Hello,

We're expecting a girl this August and favor the name Caitlin Grace. However, I had this weird "premonition" (for lack of a better term), that my good friend - expecting a girl in a few days - might choose Caitlin...we'll see .... but just in case ... we need an alternative.

My husband and I love all things Irish and like the girls' name that's pronounced "Neeve" in English. However, we do not like the Anglicized spelling "Neve" but prefer "Niamh", the traditional Irish spelling.

I'm interested to hear your thoughts on a name that Americans typically would not recognize or find easy to pronounce. Another concern is how cruel children can be to one another (sadly). From my experience: My maiden name is Italian and nearly impossible for anyone to pronounce; back in the day, kids even found ways to pervert it into something less than tasteful, just "because". So, I myself am not unfamiliar with the issue.

BUT ... we feel we can help our daughter appreciate her name - if it IS Niamh - and react with confidence if she has to explain it to others. In the United States in general, there are many people from many different cultures who choose to spell and pronounce their names in the traditional, correct fashion, and others CAN indeed learn how to spell and pronounce these names, if only they will give it a chance. We think the same applies here.

Wow, I didn't realize quite how strong my opinion was on this! But I sincerely appreciate constructive, helpful feedback from anyone who's had a similar name experience, be it positive or negative.

Many thanks in advance and best to everyone choosing baby names!
Trish