As a child, I recall asking my parents why they had given me the name Maureen.
They told me I was named for two actresses: Maureen O’Hara and Kathryn Grayson.
As I knew nothing about them, I remained frustrated because most of my friends had modern names like Kathy, Mary, Susan, and Emily,
all names that were familiar and easy to say.
For years I dealt with the reality that so few people could pronounce Maureen properly and I was often called Marilyn, Marlene, Merlyn, Mona and
even something that sounded a bit like an eye drop product!
Now I love my name and will often add ‘as in Maureen O’Hara’ when I’m being introduced.
It always surprises me when I get a blank stare in response, usually from people under the age of 35,
but then I encourage them to look up ‘Miracle on 34th Street’ or ‘The Quiet Man’
so they get to see this beautiful actress while enjoying a wonderful classic movie.
In an effort to use and enjoy some of the lovely names that come from Ireland, I’ve used them for many of my characters.
As sometimes shown in YouTube videos, proper pronunciation is quite a mystery.
To aid in your familiarization with these lovely names, I’ve included this Pronunciation Guide.
But feel free to Google the names because there is a wealth of information about the Gaelic language and often there are clips
embedded so you can hear the pronunciation for yourself, as in the link below.
In Second Chances, the first in my Ribbon Romance Series, you’ll meet Caoimhe, which is pronounced KEE-va.
I bet you didn’t see that coming! I chose it because it has the same root as my brother’s name, which is Kevin.
Next is Mairead, pronounced MAWR-aid or MUR-aid, meaning Margaret.
This was my grandmother’s name and my cousin Margie was named for her.
Last is Roisin. It is pronounced Ro-SHEEN and I chose it just because I like it.
I hope you do, too.
I also hope you enjoy being the only one in your crowd to know how to say these lovely Gaelic names!
Below is the website I use to listen to the pronunciation.
http://www.babynamesofireland.com/