Can I give my son a welsh name if I’m not Welsh

[naivesquirrel]

I’ve seen this question around a little bit but not sure if there are many recent ones so wonder if the sentiment has changed.

I love the name Rhydian, however I am not welsh. Would it be considered inappropriate to name him that? I grew up around Bristol however, so these names are rather familiar to me. I wonder the same about some of the traditional irish names, I have irish ancestry but would never claim to be irish - would names like Siobhan or Eoin be considered inappropriate

thanks!!

That guy's fucking creepy!

@naivesquirrel I don't see any reason why not so long as you can say it properly (& frankly that's easy enough in the English version)

But you would be complicating your son's life and that's something you really need to take into. He'll be forever, explaining how to say it, and how to spell it and answering questions about his parents or grandparents heritage.

I wouldn't do it myself, but nothing to stop you if that's what you want to do

I think with any name you have to consider how many times your child growing up will have to spell it or correct pronunciation. So which name you choose has a bearing.

LL doesn’t exist in English so you won’t find people saying it.
It's just two Ls in English.

Tones are important
Of course tone is important, more so in some languages. I hadn't mentioned tone.

You don’t understand what a tone is (which is fine by the way). The point is that no one can pronounce one of my names correctly.

LL isn’t just two Ls in English. That’s the point. Are you ok?

@WitchesBritches , He is a bit creepy. I added the link because it had both the English and Welsh versions.

I'm not bothered if the OP uses it or not. It's a pleasant name.

@ClaudiaWankleman , You don’t understand what a tone is (which is fine by the way).
I do understand what tone is.
The point is that no one can pronounce one of my names correctly.
You have a name that no one can say correctly? If so, how do you know?
LL isn’t just two Ls in English. That’s the point. Are you ok?
Yes thanks but I don't think you are.

Absolutely. And it gets Anglicised too.

This thread has gone in quite a different direction to the initial question asked by the OP!

Ha I could have written that OP, even down to locations. We did go for a Welsh name, although Welsh people will tell you it’s not Welsh - Evan, Welsh doesn’t have a V. But every non Welsh person will ask you if you’re Welsh 😆

@ProtestantTraybakeQueen , it's a great name. I know one and I don't think he's Welsh but it didn't cross my mind to ask him.

No, it’s against the law.

Evan is the Anglicised form of Egan, which is Welsh. They're pronounced the same. Nice name!

Isn't Egan Irish?

I’m Welsh and honestly I’d think you were a bit of an idiot if you gave your child such an obviously Welsh name with no Welsh connection.

Sorry, I realise it’s protectionist, but I can’t help how I feel about it.

I like the sound of it and I can't see why you shouldn't use it. Is everyone called Zoe, Chloe or Phoebe Greek? Is everyone called Richard German? All Benjamins Jewish?

@MyDarlingWhatIfYouFly , I just don't think they really work. They're often dated and have spelling/pronunciation issues. I feel the same about names from the UK used in countries like Italy, so I don't think it's 'protectionism'.

The Greek names you mentioned are not the names in Greek, Benjamin isn't Benjamin in Hebrew.

Not all Richards are German. Cliff Richard isn't his birth name.

As the welshest human alive, I give you full permission xx

<Waves to @Arlanymor as we must be neighbours!>

Names travel and change. Look at all the Floyds in America!
I know an Aimée - with the acute - who pronounces it Amy.

And even (usually anglophone) Welsh people can get Welsh names wrong: I used to teach a “Daffyd” 😬 Made my Welsh colleagues cringe!

I hit cultural scrolling through by mistake

It's fine. I'm Welsh. As long as you can pronounce the name!

@Phrootbaht , Floyd isn't of a known origin but might be from Lloyd. I can see the appeal even though I'd not use it. I remember a couple using it for their new-born and the comments were varied. The word Pink was mentioned a lot.

I like the poster who pointed out that it will be shortened to Rhid, pronounced Rid.

If I came across little Rhydian, I'd be assuming a possible Welsh connection or you simply liked the name. I don't know.as I'd be so rude to ask. We are allowed to call out children what we like. It is no different than someone calling their child Siobhan with no Irish connection. All absolutely fine.

I am, to prove my Welsh credentials a Manics fan of too many years, and I am taking my 11 year old for her 1st Manics gig tomorrow. Am I allowed to join in?!

I’m Welsh and my kids have non Welsh, traditional English names 🤷‍♀️