Hey guys, I’m stuck between two surnames for my character [name]Anita[/name]: the Irish and the English versions. The English version is Mulready ([name]Anita[/name] Mulready), while the Irish version is Ní Mhaoltáin ([name]Anita[/name] Ní Mhaoltáin). Which do you think sounds better? [name]Just[/name] to be clear, they’re both Irish surnames, except that the first one is translated from Gaeilge to English, while the second one is just Gaeilge. Thanks =)
If you’re not using an Irish first name ([name]Anita[/name] is a Spanish verison of [name]Anne[/name]), then I think Mulready would be the better option. [name]Just[/name] curious: in your experience, have most Irish surnames been Anglicized today?
If you are writing a story/book then you want the name to be readable and pronounceable so I would reccomend Mulready
I agree with the PPs, Mulready is the best option.
I also agree with Mulready.
I think Mulready is the best choice- if I were reading your book, I would stumble over the other surname every time. [name]Anita[/name] Mulready sounds nice too.
- [name]Athena[/name]
Oh yes, almost every Irish surname has been Anglicized. In fact, for every Irish surname there’s an English translate (O Mhioch becomes [name]Meade[/name], O Deaghladh becomes [name]Day[/name], etc.) The only place you will find people going by their Irish names would be in the west of the [name]ROI[/name], or in primary school classrooms (grades K to 7th). It’s a shame, really. The Irish surnames are lovely. Also, I forgot to mention this earlier, the pronunciation of the Irish surname is ‘Knee-WAIL-Tawn’, almost in one word.