Ruadhán as a name

[GladHazelPoster]

What do you think of the name Ruadhán?

Ruadhán - Roo-awn - meaning 'red' or 'red-haired'
Saint Ruadhán of Lorrha was one of the Twelve Apostles of Ireland, a group of early Christian saints who studied under Saint Finian of Clonard. Wiki to Saint Ruadhán

Well-known people with the name now include Ruadhán Mac Cormaic is an Irish journalist and author who became Editor of The Irish Times in 2022, following a career that included various roles as a Foreign Affairs, Migration, Legal Affairs, and Paris Correspondent.

To all those who are going to say it's hard to spell please save your breath. If you had your way everyone would be called James Smith and if they weren't they would be forced to change their name to it. Have some confidence with names that aren't in the Top 5 each year please. By the way clearly the parents of this learned Saint weren't worrying about spelling when they named their son it.

I really like it.

I like it!

Are you Irish and do you live in Ireland? If so, then I'm guessing that people will know how to pronounce this. If not, you'll be setting your DC up for a lifetime of misspelling and mispronunciation of his name. And there is no-one 'well-known' with this name. I'm over 50 and I've never heard of it.

I like it. It's for parents who like Rory/Ruairí but think that's too popular.

Will he be brought up in the UK or Ireland? Only ask as I am Irish in the UK and have a name that I have to spell a lot. Most days that's fine, some days I am so over it.

Absolutely fine name. Roo is nice for a small boy too.

Dont be dissuaded by those who think you should spell it on a “ easier “ way. Plenty of names need a bit of explanation. Even the Sara/ sarah conundrum.

I read it acceptably as Roo- arn rather than Roo-awn even without any particular knowledge.

I'm in my 60s and have never heard this name and would have no idea how it's pronounced.

Love it!

I like the name but would be concerned that he would have a lifetime of people not knowing how to spell or pronounce iit

I really like it and know at least 2 kids with this name. It’s actually easy to say. Yes a lot of people will be unclear how to say from reading it, but once they’re told it shouldn’t be an issue (unless the person is thick).

I’m Scottish and Ruaridh or Ruaraidh are not uncommon and great names so I think it’s lovely.

I think it’s lovely. Of course you are aware people will say it wrongly and he will need to correct them, but as pps say, I don’t think that’s a big deal.

To all those who are going to say it's hard to spell please save your breath. If you had your way everyone would be called James Smith and if they weren't they would be forced to change their name to it. Have some confidence with names that aren't in the Top 5 each year please. By the way clearly the parents of this learned Saint weren't worrying about spelling when they named their son it.

Wow you sound a delight. You want to know if people like it but don't want to know if they don't like it because those people must only like top 5 names. I think what you're looking for is an echo chamber.

That is specifically in reference to spelling and that should be very clear by the opening and closing line of the paragraph.
Sometimes these threads just have people endlessly repeating "spelling is hard" etc.
Have a wonderful day!

Fair enough. Not sure why you posted if you don’t want opinions. I’m sure you’ll bring the same energy to anyone who doesn’t know how to pronounce this name first time!

By the way clearly the parents of this learned Saint weren't worrying about spelling when they named their son it.

😂😂😂 I don't think parents generally had such concerns in the immediate AD years

I love it and I wouldn't care if they were living in Ireland or not. I have a name people cannot spell, it doesn't hold me back. Because it is unusual in this country it stands out, which is a wonderful benefit professionally as I am a journalist and people remember my byline! I also think it is important for children to be part of their culture, no matter where they live and a name is an important connection.

To be fair your first sentence is 'What do you think of ... the name. (i can't scroll so can't check spelling!)

Folks are likely to answer with that question in mind. It's a lovely sounding name, but if not in Ireland he will probably have to spell it/pronounce it for people.

Not the end of the world of course and worth it for a nice name.

I have to spell my name out all the time and i get sick of it. But it's my name and i wouldn't change it.

If you live in Ireland my answer is go for it. If not, nope.

For me it's less about where you live and more about whether you're Irish or not. If you're not, it's a bit odd. Like calling a kid Giuseppe if you're not Italian.

Lovely name. Really like it.

It’s a name a lot of people won’t know how to pronounce and spell unless you live in Ireland. A bit like the name Aoife!!

I love Ruadhán but I live in Ireland and know how to pronounce it. I can’t talk I’ve given my own daughter a name in Irish that even Irish people struggle with. She’s and adult and loves it though.

Sounds like you’re not Irish. it’s a really daft idea

If you are set on it then don’t ask people and berate them before they have even said anything !

I have a nephew (living in RoI) called Ruàn - seems to be pronounced the same, is it an alternative spelling of the same name?