Girls:
Avoca — pronounced “A-voh-ka”, this evocative sounding name belongs to an Irish river and town in County Wicklow. The town is known for its hand-weaving industry and copper mines, and Wicklow itself is popularly known as “The Garden of Ireland”. Avoca would be a pretty and fresh-sounding name for a baby girl.
Annalee – this at-a-glance “smoosh name” is actually a river in County Cavan, named for the surrounding area of Annaghlee (from the Irish eanach lao: fen + calf). It is also reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe’s famous poem, “Annabel Lee.” With several nickname possibilities, this is a very usable baby name option with a hidden slight Gaelic influence.
Shannon – the name of Ireland’s longest river, with a harbour town named after it, Shannon has long been used for baby girls. Easily pronounced and familiar to the ear, this is an obvious place name from Ireland.
Tara – the Hill of Tara in County Meath was, according to legend, the home place of the High King of Ireland for many generations. As a historical site, it has many monuments of interest. What a regal way to pay tribute to Ireland! Like its Cara, Lara, and Zara sisters, this name still sounds fresh and pretty, with a healthy amount of history and folklore behind it, as well as a connection to Gone With the Wind.
Boys:
Brandon – the Anglicization of Cé Bhréanainn, Brandon is a beautiful Irish-speaking village on the coast of County Kerry. A neighbouring sandy bay and mountain share the title. The name Brandon has been well used in the US over the years, but few people seem to realise this direct Irish connection. Brendan/Brendon also originates from the Irish name “Breanainn”.
Cashel – this is the name of several different townlands in Ireland, and of Tipperary’s famous Rock of Cashel with its spectacular Cathedral and Round Tower. Cashel is a viable option for a baby boy, with the Nashville-esque “Cash” an obvious nickname.
Carlow – another Irish county, this strong yet sweet-sounding name is fresh and traditional all at once. It’s instantly reminiscent of the more familiar Carlo, but with a Celtic twist: Carlow means “place of cattle,” from Irish, “Ceatharlach”. With its subtle hint of Irishness, this might prove a good option for an Irish-Italian American family?
Ennis – the name of a County Clare town was brought to our attention by the character created by Annie Proulx and played by Heath Ledger in Brokeback Mountain. It has a somewhat relaxed and lazy feel, but confusion with Dennis might prove irritating. Ennis means island in its original Irish form.
In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my LIGHT, my STRENGTH, and my SONG!
T-TTC since Dec 2008. PCOS/nonexistant cycles(anovulation) and endo. HSG in '10 revealed both tubes blocked. Lap surgery in Dec '10 to correct. Failed Clomid/IUI and injectable(Bravelle)/IUI cycles so far.
Re: NOTD Wednesday - Irish place names
In Christ alone my hope is found. He is my LIGHT, my STRENGTH, and my SONG!
T-TTC since Dec 2008. PCOS/nonexistant cycles(anovulation) and endo. HSG in '10 revealed both tubes blocked. Lap surgery in Dec '10 to correct. Failed Clomid/IUI and injectable(Bravelle)/IUI cycles so far.
TTC#2 4/14
A Parachute in an Oak Tree: A World of Love
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A girl named Annalee would be teased mercilessly in middle school. It's cute, but I can't get past the potential for teasing.
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TTC Since January 2011 - We have bad sperm