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Baby names

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

Original poster

Idris

37 replies

bluemoon2468 · 02/02/2020 08:44

Thoughts on this name? DH is Welsh and I love that it's a Welsh name, and just generally really like it, but DH says he can't think of anything but Idris Elba (although he does really like the name) 😕 It's hard to know how much that matters when naming a newborn baby (Idris Elba will be 48 when the baby's born - by the time the baby's an adult will he even know who he is?)... but DH seems to think it's a big problem and everyone will comment on it every time we/he says his name. Thoughts?

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Pipanchew2 · 07/02/2020 13:53

Hi Op,
My DH is also welsh but we’re raising kids in England. We really liked Idris, Ewan, Iolo and Griff for our DS but ruled out Idris because of Elba and I vetoed Griff and Iolo as DS won’t have welsh accent etc and thought it was ‘too welsh’ for a London kid and Ewan we loved but too similar to DH name. In the end we went with Douglas (Dougie) so not welsh at all but at least Celtic!
With hindsight I think Idris would’ve been fine: the nice think about Idris is because of Elba people outside of wales will know how to pronounce/ spell it....

Bluerussian · 07/02/2020 13:30

As well as Idris Elba, I think of Idris, a drink that was around when I was a child. Now owned by BritVic but apparently there is still Idris Ginger Beer.

Idris the name means:
Idris is a Welsh and Arabic (usually masculine) given name, also given as surname. The two names are spelled identically, but are unrelated.

Welsh (Cymraeg): "Ardent lord", from udd (lord, prince) + ris (ardent, enthusiastic, impulsive).[1] It lends its name to the mountain Cadair Idris (Idris' Chair) by way of Idris Gawr (Idris the Giant).

Arabic (إدريس) Idris, the Islamic prophet mentioned in the Qur'an, usually identified with Enoch in the Bible. The original meaning may be "interpreter."[2] The name Idris means studious, smart, or to learn in Arabic. The prophet Idris in the Islamic religion was a tailor and is believed to be the first person to write.

BikeRunSki · 07/02/2020 13:02

It’s lovely. I think of the dragon from Ivor the Engine and Cadair Idris, the first mountain I ever climbed (of many). This is not a bad thing!

It’s also a Muslim name.

Cindie943811A · 07/02/2020 12:59

Great sounding name. For those hung up on old farmers just think of the resurgence of names such as Albert, Alfred, George, Theodore, Winston etc etc.Also in England many are less familiar with the name and won’t associate it with their great grandfather and his mates.

beela · 06/02/2020 19:12

Oh I love it!

Idris was on my shortlist for dc2, but she turned out to be a girl.

Emlyn was on it too, should you be looking for any more ideas Grin I also have a Welsh dh and we live in England.

MyNewBearTotoro · 06/02/2020 19:12

I love it, would be top of the list if I had another son!

sawyersfishbiscuits · 06/02/2020 19:04

Go for it. I know a couple of boys called Idris. It suits them. I also like Emrys.

Whatsyourflava · 06/02/2020 19:00

I like it 👍

AudaCityLimits · 05/02/2020 11:33

Love it. It's become very very popular in the Welsh speaking community now (we're having a resurgence of old-fashioned names too!) Smile

ladycarlotta · 05/02/2020 11:28

I really love the name Idris. I think of the dragon before Elba but I accept I'm probably in the minority, and both are positive connotations! I rather like that it's both a Welsh name and a Muslim one - means it can travel a bit. Go for it, OP.

Yehdivvy · 05/02/2020 05:40

Idris is also a traditional Muslim boys name. It's the Arabic version of Enoch from the Bible.

BertieBotts · 04/02/2020 08:21

It makes me think of dragons. I had a toy dragon called Idris. I think it was named after the one on Ivor the Engine but for some reason I always grew up believing it was the name of the dragon on the Welsh flag.

Paintedmaypole · 03/02/2020 23:42

I like it but it does remind me of an old farmer too. Idrrrissss Wil-li-ams. Perhaps a Welsh name due a come back like the Edwardian English names that are currently popular.

EstebanTheMagnificent · 03/02/2020 22:59

I love it. My DY is also Welsh and vetoed virtually all of the Welsh names that I liked, with the sole exception of Arthur.

SundayMorningSun · 03/02/2020 21:04

Idris Davies, moderately well known Welsh poet.

Very nice name, I think.

Urkiddingright · 03/02/2020 10:54

I do think of Elba but he’s cool so it’s not a bad association.

HighNetGirth · 02/02/2020 23:01

I really like it. Do it!

Tillygetsit · 02/02/2020 22:58

Lovely.

joystir59 · 02/02/2020 12:41

The name connects him to his roots

joystir59 · 02/02/2020 12:40

He has Welsh heritage. Perfect.

BertieBotts · 02/02/2020 12:20

I love it, I wanted to use it but DH didn't like it. My grandma was Welsh but that's the only Welsh connection we have.

TheWomanTheyCallJayne · 02/02/2020 12:18

Makes me think of the dragon in Ivor the Engine. But then whenever I hear Idris Elba's name I think of the dragon too.
The dragon is cool though.

Original poster
bluemoon2468 · 02/02/2020 12:01

@joystir59 glad you like it 😊 Baby won't be Welsh as it will be raised in England, but DH and his family are Welsh. Do you think that matters?

OP posts:
BuzzShitbagBobbly · 02/02/2020 11:47

I think of Elba then the fizzy drink brand.

They are my only two Idris references in the world!

bigbluebus · 02/02/2020 11:46

The first thing that came to my mind was Idris the dragon who was in Ivor the Engine but I don't suppose that's even on tv any more.