Comments on: Name of the Day: Declan

By: Gianna

Gianna — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 18:28:53 +0000

My 8 year old boy is Declan… we’re in California. We have run into two or three others with the name, but it is typically new to most folks. I’m half Irish and my husband is 1/3. It’s a great name. Sturdy but Romantic. And Different! My boy has three Matthews in his class and there are so many Tylers and Jacobs. All great names, but just too over used!

By: Kristine

Kristine — Fri, 07 May 2010 23:29:27 +0000

This may sound weird, but my English teacher’s son is named Declan, and the his older son is named Liam. They are very Irish, clearly. But that was the first I heard the name, and now that I’ve had a school year to get used to it, it has definitely grown on me.

By: appellationmountain

appellationmountain — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 12:56:39 +0000

Sarah, you’re right! I have a friend Sara who says the same thing. Smith, though – really? There’s another way to spell Smith?!

The thing with Deaglan is that as soon as I met his dad, I thought, “Oh, I get it.” I don’t think he’ll have any trouble explaining why he has the authentic Gaelic spelling, even if Declan becomes very, very popular – and spawns Decklin, etc.

D’Lila, though – yeah, that’s just “to make it more unique.” Ahem.

Kat, I’d say DEK lan is the closest to the correct pronunciation. It’s how Deaglan’s parents say his name, too, though there’s a hint of something else in his Irish father’s (charming) accent.

By: Kat

Kat — Fri, 13 Mar 2009 04:29:48 +0000

So, I’m confused – how is this meant to be pronounced?
DEE-clan or DEK-lun or DEK-lan? I’ve always wondered.

Despite not knowing how to pronounce it, I’ve always liked this name. It sounds debonair yet sturdy and masculine. I also like Lachlan, which has a similar ring.

By: Sarah

Sarah — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 05:10:44 +0000

I can see perhaps it would be easier for the child if he doesn’t have to tell every one how to spell and pronounce his name but by no means do I think it is cruel. Nor do I think it is an act of kindness to give them the english spelling.

Even being a Sarah people constantly ask me if its spelt with a ‘h’ or without. I even recall a friend with the surname ‘Smith’ being asked how to spell it?!?!

Its something you cant avoid – and who cares if Deaglán has to tell people how to spell/pronounce his name.

I guess Declan vs. Deaglán is more of an even match. D’lila vs. Delilah on the other hand…

By: appellationmountain

appellationmountain — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 18:24:10 +0000

Cat, I saw EC live with Emmylou Harris a few years back. I adore him! My husband isn’t into hero names, or I might’ve campaigned to use Costello as a middle name. (Because really, Romeo might make a comeback, but Elvis?! That just seems WAY too much name.)

Interesting that Declan generates such a wide range of reactions. I expected him to get more of an “eh” reaction.

Sarah, you raise an interesting question about the spelling. I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately, especially as I ran across an Aleksandra because “we’re Russian.” (Which, okay, they were. But about two generations back. On one side.) It seems kind to give your child the more obvious English spelling for their name. Except in Declan’s case, could it be Decklin? I think not, but dozens of Kaitlyns, Katelyns and Catelyns probably have some thoughts on the topic.

By: JNE

JNE — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 17:45:28 +0000

I like Declan. It’s a solid name. It has a history and a nice sound to it. We have friends whose son is called Declan; they are in the UK… no surprise there, I suppose. It’s a name I haven’t heard here in the states, but I’m in the South and not in, say, Boston or Chicago, so maybe that’s why. In any case, I like Declan as a choice for a baby boy.

By: Cat

Cat — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:47:58 +0000

Thanks Verity! I love Declan because of my Elvis. I don’t know if I’d use it, but it’s grand. It’s a green to me, and just lovely. I’m gun shy as it comes to popularity, though.

By: SophieGray

SophieGray — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 07:10:19 +0000

I’m rather impartial to Declan, really. I can see his appeal, and he is almost comforting, but I’ve met a few Declans in my life, and I’ve not liked a single one!

He is rather common in Australia – not as much in my state, but overall, I do hear him a fair bit

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 11 Mar 2009 03:14:50 +0000

Yuck!

I can’t help feeling that Declan is trying too hard to be different. He feels so wife beater-ry to me. Far too gruffly masculine. I tend to prefer names with a bit more of a cutesy feel. Not too cutesy though like Junior for example. Just a bit more gentle than Declan.

I can understand if your using him for his Irish connections though. But wouldn’t you use the tradtional spelling then?

Beats me