How to say Irish names at work and school
Getting someone's name right is one of the quickest ways to make them feel welcome. Irish names can look daunting on a register or a CV, but a few habits and a handful of sounds will take you most of the way.
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Five habits that help
- Ask, and ask early. “How do you say your name?” is never rude. Asking on day one is far kinder than guessing for a term and being corrected in front of others.
- Listen, then repeat it back. Say it once and check you have it. People are usually happy to help when they can see you are trying.
- Write it down your own way. A quick note such as Niamh = NEEV beside the name on a register, interview sheet or seating plan saves you doing this again.
- Keep the spelling. Do not shorten or anglicise a name to make it easier unless the person asks you to. Fadas (the accents, as in Seán or Sinéad) are part of the name.
- Do not give up after one go. If you get it wrong, say sorry once, try again and move on. A brief apology followed by the right name matters more than a long one.
The Irish names people meet most often
These are the names that cause the most pauses. Press the play button to hear each one.
- Siobhán – shi-VAWN (God is gracious)
- Niamh – NEEV (Radiance, brightness)
- Saoirse – SEER-sha (Freedom)
- Aoife – EE-fah (Beauty, radiance)
- Caoimhe – KEE-vah (Gentle, kind, precious)
- Sadhbh – SIVE (Sweet, goodly)
- Sinéad – shin-AYD (God is gracious)
- Róisín – ro-SHEEN (Little rose)
- Tadhg – TIGE (Poet, philosopher)
- Oisín – UH-sheen (Little deer)
- Ruairí – ROO-ree (Red king)
- Cian – KEE-an (Ancient, enduring)
For teachers
Before the first lesson, look through the register for names you are unsure of and check them. If you cannot hear them first, ask the pupil or a parent for a phonetic spelling. Reading a class list aloud is the moment most children dread, so a quiet word beforehand takes the pressure off.
For managers and recruiters
If you are interviewing someone with an Irish name, it is fine to check how it is said in your confirmation email or at the start of the call. Putting the pronunciation in your notes for the panel means the candidate hears it said correctly each time.
Why Irish names look so different from how they sound
Irish has its own spelling rules. Letters such as bh, mh, dh and gh stand for sounds English writes differently, which is why Siobhán starts with “Sh” and Tadhg ends without a hard G. The patterns are predictable once you know them: see Irish names with silent letters and Irish names people often mispronounce.
Frequently asked questions
Is it rude to ask someone how to pronounce their name?
No. Most people would much rather be asked than have their name said wrongly for months. Ask once, write it down and use it.
What if I still get an Irish name wrong?
Apologise briefly, repeat it correctly and carry on. Mistakes are understood; ignoring the correction is what stings.
Should I use an English version of an Irish name?
Only if the person prefers it. Use the name they give you, spelled the way they spell it, including any fadas.