Think your name is hard to pronounce properly? It’s about time you took Gaelic for a spin…
Traditional Irish names are notorious for appearing really difficult to pronounce, but, just like Ireland they’re beautiful, mysterious and shrouded in mythology. Here are ten names to practice before you visit the Emerald Isle:
1. Caoimhe
Pronounced: Key-va
Meaning: Gentle
2. Niamh
Pronounced: Neev
Meaning: Radiant
3. Seamus
Pronounced: Shay-muss
Meaning: Supplant
English version: James
4. Sioban
Pronounced: Shiv-awn
Meaning: God is gracious
English version: Shevaun, Shavon, Chevonne
5. Máirín
Pronounced: Maw-reen
Meaning: Star of the sea
English version: Maureen
6. Tadgh
Pronounced: Tyge
Meaning: A poet
English version: Timothy
7. Síle
Pronounced: Shee-la
Meaning: Musical
English version: Sheila
8. Pádraig
Pronounced: Paw-drig or paw-rick
Meaning: Nobly born
English version: Patrick
10. Eoghan
Pronounced: Ow-an
Meaning: Young fighter
English version: Owen