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Original poster

Want to use irish spelling

18 replies

Anydrinkwilldo · 30/05/2015 11:31

But I'm unsure of how 'complicated' it will be for (potential) DD. What would you make of the name Eibhlinn

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DextersMistress · 30/05/2015 11:35

How is it pronounced? Are you in Ireland/Irish?

MamaLazarou · 30/05/2015 11:35

That depends on whether you are Irish/living in Ireland or not.

If you're not, it would be very strange indeed!

Most English people would be completely stumped at trying to pronounce it!

Original poster
Anydrinkwilldo · 30/05/2015 11:40

Sorry left out that vital info yes we are in ireland but I'm thinking when she will be older if she were to travel and correcting everyone constantly. Would it be an issue to you? Am I over thinking it?

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DextersMistress · 30/05/2015 11:43

Still don't know how it's pronounced...

Schoolaroundthecorner · 30/05/2015 11:43

I live abroad with an Irish name. Yes I'm constantly telling people how to pronounce but they usually get it first time. Not such a big deal really although I did choose non Irish names for my own children, partly for this reason.

As you are in Ireland at the moment it won't be a big issue and in the future, in an English speaking country, once she explains it's pronounced like Evelyn she's unlikely to have a problem.

Schoolaroundthecorner · 30/05/2015 11:44

And I know it's not exactly like Evelyn but it's close and I do the same with an English name that's pronounced something like my Irish one. Just as an explanation.

FuzzyWizard · 30/05/2015 11:45

Evelyn- I'd be fine pronouncing that but I work in a catholic school and come across a lot of Irish names.

comebacksun · 30/05/2015 11:53

The problem for me is both spelling it and constantly having to tell people how to pronounce it. We gave dd an Italian name which is pronounced more or less like the English version, but EVERYTIME she gets a supply teacher, they pronounce it horribly and other parents cannot get it right on invitations etc. It depends how much this annoys you!

We regret giving the Italian spelling since we're living in the UK and will probably never live in Italy.

For you, living in Ireland, she'll only have the problem when she travels, so not on a day to day basis, so I think it would be fine.

reuset · 30/05/2015 15:00

If you're in Ireland then it's completely fine, even later on and potentially moving away or travelling. I'd use it as is. Lovely name.

ceebelle83 · 30/05/2015 17:28

It' a fairly standard name in Ireland, you won't have any problems. I love names spelled in proper old Irish though

Blu · 30/05/2015 20:09

I'm English, living in England, and applying what I have learned from other Irish names I would take a guess at Evelyn.

Where I live everyone becomes used to a wee diversity of names: Irish, Welsh, Polish, Nigerian, Greek and so on, with different spelling conventions. It would be a shame if everyone stuck to John and Jane.

DramaAlpaca · 30/05/2015 22:55

I know a 19 year old Eibhlinn in Ireland, it's a gorgeous name.

It's pronounced a bit like Ev-lyn or Ev-leen, depending on who you ask! As Irish names go, it's easy to pronounce.

Purplefrogeatsalily · 30/05/2015 23:02

Absolutely beautiful name- you're providing me with future name possibilities!

I'm Irish with a particularly unusual Irish name/unusual spelling. Work outside of Ireland and have had no problems. Often have to help pronounce/spell when first meeting people, but has only helped to break the ice in many social situations!

Go for it. Beautiful name.

Whiteshirt · 31/05/2015 09:12

I have an Irish name and surname, neither of which are remotely phonetic in English - as does my son - and have lived out of Ireland my entire adult life. It's a non-issue, unless you are the kind of person who crumbles when a GP receptionist mispronounces your name. People get it when you tell them, it's as simple as that. And if their tiny minds are somehow completely incapable of getting to grips, it's good shorthand on who to avoid in future.

lljkk · 31/05/2015 09:30

I'd be one of the ones to avoid in future, for sure. I can't get rhythm of sounds & spelling very well at all (Often been told what an appalling sense of rhythm I have), simple rules are only safe ones with me.

orflaaaa · 31/05/2015 10:25

It's a lovely name.
I travelled the world with an Irish name. Usually a quick conversation on how it's pronounced and where it's from was enough. Only on mumsnet does Irish spelling seem to be a massive issue.

RedLentil · 31/05/2015 10:30

I have one - one - and it is a beautiful name. I also had an Irish name growing up in England and loved it.

So perfect here in Ireland - though getting called Eileen in Cork is an issue Grin - and a bit of work in the UK, but gorgeous either way.

Original poster
Anydrinkwilldo · 31/05/2015 12:57

Thank you all. It's very hard to get dh to agree to any name and that is one he is half agreeing to! Of course this is all hypothetical - could be a little ds and then we're rightly screwed coz we cannot agree to any name

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