Eriska???

[Barnaclesbrother]

37 weeks with a DD. Searching for name inspiration I came across the thread about Scottish island names, many of which I like but find too popular( Isla, Iona, Skye etc) . A quick google finds Eriska, which both DH and I really like. I think it’s pretty, a bit scandi, unusual but still sounds like a girls name. What does Mumsnet think? Any bad associations/ options for taking the piss I haven’t considered? Thanks

Is it not Eriskay, as in the breed of native pony?

Not overly keen on it (either spelling), personally I prefer the others you've listes

If you like it, use it.

I can’t really see anything about it that could be objectionable.

Although people might think you’ve misspelled Erika.

There are both apparently.

Haven't heard of Eriska but have heard of Eriskay which I think sounds softer and more feminine. It's also a Scottish island, outer Hebrides.
But it doesn't matter what others think if you like it!

How about Alderney?

I knew one at uni, but have never met another one.

I think it looks like a misspelling of Erica/Erika & she’s spend her whole like correcting the spelling...

Have you considered any of the following?
Ailsa- this is unusual but not unknown
Kilda
Danna
Eday
Jura

Anything but Ulva!!

Eliska is a great name ( pronounced Elishka). Eriska sounds made up

There are Eriska and Eriskay islands. I like either.

I know a little girl named Lundy, after the island, which I thought was cute.

I prefer Eriskay (or Erika).

Iona is lovely and I also like Danna. (And maybe Kilda? Idk.)

How about Mariska?

Yes to Mariska. Not Eriska. It's a name you never here and probably for a good reason.
Mariska is a Hungarian diminutive for Mary.

I agree it has potential for people to mishear/misread as Erika. Other than that I have no negative connotations, it's nice.

Are you in Scotland, OP? If so, you'll probably find people are more familiar with it than elsewhere. Both Eriska and Eriskay have been used several times as names, but I think Eriska has a prettier meaning - water sprite, whereas Eriskay means Erik's island. I'd say go for it!

I quite like it, I think it sounds more Eastern European than scandi though. It's so hard to find a name that both you and OH love so I'd say go for it!

I think it's fine, I rather like it.

Some local experts say Eriska means 'gravelly island' ardchattan.wikidot.com/gaelic-place-names
but the more usual meaning (for Eriska and Eriskay) is 'Erik's Island'. Both are Norse/Viking.

The word Eriska does not mean 'water sprite'. The water-sprite reference comes from the Gaelic name for the island (Uruisg), which is a totally different word: www.britishbabynames.com/blog/2015/05/off-the-grid-scottish-place-names.html

Eriska island today is a posh hotel resort not far from Oban run by a company based in Hong Kong.

Pretty but I think it's worth thinking about possible nicknames - 'Risky'? Her friends would surely come up with that one even if you avoided it.

It's like Erica gone wrong, sorry

Thanks for the feedback. If Erica gone wrong is the worst criticism I can live with that!

I think it's absolutely lovely

I think it sounds quite nice, but if you had to do a Google search to find out it existed, then it’s a bit weird to name your daughter after so specific a place.

Beautiful! Also love Alisa, Kerrera and Vaila.

Not a fan at all.

Ailsa is a great name though.