Derry or Londonderry?

[TigerOnTour]

How controversial would it be if I used the wrong name and what is this city referred to in the North of Northern Ireland? The internet says that most unionists call it Londonderry and most nationalists call it Derry. Is this still accurate today? If you live there or nearby, what do you call it?

Local news used to alternate. So main person in studio would say "in Londonderry today....... over to X in Derry" followed by reporter on the ground saying "I'm here in Londonderry.......Derry has seen....." etc.

My friend when asked where she was from would say "DerryLondonderryWhatever" as one word.

Derry city.

Or Stroke City

No, I'm Irish. Taking OP at face value (which, granted...), she doesn't want to offend. Getting it "wrong" either way will likely be fine because most people are reasonable, but if she's coming from England walking into a group of nationalists then talking about Londonderry may not be the best look, that's all. Just playing the odds.

North of Ireland is waaaay more loaded than Derry, or indeed Londonderry. Just stick with Northern Ireland.

Stroke City, obv.

Indeed.

Does the council still have two sets of stationery?

I know, sure loads of people living in the UK use Derry, like most of the population of the city itself.

Just copying the link of Colum Eastwood correcting the DUPs Gavin Robinson on his use of Londonderry in parliment recently. About 1.20 from the end. I thought it was quite rude! But yes, Derry for me and i think for most unless staunchly Unionist.

Derry

The city is Derry. Historically Derry.
During the plantation the British government "planted" English and Scottish Protestant noblemen to help gentrify the area. They were financed by wealthy London Guilds who decided to add the London part to the city's name.

But it's Derry. And you can't really argue with that. It's a bit like deciding to start calling the other big Irish cities (that also had blow ins from across the water) Londonbelfast or Londondublin.

Personally those that choose to call it Londonderry are doing it to be inflammatory

I am in Northern Ireland. It has always been Londonderry to me but I honestly can’t say I’d be bothered what you called it. I’d certainly know where you meant either way.

You live you learn. I always thought it was just two different cities.

I know people who use both!
Definitely avoid referring to North of Ireland unless you are sure of your audience- my Alliance Party MP does this and it REALLY gets my back up as unionist.

That's not great from someone in Alliance! It'd get my back up and I'm a nationalist. Not very inclusive language.

I used to write "Derry, Co.Londonderry" in an attempt to cover all the basis. (Or vice versa)

The 'London' part was added after the Siege of Derry when the London companies broke through and saved the city from starvation. There is still a march every year to a mark this.

I'm from County Londonderry and I call the city 'Derry' in person and 'Londonderry' when writing. I don't think it matters anymore about the name. Anyone that does is bigoted and probably best avoided.

Stroke City

Absolutely. I think they play to the audience they are with and they misread.

There’s no London in Derry

We all watched ‘Derry Girls’ not ‘Londonderry Girls’ 😂😂

Call it whatever comes to mind. Derry, Londonderry etc. It's the same place. If you asked me for directions to either name it wouldn't bother me or anyone I know in the slightest. Don't overthink it. ✌️

Wow. Are you from the UK?

Derry.