Aengus for a boys name

[sheba1]

Aengus pronounced EYN-gus, is a celtic name we are considering. My wife is worried his nickname would be anus. We are wondering what people think.

As in "Song of Wandering.....?"

People will just think he's called Angus and he will spend his life correcting them. Fab poem, though!

Yes! Exactly :-) I've always loved that poem.

If it reminds you of "anus" it will remind other people too.

Not good. Just go for Angus without mangling it.

I think it's pronounced Engus - just like Angus but with an E, I don't think it has a stress on the first syllable. But I think it's a bit tricky if you're not in Scotland or ireland - and maybe even if you are.

You could try Aonghas, this is how my DS spells his name. You would have no trouble with spelling/pronunciation with that.

I wouldn't have a clue how to pronounce Aonghas! I'd guess Ah-OWN-Gas at a pinch.
I guess it's fine as long as you expect to spend a lot of time explaining how to spell and say it (and won't mind all that for years to come).

It's pronounces Ang-uss. It is the traditional Scottish gaelic way to spell the name.

I'd go for Angus, as there won't be the same problems of how to pronounce it.

Angus is the best boy's name! Go for the Angus spelling, that way you get the lovely name and connotations of Aengus without constantly having to spell it out.

at having no trouble with spelling and pronunciation of Aonghas - maybe not in Scotland...!

But surely Angus is the most straightforward spelling- and pronunciation-wise?

It is my brother's name - I like it.

Thanks everyone. Really helpful advice and you've given us lots to think about

The Song of Wandering Aengus

I went out to the hazel wood,
Because a fire was in my head,
And cut and peeled a hazel wand,
And hooked a berry to a thread;
And when white moths were on the wing,
And moth-like stars were flickering out,
I dropped the berry in a stream
And caught a little silver trout.

When I had laid it on the floor
I went to blow the fire aflame,
But something rustled on the floor,
And some one called me by my name:
It had become a glimmering girl
With apple blossom in her hair
Who called me by my name and ran
And faded through the brightening air.

Though I am old with wandering
Through hollow lands and hilly lands,
I will find out where she has gone,
And kiss her lips and take her hands;
And walk among long dappled grass,
And pluck till time and times are done
The silver apples of the moon,
The golden apples of the sun.

I hope that's right - my brain is very old and tired!

Seeker that's lovely, thank you.