How to Pronounce Irish Names

When two or three vowels are joined, they create a different sound., If you see these combinations paired with other vowels, pronounce them separately.

4 Steps 1 min read Easy

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Step 1: When two or three vowels are joined

    These are called diphthongs.

    Here are the combinations: aoi
    - Pronounced "ee"
    - Example:
    Aoife ao
    - Pronounced "ay"
    - Example:
    Caolán eo
    - Pronounced "oh"
    - Example:
    Eoin io
    - Pronounced "ih"
    - Example:
    Siobhán ia
    - Pronounced "ee"
    - Example:
    Niamh eá
    - Pronounced "awe"
    - Example:
    Seán
  2. Step 2: they create a different sound.

    Example:
    Eoin contains Eo paired with i.

    Eo is pronounced "oh".

    If you pronounce them separately, it becomes "Oh-in"

    which has been Anglicized into Owen.
  3. Step 3: If you see these combinations paired with other vowels

  4. Step 4: pronounce them separately.

Detailed Guide

These are called diphthongs.

Here are the combinations: aoi
- Pronounced "ee"
- Example:
Aoife ao
- Pronounced "ay"
- Example:
Caolán eo
- Pronounced "oh"
- Example:
Eoin io
- Pronounced "ih"
- Example:
Siobhán ia
- Pronounced "ee"
- Example:
Niamh eá
- Pronounced "awe"
- Example:
Seán

Example:
Eoin contains Eo paired with i.

Eo is pronounced "oh".

If you pronounce them separately, it becomes "Oh-in"

which has been Anglicized into Owen.

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