How would you pronounce this name?

[pandarific]

...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’.

I've no idea, so I'm guessing here. With the fada I'd probably say Lie-ath (on the basis the emphasis is on the i, like in French. Which is probably wrong?)
Without the fada I'd probably guess Lee-ath. Both guesses have a short a.

@pandarific

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

So how would YOU say it without a T sound? To me in my mangled way that would sound like leaf or lay huh?

Lee-eth

I’d say it like leaf but with a th not f

I think it's easier if (as in this case) the sound of the name is familiar iykwim. So if it's Leah or similar, people will remember that after the first time. The names that cause the most confusion and ongoing mispronunciation are when the pronunciation isn't obvious from the spelling, and the sound of the name is not that familiar either. I find those harder to remember, anyway.

I always thought Niamh was pronounced Nymph 🤗

@WitchesBritchesPumpkinPants in Irish those ts are silent, so naturally I’d see it as a silent t.

The correct pronunciation would be Lee-ah

Scottish - Lee-ah, with the 'ah' spoken lightly.

Do you live in England, OP? It's not like people won't quickly learn how to pronounce it, and if it's said the same as Leah then people won't find it difficult. But in England she will have to spend her life correcting people who read it and then say it for the first. I guess you have to decide if you think that's a major issue or not. I'm not sure that actually happens THAT often. Doctor appointments? Every new class/teacher at school I suppose.

I'm Irish so know how to pronounce. But English DH got it wrong.

But I am not sure why you'd choose to call her 'grey' when there are so many lovely Irish names.

@BlackBrowedAlbatross

I think it's easier if (as in this case) the sound of the name is familiar iykwim. So if it's Leah or similar, people will remember that after the first time. The names that cause the most confusion and ongoing mispronunciation are when the pronunciation isn't obvious from the spelling, and the sound of the name is not that familiar either. I find those harder to remember, anyway.

Yeah like if you choose Saoirse, you have to accept that English people are gonna mangle it for her entire life.

I'm also Irish and I agree people are having/will have trouble with the pronunciation. It's an easy one to pronounce once you're told, but I'd say her name would be misspelled a lot.
I've never seen it spelled with a fada in modern Irish, but apparently there was a fada in Old Irish.

Lee ath (ath as in Cath)

I'd say Lee-ah. I'm not Irish and many Irish names flummox me, but I know how Orlaith is pronounced, so I'd apply the same basis.

Haven't a clue but I'd go for Leeth in the absence of guidance .... being fully aware that it's probably nothing like that!

We do currently live in England, but the (vague) plan has always been to go back to Ireland in the next few years.

I suppose I’m just wary of giving her a complex!

Yeah like if you choose Saoirse, you have to accept that English people are gonna mangle it for her entire life.

I still can't remember how you pronounce Saoirse despite loving Saoirse Ronan

If it's any help I have friends with daughters Eimar, Orlaith, Aisling and Aoife and I learnt pretty quickly how to pronounce them.

Even worse some may say Lee-aff (rather than "th") and I know its "ah"

I'm Scottish and haven't heard of this name but I'd probably say "lee-a" with emphasis on the lee and a short a?

Lee ah ! Defo I'm Irish and know people with this name

@MiddlesexGirl

Yeah like if you choose Saoirse, you have to accept that English people are gonna mangle it for her entire life.

I still can't remember how you pronounce Saoirse despite loving Saoirse Ronan

She herself says 'Ser sha like inertia! Mind you I am Irish but would pronounce it Seer sha.

Lee-ath ??

Not Irish, but spent a lot of time there, have never knowingly heard this name

I see that’s wrong!

If you are living outside of Ireland I probably wouldn’t use it - I just don’t think she would thank you.

I would guess at Lee-ah, because I teach an Orlaith and would try to apply similar logic. However, my first sight-reading from the register was or-layth and when I apologised for my error she said that literally no-one had ever got it right first time. Most people will sight-read it lee—ath.