For Laura McDonagh, the story of her name is a microcosm of a larger cultural narrative – one of assimilation, prejudice, and a quiet reclaiming of identity for the Irish diaspora in Britain. Born in 1983 at Sunderland General Hospital, she wasn’t initially meant to be called Laura at all. Her mother’s intention was Éilis, a traditional Irish name, but the reaction was, at best, lukewarm. The unfamiliarity, particularly the pronunciation with its “fadas,” led to a cascade of misinterpretations: “Ellis,” “Ee-i-lis,” “Eye-lis,” and “Ee-lish.”
This wasn’t an isolated incident. It was a reflection of the times, a period where fitting in often meant shedding visible markers of difference. McDonagh’s parents ultimately opted for Laura, a far more common name in northeast England, hoping to ease their daughter’s path. Growing up, she was one of ten Lauras in her school year, largely unaware of her cultural heritage beyond family stories. The experience highlights a historical trend of Irish families in Britain navigating a complex relationship with their identity, often prioritizing assimilation for their children.
A Name’s Journey and a Shifting Landscape
The story of McDonagh’s name resonates with a broader shift occurring in Britain and beyond. While her parents understandably sought a name that would blend in, a renewed appreciation for Irish culture is now taking hold. From the global success of Irish actors and musicians to the burgeoning popularity of Guinness – dubbed the “Guinnaissance” – there’s a palpable wave of interest in all things Irish. This cultural resurgence is extending to a revival of Irish names, a trend that speaks to a growing confidence in embracing heritage.
In Ireland itself, traditional Irish names are experiencing a boom. In 2023, Rían topped the list of most popular boy’s names, surpassing the long-held favorite, Jack, according to reports. This trend is mirrored, albeit to a lesser extent, in Britain. In 2024, Maeve, a name steeped in Irish mythology, was the 26th most popular girl’s name in England and Wales – a significant rise from its 891st place ranking three decades prior.
The Politics of a Name
The decision to name a child can be deeply personal, but it’s also inherently political. McDonagh recalls a time when she met another English-born person with an Irish first name, Róisín, on a diocesan pilgrimage to Lourdes. The encounter sparked a sense of wonder and a lingering “what if?” The context of the time – just a year before her birth, two IRA bombs exploded in London parks, and four months after her name was changed, an IRA car bomb detonated outside Harrods during the Christmas shopping rush – adds another layer of complexity to the story. Perhaps, McDonagh suggests, her parents felt a sense of relief with the more Anglicized name.
This historical context underscores the challenges faced by the Irish community in Britain during the Troubles. Choosing a name that wouldn’t draw unwanted attention was, for some families, a matter of safety and practicality. Today, however, a novel generation is increasingly willing to embrace their Irish heritage, even if it means navigating potential misunderstandings or having to constantly correct pronunciations.
A New Generation Embraces Irish Identity
McDonagh notes a growing trend of parents in Britain choosing distinctly Irish names for their children, including those from third-generation Irish families. One friend, determined to honor her Mayo grandparents, insisted on naming her son Paddy, despite reservations from English family members. Another friend, with a mixed Irish and Muslim heritage, gave her children Irish first names paired with Asian middle names, believing that the Irish names would ease their path through the world.
This shift is reflected in the experiences of writers like Megan, a London-based Irish writer who recently named her daughter Méabh, embracing the challenge of a lifetime of pronunciation corrections. Inspired by a poem by Warsan Shire, which encourages giving daughters “tough names,” Megan saw it as a privilege to bestow an Irish first name – one historically denied to previous generations in Britain.
As McDonagh reflects, the ability to confidently choose “difficult” Irish names is a powerful statement. It’s a testament to the changing landscape and a sign that today’s Irish in Britain feel increasingly empowered to honor their complex heritage.
Laura McDonagh’s forthcoming memoir, Commonplace – a story about growing up Irish in Britain, memory, and belonging – will be published by New Island Books in spring 2027. The increasing visibility of Irish culture and the willingness to embrace Irish names suggest a continuing evolution of identity for the Irish diaspora in Britain, a story that is still being written.
What are your thoughts on the resurgence of Irish names and culture? Share your experiences and perspectives in the comments below.
