Mhairi

[christabell]

I am Scottish and always loved the name Mhairi (pronounced Vah-ri, like Mairi with a v sound). Am currently thinking of names for dc 2 (not due until January) and suggested this to my partner, who is English - he said he doesn't like it as it sounds like Barry! Also, we live in Yorkshire so am worried it may be pronounced horribly here (think Vurreh), in fact I am not sure whether it works at all unless said in a Scottish accent. Does anyone living in England know anyone called Mhairi, and does it sound ok in various regional English accents? Would appreciate any comments before I saddle my child with a hard to pronounce name!

It's not that uncommon so I don't think you will have a problem. It's a strong name.

My niece in NZ is called this, everyone pron. it as you have written (Vah-ri). I really like it and if we can pronounce it with our dodgy accents, should be no problem in England

I know one person with this name. it is nice and unusual and so is she.

Never heard of it before, but it's beautiful. Go for it.

I am adding this to threads I'm watching

I love this name and had it for my DC1 and 2 (but both boys!) - but I am Scottish!

Thanks everyone - generally positive then, though partner still saying no! Any more views?

I am Scottish and knew a girl called this, nice name.

However, you'd probably get a few people in England calling her Mhari (with the M), as they wouldn't know about the pronunciation.

Although, that said, once they knew, I am sure it would be fine.

Never seen it before and on first sight I would say "Maa-re", it's lovely as you pronounce it though.

I'm from the Highlands, so naturally I know this name very well. Some of the loveliest girls I know are called Mhairi, it's classic and beautiful. People will quickly get used to the pronunciation. Definitely go for it!

I think it's a lovely name - because of my DH's family being French, we chose names that are often mispronounced and the DSs now love correcting people and explaining why they have these names. It also gives them something to link them to where you're from, even if they always live in Yorkshire.

I went to school with a Mhairi in England. She was the year above me and I remember spending years thinking that "Varry" wsa "MuHairy's" nickname.....! Obviously I was wrong!

Lovely name! People will learn to pronounce it correctly. Lots of names are pronounced un-phonetically (Siobhan, Niamh, etc.) and everyone learns quickly how they are pronounced. Go for it!

I went to school in England with this name (it's my middle name but we used it until secondary school) and people just called me "Mary".

That's my Auntie's name! I've never ever heard of anyone else ever considering it, and I think it's such a beautiful name! (Scottish family on my dad's side, but they lived in england, my auntie went to school in England)

And they didn't mispronounce it (more than once ).

I agree everyone learns quickly - but I would get sick and tired of teaching everyone to say my name properly

i live in scotland and i know a few Mairis and a few Mhairis and even some who have an h but pronounce it as if they don't.

i think if you're not fussy about having to explain it every time then it's fine but if that would begin to bother you then i don't know.

mairi is my favourite girls name

Never heard of it. Would have mispronounced it first time, but love the name and correct pronunciation.