Beyond Shannon and Sean

Book excerpt: Say you want to give your baby and Irish name-either because you of Irish descent or because you simply like the sound of Sinead or Finnega. But where do you find an Irish name? Sprinkled throughout most naming dictionaries are names that seem to be Irish, but it's difficult to tell: A name that one book calls Irish might be called Scottish in another, or simply Celtic. And it's even harder to find Irish names beyond the usual Kevin and Kathleen and Kelly. Instead of a handful of Irish names within a universal name book, this book offers a universe of Irish names from which to choose. Using the same innovative structure that made its parent, Beyond Jennifer & Jason, the reigning authority on baby names-and written with just as much flair and wit-Beyond Shannon & Sean provides the most comprehensive guide to Irish names ever published in America: From Annie to Aine, from Seamus to James-the most popular names in Ireland today, and why there are no Irish girls named Erin or Colleen. From Murphy Brown to the hills of Donegal-melodious place names and family names, and why no one (not even an O'Kane) ever uses Gofraidh. From Finn MacCool to Sinead O'Connor-names inspired by Irish legends and literature, and real people who have made their names famous. Plus a much-needed guide book to obscure Celtic pronunciations, and more...