Opinions of Séamus?

[ChrisTheSheep]

We've just found out that DC2 is, in fact, DS2, and I'm a bit thrown because I'm dreadful about picking out boys' names...

DH is Irish, I am English/Scottish (my Mum is from the Western Isles), and we had always said we'd give our children Irish or Gaelic names. The problem is, the only one we seem to be able to compromise on for a boy is Séamus, and I'm getting distinct "I don't like it" vibes from my mother.

I just wondered what other people think of the name?

We live in the UK, not Ireland, but we do have a very Irish surname. Other family connections are that there are lots of Jameses and Séamuses (sp?) on DH's side, and FIL was friends with Séamus Heaney, so I suppose it would be a nice tribute. DS1 is Eoin Pádraig, and DS2's middle name will be Peter after my dad. My mum says, "why don't you just use James instead?" but I think that's a bit odd considering DS1 has a very Irish name: we'd like the two to be similarly Celtic, if that makes sense.

Opinions, comments and virtual slaps all gladly received!

[Apparentlychilled]

I am Irish, living in the UK w an English Dh and we have a Seamus (nn Shay or Seamie)- go for it! Xx

[ChrisTheSheep]

My problem with Tomás and Mícheál is that, to my non-Irish ear, they sound just different enough from the English pronunciation to feel awkward. I know that's my own silly feeling, but I haven't been able to shake it.

My mum has just told me she has been reading a book in which a Séamus features, and that its "really quite a nice name"...

[maillotjaune]

Seamus is my very favourite boy's name. It doesn't go with our foreign surname with another 'sh' sound in it though sadly.

[mathanxiety]

Thumm-AWSS and MEE-haul are quite different from Thomas and Michael if you try to forget the spelling.

[ChrisTheSheep]

I know, I know! It's just this weird irrational thing I have going on - DH says he thinks I'm barking

[ChrisTheSheep]

Actually, we were married by a priest called Mícheál: he was great.