The 17 Struggles Of Having An Irish Name

Saoirse Ronan’s now famous interview with Stephen Colbert shed some serious light on the strugs some Irish people face when trying to identify themselves abroad. 

And while our names are indeed beautiful, they can be the catalyst of some tricky situations. Here are just 17 of them listed below…

1. Not being able to set foot into Starbucks without your name being butchered 

Let’s start with the big one.

2. Your name being called out at the Golden Globes nominations incorrectly 

Bit of a niche problem, but a problem all the same. 

3. People misspelling your name in emails/on Facebook when your name is RIGHT THERE

It’s literally inches from your mouse. LOOK UP.

4. Taking 20 minutes to order a pizza over the phone because you have to do this 

”Yeah okay, so it’s Caoimhe – so C for cake, A for apples, O for orange…”

5. The fear in people’s eyes when they have to repeat your name 

And the tricky situation it is having to explain that they’re so wrong without making them feel like a total idiot. 

(Note: They will never say your name again.)

6. Americans

Harsh, but true. 

7. Never ever being able to experience the happiness of finding your name on a keychain

It’s bad when even O’Carroll’s is touch and go.

8. And don’t get us started on Coca Cola 

We’ll be happy when we see Orfhlaith on Coke cans.

9. When people ask why your name is spelled that way

Because it was my choice; because I came out of the womb screaming ‘Dymphna’. 

10. Breaking down your name phonetically to strangers 

You’re Phoebe, everyone else is Joey.

11. Autocorrect

The devil reincarnated. 

12. The squiggly red line of doubt under your name on Microsoft Word 

I know how to spell MY OWN NAME, Microsoft.

13. When you meet someone who has the same name as you, but spells it completely differently 

Sadhbh? Meet Sive and her good friend Sabhbhbh. 

Oh and Conor? Conchobhar’s here to see you.

14. Urban Dictionary doesn’t even have your back

And when they do have your name, it’s never complimentary.

15. Name tags are the enemy

You may as well just ask someone to look bewilderedly at my chest. Does the same thing, but quicker.

16. When you come home from the Gaeltacht and people call you by the anglicised version

”No, guys. My name is actually Dáithí.”

17. And finally, when you’re on the phone and have to clarify your gender due to your name

”Naoise? Okay brilliant, thanks for your help, miss.”

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