Saoirse

[lalaland1985]

Will I regret this name choice? Would you know how to pronounce it? Seer-sha.

We are in Scotland which I think does make a difference. DH has irish roots.

I'm just worried my child would spend her life correcting the pronunciation of her name. (And surname)

What are your thoughts mumsnetters?

oh no i have been saying it wrong all this time!

I had not thought about the name having a political meaning. I have now googled it and wish that I hadn't! Would this be common knowledge in Glasgow? What do you think weegie?

In my opinion it would be known about in Glasgow as the city is so sectarian.

My child will be raised Catholic and attend catholic schooling. I'm not sure if I want her religion so identifiable in just her forename though!

I thought it was pronounced sorsha?

Oh I'm Scottish too btw and I think it's a beautiful name, but I'm convinced (I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong) it's pronounced sorsha?

OP our youngest has an Irish, traditionally Catholic name (there's a Saint) and we, unfortunately, live in an area where sectarianism is rife. Barring a drunk junkie with a Rangers top on, we've never once had a problem with his name and he's nearly 3.

I would assume that anyone calling their child this is worried that their child might be mistaken for a Protestant .

Perhaps not in Surrey, but in Ireland or Scotland .

I realise that might be an incorrect assumption , but I suspect others might share it .

You could probably make that assumption about any Irish name though.

what a strange thing to say Kristina.

Saoirse isn't even a 'Catholic' name as such. Whereas if someone called their daughter Assumpta or Concepta I'd think they were definitely making a statement about their faith.

What an odd turn this thread has taken.

what about 'Maria Theresa' Squoosh?
I knew a girl called that, but it was May-tree for short. I thought that sounded cool.

Yeah Maria Theresa sounds pretty Catholic doesn't it? Or maybe an old school Spanish name, so not necessarily that Catholic anymore.

Odd indeed! I just like the name. I might bring it up the next time I'm at my in laws and see if anyone mentions republicans. If they make the connection others will too which may make me quite uncomfortable. I don't want to set my child up for some level of discrimination/prejudice because of her name.

I also love the name Maria but I've met some crazy people with that name. Ruined it for me!

I honestly think it depends on the level of sectarianism in your area OP. Like I said we live in an area where it's sadly rife, but I've never heard of Saoirse meetings. Aargh I hate sectarian bullshit with a bloody passion!! DP and I disagreed about youngest DS name as I was worried about sectarianism, yet when I saw his wee face it just suited him. Thankfully there's only been that one comment, and he was a twat anyway!

republicansinnfein.org/events/saoirse/

I only know this name from the character in the Val Kilmer classic, Willow. I think it was said "soarsha" in that.

But to be honest I had not the foggiest how to say it when I first saw it; not a clue, and I usually give these things a good go!

Seer-sha. hmm sounds very interesting

I'm Scottish and I know how to pronounce and spell it.

Honestly OP, I really wouldn't worry about the Republican thing, if someone wants to be a sectarian twat they'll find a way regardless!! In Glasgow the assumption for any Irish name is probably that you're Catholic (to be fair at DN school they'd be right but it really shouldn't matter anyway). Don't let idiots put you off a beautiful name.

I wouldn't have a clue how to pronounce it.

AdaLovelacesCat thanks for the link, it was an interesting read. I had no idea that Saoirse was anything other than a pretty name. I find it really sad that assumptions are made about names, but I suppose we could apply that to any number of names couldn't we?

also, quite apart from the republican thing, it would be a real pain living in England with a name that people are determined not to pronounce properly.

I don't think I live in a particularly sectarian area of Glasgow. It's not near Ibrox or Parkhead! The local pub wouldn't be a Celtic or Rangers bar. I have never been asked if I'm catholic or Protestant. It's always been fairly obvious though I suppose. My maiden name was very Italian Catholic and my married name is irish Catholic. Religion is not really a concern of mine. I will raise my children very loosely Catholic however that's more to do with familial expectations than staunch faith.