How's it pronounced? I don't think I'm keen, tbh., it doesn't sound nice and potentially would shorten to 'Bled'...?

That said, my policy is generally to go for it if you like it. Life's too shot to second guess other people.

You could name him James or Thomas or Peter and in 10 years there could be a mass murderer or a terrible pop star with that name and your surname; so you can't ever totally futureproof with a name.