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Baby names

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Keeva for a girl

232 replies

shuz1980 · 01/07/2021 09:26

Whats people's opinions on Keeva? I love Irish names and like that Keeva looks like it sounds unlike other Irish names. Whats peoples opinions?

OP posts:
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Classica · 01/07/2021 14:35

*living in the UK, rather

GreyhoundG1rl · 01/07/2021 14:35

I think PP was referring to the “beaver” part only rhyming with keeva in an English accent that doesn’t pronounce the “r” at the end.
I was, yes. I thought it was obvious 🤦‍♀️ Grin

BlackAmericanoNoSugar · 01/07/2021 14:35

I know two Keevas, both Irish, born in Ireland to Irish parents. I've never heard anyone make a peep about 'using the right spelling' or 'anglicising names' or anything in any way critical. Is it only ok to have a go at someone using an Irish name in the 'wrong' way if they're not in Ireland?

Classica · 01/07/2021 14:35

Yes, that makes sense, @LizzieAnt. I can certainly see the difference between Irish and Irish language names, maybe I'll make that clearer distinction in future! And I get that Irish people living outside of the UK can have a very strong urge to pick a name that references their background. I fully support people's right to give their child an authentic name that might be tricky for some to spell (although would hesitate with something like Lasairfhíona) but I also can see why some people might plump for an anglicised version too.

GreyhoundG1rl · 01/07/2021 14:34

@SoupDragon

Only with an English accent

Several people on this thread have pointed out that it is "Keeva" in their local Irish dialect.

I already knew that, thanks.
MotionActivatedDog · 01/07/2021 14:32

@SoupDragon

Only with an English accent

Several people on this thread have pointed out that it is "Keeva" in their local Irish dialect.

I think PP was referring to the “beaver” part only rhyming with keeva in an English accent that doesn’t pronounce the “r” at the end.
SoupDragon · 01/07/2021 14:28

Only with an English accent

Several people on this thread have pointed out that it is "Keeva" in their local Irish dialect.

MotionActivatedDog · 01/07/2021 14:18

@DoingItMyself

Taught one. 'Caoimhe, rhymes with beaver.'
😂😂😂
PleasantBirthday · 01/07/2021 14:17

[quote DoingItMyself]@GreyhoundG1rl
That's how she introduced herself.[/quote]
Does she pronounce beaver beehavh or Caoimhe queever?

LizzieAnt · 01/07/2021 14:17

@Classica
I think people differentiate between Irish and Irish language names - at least I do. So while Kevin, Kelly, Kennedy etc are all Irish names, they are anglicised. They are not considered Irish language names. That is not a judgement, it is merely a statement of fact. Though I love the Irish language and Irish language names, I would sometimes choose anglicised over Irish language. I personally prefer Kevin to Caoimhín for example. I'm in Ireland though, and I think maybe outside Ireland the desire to choose names to link with your heritage can be even stronger.

My reading of the OP was that Keeva was being considered, mistakenly, as an Irish language name. Its root is Irish, yes, and it's a nice name, but spelling and saying it like that is an anglicisation - it's totally up to the OP if she wants Irish language or not, of course.

DoingItMyself · 01/07/2021 14:14

@GreyhoundG1rl
That's how she introduced herself.

Classica · 01/07/2021 14:13

@claralara42

but I'm not wrong

But you are. As has been proved. You said But no one says that about Kevin, that it's not an Irish name, do they? Be honest

And I said yes, I do. Or would. Ergo, you were wrong.

But I suspect you're just saying that out of defensiveness. No offence to you on this sunny day.
GreyhoundG1rl · 01/07/2021 14:12

@DoingItMyself

Taught one. 'Caoimhe, rhymes with beaver.'
Only with an English accent Hmm
DoingItMyself · 01/07/2021 14:12

Taught one. 'Caoimhe, rhymes with beaver.'

GreyhoundG1rl · 01/07/2021 14:11

they don't claim that it's an Irish name so maybe that's why.
Well, yes, that will be exactly why Grin

claralara42 · 01/07/2021 14:11

@KirstenBlest

Why do these threads always end up in a bunfight?
Because people are obnoxious about Irish names, even failing to realise that there is an Irish language?
claralara42 · 01/07/2021 14:10

but I'm not wrong

But you are. As has been proved. You said But no one says that about Kevin, that it's not an Irish name, do they? Be honest

And I said yes, I do. Or would. Ergo, you were wrong.

withpeaceandlove · 01/07/2021 14:09

Have a niece called Keeva and no has ever commented on the spelling irl, not even her Dad's Irish family but they don't claim that it's an Irish name so maybe that's why.

Classica · 01/07/2021 14:05

@elizabethdraper, it having been anglicised doesn't mean it cannot be considered Irish. Most Irish people do not speak Irish fluently and can therefore be considered to have been anglicised in many ways. Doesn't mean we're not Irish.

Talkwhilstyouwalk · 01/07/2021 14:05

It sounds like an obscure sort of fruit.

Marmite27 · 01/07/2021 14:04

@PleasantBirthday

Keeva is not an Irish name. There's no K or V in the Irish alphabet. It is spelled Caoimhe.
This!
Mumdiva99 · 01/07/2021 14:04

I've never seen the name before - English version or Irish version. I've never heard the word. I would have absolutely no idea how to pronounce the Irish version. - I've lived in England all my life and it's just not a name I have ever come across. So if you do use the Irish version be mindful you will be spelling and explaining it ALOT.

Also - Kevin in an Irish name? Well blow me down. I put it in the category of Gary, Kevin, Keith, Darren.....i think of it being very 1970's... And as for their being a different Irish spelling of it, never seen that before. (I do live in a multicultural part of England and have moved around. But maybe I've never lived anywhere with a very large Irish community.....although I dated a Dundalk boy for many years in my teens and mixed with his family and friends.)

KirstenBlest · 01/07/2021 14:02

Why do these threads always end up in a bunfight?

elizabethdraper · 01/07/2021 14:01

@Classica

Keeva and Kevin are Irish names from the same root. What's your point re. Veronica?
LMAO Kevin isnt an Irish name

There is no K or V in the Irish language

Caoimhín = Kevin

HyggeTygge · 01/07/2021 13:58

Keeva spelt like that is too much like "skeevy" to me - sorry!