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If you have an Irish name outside Ireland, do you like it?

27 replies

SundayMorningSun · 18/05/2019 08:14

So one of the names we're seriously considering is Aisling (Ash-ling). We love it, and it's not the most difficult of names to pronounce or spell, though it's not necessarily intuitive at first for people outside Ireland. We also think Ash is a cute nickname, which she could use more often if she really hated her name. (We hope she'd love it, but trying to plan ahead!)

My sisters-in-law both have Irish names that are relatively well-known outside Ireland. I asked them their opinion (not of the names we're considering specifically, but of Irish names in general). They both agreed that it can be a little irritating, but basically (a) it's a good ice-breaker with people, and (b) the rise of written communication like email and social media means that people generally get it right, because it's right there - lots less talking to people on the phone these days. And they both like their names a lot.

I have a 'classic' name with a lot of spelling variations - think Catherine - which I have to spell out every time. It's never particularly bothered me, although that might be partly because the pronunciation is clear. I also have a lot of friends who have given their children names they assumed were straightforward, but turned out to be pronounced or spelled wrong constantly (e.g. Hannah always spelled Hanna or mis-heard as Anna; Amelia spelled as Emilia or Amelie). So part of me thinks that at least we'd be prepared for some spelling, and it won't take us by surprise.

So - if you have an Irish name, particularly if you live/grew up outside Ireland, how do you feel about it? Do you love your name and its history? Or is it just not worth it?

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MindyStClaire · 19/05/2019 11:24

DD is an Aisling. She's only one, and we're in NI so probably can't really help you. But we've already had a lot of Ash-leen which I knew would happen in NI, but I still don't love. Not a big deal and not unexpected. But we've also had a few guessing Aileen which has been a surprise - and an unpleasant one as I only know one Aileen and really really don't like her.

septembersunshine · 20/05/2019 13:45

Ohhh lovely name! We have an Aidan. Aidan was an Irish saint and is a traditional Irish name. We are not Irish and don't ive in Ireland. If you love the name go for it!

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