Saoirse?

[NameNameNameNames]

Follow on from my Isla thread, another name I have in mind is Saoirse.

Sister would still be Hazel, and there’s very little chance of the name being mispronounced

What part of I am Irish too did you not hear?!? Same passport as you.

And believe me I had to live through it, it was shit.

My point was my DH is from a republican background and even he vetoed it because he felt it would make our daughter a potential target for sectarian attack. Or that she would be ostracised to certain groups if for example she wanted to live in Ireland/attend Uni there.

That’s it.

Would you and your DH consider all Irish language names to be labels in a similar way@Sparklecats? Or is just the meaning of Saoirse that makes it particularly problematic for you? Would you have considered other Irish language names for your DC, for example?
Sorry, just curious really.

Also, do you mean nationalist when you say republican by any chance?

@LizzieAnt as I said previously it depends where on the island you are, ROI it isn’t really going to be an issue.

Although we did witness a girl called Saoirse be physically assaulted in a bar in Donegal (of all places), started off “so you’re a freedom fighter are you?” then escalated and we and others had to step in to protect her.

Unfortunately, while time has moved on, there are still a lot of prejudiced people and safety concerns. We still are in the north quite regularly so it was a concern for us.

Yes, he vetoed all Irish names, despite most of the kids in his immediate family having them. Saoirse got a particularly big no (citing what we’d seen happen), which is a shame because it’s gorgeous. Personally I love Irish names and had quite a lot on my list. But then I haven’t been beaten to a pulp for having an Irish name - he has.

And no @LizzieAnt I do not mean nationalist… that would be like SDLP, in favour of non-violent force, you don’t hear about dissident nationalists bombing the place today now do you?! It is republican politics that has been historically linked to issue of support for physical force.

And the Saoirse newspaper is quite clearly republican @LizzieAnt …. “The voice of the republican movement”
Baffled why you would think I meant nationalist.

Okay thanks. I was just a bit taken aback as you seemed so anti-violence but then said your husband's family was republican. So that surprised me.

It's sad that the names are seen as labels still isn't it? Hope things improve given time. I guess a lot depends on what part of Ireland OP lives in. There would be no issues where I am in the south.

@LizzieAnt his family comes from the most entrenched republican areas, and today they would be a mix of republican/nationalist…. The family is a bit partitioned with one half still pretty republican and the other nationalist…. or as the other side of family would call it “the ones who let the Brits in 😉”

Irish families are complicated.

Tell that to Sara (“Sair-a”) Cox.

Michael McIntyre does a good skit on all the different (equally valid) pronounciations of Sara.

And yes it’s really bloody sad, I loved Oisín and Aodhan as well for boys.

I think some progress is being made, they need integration of the schools really so the kids are segregated.

• aren’t segregated!!!

sorry on phone can’t edit

I LOVE the sound of Saoirse when pronounced by an Irish voice.

I also like hearing Caoimhe, Bridget, Catherine, Bridie and Mary. The soft Irish accent makes many names delightful.

Fine if you're in Ireland - outside of Ireland I think most people wouldn't know how to pronounce the name. I certainty wouldn't have a clue, just being honest.

Love the name ! I named my cat Saoirse and then regretted it when I had kids LOL! Never use your favourite name on a pet if you haven’t had kids yet hehehe

Totally agree with this

I think it's well know enough in England now to not be mispronounced. Everyone knows Saoirse Ronan

I think Saoirse Ronan confused people when she spoke about the pronunciation of her name on shows like Ellen though. She said it was Sur-sha, which is not the usual pronunciation and not actually the pronunciation Saoirse Ronan uses in Ireland at least. Her dad says Seer-sha I think, heard him talking about her on tv once or twice.

But OP is in Ireland anyway so pronunciation shouldn't be much of an issue.

I live in Ireland. It is definitely a name associated with the IRA.

It is a name that you'd use if you want to be very Irish. It's up to you. It does have republican IRA links

I wouldnt but I used to know someone with the name and her nickname was indeed sorearse! But she/we were all in England so that probably has some influence, but honestly now its all I can see when I read the name!

It does not not IRA links. Stop talking out your backside.

I know in view in London. People might gasp on here but it's usual to come across different names because many of us live in diverse areas!

I live in Ireland. It is definitely a name associated with the IRA.

load of shite! Where do you live in Ireland @Mooshamoo?

I like it but we have two in our small Scottish school

How about sticking with the tree theme:
Rowan
Willow
Laurel

Personally I love Saoirse but outside Ireland (and even within) you're setting her up for a lifetime of misspellings and mispronunciation.