Irish names

I think it's fine as long as you know how to pronounce the Irish names and don't change the spelling of them. I don't necessarily think you NEED Irish heritage. Just be prepared for other children (and some adults!) to struggle to pronounce some.

Caoimhe is one of my favourites but it's pronounced differently in certain parts of Ireland so just double check things like that too! Aoife isn't super popular for babies I don't think now, I know lots in early 20s-30s but not so many children, Orla is a lovely name and is quite popular now i think! Does your surname match an Irish sounding name?

We named our daughter Niamh just because we loved it and we have no Irish heritage. Most people have had no issues with the Gaelic spelling and pronunciation apart from 80 yeah old granddad who calls her Niam. We did discuss anglicising the spelling too but really glad we didn't now.

As many have said, as long as the name is pronounced and spelled correctly, i think its fine.

Muireann is a suggestion

Eabha (Ava) is lovely too xx

@AgileLass, it got anglicised as Kevin.

Thanks @DramaAlpaca & @AgileLass, I always have trouble trying to work out Irish pronunciations. I think Fiadh is gorgeous...might have to persuade DH that 9 cats is not unreasonable just so that I can use the name....

@8catsisnotunreasonable it's pronounced FEE-ah.

Caoimhín is mainstream? Aye right 🤣

Fiadh is pronounced Fee-a.

Hi all, could someone please tell me how to pronounce Fiadh? Does it sound like Faith?

Eilish (almost certainly not the correct spelling, apologies) is a lovely Irish name

And in fact, does socio-economic background tell a teacher about a child‘s intelligence/behaviour??

That wasn't what I said, but intelligence tends to be hereditary. Socio-economic background is likely to affect the achievement of a child.

If you like a name, fair enough, but the names tend to be trend-led, often inspired by a celebrity (Keira, Scarlett, Saoirse...)

If you use a name from another language, and misspell it or mispronounce it, that's up to you, but when that name becomes mainstream, it sort of ruins the name.

Names I think that this has happened to include Caoimhín, Michele, Rhys, Dylan, Siân, Esmée and Jadon.

I love other people enjoying Irish culture, as long as the name is spelled and pronounced correctly there's no issue. And it surely minimises any divide when people share cultures!

@TerribleCustomerCervix

If you read the thread we have discussed Irish history in very thorough detail. From the plantations until modern times. It has been very interesting and a bit tense.

@SoManyActivities

Well, I would never do that, and yes I can see why that would be very annoying.

How can it be taken out of context when I’ve lifted a direct quote from your post?

I don’t think anyone needs to know the ins and outs of a “long and complicated thread” to understand that accusing another culture of acting the victim in this example is tone deaf. Do you have any understanding whatsoever of Irish history? At all?

[quote Wolfgirrl]@SoManyActivities

What, somebody actually said that on MN????

That's so rude! I can see why that would annoy you.[/quote]
People have talked about 'strange' Irish spellings before on MN and the above I definitely hear in real life fairly frequently!

@SoManyActivities

What, somebody actually said that on MN????

That's so rude! I can see why that would annoy you.

@Eyewhisker

LOVE irish music. My dad (not irish, just some on mum's side) has played it to me since I was very little. Went to temple bar a few years back and stunned my friend how I knew all the songs 😂 she brings it up all the time now if anyone talks about hidden talents... 'Wolf knows EVERY irish song EVER'

Also, how many times have English people (including threads on here) talked about 'ridiculous' spellings of Irish names - I certainly hear it a lot in real life.

'What? How on earth do those letters together spell Neev? Hmmm, what were the Irish thinking when they came up with those spellings, yeah let's spell John PGCAOIVBEIDH hahahahahaha how silly!'

'Admire and indulge in the culture' my arse.

I’d personally be delighted if English people use Irish names or listen to Irish music etc. No culture appropriation issues here, just pleasure (and frankly surprise) at any interest.

I can see that something about Ireland touches a nerve.

Taken out of context @TerribleCustomerCervix because that is a very long & complicated thread.

Even worse was the poster who said English people shouldn't use irish names - it's like they dont actually want to let the English admire or indulge in some of their culture, because that would mean they can't play the victim and make out the English look down on it.

Fucking hell.

Wolfgirl - if you’re not being deliberately obtuse,

Lol!

Wolfgirl - if you’re not being deliberately obtuse, there is a history of Irish names being seen as lower-class in England. This is not the same association as with French or Italian names, which are seen as from a highly-regarded culture.

I do not know of any Irish person who would object to a non-Irish person using an Irish name, but I know lots of English people who would consider it chavvy/naughty-boy’s name. The same individuals have no objections to English Sophias or Natashas, so not an objection against all foreign names but only those from cultures they consider inferior.

I speak as the fond owner of an Irish name, with a London daughter with a similarly Irish name.