Cormac

[Snowbell99]

What do you think of Cormac for a boy?

Is it too harsh? Does it sound dated?

I adore this name. Wanted to call my son this as it has family meaning but was over ruled but now my ds 23 wishes I had called him it as I gave him a much more common name. Strong and masculine and individual.

I don't like the Scottish pronunciation of core-mack, only the Irish pronunciation core-mc.

Bit confused by this
The first pronunciation in the link below is how I've mostly heard the name pronounced in Ireland (ie as Cawr-mock or Cawr-muk). I've also often heard Cur-muk by native Irish speakers in Munster.

forvo.com/word/Cormac/

Because the surname derived from Cormac (anglicised as McCormack/McCormick) is spelt and pronounced a bit differently in Irish than Cormac as a first name, this has possibly led to a bit of confusion in the pronunciation of the name, especially outside Ireland. However, the second syllable of Cormac as a first name should not be pronounced mick (as the American speaker says in that link).

It's not really an Irish Catholic name as such (like a pp suggested) in that it's a very old Irish name, pre-dating Catholicism in Ireland afaik. A famous Irish high king was named Cormac Mac Airt. It has a steady popularity without being at the top of the lists. I know several Cormacs, so Cormac McLaggen doesn't get a look in here.
Really like it, though it depends on accent too - I imagine it could sound quite different in a non-rhotic accent.

It’s a nice, strong classic. However, I’d echo the poster above who cautioned against using it if your Cormac is likely to grow up as ‘Caw- mack’, like the unbearable Awla for Orla. Some names just don’t work in non-rhotic accents.

@Calandor

Cormac McClaggen. A particularly odious boy in Harry Potter who's always trying to force Hermione to snog him. That puts me off the name.

Depends how much you care about cultural references though.

This was my thought too! He’s a fairly minor character though, I’ve just never really heard of another Cormac and never met one so it’s my only association with the name. I’m not too keen on the sound to be honest. Not sure why because I like Connor and most Mac names but it’s the two sounds together, they just sound quite throaty.

It’s just taste though. Objectively speaking it’s a fine name.

I'm in SW and it reminds me of the dodgy company too.

I don’t like it, but I think Mac for a nickname is nice.

@murderatthebeautypageant is that a Belfast pronunciation "Cormc"? Goes with Ern (Erin), Gerrd (Gerard) and Paatrrc (Patrick).
I love the name Cormac. Ancient and kingly.

I love Cormac, not overly used, simple and strong. Great name.

www.cormacltd.co.uk/

Here in Cornwall it's a highways company that lays roads etc! That's the first thing that came to mind. I suppose it depends if you come to Cornwall often! 😆

I really like it and it would have been on my shortlist if it went with our surname.

Completely agree about non-rhotic accents though, I would avoid if you're in parts of England.

Dont think you can go wrong with Cormac really, it's an all round great name, simple, strong, ancient, one of my favourite Irish names

Love it, was on my list for my son

I say go for it , it's lovely

It's a yes from me too.

It's a real name, it's strong and it's not over used.

I like it, but then I love Irish names. Its a shame some people stigmatise them.