Would it be cruel to name my DS..

[TimeyWimey]

Roald?

I'm living in the UK but I'm very fond of Norway. I know people will automatically think of Roald Dahl (which I don't really mind because I was always fond of Roald Dahl's books, and he himself had Norwegian parents), but that's just a nice plus! I'd like something a little unusual but I know a lot of Scandinavian names can be hard to pronounce over here. Also, I'm not Norwegian myself, but I do speak Norwegian! Don't know if you think that'd make a difference? Thanks in advance x

[Thurlow]

Yes. People might know how to pronounce it, but I don't think it would really work in the UK.

[BiscuitMillionaire]

Not cruel as such. But EVERYONE will think Roald Dahl.

[lljkk]

So is it just a myth that Roald Dahl's parents missed off an N on the birth certificate?

[VBisme]

No, it reminds me of Ronald

[aftermay]

How do you pronounce it?

[MrsBungle]

I think it's alright. Not cruel. I think he would get dick of people saying 'roald dhal' mistaking it due Ronald (which is a cruel name!)

[RemusLupinsBiggestGroupie]

Oh it's nice; I like it. I was expecting something awful. Then again I LOVE Roland - do you like that too?

[MrsBungle]

SICK not dick!

[Layl77]

No, it's quite nice go for it!

[MerryMarigold]

Quite like it. Also Lief (is that Norwegian?)

[MMollyMum2]

I like Roald. It will remind people of Roald Dahl but then that's in a good way, after a famous and brilliant author.

[cece]

I actually quite like Ronald. Considered Ronnie for DS2.

[KittenofDoom]

What is the correct pronunciation of Roald? Is it like 'rolled'?

[JojoMags]

If you can even think it MIGHT be cruel you should steer clear, or maybe I just don't like the name. Like the suggestions of Lief and Roland on this thread.

[JojoMags]

There must be plenty of gorgeous Norweigan names you could consider. I once nannied for a Henning, whose Mum was Swedish. Don't know if the name is used in Norway but always thought it was a great. Apparently it means 'he who runs with the horses'. So now you know...

[NotSpartacus]

I really like it.

[BeTTerMumThanU]

Very cruel indeed, Might as well call him tyrone.

[HibiscusIsland]

I think steer clear of any name you think might be cruel

[TimeyWimey]

Thanks for your OPs guys. Roughly it'd be pronounced 'r-oh-l-d' but in Norway the d would be silent. I love Roland (so glad to hear someone else likes it) and Lief is lovely. I know a lot of Liefs though and whilst they might not live around here, I would think of all those other Liefs. Another name I love is Sigurd but where I come from it'd just sound horrible. Not Norwegian names but I also like Tobias and Elijah (maybe just a little too popular atm?)

[TerrysNo2]

don't think it's cruel. I quite like it, seems strong. everyone will think he's named after Roald Dahl, as long as you don't mind that then go for it

[KittenofDoom]

I think of the polar explorer Amundsen as well as Dahl.

I thought it was Leif not Lief? or is it a different name.

I like Roland a lot too.

[TimeyWimey]

It is Leif yes. Just an embarrassing typo on my part!