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Baby names

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

Original poster

Caelan

30 replies

turquoisediamond · 20/08/2023 07:04

We can't decide on a boys name and I'm due shortly.

I really like Caelan and my husband does too. I just worry it's too "out there" or he would have issues with the pronunciation / spelling his whole life.

It's pronounced Kay-Lan.

What do people think of it?

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Daisybuttercup12345 · 28/10/2023 21:55

I know one who is 7. Nice name.

AnnaTortoiseshell · 27/10/2023 20:10

Yes it is a genuine name, but it’s kind of been appropriated.

KirstenBlest · 27/10/2023 20:00

That's unfair, it's a genuine name but Kaylan does sound a bit Jayden, Kayden, Brayden.

AnnaTortoiseshell · 27/10/2023 19:58

I think it often gets spelled Kaylan etc. which may or may not be your thing…

Toddlerteaplease · 27/10/2023 19:56

Awful. Someone I know is has called their son it. And I think it sounds really chavvy.

KirstenBlest · 27/10/2023 19:55

Let me know when you want me in your quiz team. Smile

CurlewKate · 27/10/2023 19:49

@KirstenBlest "Was it Rebekah/Beki, @CurlewKate ?"

Close!🤣

KirstenBlest · 27/10/2023 18:55

Was it Rebekah/Beki, @CurlewKate ?
Wink
Yes, been asked to spell Jones before now.

waltzingparrot · 27/10/2023 18:06

Also spelt Caylan

CurlewKate · 27/10/2023 17:25

I have a slightly unusually spelled name and used a matching slightly unusually spelled shortening until it just drove me mad, so switched to the more usual one. No prizes for guessing what it is!

IDoNotMoisturise · 27/10/2023 12:18

No, I read it as caecum

franceskasofiaa · 27/10/2023 12:09

user1492757084 · 20/08/2023 07:12

I prefer Caolan - the original spelling.

Op's spelling is technically the original, both spellings are correct - yours is the modern Irish (post an Caighdeán Oifigiúil spelling reform) version and op's is the original Middle Irish spelling.

I will add that both versions were originally pronounced Kay-Lawn (spelt Caolán in modern Irish and Cáelán in Middle Irish) but Kay-lin/Kay-lun are the accepted anglicised pronunciations in Ireland when the names are written without the long accents (known as a síneadh fada in Irish)

I really love the name and it's on my long list, definitely wearable and where I live it's not too popular but familiar enough there are no pronunciation issues.

ClaraThePigeon · 23/08/2023 15:01

I'm not a fan. It sounds very medicinal.

xxalhxx · 23/08/2023 15:00

My next door neighbours little boy is called kaylen it's not really our the ordinary it'a a basic name I like it I also love the way u spelt it tho

HamishTheCamel · 23/08/2023 14:59

The one I know is spelt Cailan.

Qilin · 23/08/2023 14:56

My cousin has the name Caelan. He's now mid 20s. It doesn't seem to have been an issue for him growing up.

Lexemy · 23/08/2023 14:40

Love Caelan. Was the only ‘boy’ name DH and I agreed on. Have had zero issues with using it and DC loves it too.

uncomfortablydumb53 · 20/08/2023 17:56

I really like it and don't think it's too " out there" at all
Caolan is the Irish spelling I think

FawnDrench · 20/08/2023 17:14

Too medicinal - reminds me of Kaolin

Neverseenbefore · 20/08/2023 12:37

I like it. I might also spell it the traditional way with the o in it, but it’s fine as it is.

CastleTower · 20/08/2023 12:10

Yes, a nice name, familiar but not too common.

continentallentil · 20/08/2023 11:51

user1492757084 · 20/08/2023 07:12

I prefer Caolan - the original spelling.

I think this might be easier.

But anyway it’s a nice name and not that out there

KirstenBlest · 20/08/2023 11:05

It's fine. Not too out there.
A friend with the surname Jones gets asked to spell it sometimes.

AngryGreasedSantaCatcus · 20/08/2023 10:33

I know a few . No significant issues with people thinking it's made up or with spelling/pronunciation. My friend is called Hope and people still ask how to spell it as a double check kinda thing. Grin

Raggeo · 20/08/2023 08:03

Caelan is a lovely name. For me it's not a common name but not an unknown one either. I have known a few over the years. That's how I would spell it and know how to pronounce it. I'm in scotland though so that might make a difference.