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Baby names

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

Original poster

Sorley

61 replies

Pinkitydrinkity · 23/07/2023 22:48

Just to caveat - I am not pregnant or even in a relationship!

But I saw the name Sorley today and I really love it! It’s a derivative of Somhairle which is male Scottish/Irish Gaelic name.

I think I’m going to add it to my imaginary baby name list 🤣 and interested to hear what others think of it as it’s not very common even in Scotland, although I do know someone with the surname McSorley.

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inverness123 · 24/07/2023 21:06

I love it too. I think there’s a bit of a divide on here between Scots, too whom it’s a normal if uncommon name, and non-Scots who seem mystified by it!

Fleurbombeury · 24/07/2023 20:53

Pinkitydrinkity · 24/07/2023 00:19

Well when I opened my imaginary baby name note I remember my current fave girl name is Marsaili, which is pretty similar.. so we’ll see what happens and if I ever actually find a man.

Are you me, two of my favourite names too 😂

I adore Sorley.

BewareTheBeardedDragon · 24/07/2023 20:18

I don't get how it's pronounced. Sorrly sounds like sore-Lee in my southern accent?

WaltzingWaters · 24/07/2023 07:04

Not a fan

FloofCloud · 24/07/2023 05:47

Sorrel?

mathanxiety · 24/07/2023 04:37

I love it. I'd use the Somhairle spelling though.

OutOutEarrings · 24/07/2023 02:28

It’s a brilliant name. Been one of my favourites since I was a teenager and since I didn’t have a son, I named one of my pets Sorley.

I am Scottish but don’t live in the UK and some people are a bit mystified when I say it though.

Ohmylordnotagain · 24/07/2023 02:22

How is it pronounced?

ATeamsvan · 24/07/2023 01:42

Doesn't sound anything like Shirley though?

TheInterceptor · 24/07/2023 01:13

'And don't call me Sorely!'

Original poster
Pinkitydrinkity · 24/07/2023 01:04

I just really like the name! My other fave boys names are Coinneach, Innes and Callen.

OP posts:
ATeamsvan · 24/07/2023 00:51

I love Sorley and Struan too

Daisybuttercup12345 · 24/07/2023 00:50

I'd be sorely tempted not to. Sorley is awful!!!!

23careerhelp · 24/07/2023 00:41

It’s on my list too! I absolutely love it. I know a few Sorleys and a few Samuels that go by Sorely. I’m from the West Coast of Scotland though. If you’re interested in history, read about Somerled as that is where the name comes from :)

Buninthecorner · 24/07/2023 00:29

Nooo Sorley not

RitzyMcFitzy · 24/07/2023 00:27

Pinkitydrinkity · 24/07/2023 00:19

Well when I opened my imaginary baby name note I remember my current fave girl name is Marsaili, which is pretty similar.. so we’ll see what happens and if I ever actually find a man.

I know a woman called Marsaili. I think that one's okay.

CallieQ · 24/07/2023 00:27

Come on!
Terrible

RitzyMcFitzy · 24/07/2023 00:26

you're sorely mistaken if you think sorley would make a good name

alexdgr8 · 24/07/2023 00:22

yer avin a larrf

Original poster
Pinkitydrinkity · 24/07/2023 00:19

Well when I opened my imaginary baby name note I remember my current fave girl name is Marsaili, which is pretty similar.. so we’ll see what happens and if I ever actually find a man.

OP posts:
Sugarfree23 · 23/07/2023 23:48

I do kind of like it but Sorley McLean is the only person I've heard with it.

MissHoollie · 23/07/2023 23:45

Love it was on my boys list

BettyRoodBoy · 23/07/2023 23:13

Sorley some mistake

Sorry...

miniaturepixieonacid · 23/07/2023 23:09

If it's soh-ruh-lee then i think it's really pretty.

But if it's sore-lee then definitely not.

I've never heard it before.

Tintackedsea · 23/07/2023 23:04

It's Maclean.

Sorley/Somhairle is not common but not weird in Scotland. I really wanted it as Sorley Maclean is a favourite poet of mine but DH struggled with the pronunciation in Gaelic.

Anyone who says it sounds like SORE LEE is saying it wrong.