Sorley

[Pinkitydrinkity]

Just to caveat - I am not pregnant or even in a relationship!

But I saw the name Sorley today and I really love it! It’s a derivative of Somhairle which is male Scottish/Irish Gaelic name.

I think I’m going to add it to my imaginary baby name list 🤣 and interested to hear what others think of it as it’s not very common even in Scotland, although I do know someone with the surname McSorley.

I just really like the name! My other fave boys names are Coinneach, Innes and Callen.

'And don't call me Sorely!'

Doesn't sound anything like Shirley though?

How is it pronounced?

It’s a brilliant name. Been one of my favourites since I was a teenager and since I didn’t have a son, I named one of my pets Sorley.

I am Scottish but don’t live in the UK and some people are a bit mystified when I say it though.

I love it. I'd use the Somhairle spelling though.

Sorrel?

Not a fan

I don't get how it's pronounced. Sorrly sounds like sore-Lee in my southern accent?

Are you me, two of my favourite names too 😂

I adore Sorley.

I love it too. I think there’s a bit of a divide on here between Scots, too whom it’s a normal if uncommon name, and non-Scots who seem mystified by it!

Sorley is awful - there are far better Scottish names out there.

It works beautifully in a Scottish accent but does sound like Sorely in a SE English accent, so it depends where you are.

I know a wee one, nothing but compliments about it, even behind the parents backs!

Makes me think of Gallowglass

It must be to do with the accent? I don’t know how to explain it but I’d say it’s like the R is shorter and softer.

I’m Highlands so quite sing-songy anyway!

Sorley seems to be the hardest word.

I'll get my coat.

It sounds like a toddler trying to they they have a sore (sorely) knee or something

How about Sorrel ?

Sorley poorly or poorly Sorley
Not good OP. Think again.

Sorley and poorly sound absolutely nothing alike!?

Must be the English/Scottish accents?

There’s no such thing as an English/Scottish accent - all the regions/strength of accents therein of both countries will pronounce that differently.

I'm mystified by the pronunciation.
Sorely would rhyme with Crawley in SE England.
Is it like surely, purely, worry.

I am Scottish and I think it's a great name, and does not sound like Sorely at all. Not very common even in Scotland, not sure why, I've only known one poet with it (Sorley McLean) and one spaniel! Makes me think of someone rugged and romantic (probably the poet connotation, not the dog).
Not sure why it's getting a negative response, as compared to other Gaelic names with odd spellings/ pronounciations, it's pretty straightforward!

Yes - there is no one homogenous English accent or Scottish accent, but there are broad differences that mean that people from the United Kingdom will be able to pick out if any given accent comes from England or from Scotland.

OP - I'm trying to say it with a soft short r and it's much nicer than my fairly flat drawn out estuary version 😂
Thanks for introducing me to a new name and I'll know better how to say it if I meet one some day!

. I think there’s a bit of a divide on here between Scots, too whom it’s a normal if uncommon name, and non-Scots who seem mystified by it!

I'm Scottish and I still think it's awful. It has a very unattractive sound imo.

Just no.