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Original poster

How would you pronounce this name?

72 replies

pandarific · 27/02/2021 10:07

...if you’re non-Irish?

I assume Irish people would know how to say this word! Also interested in Irish people’s opinions, and non Irish people’s opinions on it too as a name, of course.

The name is Líath or Liath (I am easy on fada usage), and it would be for a girl. As gaelige, it means ‘grey’.

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Caspianberg · 27/02/2021 10:10

Lay-th or lee-ath

MrsBraceFace · 27/02/2021 10:10

I'd have a go with Lee-ath.

Dotinthecity · 27/02/2021 10:10

Lee ath

saffire · 27/02/2021 10:11

Lee ath

tilder · 27/02/2021 10:11

Probably Lay the. But I wouldn't be sure so I would ask.

TheByngster · 27/02/2021 10:11

I am Irish, so know how to pronounce. I asked my English husband and he said “Leeth”

MarshmallowsOnToast · 27/02/2021 10:12

Lee-arg

MarshmallowsOnToast · 27/02/2021 10:12

Gah sorry that should say Lee-ath

SecretIdentitee · 27/02/2021 10:12

Leah (Lee Ah) with the Ah bit being long ot short depending on whether Ulster or Muster dialect

Plumpcious · 27/02/2021 10:13

Lee ath

Original poster
pandarific · 27/02/2021 10:17

Okay, that’s encouraging - almost everyone has got it right!

Opinions on it as a name? I will also admit DS has a colour name too, so I am conscious of us appearing potentially self consciously ‘wacky’...

OP posts:
isthismylifenow · 27/02/2021 10:19

I would pronounce it Leeth

Caspianberg · 27/02/2021 10:20

I think it’s fine as a name. As long as you don’t mind mispronunciation sometimes. Generally as long as you introduce with how to say it then people will just use that option, so for friends and family they will know anyway

RunningFromInsanity · 27/02/2021 10:21

Not Irish, I would say ‘lay-th’

JustTurtlesAllTheWayDown · 27/02/2021 10:22

I've never heard of it and am not Irish. I'd say Lee-ath.

GrumpyHoonMain · 27/02/2021 10:22

Leeth?

TerribleCustomerCervix · 27/02/2021 10:26

Has almost everyone got it right though?

Most people are saying Lee-ath when that’s not how it’s pronounced.

Original poster
pandarific · 27/02/2021 10:27

Oh wait, you’re right. Crap, that’s annoying.

OP posts:
Original poster
pandarific · 27/02/2021 10:28

I was reading the t as silent, but of course people are expecting to pronounce it.

OP posts:
WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants · 27/02/2021 10:28

Lay-th but I'd hope you'd say it first as I'm aware that I'll mangle any Irish/Welsh/Scottish names as much as I've tried over the years, I just can't get them right 🥺

But if lay-th is close I don't think you'll have too many problems

As for the what do I think of it?
It's ok, but there are nicer Irish names/words.

GrumpyHoonMain · 27/02/2021 10:29

If you don’t want the t pronunced then I wouldn’t use it.

MrsTophamHat · 27/02/2021 10:29

Lee ath

ShrimpSymphonyofSeasonalSongs · 27/02/2021 10:30

I’m Irish - Leah

TeenMinusTests · 27/02/2021 10:31

lee-ath

Pangur2 · 27/02/2021 10:31

Lee-aah. But I’m Irish. Lovely name!