Scientists say this is the most ‘beautiful-sounding’ Irish name

An Irish name has been found to be one of the most ‘beautiful-sounding’ names commonly used in English-speaking countries – and it might surprise you!

A study that analysed how beautiful words are when said aloud has found a classic Irish moniker among its numbers.

The study, conducted by My 1st Years examined names that were popularly used in the UK and US and used linguistic theories and practices to figure out how pleasing to the ear they are.

Rather unsurprisingly, the most beautiful-sounding girl name was found to be Sophia (also spelt Sofia). Sophia is one of the most popular names in the world, and Irish parents have not escaped its charms. We’re sure you know at least one Sophia or Sophie who was born in Ireland in the last 20 or so years! The name is of Greek origin and means ‘wisdom’.

For boys, the most beautiful-sounding name is, apparently, Zayn. Many people will associate the name with the One Direction boyband member Zayn Malik, but it’s not exactly a new ‘trendy’ name. It is of Arabic origin and means ‘beauty’ and ‘grace’.

The first Irish-associated name to appear is Riley, which is known as the anglicised version on the Irish surname Ó Raghallaigh. However, Riley is also a separate surname of English origin that derives from the word ‘rye’.

The bona fide Irish name that appears on the list, coming in at 13th place, is Rowan, the anglised version of the name Ruadhán, which means ‘red-haired’. The name Rowan, as it stands alone, is also a gorgeous tree with deep links to Irish heritage and legacy.

Rowan seems to have gained traction for both boys and girls recently, but it may be more commonly associated in the UK with the Mr Bean actor Rowan Atkinson. Indeed, the name was included in the boy’s side on the list. In Ireland, Rowan is known as a surname, too.

Other Irish names to make the lists are Liam (31) and Finn (38). Erin came in at 50th on the list for girls.

See the complete list of ‘most beautiful sounding names’ below and read more about the study here.

Top 20 Most Beautiful-Sounding Boy Names

1. Zayn
2. Jesse
3. Charlie
4. Louie
5. William
6. Freddie
7. George
8. Ali
9. Daniel
10. Riley
11. Omar
12. Arthur
13. Rowan
14. Leo
15. Joseph
16. Theo
17. Harry
18. Noah
19. Toby
20. Jude

Top 20 Most Beautiful-Sounding Girl Names

1. Sophia
2. Zoe
3. Rosie
4. Sophie
5. Ivy
6. Pheobe
7. Violet
8. Willow
9. Hannah
10. Ellie
11. Emily
12. Evelyn
13. Rose
14. Eliza
15. Eva
16. Chloe
17. Penelope
18. Lucy
19. Ruby
20. Lily

* This article was originally published on RollerCoaster.ie.