boy names help please

[Nov2023]

We are expecting a baby boy soon and have a short list of names. We live in England but my heritage is Irish. My name is not Irish but I like Irish names: Cillian, Cormac, Cathal and Lorcan. Are they too Irish for a baby in England?
DH likes Zachary, Callum and Jack. Would these be more appropriate? I am interested in opinions please!

Zachary is my fave from that list!

I wouldn't personally be worried about fitting in my cultural names with English. If you like your cultural Irish names, other people can learn to pronounce them and also it may be more unique in the classroom! One of my early school friends was called Aoife and I still think it is one of the most beautiful names!

I like Cillian.

If I had Irish heritage, it's what I'd use.

I love the name Cormac. Go with what feels right to you!

Cillian is my favourite. All of those Irish names you have suggested have uncomplicated spelling so should be fine in England!

The best name to go for is the one you love the most without giving a second thought to anyone else. You'll never tire of it and your child will make it his own. No matter what name you choose, someone will think 'wouldn't call my kid that!'
Love your son - love his name, is how your son's friend will see it.

I do have a fondness for Kylan though. 😁
But you could use the traditional spelling Caolán. ☺️

I’m Irish and I know I’ll get flamed for this but Irish names spoken with any accent other than Irish make my ears bleed. The four names you have mentioned would sound appalling in an English accent.

Thanks everyone!

I only considered Irish names which are easier to spell with no 'strange' vowel combinations or accents. I am leaning towards Cillian. I can't see how that could sound too different with an English accent. Am a bit worried about it being shortened to Kill though! I hope we can shorten the list to about 3 names and we will see which suits him better when he is born. Girls names seem so much easier.

I love Cillian, I think it would more likely be shortened to Cilli/Killi if anything. From your list I really like the sound of Cillian Jack

Connell is a lovely Irish name, I hadn't heard it until BBC's normal people, but it would make it more suited to living in England as it's not an unheard name, and spelt as it sounds etc.

The pronunciation of Cathal isn't exactly intuitive to an English speaker, don't think I'd go for that.
And Cormac and Lorcan probably sound quite different in an English accent as Irish people will pronounce the r's in them.
Cillian rhymes with Gillian is probably the easiest but you might get Sillian sometimes.

Finn is straightforward.

I love Lorcan and Cathal. If it helps Jack is traditionally a form of the name John in Ireland.

We ended up calling our baby Sean! Wasn't in the list but it suits him 😀Technically he has the fada in his name but I don't mind if it is not used

Ah, Seán is lovely 😍
Congratulations!!!