What would the Celtic ramifications of naming my daughter Leanan Sidhe (pronounced lan-awn-shee) be?

My husband and I love the name, but due to the mixed results I've been finding in my research, we are concerned that the name might be offensive to the Irish/Celtic culture. Does anyone know more about this name?

What would the Celtic ramifications of naming my daughter Leanan Sidhe (pronounced lan-awn-shee) be?
I think it is a wonderful name. I wouldn't mind being called Leanan Sidhe! Here is some information about the name.





"Leanan Sidhe is often quoted as meaning "the fairy mistress" or the "fairy sweetheart". She is a the famous Celtic muse with such a dark and unearthly beauty that her lover was often distraught with longing and suffering for her absence. In legend, the Leanan Sidhe often takes an artist for a lover, hence the title "the fairy sweetheart". It is said that her lover gives her the vital depth of emotion that she craves and she in turn inspires his genius.





He is the artist, who lost without his inspiration, unable to create his works of art and compositions of song, suffers in a deep depression and sometimes commits suicide or gives up his creative work in despair. Yet an artist who has lost the connection to his muse has failed to honor and nurture the gift he has been given. The role of the artist in the loss of his muse is not often considered or understood. The self destructive nature of many inspired artists probably lent itself to the misconception that she was evil and dangerous. Evil is not darkness, for darkness she is, and she can also be dangerous and destructive. When her gift is honored and nurtured, she shines as a luminous light in the darkness. For those who understand her true nature, who do not idolize or fear her, she is a sliver of moonlight in the blackest night.





The most common and widespread myth attached to Leanan Sidhe is that she is a vampirish spirit who attaches herself to one man. To this man, an artist or poet, she appears irresistibly beautiful, and if he is seduced by her, he is ruined body and soul. This misunderstanding is not in keeping with her original purpose and is only as recent as Medieval Scotland when she was associated with the Christian superstition of the succubi. It was popularized in print by the poet W.B. Yeats who claimed that she was a "blood sucking vampire" This was a dramatic touch, but is more likely a symptom of the Victorian obsession with succubi along with a bit of poetic license. Unfortunately, most research on the subject of Leanan Sidhe goes back no farther than the account Yeats held of her. There is a rich and enduring history and deeper meaning to the name Leanan Sidhe that is much more interesting than the popular vampire fantasies."
Reply:Did you read Cat Magick? It deals with the Leanan Sidhe. It won't answer the question you have, but it is a good fiction book.





I would say, go ahead, what is the harm, but my cat Loki sure lived up to his name! How about if you use the name, but use a different spelling?





I wish I could be more help, but good luck with the bundle of joy!
Reply:S铆dhe (IPA [蕛i藧], shee, modern Irish: s铆; Scottish Gaelic: s矛th) is an Irish and Scottish Gaelic word referring first to earthen mounds that were thought to be home to a supernatural race related to the fey and elves of other traditions, and later to these inhabitants themselves. The S铆dhe or S矛th are variously believed to be the ancestors, the spirits of nature, or the goddesses and gods themselves.





Many see the S铆dhe as later, literary versions of the Tuatha D茅 Danann (the gods and deified heroes of Irish mythology). In folk belief and practice, the S铆dhe are often propitiated with offerings, and care is taken not to anger them. They are often spoken of with euphemisms such as "The Good Neighbors", "The Fair Folk", "The Gentry", or simply "The Folk", in the hope that if humans consider them to be kind, they are more likely to be so. In this vein, the most common names for them, Aes S铆dhe, Daoine S铆dhe and Duine S矛th mean, literally, "People of Peace".





I think the name is wonderful.
Reply:Rangers supporters may be upset.
Reply:There are some people who think naming a child Jesus is a great tribute and others who are mortally offended. She is your daughter. If you love the name, use it. She may go through a short phase where she doesn't like it but if you teach her to be proud, she'll most likely love it as an adult.


Your right that a few people may be offended and even more may roll their eyes at you. Naming your child after such an important faerie should bring your child lots of luck, and mischief.


I love the name and am glad you are putting time into making sure it is the right one. As soon as your daughter is born, you will know for sure.
Reply:I think the Irish and Celtics would be flattered that you chose that name for your beautiful daughter. Everyone likes to have their beliefs commemerated.
Reply:People can be offended by anything.





If you like the name; give her that name. It IS YOUR choice and not theirs.
Reply:I doubt there will be many "Celtic" ramifications, but you should consider these:


--People will never pronounce her name correctly. Most people don't even know how to pronounce "Celt." (Think of the Boston team)


--She will likley be teased a great deal about her name.


--There is no good short version of the name.


--Her name will often be mispelled, both in school and business.


--She may grow up to be a Renaissance Faire junkie.


On the other hand:


--People name their kids after archangels and saints, so it can be argued that it not's disrespectful.


--If she is raised to be proud of her different name, she may feel unique and special.


--Perhaps the Sidhe will bless her.


--It beats the crappy names that celebrities give their kids!