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Baby names

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

Original poster

Should I call my daughter Aoibhín in England?

392 replies

lovebeingmuma · 05/08/2025 19:23

Will my daughter hate me for calling her a name no one can pronounce?

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Fivews · 05/08/2025 19:34

Use the name, it's lovely and not particularly unusual. You can always give an "easier" middle name she can use for Starbucks.....thats what we did with DD1 who has a traditional Scottish name

Pinkcherry26 · 05/08/2025 19:33

I know two Aoibhinns (in London) - does the spelling make any difference? Just wondering if losing the fada makes it easier in England. As with any name, once you know how to say it, it's fine.

I would be more concerned it's a bit too matchy matchy re Aoife - is there another Irish name you like?

manicpixieschemegirl · 05/08/2025 19:33

Gorgeous name! People have learned how to pronounce Niamh, Aoife, Caoimhe, Roisin and Saoirse in recent years so I wouldn’t worry too much. Especially if you’re in London.

Unilaterallyinsane · 05/08/2025 19:30

Please don’t give your child a name no one can spell or pronounce. She will spend her entire life with that name and will become sick of correcting people.

SchnizelVonKrumm · 05/08/2025 19:30

Yes if you can get used to people calling her Ayobin. Otherwise no. What about something like Roisin or Saoirse that English people are more likely to be familiar with?

SofaBricks · 05/08/2025 19:30

I would have guessed it was pronounced Ay-Vin

my daughter has a fairly normal name, it’s in the top 100 and people still get it wrong.

j wouldn’t go for your choice if she was growing up in England I’m afraid. Can you find a similar sounding name that is easier to decipher?

AlwaysFreezing · 05/08/2025 19:30

Ah. I'd have gone for Eveen.

People will struggle seeing it written down for the first time but should get the hang of it pretty quickly!

Avocadohoho · 05/08/2025 19:27

Actually I would say living in London you’re probably fine.

Original poster
lovebeingmuma · 05/08/2025 19:27

Yes both myself and my husband are Irish and their sister is called Aoife so I’d like to stick with another Irish name

OP posts:
cestlavielife · 05/08/2025 19:27

Try giving it as your Starbucks name see what happens
Then imagine her whole life..unless she lives in Ireland

HappiestSleeping · 05/08/2025 19:26

@lovebeingmuma are you or your husband Irish?

SummerSwimmers · 05/08/2025 19:26

I’m quite far off then! 😅 People won’t know where to start with pronouncing that in England, IMO.

SummerSwimmers · 05/08/2025 19:25

I would have guessed Eefin for the pronunciation? But I’m Scottish with a very small amount of knowledge of Irish names.

Original poster
lovebeingmuma · 05/08/2025 19:25

It’s pronounced Aiveen. We absolutely love it but scared she’ll struggle if she grows up in London.

OP posts:
Blackcountryexile · 05/08/2025 19:25

I really wouldn't.

Twiglets1 · 05/08/2025 19:24

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dotdotdotdash · 05/08/2025 19:24

How do you pronounce it then?

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